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HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Audio Deals[teaser]A Denon receiver, a Yamaha soundbar, and a JBL speaker system are all up to 71 percent off at Amazon! [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several home audio products are now on sale for a significant discount. Notable items include a Denon AVR-E300 5.1 AV Receiver, a Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System, and a JBL CS6100BG High-Performance 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System. The Denon AVR-E300 5.1 AV Receiver is currently on sale for 38 percent off, bringing its price down to $280. The receiver features 175 watts x 5 channels, Airplay streaming for Apple devices, and 3D pass through. Amazon is also offering a great deal on a Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System which is now just $325, 54 percent of its $700 retail price. The soundbar includes a receiver with an integrated subwoofer, Air Surround Extreme technology for 7.1 sound, and full HD audio support. Finally, the online retailer is discounting a whopping 71 percent off the JBL CS6100BG High-Performance 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System, bringing its price down to just $350 from its regular retail cost of $1199! The speaker system includes four satellites with 3/4" Titanium Tweeters and 3-1/2" PolyPlas Drivers, a center channel speaker, and a 10-inch 150 watt powered subwoofer. As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Guide to The Essential Holiday Blu-rays 2013Like so many years before, David Krauss is dreaming of a Blu Christmas. Here are your newest Blu-ray options for the season, along with a rundown of all the old favorites! [teaser]As Charlie Brown and his friends love to sing, Christmastime is here, and that means it's time for High-Def Digest's 5th annual holiday movie wrap-up, a go-to listing of what's new, what's essential, and what to avoid when it comes to yuletide viewing. Whatever your taste, be it romantic or irreverent, there's a disc that will infuse you with that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling.[/teaser] So mull that cider (or wine), cuddle up under your favorite Christmas blanket, and add some serious Blu to the reds and greens that color your season! New Releases: One of the all-time holiday classics finally received a Blu-ray release this fall, but due to a careless glitch, you may need special connections with Santa to score a copy. 'The Bishop's Wife,' starring Cary Grant as a guardian angel intent on helping a harried minister (David Niven) and his concerned spouse (Loretta Young) deal with professional pressures and heal their marriage, is a charming, whimsical tale distinguished by its fine script and the chemistry of its cast. Unfortunately, no guardian angels were watching over the Warner Home Video quality-control crew, who let what seems to be a video authoring error escape their notice. As a result, 'The Bishop's Wife' has been removed from circulation at the moment, but I hope the issue will be rectified soon, so this delightful comedy-drama can still be enjoyed this holiday season. An alternative classic, however, would be 'The Bells of St. Mary's,' a follow-up to 'Going My Way,' with Bing Crosby reprising his Oscar-winning role as Father O'Malley, the even-tempered priest who this time locks horns with the no-nonsense Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) over the future of a parochial school. Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, this inspirational yarn has been a holiday favorite for decades. And speaking of locking horns, family squabbling is as much a part of Christmas as candy canes and tinsel, and Ed Burns' latest directorial effort, 'The Fitzgerald Family Christmas,' chronicles one clan's attempt to find common ground. This intimate family drama will surely wring a few tears as it reminds us what matters most every day of the year. On the other hand, if you like your family Christmas movies on the crazier side, check out the 2004 Ben Affleck vehicle, 'Surviving Christmas,' in which the affable Affleck plays a lonely millionaire who hires a family to spend the holidays with him. James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, and Christina Applegate also star in this ultimately uplifting comedy that's not as bad as its reputation. Of course, when it comes to Disney and especially Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, reputation is everything, and at long last, two of the studios classic holiday features are finally making their way onto Blu-ray. The flagship title is without a doubt 'Mickey's Christmas Carol: 30th Anniversary Special Edition,' a truncated, yet lively and heartwarming animated telling of the Dickens classic. Though Mickey can certainly stand on his own, when paired with 'Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year,' in which the Hundred Acre Wood gang make some New Year's resolutions to appease a Scrooge-like Rabbit, you'll get a full dose of Disney this holiday season with films the whole family will enjoy and cherish. Anniversary Editions: Recycling is very big these days, but movie studios are hopping aboard the band wagon to pad their coffers rather than aid the environment as they re-release a number of holiday favorites in new packaging, but with the same old transfers and extras. Examples of this reprehensible practice include 'A Christmas Story: 30th Anniversary Edition' (which does include a new featurette, but that's the only fresh aspect of this stale re-release), 'Scrooged: 25th Anniversary Edition,' 'Elf: 10th Anniversary Edition,' and 'Love Actually: 10th Anniversary Edition.' All of the preceding titles are described in more detail below, but if you already own them, don't waste your money on these bogus "upgrades." Double Dips: Two notable double dips debuted in 2011 – one that's worth of your money and one to avoid at all costs – and they're still hanging around this year. The one that's worth an upgrade is VCI's 60th anniversary edition of the 1951 classic, 'A Christmas Carol,' starring arguably the cinema's finest Ebenezer Scrooge, Alastair Sim. This version is regarded by many as the most faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' immortal tale, and Sim's portrayal – by turns sullen, dour, defiant, wounded, and joyously giddy – lends Scrooge more dimension than the role often receives. Though VCI initially put out 'A Christmas Carol' on Blu-ray a mere three years ago, this Diamond Edition substantially improves on that release with a slightly upgraded video transfer, lossless LPCM audio (the previous disc had a compressed track), and a slew of all-new supplements, including a fold-out, abridged reproduction of the film's American pressbook. (Note: The packaging and disc menu lists the audio as Dolby Digital 5.1, but it is indeed a lossless LPCM 5.1 track.) The second double dip – the one to steer clear of – is, surprisingly enough, a "collector's" edition of the all-time classic yuletide tale, 'It's A Wonderful Life.' I know, I know…say it ain't so! Believe me, I'm as disappointed as you. I love this film; it's an undeniable treasure and worthy of all the praise and affection heaped upon it. But this release is a travesty. The transfers (which are quite nice) and extras are exactly the same as the ones on the previously released edition, and the collector's extras – flimsy packaging, a chintzy commemorative Christmas ornament, and a generic booklet – are hardly worth the extra expense. Even if you've never purchased the movie before (and if you haven't, you need to!), go with the original Blu-ray, which takes up less shelf space and presents the emotionally affecting and inspirational (in the best sense of that word) story of George Bailey just as well as this unnecessary "upgrade." All-Time Classics: We've already mentioned the 1951 version of 'A Christmas Carol' as well as 'It's A Wonderful Life,' both of which rank high on the list of all-time classics. (Other versions of 'A Christmas Carol' available on Blu-ray include Disney's 2009 blockbuster 3D interpretation starring chameleon Jim Carrey [available in both 3D and 2D versions] and an acclaimed 1984 television adaptation featuring the esteemed George C. Scott as the irascible Scrooge.) Not far behind them is the 1954 favorite, 'White Christmas,' a spritely Irving Berlin musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. With high-spirited numbers galore, along with two renditions of the iconic title song, this breezy tale of romance and friendship ranks right up there with Hollywood's best holiday fare. Another great musical is 'Scrooge,' a buoyantly tuneful adaptation of Dickens' yuletide yarn. Starring the versatile and always impressive Albert Finney (who was just 34 years old when he tackled the iconic, miserly curmudgeon), this spritely film remains surprisingly faithful to the original novel, contains a host of memorable songs by Leslie Bricusse, and features a gallery of top British actors (Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, and Kenneth More among them) in key roles. The high quality video and audio transfers make this "spirited" film come alive even more, filling us with plenty of Christmas cheer. Though only about a third of Vincente Minnelli's classic Americana musical, 'Meet Me in St. Louis,' takes place at Christmas, the cheer quotient of this classic musical is pretty high, too, making this year-in-the-life chronicle of a typical American family circa 1904 one of the most beloved and endearing holiday movies of all time. (It covers Halloween, too!) First and foremost, it contains one of Judy Garland's finest performances, as well as a number of instantly recognizable tunes, including 'The Trolley Song,' 'The Boy Next Door,' and of course, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' which was written expressly for this film and performed with exceptional beauty and grace by Garland. And no discussion of classic Christmas tales would be complete without a nod to the original 'Miracle on 34th Street,' featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. It's impossible not to believe in Santa Claus after watching this charming yet incisive comedy that gently reinforces the season's true meaning. Though the video quality isn't a huge upgrade from DVD, it's good enough to stuff this little beauty in your holiday stocking. (The 1994 remake starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, and Mara Wilson, is also available on Blu-ray, but who would ever want to see that?) Modern Classics: The most notable holiday film to join the Blu-ray family last year was 'The Muppet Christmas Carol,' and we're still basking in its glow in 2013. Kermit and the gang pay homage to the Charles Dickens classic in a surprisingly faithful adaptation that mixes humor and warmth with an array of top-notch Paul Williams songs and a generous helping of Muppet lunacy. Michael Caine makes a marvelous Scrooge, and Brian Henson's slick direction turns this family musical into a very delightful package. Also from Disney, 'The Santa Clause' trilogy, featuring the original 'The Santa Clause,' its saccharine sequel, 'The Santa Clause 2,' and the insufferable 'The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,' can be purchased in one package or in separate volumes. The clever first film is by far the best, filled with whimsy and wonder, but the sequel scores some points, too, as it charts the newly crowned Santa's search for a suitable mate. The third film adds Martin Short to the mix as a mischievous Jack Frost, but his icy presence freezes the franchise. If you like your annual helping of 'A Christmas Carol' a little more on the comedic side, you'll be happy with Richard Donner's 'Scrooged,' featuring Bill Murray as the Ebenezer-esque Frank Cross. With an updated take on the classic yarn that strikes a more relatable chord, and fine supporting work from such stalwarts as John Forsythe, Robert Mitchum, Karen Allen, and Alfre Woodard, this light-hearted comedy merges laughs with wonderful warmth and a bit of edgy bite, and will ultimately charm even the crustiest Christmas killjoy. Upgraded video and audio make this one a keeper. Sometimes age alone transforms a run-of-the-mill movie into a classic, and that seems to be the unfortunate fate that's befallen 1985's clunky, elephantine Kris Kringle biopic, 'Santa Claus: The Movie.' I remember loathing this bloated behemoth when it was first released, and haven't mustered the courage to see it since. Fonder (or at least more realistic) Christmas memories are explored in the nostalgic 'A Christmas Story,' the darkly comic 1983 adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd's fictional memoir. Who among us can't identify with nine-year-old Ralphie and his dogged pursuit of his dream toy? With both wide-eyed wonder and a mischievous twinkle, this fan favorite deliciously skewers the season. (Yet however much you revere 'A Christmas Story,' make sure you steer clear of its misguided sequel, 'A Christmas Story 2,' which takes place five years down the road and finds Ralphie eyeing a new car instead of an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.) And if you can't identify with Ralphie, then surely you've fantasized at least fleetingly about making your parents and/or siblings disappear, like Kevin McCallister does in 'Home Alone.' C'mon, admit it. Cute-as-a-button Macaulay Culkin battles bungling house burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family leaves on a Parisian vacation without him, learning a lot about independence and the meaning of Christmas in the process. Deftly juggling uproarious slapstick with honest sentiment, this John Hughes production makes us laugh and cry and appreciate the simple pleasures that make this holiday special. 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,' the change-the-location-but-keep-the-story-the-same sequel is also available on Blu-ray, and both films can be purchased in a handy, low-priced two-pack. And speaking of Christmas vacations – or should I say "stay-cations" - no yuletide celebration is as wacky or wacked out as the one Chevy Chase and family experience in 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Running a close second, though, would have to be Buddy the Elf's Big Apple odyssey in Jon Favreau's surprisingly sweet, festive, and hilarious Christmas comedy, 'Elf.' As the orphan child raised at the North Pole and now on a quest to find his real family, Will Ferrell captures the essence of wide-eyed innocence, while James Caan makes a fine foil as his crusty, Scrooge-like dad. Romantic Comedies: Christmas is certainly one of the most romantic times of the year, and two films blanket us with that warm, fuzzy feeling only a good love story can provide. 'Love, Actually' takes a mosaic approach as it chronicles the exhilaration and heartache of several couples as they navigate love's treacherous minefield. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, and though I'll never forgive Alan for what he does to Emma (and will never be able to listen to Joni Mitchell again without thinking about it), it's impossible not to embrace this well-crafted film. I also really like 'The Holiday' (sssshhh! Don't tell anyone!), Nancy Meyers' chick flick supreme about two lonely women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who trade houses at Christmas and find unexpected love with Jude Law and Jack Black. (I won't spoil who hooks up with whom.) It's a bit predictable and trite, but also strangely irresistible, especially if you've got the tree lit and a roaring fire in the fireplace. It's also one of the few movies in which I don't find Diaz unbearable. Romance lovers and those who like their Christmas movies filled with inspiring messages might want to check out 'The Christmas Shoes' and its sequel, 'The Christmas Blessing,' two TV movies that emphasize the power of love, faith, and family in the face of disillusionment and despair. Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley star in the first film about a young boy determined to make his mother's final Christmas special, and Neil Patrick Harris plays the grown-up version of that boy in the sequel, grappling with issues from his past and strained familial relationships. 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' also falls into this category, with a more whimsical spin, as a harried single mother (Brooke Burns) and cynical son find the true meaning of the season, thanks to jovial Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) and the hunky stranger (Warren Christie) he brings home for the holidays. Also for Winkler fans (and xenophobes), there's 'An American Christmas Carol,' which tells the same tale as the Dickens classic without the hoity-toity accents. I'm sure Henry Winkler makes a good Scrooge (renamed Benedict Slade here) in this 1979 TV movie, and shifting the setting to Depression-era New Hampshire adds an interesting twist, but if you crave a retelling of the inspired and inspiring holiday story, there are plenty of better options. Animated Fare: When I was a kid, one of the few things that could help speed the interminable wait between Thanksgiving and Christmas was the steady stream of children's holiday specials that flooded the network airwaves, and now almost all my favorites are now available on Blu-ray! Leading the charge are such perennially delightful programs as 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (let Linus tell your family "what Christmas is all about") and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' as well as a must-have box set called 'The Original Christmas Classics.' And classics they are! 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (narrated by Burl Ives), 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' (narrated by Fred Astaire), and 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Frosty Returns' are all included. Also high on the animated list is another top-notch entry, 'The Year Without a Santa Claus,' featuring the talents of Mickey Rooney and Shirley Booth as the beleaguered Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as one of the lesser titles in the Rankin/Bass catalogue, 1974's ''Twas the Night Before Christmas,' which was inspired by Clement Moore's immortal poem and deals with the timeworn premise of doubting Santa's existence. Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, and George Gobel are among the stars who lend their voices to this charming tale. For Disney fans, 'Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas,' the direct-to-video companion to the acclaimed original, takes place while Belle is still a prisoner in the Beast's castle, and finds the lovely heroine on a mission to celebrate Christmas with festive cheer, much to the chagrin of her hairy and humbug captor. Though a far cry from its parent film, both artistically and thematically, 'The Enchanted Christmas' may not be 100% enchanting, but it provides enough tuneful warmth to satisfy audiences of all ages. There's even a cartoon adaptation of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' starring the myopic Mr. Magoo – 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.' For those who prefer more innovative animated fare, check out Tim Burton's ghoulishly delightful 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and Robert Zemeckis' magical 'The Polar Express,' which is available in both flat and 3D versions. The charming 'Arthur Christmas – 3D,' which puts a fresh spin on the age-old Santa story and features the voice talents of such esteemed actors as James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie, and Bill Nighy, is still on the shelf this year, along with 'Kung Fu Panda Holiday,' 'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Christmas with the Chipmunks,' 'Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection,' including both the original 'Prep & Landing' and the 'Naughty vs. Nice' sequel, and 'DreamWorks Holiday Classics,' which includes 'Shrek the Halls,' 'The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper,' 'Merry Madagascar,' 'Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular,' and 'Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury.' After all, what good is a franchise if it doesn't spawn a special Christmas installment? Quirky Christmas: Viewers with more offbeat taste may find these curios interesting… 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' the 1964 cult classic about the abduction of Santa to the Red Planet, arrives at last on Blu-ray in a newly restored edition from Kino, while 'Santa Claus' is a 1959 Spanish language film from Mexico that checks in at #54 on IMDb's list of Bottom 100 Films (as rated by site users) and charts St. Nick's battle with the devil Pitch, who's determined to – you guessed it – ruin Christmas. Tyler Perry's indefatigable character Madea is also on a mission to save the holiday when family strife and secrets threaten to sabotage it in 'A Madea Christmas: The Play,' while a homosexual college student (Keith Jordan) crawls back into the closet to survive the holidays with his conservative parents (Derek Long and Kelly Keaton) until his boyfriend (Adamo Ruggiero) unexpectedly shows up in the warm-hearted comedy 'Make the Yuletide Gay.' Turkeys: We all love turkey around the holidays, except when it comes to movies, and there are a couple of rancid offerings that will only serve to sour us on the season. Despite a strong cast that includes Oscar-winners Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Jon Voight, make sure you keep away from 'Four Christmases,' a tiresome slapstick comedy about a selfish couple (Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) who visit a quartet of quirky, annoying, even frightening relatives when their balmy Christmas plans get canceled. Equally wretched is 'Deck the Halls,' a tiresome, completely unfunny chronicle of neighbors (Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito) trying to outdo and ultimately sabotage the other's massive holiday light displays. Thankfully, 'Christmas with the Kranks' hasn't yet found a Blu-ray release, and if studio executives are smart, it never will. Dozens of other holiday Blu-rays are available to brighten (or darken) this Christmas, from traditional Yule log presentations and concerts to irreverent black comedies ('Bad Santa'), action flicks (I always enjoy giving the original 'Die Hard' a spin over the holidays) and, yes, even horror films. ('Silent Night,' a remake of the 1984 slasher flick 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' that chronicles the deadly rampage of a psycho axe murderer disguised as Santa, joining 'Silent Night, Zombie Night,' an equally bloody yuletide exercise from last season, and the always entertaining 'Gremlins.'). But for those who desire a well-balanced, family-friendly selection that plays well from year to year, you can't go wrong with any of the above choices (well, maybe with the exception of 'Santa Claus: The Movie,' 'Four Christmases,' and 'Deck the Halls'). So plop a few marshmallows in your hot chocolate, grab a comfy blanket, light that fire, and let these movies infuse you with seasonal spirit. Happy Holidays!!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 09:20 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung Galaxy Tablets[teaser]Amazon is offering up to $100 off select Galaxy Tablets. [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several Samsung Galaxy tablets are now on sale. Ranging from 20 percent to as much as 42 percent off, these deals won't last forever, so act fast. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch is being discounted 25 percent, bringing its price down to just $150. The 10-inch model can be purchased for only $299, $100 off its retail price. Likewise, The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has also been discounted $100, bringing its price down to $399. Finally, The Samsung ATIV Tab is also on sale, coming in at $374, 42 percent off its retail price. As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Raise the Titanic' to Surface on Blu-ray[teaser]The 1980 adventure from Director Jerry Jameson will surface on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is working on 'Raise the Titanic' for Blu-ray on January 21. Join the underwater race to salvage the Titanic and its vital defense cargo. Adapted from Clive Cussler's international best-seller, the story follows the exploits of American special agent Dirk Pitt as he sets out to recover vital material from the Titanic which could make the US impregnable to atomic attack. The ship is down too deep for divers and the only solution is to raise it. The incredible project must be managed in absolute secrecy because of deadly interference from a rival nation. The Titanic is finally, and majestically, brought to the surface -- but the vital, rare mineral is missing... Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will include a making-of featurette and a trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Raise the Titanic' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 21.Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Black Friday Bargain Blitz: 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand: The Complete First Season' Blu-ray $9.99 at Amazon![teaser]The first season of the Starz series is nearly 90 percent off at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand: The Complete First Season' for $9.99 (88% off suggested list price). The four-disc set comes in book-like packaging.' Click here to order the bloody gladiator carnage today! You'll find more sweet bargains in Amazon's Black Friday Deals Countdown page here!Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 06:55 AM PST by: -
'Fruitvale Station' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Ryan Coogler's acclaimed drama is planned for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'Fruitvale Station' for Blu-ray on January 14. Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, director Ryan Coogler’s 'Fruitvale Station' follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air. Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), whose birthday falls on New Year’s Eve, being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who he hasn’t been completely honest with as of late, and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. Crossing paths with friends, family, and strangers, Oscar starts out well, but as the day goes on, he realizes that change is not going to come easily. His resolve takes a tragic turn, however, when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year’s Day. Oscar’s life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area – and the entire nation – to its very core. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include Fruitvale Station: The Story of Oscar Grant and Q&A with Cast and Filmmakers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Fruitvale Station' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 14.Posted Tue Nov 26, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
2013 HDD Gear & Demo Disc Guide[teaser]We've researched and tested the top equipment available, watched all the latest Blu-rays on the market, and scoured the net for the very best deals, all to give you HDD's 2013 Gift Guide to HD Gear & Demo Material![/teaser] by Michael S. Palmer Happy holidays, HDD Readers! The Christmas shopping season might have been cut short by a week, but decorations and trees are already for sale, my home office just got a new jazzy set of blue LED lights, and that one insane radio station in Los Angeles has been piping classic (and not-so-classic, ahem, Sir Paul) holiday tunes for at least a week. My question to you is this: are you ready for the back-to-back family reunions, forced workplace gatherings, and bloated parking lots? Neither am I. But, friends, here's our chance to live by the work hard, play hard motto. After busting our humps down the office and shopping for an endless list of family and friends, it's time for a little reward. It's time to get some new gear for the home theater. First, let's talk Black Friday. Our sister site, Ben's Bargains, was nice enough to put together an all-in-one page cataloging fliers from the largest stores (electronics and otherwise) as well as a list of Best In-Store deals. The interesting trend this year is that, in addition to opening on Turkey Day itself, many retailers are treating an entire week or two as one great Black Friday. Likewise, Amazon isn't even bothering to wait for the 28th, so you can head over there right now to shop for deals. And the only thing better than Black Friday Amazon deals are Cyber Monday Amazon Deals (another day-turned-week). However, as great as these deals seem, be cautious about so-called "Door Busters". Sure, it's fun to pick up some older Blu-rays at rock bottom prices, but generally the electronics themselves -- the displays, receivers, and Blu-ray players -- are at least year-old tech, and often lack features necessary for reproducing high quality picture and sound. That being said, as secondary setups for the home office or bedroom, these deals might be just right for you. Also, as we reported last month, Panasonic's long reign as the king of Plasma televisions will come to an end when the company stops producing the technology on March 31, 2014. If you have ever considered owning a Panny plasma -- and reaping the benefits of superior black levels, contrast, color reproduction, and refresh rates -- the 2013 Holiday Shopping Season may be your last chance. Long live the King, the King is Dead! Let's face it, the home cinema hobby has never been cheaper than it is these days, but not everyone can break the bank to get the biggest and the best. This annual HDD Gear Guide represents the finest products we've tested throughout the year at varying price points. Bargain 3D: Panasonic VIERA ST60 Series PRO: Other than a few filters and calibration menus like THX-mode, Panasonic's cheaper plasmas include most of the same technology from their current year flagship televisions. This means a 2013 ST60 is (in some ways) BETTER at reproducing inky black levels than my 2012 VT series. Pick up the 50-inch for less than a $1,000, a 55-inch model for under $1,300, a 60-inch version for under $1,500, or spring for the giant 65-incher for under $2200. The ST60 series also includes built-in WiFi with access to Viera Connect streaming services. There are certainly better televisions, and cheaper televisions, but there aren't any televisions that are bigger and better at these price points. CON: As always, plasmas are constructed with a reflective glass panel, which aren't great in overly bright rooms. Active shutter 3D glasses are not included. Screen Not Included: BenQ W1070 DLP Projector PRO: The BenQ W1070 is an extremely affordable entry-level 3D home theater projector that's getting a lot of great reviews. For Less than $900, you don't have to settle for a baby-sized 65, 70, or even 80-inch display. That's right, with a projector, you can have as big a screen as your room dimensions (plus the projector's throw limitations) will allow. This single-chip DLP projector features 2,000 lumens, a 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio, and 2 HDMI 1.4a inputs. DLP technology is the least susceptible to "cross talk" when projecting 3D. There's even a SmartEco mode to save power and lamp life, which is rated to 6,000 hours. CON: You have to purchase a screen and active shutter 3D glasses separately (screen prices vary; the glasses will run you $100 a pop). Projectors are best used in total or near darkness (dedicated home theaters, or space where you can control ambient light). And, according to AVS Forum, "being a single-chip DLP model, some people will see something called the rainbow effect—momentary red-green-blue rainbows trailing bright highlights on a dark background as you move your eyes around the screen." For Brighter Rooms: Samsung PNF8500 Series PRO: Cnet called this "Samsung's best TV ever." Available in three sizes -- 51-inches, 60-inches, and 64-inches -- Samsung's much loved PNF8500 plasmas do Full HD 3D and include a built-in popup camera for Skype and gesture controls, Internet browsers, and software that can interact with your cable box as well as stream movies and TV from Netlfix, Vudu, CinemaNow (and many more). 4 pairs of active 3D glasses are included, and an optional Evolution Kit will allow the TV to replace its entire operating system in the future. Black levels are nearly as good as the Panasonics, but the PNF8500 series is much brighter than the standard plasma, making it a viable choice for rooms where ambient light is an issue. CON: With a price range of $1,900 to $3,400 (at the time of this writing), the PNF8500 series is not cheap and its brightness abilities come at the sacrifice of black level performance. Best Plasma Ever: Panasonic VIERA ZT60 Series PRO: Finally! A TV with better black levels than the legendary Kuro. Panasonic's flagship ZT60 series is available in two sizes -- a 65-incher for under $3,400 and a 60-incher for under $2,900 and includes built-in WiFi, LAN, Bluetooth, THX 3D certification, ISFccc certification, VIERA Link for streaming content, and two pairs of active 3D glasses. Quite simply, this is the best plasma you can buy in 2013 and the best plasma Panasonic has ever made and this might be the last chance you will ever have to own a near-perfect display. Oh, and if you want to save a couple bucks, check out the Panasonic VT60 Series. CON: It's pricey, and there is minor crosstalk with some 3D content. Best Bang for Your Buck: Sony BDP-S5100 PRO: The Blu-ray player to beat in 2013. It costs less than $90, yet still features Full 3D 1080p playback, built-in "super Wi-Fi" (for faster speeds), DNLA certification, quick start & loading, and over 100 streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, YouTube (new to Sony), Hulu Plus, Pandora, the Sony Entertainment Network (not new to Sony) and many more. CON: No Skype, 4K upscaling, and only one HDMI out. Oh, and if you stack your gear (not recommended), nothing could go on top of this. Super Streamers: Roku 3 & Apple TV PRO: The Roku 3 and Apple TV offer "1080p" HD video streaming for movies and television. Each has hundreds of "channels" like HBO Go, MLB, Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Hulu Plus. The Roku 3 includes dual band Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port, a remote control with a headphone jack, and 7.1/5.1 audio pass-through. It also supports formats like MP4 (H.264) & MKV (H.264) video / AAC & MP3 audio / JPG & PNG image. In fact, you could say the only thing Roku 3 does NOT do... is work with iTunes. For those who own Macs or have iTunes on their PCs, and have purchased music, TV, or movies through Apple, to stream this content to your HDTV and/or AV Receiver, you need the Apple TV. It doesn't have as many "channels" as Roku 3, but Apple boasts the largest rental inventory of HD movies on the net and over 90K TV episodes in HD. You can also connect an Apple TV to your iCloud account and use the Apple TV as a secondary display with the latest version of Mac OSX. The Apple TV also includes dual band Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port, a remote control, an HDMI out, and an optical digital audio out. It supports H.264 video, MPEG-4 video, Motion JPEG, AAC, protected AAC, MP3, Audible, Apple Losless, AIFF, WAV, and Dolby Digital 5.1 pass-through. CON: Plenty, actually. While both of these media streamers offer great value as accessories, neither can compete with Blu-ray's inherent video and audio capabilities. Both streamers are capped at Dolby Digital Plus audio, though the Roku 3 can pass-through the 7.1 version. Also, I don't think either media stream does any form of 3D (they definitely don't do Blu-ray's Full HD 3D). 3D for Older AVRs: Panasonic DMP-BDT330 PRO: For less than $170, Panasonic's BDT330 is an affordable and impressive Blu-ray Disc player capable of 3D playback and 4K upscaling for Ultra HD TVs. This DNLA certified player also features 2 HDMI outputs (one for audio to a pre HDMI 1.4 A/V Receiver), and built-in Wi-Fi for access to its own Internet browser as well as VIERA Connect for streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Instant, etc. The BDT330 is also NT File System (NTFS) compatible to stream all sorts of media -- Jpeg, FLAC, MP3, WMA, AVCHD, WVMV -- from connected external hard disk drives. CON: If you don't need 4K upscaling, NTFS, or dual HDMI outputs, the Sony model above is half the price with most of the same features and performance specs Platinum Performance: OPPO BDP-103D PRO: The BDP-103D Universal 3D Darbee Edition is a lot like last year's BDP-103 -- 3D playback, the ability to play just about any digital file, 7.1 analog audio outputs -- but now includes Darbee Visual Presence, or DVP, which enhances detail, color, and contrast. Oppo has long been the top tier choice for stand alone Blu-ray Disc players and this one is no different. It includes 4K upscaling, true 1080/24p and Full 3D video output, and dual HDMI outputs as well as dual HDMI inputs to run other sources through the player's video processor and DVP. Constant Height Image fans may also find use for the player's vertical stretch mode. CON: At $599, Oppo Blu-ray players are more expensive than many stand alone units and some think this sort of visual processing is nothing more than Blu-ray snake oil. Entry Level Bargain:Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
'20 Feet from Stardom' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]Morgan Neville's music documentary will sing on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing '20 Feet from Stardom' for Blu-ray on January 14. They are the voices behind the greatest rock, pop and R&B hits of all time, but no one knows their names. In this award-winningfilm, director Morgan Neville shines the spotlight on the untold stories of such legendary background singers as Darlene Love (known for her hit “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home”), Merry Clayton (whose voice haunts the classic 1969 track by the Rolling Stones, “Gimme Shelter”), Lisa Fischer, Claudia Lennear, Judith Hill and more. These are the triumphs and heartbreaks of music's greatest unsung talents, featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage, vintage live performances, and interviews with superstars Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder and Bette Midler. The film features rare archival footage of musical legends Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross. In his Huffington Post review, Marshall Fine proclaims “It's hard to imagine another documentary this year that will be as uplifting, entertaining and moving as Morgan Neville's 20 Feet From Stardom.” New York Magazine critic, David Edelstein calls the film “marvelous” and asserts “to watch and listen to Morgan Neville's marvelous portrait of sundry under-sung backup singers, 20 Feet From Stardom, is to understand how many things Auto-Tune can't do, foremost among them change the pitch of a person's soul." Billboard Magazine’s Phil Gallo raves “It takes the ordinary and transforms it into the exceptional.” The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Deleted Scenes; Q&A with Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer and director Morgan Neville; and Short Film: The Buddy System. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for '20 Feet from Stardom' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 14th.Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Sharp 1080p and 4K Displays on Sale[teaser]Amazon is offering sizable discounts on several Sharp displays, including its 70-inch 4K TV. [/teaser] As part of Amazon's Black Friday and holiday deals, several Sharp TV's are now on sale. The LC-60LE650 60-inch Aquos 1080p TV is being discounted 45 percent, bringing its price down to just $998. The 70-inch model can be purchased for only $1698, 32 percent off its retail price. Finally, the massive 80-inch set is now $2998, a significant 40 percent drop from its regular price of $5000. Sharp's impressive LC-70UD1U 70-Inch Aquos 4K TV is also on sale, coming in at $4998, 44 percent off the model's regular retail price. The Ultra HD display features a resolution of 3840 x 2160, and offers 3D support (with two Active Bluetooth Glasses included) and smart TV features. As always, these prices will only last for a limited time. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more holiday and Black Friday related deals, and don't forget to check out Amazon's Black Friday Countdown Page for all their latest sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Black Friday Bargain Blitz: 'From Up on Poppy Hill' Blu-ray is $11.99 at Amazon![teaser]This spotlight bargain is for all you Studio Ghibli fans out there!! [/teaser] Amazon is now selling 'From Up on Poppy Hill' for $11.99 (66% off suggested list price). From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and The Secret World of Arrietty, comes another animated triumph. Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the Olympics. The mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off the shackles of a troubled past. Against this backdrop of hope and change, a friendship begins to blossom between high school students Umi (Sarah Bolger) and Shun (Anton Yelchin) – but a buried secret from their past emerges to cast a shadow on the future and pull them apart. From a screenplay by Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki and featuring an all-star English voice cast! Click here to order this animated masterpiece and you can find more excellent bargains in Amazon's Black Friday Deals Countdown page here!Posted Mon Nov 25, 2013 at 10:05 AM PST by:
