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Hulu Partners with Turner Broadcasting to Stream Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Shows[teaser]The new deal includes streaming rights for several animated favorites. [/teaser] Hulu has announced an agreement with Turner Broadcasting to secure more streaming content. New programming includes titles from Cartoon Network and Adults Swim, as well as live action shows from TNT and TBS. Programs in the deal include Adult Swim original series like 'Rick and Morty,' 'Black Jesus,' 'NTSF:SD:SUV' and Cartoon Network original series such as 'The Amazing World of Gumball,' 'Steven Universe,' 'Over the Garden Wall' and 'Clarence.' Likewise, the deal also features exclusive full season subscription streaming rights to Adult Swim and Cartoon Network hits like 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' 'Dexter’s Laboratory,' 'Ben 10,' 'Robot Chicken,' 'The Venture Bros.,' 'Adventure Time,' and 'Regular Show.' Finally, Hulu will also offer TNT's live action drama series, 'The Last Ship,' and the crime drama 'Murder in the First.' Through the agreement, Hulu will gain streaming rights to several future TNT and TBS shows as well. The first crop of new Turner series will start arriving on Hulu supported streaming devices on May 1. In addition, Cartoon Network shows will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment. A Hulu Plus subscription costs $7.99 per month and is available on a variety of smart TV platforms and media players, including the Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: HuluPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Criterion's July Blu-ray Titles Now Available for Pre-Order![teaser]The distributor has revealed its upcoming slate of July releases, including Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise Kingdom' and Alain Resnais' 'Hiroshima mon amour.' [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing 'The Killers,' 'Hiroshima mon amour,' 'The Black Stallion,' 'Here is Your Life,' 'My Beautiful Laundrette,' and 'Moonrise Kingdom' for Blu-ray throughout the month of July. 'The Killers' (July 7) - Ernest Hemingway’s simple but gripping short tale "The Killers" is a model of economical storytelling. Two directors adapted it into unforgettably virile features: Robert Siodmak, in a 1946 film that helped define the noir style and launch the acting careers of Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner; and Don Siegel, in a brutal 1964 version, starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, and John Cassavetes, that was intended for television but deemed too violent for home audiences and released theatrically instead. The first is poetic and shadowy, the second direct and harsh as daylight, but both get at the heart of Hemingway’s existential classic. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed English mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Andrei Tarkovsky's short film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers," made when he was a student in 1956; Interview from 2002 with writer Stuart M. Kaminsky about both films; Piece from 2002 in which actor Stacy Keach reads Hemingway's short story; Screen Director's Playhouse radio adaptation from 1949 of the 1946 film, starring Burt Lancaster and Shelley Winters; Interview from 2002 with actor Clu Gulager; Audio excerpt from director Don Siegel's autobiography, A Siegel Film, read by actor and director Hampton Fancher; Trailers; PLUS: Essays by novelist Jonathan Lethem and critic Geoffrey O’Brien. Order the Blu-ray 'Hiroshima mon amour' (June 16) - A cornerstone of the French New Wave, the first feature from Alain Resnais is one of the most influential films of all time. A French actress (Emmanuelle Riva) and a Japanese architect (Eiji Okada) engage in a brief, intense affair in postwar Hiroshima, their consuming mutual fascination impelling them to exorcise their own scarred memories of love and suffering. With an innovative flashback structure and an Academy Award–nominated screenplay by novelist Marguerite Duras, Hiroshima mon amour is a moody masterwork that delicately weaves past and present, personal pain and public anguish. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed French mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary by film historian Peter Cowie; Interviews with director Alain Resnais from 1961 and 1980; Interviews with actor Emmanuelle Riva from 1959 and 2003; New interview with film scholar François Thomas, author of L’atelier d’Alain Resnais; New interview with music scholar Tim Page about the film's score; Revoir Hiroshima . . . , a 2013 program about the film's restoration; PLUS: An essay by critic Kent Jones and excerpts from a 1959 Cahiers du cinéma roundtable discussion about the film. Order the Blu-ray 'The Black Stallion' (July 14) - This remarkable adaptation of Walter Farley's classic children’s novel by Carroll Ballard—in which an American boy is rescued after a shipwreck off the coast of North Africa by a seemingly untamable wild horse—is a cinematic tour de force. From the crystalline shores of a deserted island in the Arabian Sea to the green grass and dusty roads of 1930s suburban New York, Ballard and director of photography Caleb Deschanel create a film of consistent visual invention and purity, also featuring a winning supporting performance by Mickey Rooney as a retired jockey and a gorgeous score by Carmine Coppola. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 surround soundtrack, and supplements will include: Five short films by Carroll Ballard, with introductions by the director: Pigs! (1965), The Perils of Priscilla (1969), Rodeo (1969), Seems Like Only Yesterday (1971), and Crystallization (1974); New conversation between Ballard and film critic Scott Foundas; New interview with Deschanel; New piece featuring photographer Mary Ellen Mark discussing her images from the film’s set; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by film critic Michael Sragow. Order the Blu-ray 'Here is Your Life' (July 14) - This mesmerizing debut by the great Swedish director Jan Troell (The Emigrants, The New Land) is an epic bildungsroman and a multilayered representation of early twentieth-century Sweden. Based on a series of semi-autobiographical novels by Nobel Prize winner Eyvind Johnson, 'Here Is Your Life' follows a working-class boy's development, from naive teenager to intellectually curious young adult, from logger to movie projectionist to politically engaged man of the people—all set against the backdrop of a slowly industrializing rural landscape. With its mix of modernist visual ingenuity and elegantly structured storytelling, this enchanting film—presented here in its original nearly three-hour cut—is a reminder that Troell is one of European cinema's greatest and most sensitive illuminators of the human condition. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed Swedish mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: New introduction by filmmaker Mike Leigh; New conversation between director Jan Troell and film historian Peter Cowie; New interviews with actor Eddie Axberg and producer and screenwriter Bengt Forslund; Interlude in Marshland, a 1965 short film by Troell, starring Max von Sydow; PLUS: An essay by film scholar Mark Le Fanu. Order the Blu-ray 'My Beautiful Laundrette' (July 21) - Stephen Frears was at the forefront of the British cinematic revival of the mid-1980s, and the delightfully transgressive 'My Beautiful Laundrette' is his greatest triumph of the period. Working from a richly layered script by writer Hanif Kureishi, soon to be internationally renowned, Frears tells an uncommon love story that takes place between a young South London Pakistani man (Gordon Warnecke), who decides to open an upscale laundromat to make his family proud, and his childhood friend, a skinhead (Daniel Day-Lewis, in a breakthrough role), who volunteers to help make his dream a reality. This culture-clash comedy is also a subversive work of social realism, which dares to address racism, homophobia, and sociopolitical marginalization in Margaret Thatcher’s England. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed English mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: New conversation between director Stephen Frears and producer Colin MacCabe; New interviews with writer Hanif Kureishi, producers Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe, and Stapleton; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. Order the Blu-ray 'Moonrise Kingdom' (July 21) - An island off the New England coast, summer of 1965. Two twelve-year-olds, Sam and Suzy, fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As local authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing offshore . . . Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise Kingdom' stars Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the young couple on the run, Bruce Willis as Island Police Captain Sharp, Edward Norton as Khaki Scout troop leader Scout Master Ward, and Bill Murray and Frances McDormand as Suzy's attorney parents, Walt and Laura Bishop. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban. The magical soundtrack features the music of Benjamin Britten. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring Anderson; Selected-scene storyboard animatics; Interviews with cast and crew; Behind-the-scenes tour hosted by Bill Murray; Welcome to New Penzance, hosted by Bob Balaban; Auditions; Home movies from the set; Trailer; More!; PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien, plus a map of New Penzance Island and other ephemera. Order the Blu-ray Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed throughout July.Posted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Warner Says J.K. Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The miniseries adapted by Sarah Phelps and director Jonny Campbell comes to high-definition in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing to release 'The Casual Vacancy' on Blu-ray on August 4. 'The Casual Vacancy' centers on Pagford, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty facade, however, is a town at war: rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. The story begins with the death of beloved Parish Councillor Barry Fairbrother, leaving a seat on the council vacant. Those running for a place soon find their darkest secrets revealed on the Parish Council online forum, ruining their campaign and leaving the election in turmoil. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Casual Vacancy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 4. 140245 Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The first season of the BBC series arrives on Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BBC will be releasing 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' on Blu-ray on August 11. Based on the bestselling, award-winning novel by Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell takes viewers on a journey through alternate history during 19th century England. Magic, a lost art which has lain dormant for centuries, is showing signs of returning. At the center of this renaissance are two men who are destined to become the greatest magicians that England—and possibly the world—have ever seen. The reclusive Mr. Norrell (Eddie Marsan) of Hurtfew Abbey stuns the city of York when he causes the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move. With a little persuasion and help from his man of business Childermass (Enzo Cilenti), he goes to London to help the government in the war against Napoleon. It is there Norrell summons a fairy (Marc Warren) to bring Lady Pole (Alice Englert) back from the dead, opening a whole can of worms. Not only do Norrell and Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel) have to deal with all the trappings of Georgian society, the Napoleonic wars, and the whims of the supernatural, they have to contend with their own egos and, most of all, an uncomfortable realization that there may not be enough room in the world for one magician, never mind two. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 11.Posted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'It Follows' Blu-ray up for Pre-Order![teaser]The critically acclaimed horror flick will stalk Blu-ray in 2015, and you can pre-order the movie now. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'It Follows' for Blu-ray later this year. For nineteen-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'It Follows' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The music film will hit the recording studio on Blu-ray in May, and you can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock is preparing 'Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued' for Blu-ray on May 26. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Jones (of the Wilco documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart), 'Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued' presents the development of a unique project bringing together an extraordinary group of artists to work on previously unknown Bob Dylan lyrics with Grammy-winning producer T Bone Burnett. The film is aimed to accompany the November 2014 Harvest Records album Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes, and focuses on sixteen sets of lyrics written by Bob Dylan during the legendary The Basement Tapes sessions in 1967, which were only recently rediscovered. Under the auspices of producer T Bone Burnett and with the approval of Bob Dylan, an extraordinary collective of musicians were brought together to set the lyrics to music: Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, Taylor Goldsmith, Jim James and Marcus Mumford. The film presents an exclusive and intimate look at the making of the Lost On The River album set against the important and historical cultural backdrop of Bob Dylan and The Band's original The Basement Tapes. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include Bonus Tracks: "Diamond Ring," "Down On The Bottom," "Hidee Hidee Ho #16," "Kansas City," "Six Months In Kansas City (Liberty Street)," and "The Whistle Is Blowing" Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The next Scooby mystery will rock Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery' on Blu-ray on July 21. It's a rockin' good time for the Scooby-Doo gang… or is it? A major concert featuring the world-famous rock band KISS is in jeopardy and legions of KISS fans will be let down, unless Scooby-Doo and his pals solve a perplexing mystery that's keeping concert goers from the venue where the band is to perform. Daphne, who has an enormous crush on KISS member Starchild, masterminds a plan to see the band in concert by telling her Mystery Inc. pals they've been summoned to solve a mystery at KISS World, a spectacular amusement park themed after the popular musical group. The highly anticipated sold out concert, which is taking place on Halloween night at KISS World, gets dangerously close to being cancelled for security reasons after park visitors are frightened away from the premises by the Crimson Witch. At KISS World the gang meets all four members of KISS, who agree to let Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma help them solve the mystery of the Crimson Witch. Together they embark on an unforgettable, rocking and rolling adventure. They discover that the Crimson Witch has come to KISS World to summon The Destroyer, an evil being from the alternate dimension of Kissteria! Together, the wicked duo's ghastly plan is to destroy the earth! Can the gang's cunning and KISS's power of rock save the day?! Tune in to this rock and roll mystery for some thunderous, heavy FUN! Jam-packed with special guest stars, Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery features guest voice performances from Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Darius Rucker, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Jennifer Carpenter and Pauley Perrette. In addition, six KISS songs will be featured alongside an original new song performed by the band just for the film. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include bonus Scooby-Doo! episodes. You can find the latest specs for 'Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 21.Posted Fri Apr 24, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 72% off Android Tablets and iPads![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select tablets! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on tablets from Apple, Samsung, and ProntoTec. ProntoTec 9 Inch HD Android Tablet - Currently $47 (72% off). Apple iPad 2 Tablet 16GB, Black (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $230 (43% off). Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10-Inch, 16GB Tablet - Currently $270 (33% off). As always, these deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Thu Apr 23, 2015 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
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Roku Adds GoPro to Streaming Channel Lineup[teaser]The new channel offers user-generated content from GoPro owners. [/teaser] Roku has announced the addition of another new channel to its growing collection of streaming media options. Customers can now access the GoPro channel for free on their Roku devices. The GoPro Channel includes user-generated content shot with GoPro cameras. Thanks to their compact, lightweight, and mountable designs, GoPro devices allow users to capture extreme sports, nature, and other visceral content from exciting angles and unique perspectives, placing viewers right in the thick of the action. Content includes videos like a behind-the-scenes look at 'Furious 7' (embedded below) and an intimate view of a pelican learning to fly. In addition, Roku users can now enjoy the 'Electric Skateboard Kid' GoPro video, which is exclusive to Roku devices. The channel also features curated playlists and information about what GoPro gear was used to capture specific videos. The GoPro Channel is available now under the "Lifestyle" and "Sports" sections in the Roku Channel Store. The new Roku 3 with Voice Search is now on sale for $99. Source: RokuPosted Thu Apr 23, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Reportedly Abandons Deal to Merge with Time Warner Cable[teaser]Rumors indicate that the planned merger has been dropped. [/teaser] According to a report from Bloomberg, Comcast now plans to terminate its proposed deal to acquire Time Warner Cable. The two companies first announced the intended $45 billion merger back in February of 2014. The termination of the deal is likely a result of concerns related to regulatory approval. Critics of the merger believed that the acquisition would be of little benefit to consumers, since the resulting single company would mitigate competition in the marketplace and potentially have an adverse effect on services. To this end, the FCC recently proposed placing the deal in front of an administrative law judge. It appears that with government approval looking doubtful at best, Comcast has simply decided to avoid a losing battle by ending the deal themselves. Comcast and Time Warner have yet to confirm the termination of their merger, but an official announcement is expected as soon as Friday. Source: Bloomberg via EngadgetPosted Thu Apr 23, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by:
