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TED, MTV, Pac-12 and Qello Concerts Head to Chromecast[teaser]Google's streaming dongle has added support for several more apps. [/teaser] Google has announced the addition of four new apps for the Chromecast. Owners of the HDMI stick can now start casting content from TED, MTV, Pac-12 and Qello Concerts to their TVs from their mobile devices. The TED Talks app offers a growing library of conference lectures related to technology, design, culture, science and academics. In addition, the Pac-12 app gives users access to live coverage of 30 collegiate sports. Meanwhile, the MTV app lets customers cast popular shows from the network to their TVs. Finally, Qello Concerts offers music concerts and documentaries (a limited time free one month trial is also available for Chromecast owners). All four apps are now supported by the device. The Google Chromecast is currently on sale for $30. Source: GooglePosted Wed Apr 1, 2015 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Blue Underground Preps 'Get Mean' for Blu-ray[teaser]Ferdinando Baldi's spaghetti western is riding toward Blu-ray later this year. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground is preparing 'Get Mean' for Blu-ray in 2015. Dragged behind a horse, the Stranger arrives in a ghost town where he is hired by a witch to escort a princess to Spain. A Spain which seems to be a rather strange place, where he lands in the middle of a fight between barbarians and knights. To protect the princess he has to get pretty mean again. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Get Mean' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Apr 1, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 44% off Monitors, HDTVs & Ultra HD TVs![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on monitors, HDTVs, and 4K displays from Samsung and Sony. Sony XBR55X800B 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,398 (44% off). Samsung UN60H7150 60-Inch 1080p TV - Currently $1,298 (41% off). Samsung UN65HU7250 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,999 (39% off). Samsung 34-Inch Curved Screen LED Monitor S34E790C - Currently $1,080 (17% off). Samsung 27-Inch Wide Viewing Angle LED Monitor - Currently $280 (15% 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 Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
Google's Chromebit Dongle Turns an HDMI Display into a Computer for Less than $100[teaser]The upcoming HDMI dongle will bring the Chrome OS to your TV. [/teaser] Google has revealed its latest Chrome-powered device. The Chromebit is an HDMI stick that can plug into an existing TV display or monitor, offering full computer capabilities. Packed inside its small design, the Chromebit features a Rockchip 3288 SoC, ARM Mali 760 quad-core GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. In addition, the device offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 support, along with a USB 2.0 connection. The stick runs Google's Chrome OS. Initial models will be made by ASUS. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced, but the Chromebit is expected to launch this summer for under $100. Meanwhile, Intel also recently announced a similar HDMI computer dongle called the Compute Stick. Sources: Google via EngadgetPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
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Andrew Jarecki's 'The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed six-part documentary series arrives on Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO will be releasing 'The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst' on Blu-ray on July 7. An edge-of-your-seat, addictive documentary series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst examines the life of the reclusive millionaire at the heart of three killings spanning four decades. Robert Durst, the scion of a New York real estate empire, has long been a suspect in the notorious 1982 disappearance of his wife, Kathie. Further suspicion was raised with the unsolved killing of his best friend, Susan Berman, thought to be a key witness in the investigation into Kathie's disappearance in 2000, as well as the subsequent killing and dismemberment of a neighbor in Galveston, Texas. Durst has consistently maintained his innocence, but throughout the film, new evidence is uncovered that may link Durst to one of the murders. He was arrested in New Orleans in March and charged with Berman's murder in Los Angeles. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements will include an Eight Years in the Making featurette. The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 7.Posted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Microsoft Announces Surface 3 Windows Tablet, Prices Start at $499[teaser]The upcoming tablet is the company's thinnest and lightest surface yet. [/teaser] Microsoft has detailed its latest Surface tablet. The Surface 3 is designed to serve as a laptop replacement and can run full Windows. "Surface 3 brings what customers love about Surface Pro 3 to more people, delivering the premium design and productivity of Surface in a more affordable device," said Panos Panay, corporate vice president, Microsoft Surface. "We've taken everything we learned making Surface Pro 3 and poured that innovation into this newest Surface. It's beautiful, versatile, powerful and productive, and our customers are going to love what it lets them do." The Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD 1920x1280 display. Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a Quad Core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, 2GB RAM with 64GB of storage or 4GB RAM with 128GB storage, all running Windows 8.1 with up to 10 hours of video playback battery life. An 8MP rear camera, 3.5MP front camera, stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, and a three-position kickstand are integrated as well. An optional Type Cover, Pen, and Docking Station are also available. Pre-orders for the Microsoft Surface 3 are now available with prices starting at $499 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $599 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The tablet is set for a May 5 release. Source: MicrosoftPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Serena' Starring Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Director Susanne Bier's drama is coming to Blu-ray in June. Pre-orders are now live. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia is preparing 'Serena' for Blu-ray on June 9. The North Carolina mountains at the end of the 1920s - George and Serena Pemberton, love-struck newly-weds, begin to build a timber empire. Serena soon proves herself to be equal to any man: overseeing loggers, hunting rattle-snakes, even saving a man's life in the wilderness. With power and influence now in their hands, the Pembertons refuse to let anyone stand in the way of their inflated love and ambitions. However, once Serena discovers George's hidden past and faces an unchangeable fate of her own, the Pemberton's passionate marriage begins to unravel leading toward a dramatic reckoning. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Serena' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Joe Lynch's 'Everly' Starring Salma Hayek Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The action thriller starring Salma Hayek is heading to Blu-ray in April, and you can pre-order the movie now. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'Everly' for Blu-ray on April 21. An action/thriller centered on a woman who faces down assassins sent by her ex, a mob boss, while holed up in her apartment. Starring Salma Hayek, Jennifer Blanc, and Togo Igawa. Directed by Joe Lync. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Creative Feature Commentary with Director Joe Lynch, Co-Producer Brett Hedblom and Editor Evan Schiff; Technical Feature Commentary with Director Joe Lynch and Cinematographer Steve Gainer; and "Silent Night" music video by Raya Yarbrough & Bear McCreary, directed by Joe Lynch. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Everly' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 21. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Prepping '1776: Director's Cut' for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1972 Tony Award-winning musical has been meticulously restored in 4K from the original camera negative, under the guidance of Peter H. Hunt and SPHE Executive Vice President of Asset Management, Film Restoration and Digital Mastering Grover Crisp, and arrives on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing '1776: Director's Cut' on Blu-ray on June 2. Based on the international stage triumph that won the Tony Award® and The New York Drama Critics Circle Award as "Best Musical of the Year," 1776 is a musical celebration of the founding of the United States of America based on the award-winning Broadway production. The story centers around the familiar historical characters as they organize a movement for independence from Mother England: the tough unyielding John Adams (William Daniels); the charming and pragmatic Benjamin Franklin (Howard Da Silva); the brilliant young Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard), who is chosen to write the Declaration of Independence even as he longs for the company of his new bride Martha (Blythe Danner); and the rest of the Continental Congress. All events lead up to that most significant date July 4, 1776 when the Declaration was signed. Now fully restored for its high definition debut on Blu-ray, 1776 looks and sounds better than ever. The film was nominated for both an Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Harry Stradling Jr., 1972) and a Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy, 1972). Brought to the screen by legendary producer Jack L. Warner, 1776 was shot with most of the original Broadway cast, and features William Daniels as John Adams, Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson and Blythe Danner as Martha Jefferson. "The movie is not a 'whodunit'—we all know who signed the Declaration of Independence—it's a 'howdunit,'" Hunt said. "It creates dramatic tension from a story where everyone knows the ending." The new Director's Cut restores the film to its original visual brilliance and features newly discovered material. In addition to the Director's Cut, the Blu-ray also presents an Extended Cut of the film via seamless branching, along with a newly restored and remixed 5.1 soundtrack. "We worked tirelessly to return this film to as pristine a condition as possible and are excited to bring the newly restored version of 1776 to audiences worldwide," Crisp said of the restoration, which will have its world premiere screening March 28 at the TCM Classic Film Festival. The restored Director's Cut is based, in part, on an earlier restoration carried out for a 2002 DVD release. That version, also prepared with Hunt's oversight, added a number of scenes and lost elements that were missing from the original theatrical release. Among them was a musical number that had been dropped from the film by Warner at the request of President Richard Nixon (who felt the scene cast conservatives in an unfavorable light). Further detective work for the new version uncovered additional "lost" material, including dialogue that had been changed over ratings concerns. "There were a few lines that Jack Warner wanted changed… but the changes weren't funny," Hunt said. "The original lines from Broadway were funny, and now, for the first time, they are in the movie." The pace move up four State-of-the-art 4K digital technology made it possible to address problems and restore color fidelity to a level not possible at the time of the earlier restoration, which was done through photochemical processes. Variations in color, due to different levels of degradation in negative elements, have been eliminated as much as possible, resulting in a seamless look. "When a scene comes up that had been cut out or compromised in some way, it looks like it is supposed to be there because we could maintain consistency with the image and keep its natural filmic quality," Crisp explained. Colorworks Colorist Sheri Eisenberg said that much time was spent studying existing film prints and other reference material in order to ensure the restoration accurately represented the movie in its original form. "We did a lot of eyeballing," Eisenberg said. "We kept asking ourselves, 'Does it feel right?' 'What can we do to make it better?' We wanted to keep the theatrical feeling of the original." Hunt said that, in some ways, the results go beyond the original. "I'm ecstatic," he said. "1776 is back to where it should be. The work done by Grover and his team is miraculous. It looks better than when it premiered. It's gorgeous!" The Blu-ray will feature Commentary with Peter H. Hunt & Peter Stone, Archival Screen Tests, and Blu-ray exclusives include: All-new commentary with director Peter H. Hunt, William Daniels & Ken Howard, Deleted and alternate scenes with Filmmaker Commentary, Four never-before-seen Screen Tests, Original Theatrical Teaser & Trailer, and Extended Cut of the film. You can find the latest specs for '1776: Director's Cut' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 2.Posted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Seventh Son' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The fantasy starring Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, and Ben Barnes is headed for both Blu-ray formats in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios will be releasing 'Seventh Son' and Seventh Son - 3D on May 26. In a time of enchantments when legends and magic collide, the sole remaining warrior of a mystical order (Jeff Bridges) travels to find a prophesized hero born with incredible powers, the last Seventh Son (Ben Barnes). Torn from his quiet life as a farmhand, the unlikely young hero embarks on a daring adventure with his battle-hardened mentor to vanquish a dark queen (Julianne Moore) and the army of supernatural assassins she has dispatched against their kingdom. Each combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Deleted/Alternate Scenes, Defenders of Good, Resurrecting the Wicked, Forging a Medieval Realm, The Legend and Lore of the Seventh Son, and Visual Effects Gallery. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98 and the Blu-ray 3D is $49.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Seventh Son' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 26. Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 31, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
