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'The Rooftop' is Coming to Blu-ray[teaser]Jay Chou's action/comedy/musical will fight and dance its way toward Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'The Rooftop' for Blu-ray on December 10. Gao and his friends are the happiest kids in the city of Galilee. Living on the rooftops of this bustling metropolis, sometimes life can be tough, but they still churn out songs all day, and dance under the stars at night. But when Gao meets his dream girl, a billboard beauty named Sian, fate takes him on a wild ride through the high and low parts of the town he loves. Specs and supplements have not been announced yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Rooftop' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 10.Posted Wed Sep 25, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD on Set (Part 1): Exclusive Interview with 'Curse of Chucky's Fiona Dourifby Tom Landy On September 12th, 2012, I was invited by the fine folks at Universal Studios to spend the afternoon down on the set of 'Curse of Chucky' -- the sixth movie in the 'Child's Play' horror franchise that was filming locally here in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. During the visit, we (myself and the handful of other media present) were first treated to a quickie "5¢ tour" of the house set. Instead of using an actual house, it was constructed inside the studio warehouse, basically consisting of four inner house walls including one with a fireplace -- which will more than likely seem like an actual home through movie magic, of course. We also got to hang out for a bit with Tony Gardner -- the lead puppeteer for the film, who showed us an assortment of Chucky heads on display. Each were in various stages of battle damage, and Tony even demonstrated how some of their inner mechanisms worked. Man, if you thought Chucky was creepy in the movies, you should see the little bastard up close and personal! After that, each of us we were given the opportunity to privately interview a few of the stars on hand and now we have finally been green lit to share them with you. [Teaser]The following interview spotlights actress Fiona Dourif -- the daughter of cult character actor Brad Dourif -- who shares some insight as to what it was like making 'Curse of Chucky,' working with her father, and more. [/teaser] HDD: Hi Fiona. Thanks for doing this for us. Have you ever been to Winnipeg before? Fiona: I have never been to Winnipeg before. I have never seen the flat, flat prairie for as long as the eyes can see. I've never seen it. I've been to Vancouver and Quebec, but never here in Winnipeg. And Winnipeg's great, I like Winnipeg. It's got surprisingly a lot of good restaurants. I'm enjoying the food and it's very accessible. And the people are great. The people are so, so nice. HDD: 'Curse of Chucky' is the sixth film in the 'Chucky" franchise. Can you tell us a little bit about the story and the character that you play? Fiona: Sure. This movie is a throwback to the original and it's making Chucky scary again. This is truly a horror film. It's not a campy comedy at all. And I play a girl who is sort of trapped in this very difficult family dynamic with a high maintenance mother that she has to take care of, and a difficult sister, and she's disabled and she's trying to get her life together. Chucky is delivered in the beginning of the film and sort of chaos ensues with her and the entire family. HDD: Do you find it to be a challenge playing a wheelchair-bound character? Fiona: This is the second film that I've done playing a paraplegic and the main thing, you know, I think that people are people -- whether they are in a wheelchair or not. And you just want to sort of do it justice. You know? I don't think the wheelchair defines my character. I think it's something that she deals with. She has also been in a wheelchair since birth. The character that I played in the last movie became paraplegic and it was called 'After the Fall' and it was about... that. And I really tried to give that, do that justice. You know and as much as I could do it was kind of, a terrible movie, but... (Laughs). HDD: Has Chucky ever given you nightmares? Given your lifelong association with, you know... Fiona: Right... Right. Chucky... Chucky has indirectly given me nightmares, yes. I wasn't allowed to watch the films when I was a kid. But I walked in on my dad screaming bloody murder as he was being burned alive in the ADR booth -- and that gave me nightmares. Watching that, seeing that gave me nightmares, for sure. Yeah, I'm like, you know, I'm kinda like a spooky baby, I have to be careful what horror movies I watch because I get truly scared. It's pretty embarrassing. (Laughs). HDD: How was it getting to work with your father (Brad) again? Fiona: I would say that this feels like the first time I've ever worked with my dad. I worked with my dad briefly in 'Deadwood,' but I was "Whore #3" so it didn't really (laughs), I mean, it was great and I was so happy for the opportunity, but it didn't quite feel like... I also, we also had no scenes together. This has been, um, the whole family -- nepotism element has given it this very surreal quality where I'm on set and my dad's there so it feels like this kind of family adventure and not Fiona Dourif going off to do a film. So "surreal" (laughs), surreal is the answer and he's very supportive. He's a great, he's a really, really great dad. It's been great so far and I just hope I do it justice. HDD: Is there a favorite genre that you prefer for acting? Fiona: I probably am gearing more towards straight dramas. I would say Paul Thomas Anderson is probably my favorite director. Horror is pretty fun to do, just because the stakes are so high that you get to do things you wouldn't do otherwise, like I was screaming hysterical murder, you know? Which is fun. When it gets in, like hour, you know, 16, it kind of (laughs) gets a little old, maybe, but I would say that. Comedy is hard. Comedy's hard, but fun to do. HDD: You've also appeared as Casey in a number of episodes of 'True Blood.' What was it like working on that show? Fiona: 'True Blood' was fantastic to work on. They had a lot of time and a lot of money and a huuuge loyal fanbase. So they really got to kind of like work with all the characters and figure out what they wanted. I also worked with Fiona Shaw who I saw (inaudible) and who I just think is a great, powerful, and amazing actress. Also, she was clearly the lead in that season and there's very few other "Fionas" so after like eight months on the show I just stopped responding to my name in like every situation because they would call for Fiona so much and it was never for me. It was like "Fiona! Fiona!" (turns head) Oh? Oh right, yes. So that happened. (Laughs). HDD: Finally, do have anything lined up for after 'Curse of Chucky'? Or anything that's already completed that we should be on the lookout for? Fiona: I appear in 'The Master' which is coming out, a Paul Thomas Anderson film that's coming out, um, and I, yes, I just shot, I just shot one small movie, the title I think is still in working order. And then there's another film that I'm shooting when I get back that's -- oh what is the title of it oh my god -- I think that title was kind of in working -- oh it was called 'Gutshot Straight' and it's with Sylvester Stallone and AnnaLynne McCord and the lead actor -- his name is escaping me but he's great -- and I believe in that script. I think that script is good and could be a very good movie. HDD: Great, thank you Fiona. Fiona: Sure, thanks. (Smiles). Up next, we be checking in with Chucky himself -- Brad Dourif -- so be sure to stay tuned! 'Curse of Chucky' arrives in stores on Blu-ray and DVD on October 8. Also available on the same date is 'Chucky: The Compete Collection' on Blu-ray.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
'Turbo' Dated for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D![teaser]The animated DreamWorks feature will be speeding to home video in November! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, DreamWorks will release 'Turbo' on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D on November 12. A limited edition set with a toy car will also be available on the same date while quantities last. Laugh it up with the visually stunning, heartfelt comedy-adventure for fans of all ages this holiday season! “Fresh, fast and funny” (Lou Lumenick, New York Post) and garnering four stars from Shawn Edwards with Fox TV, DreamWorks Animation’s 'Turbo' has been hailed by critics as “pure family fun” (Jeff Craig, Sixty Second Preview) receiving outstanding audience reaction and a coveted “A” CinemaScore. Directed by David Soren and from the team behind family favorite franchises 'Madagascar' and 'Kung Fu Panda,' TURBO is “a movie both kids AND adults will adore!” (Deidre Behar, Clevver News) and features laugh-out-loud performances from an incredible voice cast of today’s biggest stars: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolf, Michelle Rodriguez and Samuel L. Jackson. Specs have yet to be revealed, but each combo pack will include: Champions Corner - Host Paul Page interviews Turbo one-on-one to hear all about his racing techniques and inspirations; Be An Artist! – Dave Burgess, Head of Character Animation on the film, shows the audience how to draw: Turbo, Whiplash, Skidmark, Burn, Smooth Move, White Shadow, Chet and Customizable Racers; Team Turbo: Tricked Out – See Turbo and all the rest of the snail crew in a break- down of the cool components that make up each of their shells; TURBO F.A.S.T Trailer from TV show – First look at upcoming new TV show this December; Holiday Favorites – Sneak Peeks; and World of DreamWorks Animation – Music videos from your favorite DreamWorks Animation feature films. Blu-ray exclusives include: Smoove Move’s Music Maker – Watch action-packed music videos featuring songs from the film; Meet Tito – Director David Soren provides an introduction for a scene that was deleted from the film; The Race – Director David Soren provides an introduction for a storyboard sequence that eventually made it into the film. Viewers can even see picture-in-picture comparison to the final cut; and Shell Creator - Create your own shell from select-able parts. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray Combo Pack is $38.99 while the Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack is $48.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Turbo' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 12.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Madonna: MDNA World Tour' Blu-ray Recall[teaser]An audio glitch on Madonna's latest concert disc has prompted a recall in the US. [/teaser] Interscope Records will be issuing a Blu-ray recall for 'Madonna: MDNA World Tour' released on Blu-ray on September 10 citing "an error in manufacturing that has compromised the 5.1 audio." Madonna commented last week: "Yes and I'm absolutely horrified. My label is looking into it... trying to get to the bottom of it. It might be a case of old technology not working with new technology. Please be patient. I spent 6 months editing and doing the sound mix for the [Blu-ray], the last thing I want to hear is that the fans aren't getting the fruits of my labor." This statement was also just released by the manufacturer: Interscope Records would like to make consumers of Madonna's MDNA World Tour Blu-ray disc aware that the concert will be seen at its most optimal quality by properly adjusting the settings on your television to "Normal/Movie" mode rather than "Dynamic/Enhanced" mode. Older Blu-ray players or those without a firmware upgrade may experience glitches when navigating the Blu-ray menu. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to upgrade firmware. Due to an error in manufacturing that has compromised the 5.1 audio in the US, a full recall of the Blu-ray disc will be issued in the US. No other markets will be affected. We apologize for this inconvenience. A date for the re-release of corrected discs has not been set at this time.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
DarbeeVision Announces New Products and Technology[teaser]Several new innovations will be on display at the CEDIA Expo, including an updated Darblet video processor. [/teaser] DarbeeVision has offered details on what it plans to show off at the CEDIA Expo being held in Denver, Colorado this week. The company, which focuses on digital video enhancement, will debut its new Reveal technology for security/surveillance systems. Through their inline HDMI processor, obscured details are enhanced, helping to alleviate fog, haze, and poor lighting conditions. In addition, DarbeeVision has announced a licensing agreement with OPPO Digital, resulting in the world's first Blu-ray player with built-in Visual Presence technology. The BDP-103D will be able to make real time picture enhancements, improving depth, clarity, and realism in any image, along with support for 4K upscaling. The company also plans to demo its new DVP 5100, the successor to its popular Darblet video processor, which promises to improve home theater video quality without excessive artifacts. All of DarbeeVisions new products and technology demos will be on display at the company's booth at the CEDIA Expo in Denver from Septmeber 25-28. Pricing and release dates for the DVP 5100 and the OPPO BDP-103D have not been announced yet. Source: DarbeeVision via Market WiredPosted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3 Collector's Set' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The first three seasons of the hit A&E reality series head to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3 Collector's Set' on Blu-ray on December 3. Keep the camo-clad Robertsons in your sights at all times with this DUCK DYNASTY® gift set from A&E®. With these down-home millionaires from Louisiana, there's always somebody up to something that you can rest assured somebody else isn't going to like. See what happens when Willie hosts his own radio show, but makes the mistake of bringing Uncle Si on the air with him. Watch how his employee retreat fails to build trust among the Duck Commander team. And you'll want to catch Jase's plans to prevent Missy from finding out he's lost his second, newly replaced wedding ring. But the Robertsons never back down from a challenge, always taking on new adventures. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3 Collector's Set' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 3.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Simpsons: The Sixteenth Season' is Heading to Blu-ray[teaser]The 2004-2005 season starring Springfield's beloved cartoon family is coming to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 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. Technical specs have not been detailed yet, but 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's indexed under December 3.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung and LG Resolve their Legal Issues[teaser]After battling over display patents, both companies have decided to end their disputes. [/teaser] In a somewhat unexpected move, Korean electronics manufacturers LG and Samsung have settled their legal squabbling. The two companies had been fighting over claims of patent infringement and technology theft in relation to their LCD and OLED displays. This decision comes after several lawsuits and a year of legal maneuverings. “It was agreed that we two should focus more on cementing our leadership in the global market by cooperation, instead of engaging in all-consuming patent disputes,'' Samsung said in a statement. LG, in its own statement, continued, “What's most important for both of us is upgrading our competitiveness globally.'' While their legal battles are thankfully now over, the two technology giants will of course continue to compete in the display market. Most recently, both companies have released their own 55-inch curved screen OLED TVs, promising superior contrast, black levels, and colors. Samsung's KN55S9C currently retails for $9,000, and LG's 55EA9800 currently retails for $10,000 as a Best Buy Magnolia Store exclusive. Source: The Standard via EngadgetPosted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Following: The Complete First Season' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The first 15 episodes of Kevin Bacon's crime drama will be available on Blu-ray early next year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'The Following: The Complete First Season' for Blu-ray on January 7. The FBI estimates there are currently up to 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances? What if one brilliant and charismatic, yet psychotic mastermind was able to bring them all together and activate a cult of believers following his every command? Welcome to The Following, which features Golden Globe winner and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Bacon in his primetime series debut. The Following has already been renewed for a second season The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless soundtrack and supplements have yet to be revealed. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Following: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 7.Posted Tue Sep 24, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Lone Ranger' Finally Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Disney's 2013 western will be riding to Blu-ray in December.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing 'The Lone Ranger' on Blu-ray on December 17. From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, comes "The Lone Ranger", a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice - taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will include: Riding The Rails of The Lone Ranger, Armie's Western Road Trip, Becoming a Cowboy, Deleted Scene, and Blooper Reel. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Lone Ranger' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 17.Posted Mon Sep 23, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
