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'3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Criterion will be bringing a set of three Ingrid Bergman films directed by Roberto Rossellini to Blu-ray at the end of September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, the Criterion Collection will proudly present '3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman' on Blu-ray on September 24. In the late 1940s, the incandescent Hollywood star Ingrid Bergman found herself so moved by the revolutionary neorealist films of Roberto Rossellini that she sent the director a letter, introducing herself and offering her talents. The resulting collaboration produced a series of films that are works of both sociopolitical concern and metaphysical melodrama, each starring Bergman as a woman experiencing physical dislocation and psychic torment in postwar Italy. It also famously led to a scandalous affair and eventual marriage between filmmaker and star, and the focus on their personal lives in the press unfortunately overshadowed the extraordinary films they made together. 'Stromboli,' 'Europe ’51,' and 'Journey to Italy' are intensely personal portraits that reveal the director at his most emotional and the glamorous actor at her most anguished, and that capture them and the world around them in transition. The 3-Disc Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, uncompressed monaural soundtracks, and supplements include: Archival television introductions by director Roberto Rossellini to all three films; Audio commentary for Journey to Italy featuring scholar Laura Mulvey; Rossellini Through His Own Eyes, a 1992 documentary on the filmmaker’s approach to cinema, featuring archival interviews with Rossellini and actor Ingrid Bergman; New visual essays about Rossellini by scholars Tag Gallagher and James Quandt; Rossellini Under the Volcano, a 1998 documentary that returns to the island of Stromboli fifty years after the making of Stromboli; New interview with critic Adriano Aprà about each of the films; New interview with Fiorella Mariani, Rossellini’s niece, featuring home movies shot by Bergman; New interview with film historian Elena Degrada about the different versions of Europe ’51; New interviews with Isabella Rossellini and Ingrid Rossellini, daughters of Rossellini and Bergman; Ingrid Bergman Remembered, a 1996 documentary on the actor’s life, narrated by her daughter Pia Lindstrom; My Dad Is 100 Years Old, a 2005 short film, directed by Guy Maddin and starring Isabella Rossellini; The Chicken, a 1952 short film by Roberto Rossellini, starring Bergman; A Short Visit with the Rossellini Family, a six-minute film shot on Capri while the family was there during the production of Journey to Italy; and a booklet featuring essays by critics Richard Brody, Fred Camper, Dina Iordanova, and Paul Thomas; letters exchanged by Rossellini and Bergman; “Why I Directed Stromboli,” a 1950 article by Rossellini; a 1954 interview with Rossellini conducted by Eric Rohmer and François Truffaut for Cahiers du cinéma; and excerpts from a 1965 interview with Rossellini conducted by Aprà and Maurizio Ponzi for Filmcritica. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $79.95. You can find the latest specs for '3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 24.Posted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 09:40 AM PDT by: -
Logitech Harmony Hub Coming in August[teaser]Logitech has also decided not to sell off the Harmony line.[/teaser] Logitech has finally followed up on plans to offer the Harmony Ultimate Hub as a stand-alone purchase. From Logitech, "Today, we’re excited to announce that the Logitech Harmony® Ultimate Hub – an appcessory that turns your smartphone into a powerful, personal universal remote – will be available for purchase as a standalone product. "As you may know, the Harmony Hub is included with the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control, our two newest universal remotes. However, with the standalone Harmony Ultimate Hub, everyone in the house will be able to download the free Harmony Smartphone App, and turn their smartphone into a personal universal remote. You’ll be able to customize activities and choose your own set of favorite channels icons for your very own experience." The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub should hit the streets in August and is being priced at $100. Along with the news of the stand-alone Harmony Hub, Logitech has also shared plans to no longer seek a buyer for the Harmony division. According to Business Wire, "The company has determined that retaining ownership is in the best interest of its shareholders. The Harmony product line has gained momentum following the April introduction of the Harmony Ultimate product, which is available in major retail locations including select Apple stores in the U.S., and has exceeded the company’s expectations for customer connections." With Logitech retaining control, it will be interesting to see how the company maintains a balance of products aimed at traditional Harmony customers and those wanting Harmony capabilities on smart phones and tablets. Source: Logitech Author: Brian HossPosted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
James Gandolfini Dead at 51[teaser]The actor best known for his portrayal as the iconic Tony Soprano has passed away. [/teaser] According to his managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, Gandolfini was found by a family member while vacationing in Italy. He died of an apparent heart attack. "It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy," Armstrong and Sanders said. "Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving." Gandolfini has starred in numerous features including such films as 'Where the Wild Things Are,' 'The Taking of Pelham 123,' 'Killing Them Softly,' and 'True Romance,' but he will mostly be remembered for his unforgettable role on TV's 'The Sopranos' that landed him six Best Actor Emmy nominations (winning three). HBO also adds, "We're all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us." Gandolfini is survived by his wife Deborah Lin, son Michael, and daughter Liliana. He was 51.Posted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 08:10 AM PDT by: -
'Scary Movie 5' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The fifth entry in the horror spoof franchise will debut on Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'Scary Movie 5' on Blu-ray on September 24. The Scary Movie series lampoons the greatest in horror and genre fare, and has grossed over $800 million worldwide. This latest installment includes send ups of Paranormal Activity, Mama, Sinister, The Evil Dead, Inception, Black Swan, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and pop culture featuring Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dogg, Katt Williams, Molly Shannon, Terry Crews, Simon Rex, Jerry O'Connell, Sarah Hyland, Katrina Bowden, Tyler Posey, Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, Kate Walsh, Heather Locklear, Mac Miller and Mike Tyson. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Must-See Extended and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Scary Movie 5' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 20.Posted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Microsoft Reverses Course on the Xbox One's New DRM Schemes[teaser]Dubbed the "Xbox 180," the Xbox One will not require 24-hour online check-ins and there will be "no regional restrictions" for games.[/teaser] Microsoft has elected to face the furor over their proposed Xbox One's dependence on online check-ins by reversing course. In a statement from Don Mattrick, Microsoft has described that they "believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future," but that they "have heard directly from many of you." Ultimately, "the ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world." Formerly, the idea for the Xbox One seemed to be that users would buy disc-based games that on first use were installed on the Xbox One's hard drives, and tied to their accounts. Those accounts would have the ability to be shared with family members, and there was some kind of plan to allow games to be resold digitally. Not only did systems need to be connected to the internet at least once in a 24 hour period to prevent games free being locked out, but there was also some severe regional limitations. With the system set to only launch in 21 countries, much of the world would not have been able to use the Xbox One. Likewise, within the launch territories, games and systems would need to be from the same region to work. Unfortunately, in order to enable the new, more traditional set-up of the Xbox One, the system will need a day one patch. Naturally, the rumors of Microsoft's DRM plans have been surfacing for months and once they were confirmed, the outcry was both severe and derisive. Sony's E3 conference capitalized on this, and the distinction between the PS4 and Xbox One's DRM was even remarked at by Jimmy Fallon just days ago on his late night show. What's worse is that Microsoft's clear statement announcing the reversal of their DRM plans is presented in a much clearer manner than whatever they had originally planned. When faced with questions about various situations such as how would US military personnel stationed around the world be able to use the Xbox One under their proposed restrictions, Microsoft rarely had good answers and even famously recommended the Xbox 360. Still, there as those who apparently embraced what Microsoft had in mind in the hopes that requiring an online connection would enable cloud functionality worthy of a new generation of games, and many of those people have now seemingly had their hopes deleted. More importantly, Microsoft can now begin to work through their former, self-created impasse. From Don Mattrick, President of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, "Last week at E3, the excitement, creativity and future of our industry was on display for a global audience. "For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future. "Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One. "You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world. "So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means: "An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360. "Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360. "In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions. "These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray. "We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity. While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds. "Thank you again for your candid feedback. Our team remains committed to listening, taking feedback and delivering a great product for you later this year." Source: Major Nelson Author: Brian HossPosted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
'Autumn Sonata' and 'Slacker' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]More films from Ingmar Bergman and Richard Linklater are bound for Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion says 'Autumn Sonata' will be released on Blu-ray on September 17. 'Autumn Sonata' was the only collaboration between cinema’s two great Bergmans—Ingmar, the iconic director of 'The Seventh Seal,' and Ingrid, the monumental star of 'Casablanca.' The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Introduction by director Ingmar Bergman from 2003; Audio commentary featuring Bergman expert Peter Cowie; The Making of "Autumn Sonata," a three-and-a-half-hour program examining every aspect of the production; New interview with actor Liv Ullmann; A 1981 conversation between actor Ingrid Bergman and critic John Russell Taylor at the National Film Theatre in London; Trailer; English-dubbed track; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme. Criterion will also be bringing 'Slacker' to Blu-ray on the same date. Shooting on 16 mm for a mere $3,000, writer-producer-director Linklater and his crew of friends threw out any idea of a traditional plot, choosing instead to create a tapestry of over a hundred characters, each as compelling as the last. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Three audio commentaries, featuring Linklater and members of the cast and crew; It's Impossible to Learn to Plow by Reading Books (1988), Linklater's first full-length feature, with commentary by the director; Woodshock, a 1985 16 mm short by Linklater and Daniel; Casting tapes featuring select "auditions" from the more-than-100-member cast; Deleted scenes and alternate takes; Footage from the Slacker tenth-anniversary reunion; Early film treatment; Home movies; Ten-minute trailer for a 2005 documentary about the landmark Austin café Les Amis; Original theatrical trailer; and a booklet featuring essays by author and filmmaker John Pierson and Michael Barker, as well as reviews, production notes, and an introduction to It's Impossible to Learn to Plow by Reading Books by director Monte Hellman. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Autumn Sonata' and 'Slacker' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under September 17.Posted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'La Cage aux Folles' and 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Films from Edouard Molinaro and Martin Ritt will join Criterion's Blu-ray collection in early September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion has revealed the 1965 French comedy 'La Cage aux Folles' will be heading to Blu-ray on September 10. A modest French comedy that became a breakout art-house smash in America, Edouard Molinaro’s 'La Cage aux Folles' inspired a major Broadway musical and the blockbuster remake 'The Birdcage.' The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: New interview with director Edouard Molinaro; Archival footage featuring actor Michel Serrault and Jean Poiret, writer and star of the original stage production of La Cage aux Folles; New interview with Laurence Senelick, author of The Changing Room: Sex, Drag and Theatre; French and U.S. trailers; A booklet featuring an essay by critic David Ehrenstein; and More! Criterion will also be bringing 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' to Blu-ray on the same date. The acclaimed, best-selling novel by John le Carré, about a Cold War spy on one final dangerous mission in East Germany, is transmuted by director Martin Ritt into a film every bit as precise and ruthless as the book. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed monaural soundtrack, and supplements will include: New, exclusive, wide-ranging interview with author John le Carré; Selected-scene commentary featuring director of photography Oswald Morris; The Secret Center: John le Carré, a 2000 BBC documentary on the author's life and work; Interview with actor Richard Burton from a 1967 episode of the BBC series Acting in the '60s, conducted by critic Kenneth Tynan; Audio conversation from 1985 between director Martin Ritt and film historian Patrick McGilligan; Gallery of set designs; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Michael Sragow. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'La Cage aux Folles' and 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under September 10.Posted Wed Jun 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Olympus Has Fallen' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The White House action-thriller from director Antoine Fuqua will explode on Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has slated 'Olympus Has Fallen' for Blu-ray on August 13. When the White House (Secret Service Code: "Olympus") is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning's inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President, and avert an even bigger disaster. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Under Siege: The Making of Olympus Has Fallen; Creating The Impossible: Visual FX & Design; Antoine Fuqua: A Director's Vision; Killer Visual Effects; Ground Combat: Fighting The Terrorists; and Outtakes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $40.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Olympus Has Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 13.Posted Wed Jun 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
REDRAY PLAYER Pre-orders Now Shipping[teaser]The first batch of the 4K playback solution is on its way.[/teaser] As UHD displays and projectors continue to appear, the obvious lack of an immediate way to playback 4K content has left many early-adopters in a lurch. REDRAY, one the biggest cogs in the leading edge film-production, has been teasing consumers with a home player and projector solution for months. And now, the word over in the REDRAY forums is that the first batch of players have begun to arrive. From REDRAY, "The REDRAY PLAYER is the first plug-and-play friendly device capable of providing 4K content to 4K displays. REDRAY features the ability to play 4K files as well as upscale HD files to Ultra High-Definition resolution (4096×2160). REDRAY connects to 4K displays using 1x 1.4 HDMI output or 4x HDMI 1.3 outputs, with an additional HDMI output for 7.1 channel audio (for HD displays, REDRAY uses 1x HDMI 1.3 output). REDRAY also supports 3D playback at high frame rates (48-60fps) — more than twice that of traditional HD plug-and-play 3D devices. Use your REDRAY iPad app or included IR remote to control your REDRAY and connect to your content like never before. "To convert your HD or 4K content to REDRAY compatible .RED files, REDCINE-X PRO and the RRENCODE plugin are required. 1x RRENCODE license is included with each REDRAY purchase." When the player was initially available for pre-order, many balked at the player's $1500 price tag. Ans surprisingly enough, the current price has risen to $1750. If UHD is destined for a niche user base, as so many keep predicting, than REDRAY may become that user base's leader. UHD displays will continue to appear at lower and lower prices, while high-end products will need to support higher resolutions as well as greater color depths to help justify prices. If REDRAY can manage a 4K content delivery system, then their players may become must-have for 4K enthusiasts. Source: Endadget Author: Brian HossPosted Wed Jun 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Unseen' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The cult 1980 horror movie will be visible on Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing will be releasing 'The Unseen' on Blu-ray on August 20. A TV reporter (Barbara Bach) and two friends head to Solvang, California, to cover a Danish festival. When a mix-up at the hotel leaves them stranded without hotel rooms, the girls accept the invitation of a friendly museum owner to board at his farmhouse. But what the women don't know is that something is living in the basement of that farmhouse. Something unspeakable. And their stay soon becomes a horrific nightmare when they encounter the "unseen". From an original story by make up legends Stan Winston ('Pumpkinhead') & Tom Burman, written by Kim Henkel of 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' fame and directed by Danny Steinmann of 'Savage Streets', now witness the horror from a brand new HD master from the original negatives which is two minutes longer than the previous release! Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Unseen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 20.Posted Wed Jun 19, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
