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'Rififi' and 'Thief' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Films from Jules Dassin and Michael Mann are getting the Criterion Blu-ray treatment this January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing 'Rififi' for Blu-ray on January 14. After making such American noir classics as 'The Naked City' and 'Brute Force,' blacklisted director Jules Dassin went to Paris and embarked on his masterpiece: a twisting, turning tale of four ex-cons who hatch one last glorious heist in the City of Lights. At once naturalistic and expressionistic, this melange of suspense, brutality, and dark humor was an international hit and earned Dassin the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The Blu-ray will feature a 2K restored 1080p transfer, uncompressed monaural soundtrack, and supplements will include: Interview with director Jules Dassin; Set design drawings by Alexandre Trauner; Production stills; Trailer; A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman. Michael Mann's 'Thief' will also be available on Blu-ray on the same date. The revered American auteur Michael Mann burst out of the gate with his bold artistic sensibility fully formed with 'Thief,' his first theatrical feature. James Caan stars, in one of his most riveting performances, as a no-nonsense ex-con safecracker planning to leave the criminal world behind after one final diamond heist, but discovering that escape is not as simple as he hoped. Finding hypnotic beauty in neon and rain-slick streets, sparks and steel, 'Thief' effortlessly established the moody stylishness and tactile approach to action that would define such later iconic entertainments from Mann as 'Miami Vice,' 'Manhunter,' and 'Heat.' The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring Mann and actor James Caan; New interviews with Mann, Caan, and Johannes Schmoelling of the band Tangerine Dream, which contributed the film's soundtrack; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Nick James. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Rififi' and 'Thief' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under January 14.Posted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Nokia Spotlights Lumia 2520 Tablet[teaser]The company's first Windows tablet sports a 10.1-inch HD screen and is designed for versatile mobility. [/teaser] Nokia has revealed the Lumia 2520 tablet. The device comes with a 10.1-inch 1080p IPS display that is geared toward providing optimal readability whether the user is indoors or outdoors. The Lumia 2520 is powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, and an 8000 mAh battery that runs Windows RT 8.1. A 6.7MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a 2MP front camera are also included. The tablet also features 32GB of storage and microSD support for up to 32GB. In addition, the tablet comes with unique software like the Lumia exclusive 'Dragons Adventure' interactive game, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Video Director, and Nokia Music. Microsoft Office and Outlook also come preinstalled, and an optional Power Keyboard accessory is available that makes typing more convenient while also providing up to five hours of extra battery life. The Nokia Lumia 2520 will be available in several colors starting in Q4 2013 for a suggested retail price of $499. The Nokia Power Keyboard will also be available at the same time for $149. Source: NokiaPosted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Indiana Jones' Blu-ray Singles Dated and Detailed[teaser]The first three films in the legendary saga finally arrive individually in high definition this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount will be releasing 'Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' on Blu-ray on December 17. 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' will also be reissued on the same date. Relive all your favorite moments from the greatest adventure of all time—from the deserts of Egypt to the jungles of South America—as everyone’s favorite archaeologist travels the globe thwarting evil villains to retrieve history’s most famous artifacts. Under the supervision of director Steven Spielberg and sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark was painstakingly restored in 2012 with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film. Own this meticulously restored version of the cinematic classic that started it all, as well as previously remastered versions of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, each with pristine picture and sound in sparkling high definition. 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will also be available on Digital HD and in a two-disc Blu-ray set with behind-the-scenes special features. Each Blu-ray will include 1080p video, lossless soundtracks, and the releases will only include trailers and digital copies except for 'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' -- which will also include: The Return of a Legend Featurette; Pre-Production Featurette; Production Diary: Making Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; Pre-Visualization Sequences; Galleries; Theatrical Trailer #2 (HD); and Theatrical Trailer #3 (HD). Suggested list price for the Blu-rays are $26.98. You can find the latest specs for Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under December 17.Posted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 07:45 AM PDT by: -
'Saving General Yang' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]Details have been finalized for the Chinese epic drama arriving on Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] As previously reported, Well Go USA is preparing 'Saving General Yang' for Blu-ray on December 10. The story of the Yang's has been eulogized for hundreds of years in the Chinese society. It details the exploits of the Yang military family, recounting the unflinching loyalty of the Yang family heirs. The plot places focus on how the seven sons of the Yang family attempt to rescue their father as they take on an army of thousands, brave treacherous mountain terrain, face their nemesis, and find a way home alive - all to save their beloved patriarch. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Mandarin DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include a behind the scenes featurette and cast and crew interviews. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Saving General Yang' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 10.Posted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Futurama: Volume 8' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The next batch of episodes from the cult animated series will be defrosted on Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Futurama: Volume 8' for Blu-ray on December 10. Attention, easily brainwashed citizens of Earth! You are now under the control of "Futurama" Volume Eight — the highly animated sci-fi comedy from "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. Packed with mind-altering, brain-exploding extras not shown on TV, this outrageous collection includes 13 mesmerizing episodes featuring maniac street racers, robot grave robbers, and nerve-wracking nose transplants. You'll watch…you'll laugh… you'll obey. The Hypnotoad commands it! Specs have not been revealed yet, but supplements will include: Audio Commentary on All Episodes; Precious Trimmings: A Compendium of Deleted Scenes; Futurama University; and Inside Futurama: The Writers' Room of Tomorrow. Suggested list price for the 2-Disc set is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Futurama: Volume 8' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 10.Posted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Simpsons: The Sixteenth Season' Blu-ray Specs Revealed[teaser]The 2004-2005 season starring Springfield's beloved cartoon family is coming to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'The Simpsons: The Sixteenth Season' for Blu-ray on December 3. Hold onto your donuts! Season 16 of the The Simpsons -- the longest-running scripted show in television history -- includes all 21 hilarious episodes, tons of meticulously slapped-together special features, plus a veritable who's who (woo-hoo!) of celebrity guest voices, including Fantasia Barrino, Jason Bateman, Gary Busey, James Caan, Stephen Hawking, Eric Idle, Jane Kaczmarek, Lucy Liu, Liam Neeson, Amy Poehler, Ray Romano and plenty more. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentaries for All Episodes; Live! It's The Simpsons: Table Read Featurette for "Thank God, It's Doomsday"; Bonus Episode: "Holidays of Future Passed"; Bonus Episode: "Bart to the Future," Season 11 (BD Exclusive); Bonus Episode: "Lisa's Wedding," Season 6 (BD Exclusive); Greetings, Junior Scienteers!; Living in the Moment; Special Language Feature: Pranksta Rap; Animation Showcase: Future-Drama Act 1; Deleted Scenes (Plus Gallery with Commentary); Two Sketch Galleries; and Easter Eggs. Suggested list price for the 3-Disc set is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Simpsons: The Sixteenth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 3.Posted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Expected to Trump HBO in Subscribers[teaser]The popular streaming service could now have more paid US subscribers than the premium cable channel. [/teaser] According to analysts at Needham & Co, Netflix is likely to have accumulated 30 million paid US subscribers as of Sept. 30. In comparison, HBO is estimated to have 28.7 million US customers according to SNL Kagan. This marks a notable accomplishment for the streaming company, which has hopes of becoming a full-fledged web-based television network. Thanks to original programming and exclusive content like 'House of Cards' and the latest season of 'Arrested Development,' Netflix has been making moves to capture viewers who might otherwise look into traditional cable services like HBO. With such impressive subscriber numbers, cable and satellite companies are beginning to contemplate partnerships with Netflix, hoping to integrate the streaming service into their own packages. According to sources who spoke to Bloomberg, Cox Communications Inc., Suddenlink Communications, RCN Telecom Services and Atlantic Broadband Finance LLC are all among the US cable providers who are currently discussing potential deals with Netflix. A basic Netflix streaming plan goes for $8 a month, offering users access to all of the company's growing library of films and television shows, including its original content. Though HBO does not offer a separate pay streaming service, its streaming HBO Go service is available to users who already subscribe to the channel through their cable or satellite providers. Source: BloombergPosted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray's Given 'Two Weeks Notice'[teaser]The 2002 romantic comedy from Marc Lawrence is planned for Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'Two Weeks Notice' on Blu-ray on February 4. Opposites don't just attract, they banter, fuss, feud and collide. Sandra Bullock plays an activist lawyer and Hugh Grant is the eccentric tycoon who hires her in this rom-com romp from the writer of 'Miss Congeniality.' Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for Two Weeks Notice' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 4.Posted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Benchmark Announces THX High-Efficiency Amplifier[teaser]The new amp technology promises enhanced dynamic range and less distortion. [/teaser] Benchmark has detailed its upcoming AHB2 stereo amplifier. Unlike current components of its type, the AHB2 features THX's High Efficiency technology, which is said to provide high quality sound that improves performance over Class A amplifiers and exceeds the efficiency of Class AB amplifiers. The AHB2 is rated at 2 x 170 W into 4 ohms or 340 W bridged mono into 8 ohms. The amp has a dynamic range that approaches 130 dB making it a perfect fit for high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. Likewise, the device's frequency response surpasses 200 kHz and goes below 0.1 Hz for full bandwidth high-resolution playback. As the world's first power amplifier to use THX's proprietary all-analog amplifier technology, the AHB2 also promises to virtually eliminate crossover distortion. "Benchmark is a great partner to roll out THX's patented all-analog amplifier technology," said Laurie Fincham, Senior VP at THX Ltd. "Having used Benchmark's excellent DAC2 stereo pre-amp, one that is widely used in broadcasting and recording venues throughout the world, we feel that the AHB2 power amplifier will be the perfect mate." An exact release date and pricing have not been detailed, but the AHB2 amplifier is expected to retail for less than $3,000. Sources: TWICE, Benchmark Media, ReutersPosted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Lady from Shanghai' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Orson Welles' classic 1947 noir film based on the novel by Sherwood King is in the works for Blu-ray sometime next year. [/teaser] According to Grover Crisp -- Sony's executive vice-president of film restoration, the studio is hard at work preparing 'The Lady from Shanghai' for Blu-ray sometime in 2014. When unemployed Irishman Michael O'Hara (Orson Welles) saves Elsa Bannister (Rita Hayworth) from some thugs, she obtains him a position on her invalid lawyer husband Arthur's (Everett Sloane) yacht, as a deckhand. It soon becomes clear that Elsa now has designs on O'Hara, and also wants her husband out of the way. O'Hara, although resisting Elsa's advances, finds himself becoming embroiled in a web of intrigue and murder. The famous hall of mirrors sequence is considered to be one of the greatest scenes in film history. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have yet to be revealed, but the film has recently undergone a 4K restoration. You can find the latest specs for 'The Lady from Shanghai' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
