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'Gorillas in the Mist' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Michael Apted's acclaimed 1988 drama is planned for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'Gorillas in the Mist' will have a Blu-ray release on January 7. Nominated for five Academy Awards, 'Gorillas in the Mist' is the inspiring true story of young anthropologist Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) who travels to Africa to study rare mountain gorillas. As her interest quickly grows into an unwavering passion, not even her lover (Bryan Brown) can tear her away or stop her from risking her life to protect the gorillas from poachers and animal traders. Desperate to save her "family" from extinction, Fossey searches for justice in this unforgettable tale of one woman's incredible courage. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include an archival featurette and trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Gorillas in the Mist' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 7.Posted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Dune HD Connect Receives CES Honor[teaser]The HDMI stick set-top box has been named a CES Innovations 2014 Design And Engineering Award Honoree. [/teaser] Dune HD has announced its latest media player, the Dune HD Connect. According to Dune HD, the device is "the smallest full-featured set-top box on the market." Based on its design, features, and value, the Dune HD Connect has been named an International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the Portable Media Players and Accessories Category. "The Dune HD Connect has been gaining a lot of attention by several industry groups and operators around the world and we are overjoyed to have it selected as a CES Innovations honoree," said Konstantin Dyshlevoy, President and CEO of Dune HD. The ultra compact HDMI stick measures about 3-inches x 1-inch and features 1080p video playback, HDMI 1.4 support, integrated Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, a microSD slot, and digital broadcast tuner options. In addition, the portable set-top box also offers 3D Video, upscaling features, an MKV player, and support for media playlists. Dune HD will showcase the Dune HD Connect at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas being held on January 7-10. The Dune HD Connect is being marketed toward consumers and operators and is expected to retail for an MSRP of $119. Sources: Dune HD, RealwirePosted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Criterion Announces 'King of the Hill' and 'Tess' for Blu-ray[teaser]More Steven Soderbergh and Roman Polanski films will join the Criterion Collection in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion has revealed Soderbergh's 'King of the Hill' for Blu-ray on February 25. For his first Hollywood studio production, Steven Soderbergh (whose independent debut, 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape,' had won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival a few years earlier) crafted this small jewel of a growing-up story. Set in St. Louis during the Depression, 'King of the Hill' follows the daily struggles of a resourceful and imaginative adolescent (Jesse Bradford) who, after his tubercular mother is sent to a sanatorium, must survive on his own in a run-down hotel during his salesman father's long business trips. This evocative period piece, faithfully adapted from the memoir by the novelist A. E. Hotchner, is among the ever versatile Soderbergh's most touching and surprising films. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Steven Soderbergh and supervising sound editor and rerecording mixer Larry Blake, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: New interviews with Soderbergh and A. E. Hotchner, author of the memoir on which the film is based; Against Tyranny, a new video essay by ::kogonada in which he explores Soderbergh's unique approach to character subjectivity; The Underneath (1995), Soderbergh's follow-up feature to King of the Hill, with an interview with the director; Trailers; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Peter Tonguette, a 1993 interview with Soderbergh, and an excerpt from Hotchner's 1972 memoir. Criterion will also be bringing 'Tess' to Blu-ray on the same date. This multiple-Oscar-winning film by Roman Polanski is an exquisite, richly layered adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles. A strong-willed peasant girl (Nastassja Kinski, in a gorgeous breakthrough) is sent by her father to the estate of some local aristocrats to capitalize on a rumor that their families are from the same line. This fateful visit commences an epic narrative of sex, class, betrayal, and revenge, which Polanski unfolds with deliberation and finesse. With its earthy visual textures, achieved by two world-class cinematographers—Geoffrey Unsworth and Ghislain Cloquet—'Tess' is a work of great pastoral beauty as well as vivid storytelling. The Blu-ray will feature a new 4K digital restoration supervised by director Roman Polanski, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Once Upon a Time . . . "Tess," a 2006 documentary on the film; Three programs on the making of the film—From Novel to Screen, Filming "Tess," and "Tess": The Experience—featuring interviews with Polanski, actors Nastassja Kinski and Leigh Lawson, producer Claude Berri, costume designer Anthony Powell, composer Philippe Sarde, and others; Interview with Polanski from a 1979 episode of The South Bank Show; Forty-five-minute documentary shot on location for French television during the making of the film; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Colin MacCabe. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'King of the Hill' and 'Tess' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under February 25.Posted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Man of Tai Chi' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Keanu Reeves' action-packed directorial debut will roundhouse kick Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'Man of Tai Chi' for Blu-ray on December 10. Reeves stars as the wealthy owner of a Beijing underground fight club who recruits a humble Tai Chi student (Tiger Chen) to his closed-circuit battles. But, when the young man is seduced by money and power, it triggers a war between the Hong Kong police, the world's deadliest combatants, and a peaceful spiritual discipline turned lethal new fighting style. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Feature Commentary with Director/Actor Keanu Reeves and Tiger Chen and The Making of Man of Tai Chi. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Man of Tai Chi' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 10.Posted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Highlights: Week of November 17th, 2013While this week may not have any super-powered blockbusters, I'm sure that you might be able to find a Blu-ray or two of interest among the diverse array of new titles. Check out our latest Blu-ray roundup in the blog today.Posted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'Fantastic Mr. Fox' Criterion Double Dip Announced[teaser]Wes Anderson's 2009 stop-motion film will be getting the Criterion treatment in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, the Criterion Collection will present 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' on Blu-ray on February 18. 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' is the story of a clever, quick, nimble, and exceptionally well-dressed wild animal. A compulsive chicken thief turned newspaper reporter, Mr. Fox settles down with his family at a new foxhole in a beautiful tree directly adjacent to three enormous poultry farms—owned by three ferociously vicious farmers: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. Mr. Fox simply cannot resist. This adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel from Wes Anderson is a meticulous work of stop-motion animation featuring vibrant performances by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Michael Gambon, and Bill Murray. The Blu-ray will feature a new digital master approved by director Wes Anderson, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio commentary featuring Anderson; Storyboard animatics for the entire film; Footage of the actors voicing their characters, puppet construction, stop-motion setups, and the recording of the score; Interviews with cast and crew; Puppet animation tests; Photo gallery of puppets, props, and sets; Animated awards acceptance speeches; Audio recording of author Roald Dahl reading the book on which the film is based; Gallery of Dahl's original manuscripts; Discussion and analysis of the film; Stop-motion Sony robot commercial by Anderson; and a booklet featuring a new essay; a 2002 article on Dahl's Gipsy House by Anderson; White Cape, a comic book used as a prop in the film; and drawings, original paintings, and other ephemera. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 18.Posted Mon Nov 18, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week #2: 'Home Alone Collection' Blu-ray $9.99 at Amazon[teaser]Stuff Macaulay Culkin into those stockings this holiday season![/teaser] Amazon is selling 'Home Alone Collection' for $36.49 (60% off the suggested retail price). The 2-film package includes 'Home Alone' and 'Home Alone: Lost in New York.' Click here to order your copy of this festive double feature that is available from now through November 23.Posted Sun Nov 17, 2013 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
'The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun - Hyde Park Live' Blu-ray Now Available![teaser]The legendary rock band is hitting the stage again on Blu-ray. [/teaser] Eagle Rock has released 'The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun - Hyde Park Live' for Blu-ray. The Rolling Stones historic and triumphant return to Hyde Park was without doubt the event of the summer. Over 100,000 delirious fans of all ages packed into the park for two spectacular outdoor concerts to watch Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood do what they do best. The Stones delivered a five star performance that had both fans and critics singing their praises. The set packed in hit after hit and saw the band joined by former guitarist Mick Taylor for a special guest appearance on two songs. This stunning concert film is the perfect way to celebrate the return of The Rolling Stones back where they truly belong: live on stage in their hometown. Track Listing: 1) Start Me Up 2) It s Only Rock n Roll 3) Street Fighting Man 4) Ruby Tuesday 5) Doom And Gloom 6) Honky Tonk Women 7) You Got The Silver 8) Happy 9) Miss You 10) Midnight Rambler 11) Gimme Shelter 12) Jumpin Jack Flash 13) Sympathy For The Devil 14) Brown Sugar 15) You Can't Always Get What You Want 16) (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. Specs have not been detailed, but supplements will include additional tracks from the two performances: 1) Emotional Rescue 2) Paint It Black 3) Before They Make Me Run. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Rolling Stones: Sweet Summer Sun - Hyde Park Live' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 11.Posted Sun Nov 17, 2013 at 02:45 PM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Fast and Furious 1-5' Blu-ray $36.49 at Amazon[teaser]Get the first five franchise films on Blu-ray for just over $7 a piece this week at Amazon![/teaser] Amazon is selling 'Fast and Furious 1-5' for $36.49 (65% off the suggested retail price). The bundle includes 'The Fast and the Furious,' '2 Fast 2 Furious,' 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,' 'Fast & Furious,' and 'Fast Five.' Click here if you have a need for speed and this offer is available from now through November 23.Posted Sun Nov 17, 2013 at 08:50 AM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Favorite Cartoon SeriesIn this week's Roundtable, we take a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane to reminisce about the cartoon series that captured our imaginations when we were younger. Join us in the blog to share your all-time favorites.Posted Fri Nov 15, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by:
