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'The Armstrong Lie' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Alex Gibney's documentary about the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong will juice up Blu-ray in February, and you can pre-order it now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing 'The Armstrong Lie' for Blu-ray on February 11. In 2009, Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney was hired to make a film about Lance Armstrong's comeback to cycling. The project was shelved when the doping scandal erupted, and re-opened after Armstrong's confession. The Armstrong Lie picks up in 2013 after Armstrong was stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles, and presents a riveting, insider's view of the unraveling of the greatest deception in sports history. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary from director Alex Gibney; The Armstrong Life Toronto International Film Festival Q & A with noted cycling figures Frank Marshall, Bill Strickland, Jonathan Vaughters and Betsy Andreu; and Deleted scenes Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Armstrong Lie' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 11.Posted Tue Jan 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Sorcerer' Coming to Blu-ray[teaser]William Friedkin's overlooked cult thriller will make its Blu-ray debut in April. [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Sorcerer' for Blu-ray on April 22. 'Sorcerer' is derived from the same Georges Arnaud novel that inspired Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 French classic, 'The Wages of Fear'. The film, made following the successes of Friedkin's 'The French Connection' and 'The Exorcist,' tells the story of four men who, for various reasons, cannot return to their own countries and end up in a dismal South American town where an American oil company is seeking courageous drivers willing to haul nitroglycerin through 200 miles of treacherous terrain. The four displaced men have nothing to lose so they agree for a small payment of cash. Specs and supplements have not been detailed, but the video is being sourced from a 4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative and the soundtrack is being sourced from a restoration of the original 35mm 4-track stereo masters. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $27.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Sorcerer' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 22.Posted Tue Jan 7, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
CES 2014: DTS Expands Headphone:X and Play-Fi Ecosystems[teaser]DTS, Inc. had two announcements this morning at CES 2014 regarding the expansion of its Headphone:X and Play-Fi technologies. [/teaser] Play-Fi is "is an advanced open audio platform capable of streaming lossless, high-quality audio from Android, iOS and Kindle Fire devices, as well as Windows PCs, to multiple rooms, from multiple users, simultaneously using a standard home Wi-Fi network." In layman's terms, Play-Fi allows you to stream music to an entire home filled with networked speakers without any synchronization or lag issues. Pretty cool, right? Today at CES 2014, DTS launched the Play-Fi Certified ODM Program, which is to say, DTS is making it easier for manufacturers looking to build Play-Fi products to work with DTS-approved partners. Eastech Electronics Inc., LiteOn Technology Corporation, Meiloon Industrial Co. Ltd., Solidex Audio Corporation, Tymphany Corporation, Wistron Corporation, and Zylux Acoustic Corp have already joined the Play-Fi Certified ODM Program. And most will be at CES 2014, showcasing "DTS-certified, market-ready reference designs." Headphone:X is an app that allows users to turn any pair of stereo headphones into an immersive, multi-channel sound experience akin to having an 11.1 channel sound system in your living room. Today, DTS unveiled the Headphone:X Headphone Tuning Program for headphone manufacturers. The first companies to sign up -- Skullcandy, Panasonic, and Republic of Frends -- will enjoy the benefits of DTS engineering consultation to ensure their products retain their signature sonic characteristics while being optimized for the DTS Headphone:X audio experience. In addition to making sure these headphones sound great in stereo and Headphone:X, DTS plans to showcase these brands' products within the Headphone:X app. Are you at CES 2014 and want to learn more about DTS' latest innovations? Head over to the booth 9839 in Central Hall. Source: DTSPosted Tue Jan 7, 2014 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'Key & Peele: Seasons One & Two' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The first and second seasons of the irreverent sketch comedy show are heading to Blu-ray in March, and you can pre-order the set now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Key & Peele: Seasons One & Two' for Blu-ray on March 25. Critically Acclaimed 'Key & Peele' Seasons 1 & 2 give viewers no choice but to laugh again at their hilarious way of examining life in a provocative and irreverent way, through a combination of filmed sketches and live stage segments. From gangsters sharing a passion for "Twilight", to Ice-T as a naughty puppy, or racist super heroes, 'Key & Peele' showcases their chemistry, camaraderie and unique point of view, born from their shared background and experiences growing up biracial in a not quite post-racial world. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Key & Peele: Seasons One & Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 25.Posted Tue Jan 7, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
LG Reveals Pricing and webOS details for Upcoming 4K, OLED, and Smart TVs[teaser]More details have been unveiled about LG's forthcoming display lineup at CES. [/teaser] At its CES press conference yesterday, LG announced estimated prices and release dates for several of its upcoming Ultra HD and OLED TV models. Likewise, the company also provided details on its webOS platform for Smart TVs. Let's begin with the 105UC9, LG's mammoth sized 105-inch ultra-wide 21:9 curved-screen Ultra HD TV. The 5120 x 2160p LCD display will retail for about $70,000, though a release period has not been revealed yet. Next, is LG's 77-inch 77EC9800 curved-screen 4K OLED which will retail for about $30,000 and is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2014. Leaving Ultra HD behind, the flat-screen Gallery EA8800 55-inch 1080p OLED TV will cost about $9,000 and should be available in the US this spring. In addition to its new TV lineup, LG also announced details about its new webOS Smart TV system. The platform was purchased from Hewlett Packard last year and redeveloped by LG for its TVs. The new interface is aimed at offering consumers a seamless and intuitive experience, providing user-friendly navigation, multi-tasking, and improved searching and connectivity. "We are extremely excited to be able to introduce webOS optimized for LG Smart TV here at CES 2014" said In-kyu Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the TV division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "The beauty of webOS is that it provides so much freedom, and is so simple to use. We feel confident that consumers will find navigating, exploring and switching between different forms of content on webOS a truly enjoyable, not frustrating, experience." All of LG's latest innovations and products are now on display in the company's booth at CES in Las Vegas. Sources: LG, EngadgetPosted Tue Jan 7, 2014 at 05:00 AM PST by: -
Toshiba Demos New Ultra HD Models[teaser]A new lineup of Toshiba 4K TVs is hitting CES, including the company's first Radiance Full Array LED Panel. [/teaser] Toshiba has detailed its latest crop of Ultra HD displays: the L8400U, L9400U, and L9450U series 4K TVs. All three models feature a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160. "We have expanded our 2014 4K Ultra HD TV lineup for what will be a quickly expanding 4K Ultra HD market," said Scott Ramirez, vice president of Product Marketing and Development, Visual Products, Toshiba America Information Systems, Digital Products Division. "Once people see Ultra HD they want Ultra HD and we have created a model for every customer. Because the driver for Ultra HD is incredible picture quality, Toshiba has invested in our own Radiance™ 4K full array LED panels and our third generation CQ 4K Engine to ensure a Wow experience every time you watch TV. In addition, for 2014 Toshiba has incorporated HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60 fps, HDCP 2.2 to help ensure access to premium content over HDMI, and H.265 HEVC to allow streaming of 4K Ultra HD content directly to the TV. Simply put, we have created an Ultra HD experience that will exceed expectations." The L9400U series will be available in 58 and 65-inch versions and features the company's Radiance 4K Full Array LED Panel for brighter, deeper, and more colorful images. In addition, the display uses Toshiba's CQ 4K Engine and offers Smart TV support and a ClearScan 240Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the L9450U will be available in a single 84-inch model and offers many of the same features as the L9400U, but replaces the Radiance Panel with a Local Dimming panel. Finally, the L8400U series will be available in 50 and 58-inch sizes and is geared as a more affordable alternative to its more robust siblings. Pricing has not been detailed yet, but all three models are expected to ship this summer and will be on display at Toshiba's booth throughout the week at CES. Source: ToshibaPosted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
'Darkman: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]Sam Raimi's first foray into the super hero genre is getting the collector's edition treatment on Blu-ray in February, and you can pre-order it now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory is preparing 'Darkman: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray on February 18. Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand star in this explosive, action-packed thriller from director Sam Raimi. Dr. Peyton Westlake (Neeson) is on the verge of realizing a major breakthrough in synthetic skin when his laboratory is destroyed by gangsters. Having been burned beyond recognition and forever altered by an experimental medical procedure, Westlake becomes known as Darkman, assuming alternate identities in his quest for revenge and a new life with a former love (McDormand). The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: My Name is Durant – interview with Larry Drake; The Face of Revenge – interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner; Henchman Tales – Interviews with actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell; Dark Design – interview with Production Designer Randy Ser and Art Director Philip Dagort; Audio Commentary with director of photography Bill Pope; Vintage “Making of” and interview Featurettes featuring interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand and more; Vintage full-length interviews, not used in the featurettes, with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand; Theatrical Trailer; TV Spots; and Still Galleries – Posters & production stills, Behind the Scenes, Make-up Effects and Storyboards. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.93. You can find the latest specs for 'Darkman: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 18.Posted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Vizio Announces P-Series and Reference Series 4K TVs[teaser]New Vizio 4K displays with advanced local dimming are making their debut at CES. [/teaser] Vizio has detailed its latest series of televisions: The P-Series and the Reference Series of Ultra HD displays. Both series feature Full-array LED LCD panels and offer a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160. The P-Series will be available in 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70-inch models, and features local dimming with 64 active LED zones, offering superior black levels, contrast, and uniformity. In addition, the set uses the company's Pure Pixel Processing Engine and includes Smart TV options with 802.11ac dual-band MIMO wireless and Vizio's Internet Apps Plus. The P-Series also supports the HEVC H.265 codec and HDMI 2.0, enabling 4K streaming from services like Netflix and Ultra HD playback at up to 60 fps. Positioned as the company's high-end platform, The Reference Series will be available in 60 and 120-inch models. The displays feature High Dynamic Range technology with 800 nit bright backlights, 384 active LED zones, Ultra-Color Spectrum 10-bit color support, and the Spatial Scaling Engine for 4K upscaling. In addition, the television comes with an integrated 5.1 sound bar. Likewise, the display features the same Ultra HD streaming and HDMI 2.0 support as the P-Series. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but both models will be on display at Vizio's booth throughout CES 2014. Sources: Vizio P-Series, Vizio Reference SeriesPosted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
'The Andy Griffith Show: Season 1' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]All 32 episodes of the classic show's first season are coming to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'The Andy Griffith Show: Season 1' for Blu-ray on April 8. Few television characters have impacted family culture as much as Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Opie (Ron Howard) and the idyllic American town of Mayberry. As town sheriff and widowed father, Andy teaches his son the meaning of family, friendship, and upstanding citizenship in this all-time classic series, now in remastered HD with slick-as-a-whistle special features. Includes every episode from the first season, beautifully restored in high definition, in original night-of-broadcast form with original sponsor openings and closings. Specs, supplements and a suggested list price have yet to be detailed for the 4-Disc Blu-ray set. You can find the latest specs for 'The Andy Griffith Show: Season 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 8.Posted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Sharp Unveils CES Lineup and Innovations[teaser]Aquos 4K TVs, a wireless Universal Player, and 8K glasses-free 3D are all among the new products and tech announced from Sharp. [/teaser] Sharp has revealed a bevy of new TVs and innovations at CES 2014, including four different large-screen Aquos LCD television series: Aquos 4K; Aquos Q+; Aquos Quattron; and Aquos HD. "Our new line-up of AQUOS TVs provides customers with more higher resolution choices than ever before," said John Herrington, President, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA). "Not only does Sharp manufacture superior 4K and Full HD sets in a variety of large- screen sizes, our Q series and our new Q+ offerings provide viewers with even more resolution options, including picture quality never seen before from a 1080p panel." Sharp's Aquos 4K series offers full Ultra HD 2160p resolution with THX certified picture. 60-inch and 70-inch models will be available with prices ranging from $5000 to $6000. Meanwhile, The Aquos Q+ line features the highest resolution Full HDTVs on the market, serving as a midway point between HD and Ultra HD. Using the company's Quattron panel and Revelation technology, each pixel in the display is divided into two, resulting in 16 million subpixels. The Aquos Q+ series will be available in 60, 70, and 80-inch models ranging in price from $2300 to $6000. In addition, Sharp will also release the Aquos Quattron and Aquos HD series of 1080p displays, ranging in size from 60 to 90-inches with price tags starting at $1300 and maxing out at $9000. And if 1080p and 4K still isn't enough for you, then make sure to check out Sharp's 8K glasses-free 3D display. Developed in conjunction with Philips and Dolby, the 85-inch TV features a whopping resolution of 7680 x 4320, which is 16 times the pixels of a traditional 1080p TV. Finally, the company also announced the Sharp Universal Player. The device is the first product capable of wirelessly transmitting uncompressed sound at 24-bit/96kHz and video at 1080p. The player is WiSA compliant and can connect with up to eight WiSA compliant speakers. Support for SACD, CD, Blu-ray disc, and DVD playback is included and the device features 3 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports, and an internet connection. Suggested retail price for the Universal Player is $4000. All of these products and innovations will be on display at Sharp's booth throughout CES 2014. While the 8K display is assumed to simply be a technology demo for now, Sharp's new Aquos lineup and Universal Player are expected to hit stores in the spring. Source: SharpPosted Mon Jan 6, 2014 at 11:15 AM PST by:
