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'Mother of George' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2013 drama from filmmaker Andrew Dosumnu arrives on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Oscilloscope Pictures will be releasing 'Mother of George' on Blu-ray on June 26. Adenike and Ayodele ('The Walking Dead's Danai Gurira and veteran actor Isaach De Bankolé) are a Nigerian couple living in Brooklyn. Following the joyous celebration of the their wedding, complications arise out of their inability to conceive a child - a problem that devastates their family and defies cultural expectations, leading Adenike to make a shocking decision that could either save her family or destroy it. Acclaimed director Andrew Dosumnu ('Restless City') captures the nuances of this unique and fascinating culture by creating a beautiful, vibrant, and moving portrait of a couple whose joys and struggles are at once intimate and universal. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Mother of George' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 4.Posted Thu Oct 31, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 6' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The sixth season of the Canadian crime drama heads to Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Acorn Media has set 'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 6' for Blu-ray on November 26. At the dawn of the 20th century, Detective William Murdoch solves Toronto's trickiest cases with scientific insight and ingenuity in this award-winning mystery series. From flying early aircraft to infiltrating nudist communities, consulting with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to helping a young Winston Churchill, Murdoch has always been a man ahead of his time. In Season 6, he also confronts legal and social challenges to be with his love, pathologist-turned-psychiatrist Dr. Julia Ogden. Meanwhile, Constable Crabtree gains confidence as a policeman and a suitor to fetching coroner Dr. Emily Grace. The 3-disc set will feature 1080p video, a lossless 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements have yet to be revealed. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 6' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 26.Posted Thu Oct 31, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: October 2013by Steven Cohen Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with high-def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for affection, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a classic 90s thriller, a Cold War spy tragedy, and a comic book blockbuster. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September. [teaser]This month, we're covering a spooky haunted house story, a golden age Hollywood classic with a 3D spin, and a big budget adolescent sci-fi fantasy come to life. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there might be some spoilers for the films listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in October, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Conjuring' - In a sea of thoughtless remakes and overwhelmingly gory slashers, 'The Conjuring' stands out as a wonderfully old fashioned, spooky horror flick that pays loving homage to 1970s filmmaking. But perhaps more shocking than any of the movie's plentiful thrills, is the fact that it's directed by none other than James Wan. I mean, this is the man who made 'Saw,' after all, a film that helped usher in the contemporary horror genre's increasingly unappealing fascination with "torture porn" gore and violence. But 'The Conjuring' is essentially the antithesis of that subset, and instead of blood and guts, the movie harks back to an old school sensibility marked by inventive camera work, long takes, psychological thrills, and visceral scares that show us just enough to disturb and frighten without relying on gratuitous gore. At times the movie almost plays out like a long lost Steven Spielberg produced haunted house flick from the 70s. In fact, the film is basically the 'Super 8' of contemporary horror flicks, blending the style of the past with the technology of the present to tell a classic tale of spine tingling terror -- one that never loses sight of a heavy emphasis on character. The family at the center of the story is the real focus, and the scary antics that surround them are made all the more palpable thanks to the director and writers' heartfelt approach. We actually grow to care about the Perron family and the husband and wife paranormal investigators who risk everything to rid their home of the evil presence that lurks in the shadows. To this end, the cast is fantastic, with great turns from Patrick Wilson and Ron Livingston, and especially noteworthy performances from Lilli Taylor and Vera Farmiga. Director James Wan stages some wonderfully fun set pieces as well (the whole clapping bit is a particularly clever and amusing recipe for uneasy thrills), and he often enhances the film's tension through long, extended takes, rather than flashy editing and overbearing style. With that said, it's actually this same emotional, "Spielbergian" focus that ultimately holds the film back just a tad. While I admire the movie's surprising amount of heart, the climax feels a little too sweet and happy for my tastes, robbing the movie of that extra little bite that would have really made it special. Admittedly, that's a pretty nitpicky qualm, however, and this really is one of the best horror flicks I've seen in a very long time. With a nice mixture of old fashioned cinematic sensibilities and contemporary practical special effects, James Wan ends up crafting a memorable and genuinely thrilling ghost story that operates on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from the gory franchise that made him famous. Effortlessly entertaining, spooky, dramatically affecting, and just a whole lot of fun, 'The Conjuring' easily takes October's number one spot, offering audiences the perfect Blu-ray to help usher in Halloween. 'The Wizard of Oz - 3D: 75th Anniversary Edition' - As a kid I went through several different obsessions with various movies, comics, and cartoon shows. Some of my earliest infatuations included the likes of Superman, Batman, the X-Men, The Ninja Turtles, and Darkwing Duck -- but the very first movie to really capture my imagination and fully take hold, was 'The Wizard of Oz.' For a period of time I was nearly fanatical about all things Yellow Brick Road. I watched the movie endlessly, I knew all the actors' names by heart, and I even had 'Wizard of Oz' action figures. Yes, you read that correctly, action figures -- not dolls. Oh, alright, I had dolls too! Everything about the film simply filled me with wonder, and to this day, the movie's joyous magic remains just as powerful as ever. From the moment we first enter Oz and that explosion of color radiates from the screen, we are instantly transported "somewhere over the rainbow" and there is no going back. The story is timeless and full of imagination. The characters are memorable and bursting with personality (like Dorothy, the Scarecrow is my favorite too). The sets and costumes are brimming with little details and impeccable craft. The songs are catchy, beautiful, and infectiously hummable. And that Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys are the stuff nightmares are made of. Full of motion picture iconography, the film has left an indelible impression on multiple generations of viewers, and even after those ruby slippers take us home, the memory of Oz continues to put a smile on our faces. Perfect for kids without losing any of its appeal for adults, this is the quintessential family film by which all subsequent efforts are compared. For its 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. has put together an exceptional Blu-ray package, porting over most of the comprehensive supplements from previous editions while adding a brand new 3D conversion that brings a whole new dimension to this beloved classic. As reviewer David Krauss details in his full review, this 3D presentation is respectful and lovingly rendered, providing a natural and beautiful extension to the original cinematography. Full of brains, heart, and a bit of courage, this 75th Anniversary set is a clear must own for film fans of all ages, and rightfully earns a spot on this month's essential list. 'Pacific Rim' - Well, this movie has just about everything, doesn't it? Giant robots? Check. Giant monsters? Check. Giant robots fighting giant monsters? Double check. Giant robots fighting giant monsters, and an extended cameo from Ron Perlman? Ticket sold! Guillermo del Toro's unabashed exercise in adolescent fanboy wish fulfillment manages to succeed where many similar efforts have utterly failed. Yes, it's loud, chaotic, ridiculous, and dumb -- but it overcomes its potentially shallow qualities through genuinely impressive filmmaking craft and unbridled passion from its director. Also, it's just kind of awesome. Blending a cornucopia of influences culled from anime, comic books, 'Godzilla' movies, and various other sci-fi classics, the film is an explosion of child-like creativity. And at the same time, the movie unashamedly follows and downright celebrates every tried-and-true element that defines its genre. With that in mind, between all the amazing action, the script is admittedly full of storytelling clichés and thin characterizations, and it does come dangerously close to falling victim to the same flaws that end up dooming many a Michael Bay production. But thankfully, del Toro's vision remains clear and entertaining, and he injects every aspect of the film with such gleeful enthusiasm that it becomes infectious. While there is perhaps a faint tongue-in-cheek element to the whole affair, for the most part, the director's approach appears to be free from any real irony. This is del Toro's sincere attempt at making a film in the style and genre that he loves, and while that leaves some plotlines feeling a bit nonsensical and silly, that's simply part of the fun. With that said, there are a few elements that still seem a bit "off" to me, particularly Charlie Hunnam's performance. I've seen the actor in other productions and he's been perfectly fine, but here his approach is downright grating, with line deliveries that often sound like a terrible English dub in an anime show. I'm not sure if this approach was intentional or not, but either way, it did take me out of the film every now and then. Despite some flaws and an overall penchant for silly excess, 'Pacific Rim' is a fanboy fantasy come to life. It's one thing to throw lots of explosions and borderline nonsensical plotlines at the screen, but it's another to actually filter them all through a skillful hand and a cohesive vision, and thankfully Guillermo del Toro does just that. This is big budget giant robots done right, and Warner Brothers' Blu-ray features demo worthy video and audio in 2D or 3D, smashing the rest of the competition to earn the last spot on October's must own list. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this October, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for October's must own titles?Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
'The White Queen' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]All 10 episodes of the drama series will be knighted on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'The White Queen' on Blu-ray on February 4. 'The White Queen' is a riveting portrayal of one of the most dramatic and turbulent times in English history. A story of love and lust, seduction and deception, betrayal and murder, it is uniquely told through the perspective of three different, yet equally relentless women: Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale) and Anne Neville (Faye Marsay). In their quest for power, they will scheme, manipulate and seduce their way onto the English throne. The year is 1464, before the Tudor dynasty ruled the country, and war has been ravaging throughout England over who is the rightful King. It is a bitter dispute between two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster. The House of York's young and handsome Edward IV (Max Irons) is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator, Lord Warwick, "The Kingmaker" (James Frain). But when Edward falls in love with a beautiful Lancastrian commoner, Elizabeth Woodville, Warwick's plan to control the throne comes crashing down. A violent, high-stakes struggle ensues between Elizabeth, her most fierce adversary, Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville, the pawn in her father's power game; each woman vying for the crown. The 3-disc set will present all 10 episodes in 1080p with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks and supplements will include: The Making of The White Queen; Series Overview; Book To Series; The History Behind The White Queen; The White Queen: Set Tour; Queen Elizabeth; The King; The Heir Apparent; Woman In A Man's World; Conjuring Up The Queen/Magic; and Dressing The Queen/Wardrobe. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The White Queen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 4.Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Bang & Olufsen Announces New BeoLab Wireless Speakers[teaser]The BeoLab series promises new innovations in high-end wireless speaker technology. [/teaser] Bang & Olufsen have detailed three new high-end wireless speaker models. The BeoLab 17, 18, and 19 all feature the new WiSA standard for multi-channel wireless sound, offering improved performance and flexibility. "These new speakers are at the vanguard of a new era of high-end sound," says Lars Fredsgaard, Speaker Category Director at Bang & Olufsen. "Until now, speakers with this level of performance had to be wired. Our latest launch uses a robust wireless standard with enough bandwidth and channels to deliver a listening experience the way the artist intended it. Upgrading to premium sound – without downgrading your décor – is now available in three ways." The BeoLab 17 is a compact speaker intended for flexible placement with a wedge-like design that is suitable for a variety of locations from bookshelves to walls. The BeoLab 18 features the latest update to the company's iconic audio column design and is geared toward placement on floors and walls. The speaker also includes an acoustic lens tweeter and 21-lamella front. Finally, the BeoLab 19 is a new wireless subwoofer that packs a 12-faced dodecahedron and two drivers for powerful bass and fewer unwanted vibrations. All three models support the new WiSA standard which functions on the 5.2–5.8 GHz range and provides enough bandwidth for uncompressed 24-bit music. The BeoLab 17 will retail for $3,990, the BeoLab 18 will sell for $6,590, and the BeoLab 19 will cost $3,395. The entire series will be available from Bang & Olufsen in November. Sources: Bang & Olufsen, EngadgetPosted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection' Blu-ray Disc Replacement[teaser]One of the discs in the Blu-ray set has an audio glitch that Shout Factory wants to make right. [/teaser] Recently Shout Factory release 'Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection' on Blu-ray on October 22, however there is a problem accessing the Mandarin track on 'Fist of Fury'. Shout Factory has issued this statement: It's come to our attention that on the "Fist of Fury" Blu-ray disc the mono Mandarin audio track is not accessible. We regret this oversight. If you would like a replacement disc, please send an email to [email protected] with "Bruce Lee Fist of Fury Replacement" in the subject line, and one will be mailed to you in 3 to 4 weeks. You can find the latest specs for 'Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 22.Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Comcast Offers Live TV Streaming with Xfinity TV Go[teaser]The rebranded version of the company's Xfinity TV Player app will give users the option of watching programming on the go. [/teaser] According to The Verge, Comcast will soon be updating and rebranding its Xfinity TV Player app. The new mobile app will be called Xfinity TV Go and will be available on Android and iOS devices. Xfinity TV Go will give subscribers access to about 35 live TV channels that they can stream away from their homes. The initial lineup of supported channels includes CNN, FOX News, ESPN, BBC World News, FX and the Disney Channel. The app will also provide users with a library of on-demand content filled with select movies and TV shows. Subscribers will be able to access the live TV streams on their mobile devices through any Wi-Fi connection. In addition, support for Verizon Wireless 3G and LTE connections is also rumored. It's not known if other cell phone providers will also offer support. The new app is expected to launch within the next few weeks. Other companies like TiVo and AT&T U-Verse have recently announced similar live TV streaming options for their users as well. Source: The VergePosted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Uta No Prince Sama 1000%: Season 1' Coming to Blu-ray[teaser]All 13 episodes of the anime series' first season are heading to Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Section 23 is preparing 'Uta No Prince Sama 1000%: Season 1' for Blu-ray on January 7. When Haruka gets the chance to take the entrance exam for Saotome Academy for the Performing Arts, it seems as though she's one step closer to her dream of composing songs for her favorite singer, Hayato. However, this is no gleeful high school musical experience, and Haruka's hiding a dreadful secret that may silence her musical ambitions forever. And even if she does get into Saotome, the competition will be more brutal than going on Japan's Top Idol! That's because, as a writer, Haruka could be paired with any one of six radically different male singers. Will it be upbeat Otoya, serious Masato, flirtatious Ren, split-personality Natsuki, optimistic Syo, or the unapproachable Tokiya, who's rumored to be Hayato's brother? And just to make things more complicated and awkward, writers and singers are expressly NOT allowed to get romantically involved! Can one girl and six handsome young men learn to make beautiful music together in a strictly platonic sense? They can if the oddball staff of Saotome, most of whom are current and former idols themselves have anything to say about it in 'Uta no Prince Sama 1000%!' The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a lossless Japanese soundtrack, and supplements will include Clean Opening and Closing Animations. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Uta No Prince Sama 1000%: Season 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 7.Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Poll: Will You Boycott 'Ender's Game'?This weekend brings the theatrical release of the big-budget sci-fi drama 'Ender's Game', which arrives steeped in controversy – not over anything in the movie itself, but due to the inflammatory public views of author Orson Scott Card. Are you able to separate the art from the artist and give the movie a shot, or are you among those planning to boycott the film? Vote in our blog poll today.Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Guess what, Blu-ray? 'You're Next'...[teaser]The winner of the Best Film award at the Austin Fantastic Fest and runner up for the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival is planned for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate says 'You're Next' will be available on Blu-ray on January 14. Aubrey and Paul Davison decide to celebrate their wedding anniversary by inviting their four children and their significant others to a family reunion at their remote weekend estate. But the family reunion goes awry when their home comes under siege by a mask-wearing team of crossbow-bearing assailants. The family has no idea who's attacking them, why they're under attack or if the attackers are inside or outside the cavernous, creaking house. All they know for certain is that nobody is safe. 'You're Next' features a terrific ensemble cast including Sharni Vinson ('Step Up 3D'), Nicholas Tucci ('Choose'), AJ Bowen ('The House of the Devil') and Ti West ('Drinking Buddies'), with Rob Moran ('Dumb & Dumber') and horror icon Barbara Crampton ('Re-Animator'). The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: "No Ordinary Home Invasion: The Making Of You're Next" featurette; Audio commentary with Director Adam Wingard, Writer Simon Barrett and Actors Sharni Vinson and Barbara Crampton; and Audio commentary with Director Adam Wingard and Writer Simon Barrett. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'You're Next' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 14.Posted Wed Oct 30, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
