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Hardware Review: Panamorph CineVista Anamorphic LensIn the latest article in his series about Constant Image Height projection, our HD Advisor Josh Zyber puts the new, lower-cost Panamorph CineVista anamorphic lens through its paces and compares it to a more expensive model. Read about it in the blog today.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Internship' is on the way to Blu-ray![teaser]The 2013 Shawn Levy Google extravaganza heads to Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'The Internship' for Blu-ray on October 22. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up to crash the digital world in this laugh-out-loud buddy comedy you've been searching for! Trying to reboot their obsolete careers, old-school salesmen Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) talk their way into an internship program at the state-of-the-art Google campus, vying for a handful of spots among tech-savvy college students who are half their age and twice as smart. The competition is fiercely funny as Billy and Nick break all the rules in a hilarious quest to land their dream jobs! The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Any Given Monday; Theatrical and Unrated Audio Commentary with Shawn Levy; Sneak Peeks; and Blu-ray exclusive deleted scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Internship' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 22.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Creates First Quad HD Display for Smartphones[teaser]LG has developed the first 2560X1440 Quad HD panel for use with mobile devices. [/teaser] The Quad HD AH-IPS LCD panel is 5.5-inches and features an impressive resolution of 2560X1440 with 538ppi, offering four times the pixels of a 720p display along with superior pixel density, clarity, and sharpness. LG also states that the new panel is the world's slimmest and narrowest, measuring just 1.21mm thin with a 1.2mm bezel. In addition, the screen uses Low Temperature Poly-Silicon substrate, enabling improved brightness at 430nit. Though this is an exciting development in smartphone display technology, there's no word yet on any specific mobile devices or companies that might use the new screen. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Clear History' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The hilarious new comedy starring Larry David will be available on Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is working on 'Clear History' for a Blu-ray release on October 29. The future is bright for fans of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' who are clamoring for a dose of Larry David to tickle their funny bones. In 'Clear History', David brings the improvisational style he has perfected over eight seasons of the HBO Golden Globe-winning comedy smash to the first HBO Films comedic title in recent years. Written as a story outline by David and the creative team behind Curb, the film features "an outstanding cast" (People Magazine) including Golden Globe winner and Emmy® nominee Jon Hamm ('Mad Men') and Academy Award® nominee Kate Hudson ('Almost Famous'), who put their improvisational skills to the test to provide non-stop laughs for the audience. The film features an A-list ensemble cast that also includes Emmy® winner Bill Hader ("Saturday Night Live"), Phillip Baker Hall ('Magnolia'), Golden Globe nominee Michael Keaton ('Batman'), Danny McBride (HBO's "Eastbound and Down"), Eva Mendes ('Hitch'), Academy Award® nominee Amy Ryan ('Gone Baby Gone,' HBO's "The Wire') and David's "Curb" co-star J.B. Smoove. Directed by Greg Mottola ('Superbad'); written by Larry David, Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer; executive produced by Greg Mottola, Bradley Thomas, Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer. Monica Levinson produces; Laura Streicher is associate producer. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Clear History' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 29.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Unveils New Products in its Envision Cinema Line[teaser]A new soundbar and TV speaker system have been added to the company's lineup of audio gear. [/teaser] Onkyo has announced the upcoming release of two new audio products, the LS-B50 soundbar system and the LS-T10 TV speaker system. Both systems feature a 6.1 channel setup that uses DSP technology to convey panoramic sound, and offer support for regular TV remotes for simplified control. USB ports and wireless Bluetooth capabilities are also included. The LS-B50 features an eight-driver speaker array and comes complete with a 40 watt wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass support. In contrast, the LS-T10 includes six-full range drivers and an integrated 21 watt active subwoofer for a more convenient, all-in-one design. Both systems are powered by a six-channel digital amplifier and Onkyo's proprietary AuraSphere DSP technology for sound equalization and level balancing, creating a 3D audio environment from 2.0 PCM and Dolby Digital sources. The LS-B50 and the LS-T10 are both currently available for pre-order on Amazon for $599 and $399 respectively. The site lists an October 1 release date but Onkyo states the speaker systems should become available in September. Source: OnkyoPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]There's no date yet, but the Academy Award winner for Best Picture appears to be getting an extended Blu-ray edition and pre-orders are now live! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers 'Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition' appears to be coming to Blu-ray in the near future. The historical thriller -- which stars Ben Affleck as a CIA "'exfiltration" specialist who concocts a risky scheme to rescue six Americans taking shelter at the Canadian embassy during the height of the Iranian revolution -- also landed Affleck an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Specs, supplements, and a release date have not been set yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals Two New Color Options for the PS4's DualShock 4[teaser]Magma Red and Wave Blue bring a two tone look to Sony's new controller.[/teaser] Included with the PS4, which will arrive November 15th, will be Sony's three generation old default Jet Black controller choice. The DualShock 2, Sixaxis/DualShock 3, and now the DualShock 4, have all shipped with their respective systems in black. This time though, Sony has unveiled that there will be two more options available separately from the system. From Sony, "DUALSHOCK®4 in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue" are the first color variations, representing two of the most popular colors among PlayStation® users. The two-toned look with the vivid Magma Red and Wave Blue along with black further enhances the stylish look of the DUALSHOCK®4. With the introduction of the new colors, users will be able to choose from 3 colors of DUALSHOCK®4 to enjoy gameplay or other entertainment content on PS4™." Unfortunately, it looks like the controller color variations won't be available at launch, at least not in the US. "(The) new color variations for PlayStation®4 (PS4™) Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®4) in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue", (will be introduced) concurrently with the launch of PS4™ in Europe, at a recommended retail price (RRP) of € 59 / £ 54 (including tax). They will also become available in North America at a RRP of US$ 59 / Canada$ 59 (including tax) and Latin America* later this year." The PS4 is available to pre-order. Source: Sony Author: Brian HossPosted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
'Mad Men: Season Six' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The sixth season of the hit series will be released on Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate has revealed 'Mad Men: Season Six' for high-definition on November 5. Returning for its sixth season, 'Mad Men,' rife with possibilities, explores the glamorous and ego-driven "Golden Age" of advertising in the late 1960's New York City. Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and the rest of the award-winning cast continue to captivate as they deal with the aftereffects of adultery, divorce, a merger and an ever changing social climate. The 3-disc Blu-ray set will present all 13 episodes in 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include six featurettes: Design of a Decade", "Recreating an Era", "Gay Power!", "Gay Pride!", "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out", and "Summer of Love Archives". Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $49.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Mad Men: Season Six' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 5.Posted Wed Aug 21, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'City Lights' and 'Frances Ha' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Baumbach and more Charlie Chaplin are coming to Criterion's Blu-ray library this November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion says 'City Lights' is planned for Blu-ray on November 12. The most cherished film by Charlie Chaplin is also his ultimate Little Tramp chronicle. The writer-director-star achieved new levels of grace, in both physical comedy and dramatic poignancy, with this silent tale of a lovable vagrant falling for a young blind woman who sells flowers on the street (a magical Virginia Cherrill) and mistakes him for a millionaire. Though this Depression-era smash was made after the advent of sound, Chaplin remained steadfast in his love for the expressive beauty of the pre-talkie form. The result was the epitome of his art and the crowning achievement of silent comedy. The Blu-ray will feature a 4K 1080p transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements include: New audio commentary by Charlie Chaplin biographer Jeffrey Vance; Chaplin Today: "City Lights," a 2003 documentary on the film's production, featuring Aardman Animations cofounder Peter Lord; Chaplin Studios: Creative Freedom by Design, a new interview program featuring visual effects expert Craig Barron; Archival footage from the production of City Lights, including film from the set, with audio commentary by Chaplin historian Hooman Mehran; a costume test; a rehearsal; and a complete scene not used in the film; Excerpt from Chaplin's short film The Champion (1915), along with footage of the director with boxing stars at Chaplin Studios in 1918; Trailers; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Gary Giddins and a 1966 interview with Chaplin. On the same day, Criterion will also be bringing 'Frances Ha' to Blu-ray. Greta Gerwig is radiant as a woman in her late twenties in contemporary New York, trying to sort out her ambitions, her finances, and, above all, her tight but changing bond with her best friend, Sophie (Mickey Sumner). Meticulously directed by Noah Baumbach with a free-and-easy vibe reminiscent of the French New Wave's most spirited films, and written by Baumbach and Gerwig with an effortless combination of sweetness and wit, Frances Ha gets at both the frustrations and the joys of being young and unsure of where to go next. This wry and sparkling city romance is a testament to the ongoing vitality of independent American cinema. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: New conversation between filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich and the film's cowriter and director, Noah Baumbach; New conversation between actor and filmmaker Sarah Polley and the film's cowriter and star, Greta Gerwig; New conversation about the look of the film between Baumbach, director of photography Sam Levy, and creative director Pascal Dangin; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by playwright Annie Baker. Suggested list price for each of the Blu-rays is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'City Lights' and 'Frances Ha' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under November 12.Posted Tue Aug 20, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix and The Weinstein Company Announce Exclusive Streaming Deal[teaser]Starting in 2016, the popular streaming service will hold first-run rights for new Weinstein Company films. [/teaser] Netflix and The Weinstein Company have announced a licensing agreement that will grant Netflix the exclusive U.S. TV subscription rights to The Weinstein Company's films. The multi-year deal will begin in 2016, granting Netflix users lone streaming access to all subsequent first-run theatrical releases from TWC and its Dimension Films division. The movies will be made available to Netflix subscribers during the pay TV window through the usual assortment of supported streaming platforms, including televisions, computers, and mobile devices. Speaking about the new agreement, TWC founder Harvey Weinstein said, "The deal that we've just completed with Netflix is probably the biggest deal in the history of The Weinstein Company and together, we are discussing ways to reinvent the pay TV experience so that the audience can get even more for their money." Several foreign and documentary films from TWC are already available on Netflix. A similar exclusive agreement between Netflix and Disney was announced last year and, coupled with its recent push for original content, the streaming service continues to compete directly with traditional cable providers and networks. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Aug 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
