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HDD Interviews DisneyNature's Louie Schwartzbergby Luke Hickman The style and popularity of nature films and series have grown over the past decade. The 'Planet Earth' series introduced us to pristinely-shot images of nature. The high quality of this production, combined with such clarity and resolution, made this a jaw-dropped experience. Many of the nature images contained had never before been caught on film. When the quality of nature films rose, so did the popularity. It spawned several popular follow-up variations including 'Life,' 'Human Planet' and 'Frozen Planet.' Now, there are so many being released that it's impossible to keep up with them all. Disney saw a world-improving opportunity before them and created DisneyNature, an independent division of the studio that focused on nature documentaries and donates the proceeds to various environmental causes. Their first picture was 'Earth,' a compilation of footage from 'Planet Earth.' Released on Earth Day 2008, it tested the water for their new division. Containing already popular footage, the cost of 'Earth' was low and the $108 million worldwide return proved beneficial, so DisneyNature continued to keep the annual Earth Day tradition going. [teaser]This year's great-looking release is 'Wings of Life.' It explores flowers, pollen and the many animals and insects that continue to spread life. At the helm is Louie Schwartzberg, one of the renowned filmmakers known for pioneering the high quality time lapse filming technique. Just after the Blu-ray release of 'Wings of Life,' Louie took some time to tell High-Def Digest about his gorgeous new film.[/teaser] HDD – Luke Hickman: Hi, Louie. How are you today? Louie Schwartzberg: I'm good, Luke. How are you? HDD: Not bad at all, thanks. You've been the film industry for some time now. How did you get into it? Louie Schwartzberg: Well, at UCLA, I fell in love with photography. Photography opened up the door to filmmaking – more, I think, from the Fine Art point-of-view. Coming from photography, film was a bigger canvas. What really intrigued me was being able to shoot high resolution photography, which is like the core of what you do with photography. First, I started with nature photography, following in the footsteps of Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. For me, shooting 35 millimeter was always the goal and because I couldn't afford to shoot 35 millimeter I got involved shooting time lapse, which meant that I was only shooting one frame every 20 minutes. That's two seconds [of footage] each day. I was getting these extraordinary high resolution images of flowers opening and clouds moving. And this was happening before anyone had done time lapse [photography]. Actually, Walt Disney – with 'True-Life Adventures' – had began shooting time lapse on 15 millimeter. So that got me on the road to building a library that I wanted to use for my own films. It had a lot to do with my passion for nature and sense of wonder and to be able to show viewers things that you and I can't see in a normal time-frame. HDD: With technology having changed so much, how has it affected your job? For example, how has it changed from your beginnings to 'Wings of Life?' Louie Schwartzberg: A big way that it has differed is the ability to shoot digitally with the same resolution – if not higher. With 35 millimeter, you can shoot at 4K. Now we have digital cameras that shoot at 4K and 5K, so the resolution is still at the feeling as the 35 millimeter was and can probably now go past it. What has not changed is patience and the time it takes to get a magic moment. Whether it's a hummingbird flying at high speed or a time lapse flower, it takes an extraordinary amount of patience and skill to capture a magic moment. HDD: In 'Wings of Life,' you have lots of magic moments. I couldn't believe how astonishing the hummingbirds moments were. The wing beats were insanely slow and crystal clear. Louie Schwartzberg: That's because we now have these digital cameras that are faster high resolution cameras that were originally developed for the military. Thank God we found another application for them. (laughs) It's amazing that we can capture behavior at a thousand or two thousand frames-per-second. When we see those hummingbirds, it's just a blur of wings. Now we can see the fact that they can hover and fly, that their beaks are rock solid because they have to thread the needle when putting it inside a flower, that they're navigating the wind as the flowers swing back and forth, that they're extremely gyroscopic creatures that can maneuver beyond belief – they can fly back and forwards, upside down. We've discovered a lot of thing that even scientists didn't know. HDD: And it looks great! Louie Schwartzberg: Thank you. HDD: Was it always your goal to get into feature-length films? Louie Schwartzberg: Yes. I've always wanted to tell stories and with feature films you get audiences full of tension. The story about pollination is a grand, grand story. You can shoot it and say that it's just about flowers and bees and birds, but as you get deeper into the meaning of it, it becomes a story about the foundation of life, a love story that feeds the earth. I love the fact that on so many different levels, it speaks to many audiences. To be able to get that audience to fall in love with nature is why I believe that nature kind of manipulates us to help it survive and to protect it. The fact that we can use these amazing technological tools that show high resolution gorgeous imagery in your home environment is part of the story. It's not just technically great for a reason, it's there to enhance the experience and to open your heart, to create a stable future for our children. HDD: That's a very cool perspective. How did you get involved with DisneyNature? Louie Schwartzberg: I'd done a film with Disney called 'America's Heart and Soul' back in 2004 and I've done a lot of work with Disney theme parks. We've had a good long-term relationship. I certainly think that Walt is one of my heroes. He was a pioneer who used his imagination to build an empire. I'm currently working on a huge theme park project with Disney, as well. I support their vision with DisneyNature and it seemed like a good fit when I said, "Here's the film that I want to do. I've been shooting flowers for 35 years. For bees to be disappearing, this is the perfect time to be telling this story." HDD: DisneyNature is a noble effort on behalf of the studio. The 'Wings of Life' Blu-ray kicks off with trailer for next year's 'Bears' that shows where the proceeds of the previous films have gone – building coral reefs and so on. Do you know what the spending plans are for the proceeds of 'Wings of Life?' Louie Schwartzberg: I believe that it's going to the Disney Wild Life Conservation Fund, and they in return figure out which NGO groups to work with that support pollinators. I know some of the groups that they're looking at is the Pollinator Partnership and the Search Foundation. They're currently assessing which would be the best partner to help with the program to create sustainability for the pollinators, which many scientists believe is the most crucial issue facing humankind. If we lose the bees, we may lose one-third of our fruit supply. HDD: And this is the difference that I love seeing DisneyNature make. This may be more of a question for Disney, but do you know if they're making the move from theatrical releases to Blu-ray releases from here on out? Louie Schwartzberg: We had a small limited theatrical run with 'Wings of Life.' I believe that they're handling each one individually, but I really don't know the answer to that. I am thrilled that this film was available by Earth Day so that people throughout North America could get it on Blu-ray or Digital Download. You know, if a movie gets a small limited theatrical release and people don't get out to see it right away, it will be gone. I'm glad that on Earth Day it was available anywhere and everywhere. HDD: With footage that looks as fantastic as this, I believe that it must be seen on the biggest and best format possible. The Blu-ray does justice to the intricate footage. How long does a film like this take to shoot? Louie Schwartzberg: The filming took a little over a year – perhaps a year and three or four months – but it was about two years when you include pre- and post-production. We labored over this film and I believe that every frame is gorgeous and picture perfect. HDD: The film looks amazing, but how does it compare to actually being there seeing the Monarch butterflies? Louie Schwartzberg: It's amazing being surrounded by millions of Monarchs. There's no doubt about it, but I have to say that with the tools of digital cinema, for example, we're not seeing it in the slow motion that you saw the hummingbirds, so I would say that it's a more enhanced experience on Blu-ray because you're watching the "crème de la crème." We had 200 hours of film and you're watching the best of it all edited to music and Meryl Streep's voice over. I think that's a superior experience than sitting around waiting for a week of all-nighters for a bat to show up. I think that's a nice comparison. HDD: (laughs) When you put it that way ... Louie Schwartzberg: (laughs) That's the payoff for me. When people say that they've seen the Blu-ray, "Oh my God! That's incredible! I'm amazed!" They say that it's not only entertaining, but that it's educational and that kids love it - that's the payoff. When I'm on location and I'm not eating good food and I'm not getting enough sleep, it's not as fulfilling as getting those responses. HDD: You also explained that post-production took a lot of time. During the editing process, are you personally watching all 200 hours of footage? Louie Schwartzberg: Oh, yeah. We're watching it in slow motion, which is what makes it such a lengthy process. When you record slow motion, everything is obviously stretched out. We edit in the frame-rate that it was captured in – and it's great! You shoot a four-minute sequence of a hummingbird and you have 20 to 30 hours of material. It's all about how you cut it down when there's a lot of great footage. HDD: How big is your crew when you're on location? Louie Schwartzberg: It varies. Sometimes we're down to just two or three people because of the tremendous amount of waiting and patience and observation, so we constantly had to be effective. When we shot the Monarchs in Mexico, we had to hike up with a lot of equipment, so we might have had 30 people helping us haul equipment to the 10,000 or 11,000 foot-level up a hillside to where the Monarchs are. That took a lot of work. HDD: Was it hard to land Meryl Streep as the voice of your film? Louie Schwartzberg: Not at all. She's an avid gardener, so when she saw the rough cut, she also fell in love with it. I think this film has gathered a lot of allies because of the message and the intention of the film to inspire people to protect nature. I think that a lot of people have wanted to come on board and do whatever they can to help. HDD: Louise, thanks again for taking time to speak with me today. Louie Schwartzberg: It's my pleasure.Posted Tue Apr 30, 2013 at 09:45 AM PDT by: -
'Hell on Wheels: The Complete Second Season' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of the hit AMC western series will ride onto Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Entertainment One will be releasing 'Hell on Wheels: The Complete Second Season' on Blu-ray on July 16. Set in the 1860s it centers on former confederate soldier Cullen Bohannan (Anson Mount), whose quest for vengeance has led him to the Union Pacific Railroad's westward construction of the first Transcontinental Railroad. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $49.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Hell on Wheels: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 16.Posted Tue Apr 30, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Contest: Win 'Silver Linings Playbook' on Blu-ray!It's contest time yet again. For this week's big giveaway, we have a copy of Best Picture Oscar nominee 'Silver Linings Playbook' that could be yours very easily. For your chance to win, enter our blog contest today.Posted Tue Apr 30, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Retreat, Hell!' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1952 war drama is heading to Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Olive Films is preparing 'Retreat, Hell!' for Blu-ray on June 18. Considered by most to be one of the greatest Korean War films ever made, the movie follows a U.S. Marine battalion headed by Lt. Col. Steve L. Corbett (Frank Lovejoy, 'Shack Out on 101') and Capt. Paul Hansen (Richard Carlson, 'Flat Top') as it must fight its way out of a frozen mountain pass despite diminishing supplies, freezing temperatures and constant attacks by overwhelming numbers of Chinese and North Korean soldiers. The stellar cast includes Russ Tamblyn (billed as Rusty) in his first "adult" role, future-director Lamont Johnson ('The McKenzie Break'), and real-life war hero Peter Ortiz, one of the most decorated Marine officers of World War II. Directed by legendary filmmaker Joseph H. Lewis ('The Big Combo,' 'Gun Crazy'). Co-written and produced by Milton Sperling ('Merrill's Marauders'). Specs and supplements have not been revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Retreat, Hell!' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 18.Posted Tue Apr 30, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Mother's Day Gift Guide 2013by Steven Cohen [teaser]With Mother's Day just around the corner, many of us will soon be scrambling to find the perfect gift to fully express our great love and appreciation. This can be an extremely daunting task, so we here at High-Def Digest thought we'd make your life a little easier with this handy Mother's Day Gift Guide![/teaser] Filled with movies for (and in some cases actually about) mothers of all types, this list will make shopping for mom a breeze. And in addition to Blu-ray recommendations, we're also throwing in some great gear suggestions. From tablets to digital cameras, there are plenty of expensive and budget gadgets for tech savvy and tech clueless moms to enjoy. And as a very special added bonus, this list is officially "Mother Approved." That's right, my very own mom actually had a hand in selecting the titles below, and will even be providing some very motherly commentary on all the included flicks! So, without further ado, here's our Blu-ray disc and gear suggestions for Mother's Day 2013: Blu-rays 'Love Actually' - The go-to film for all females in your life, there really is no going wrong with this one. Academy Award nominated screenwriter Richard Curtis' directorial debut just might be the most popular romantic comedy of the past decade. With an extremely likeable ensemble cast, sweet story, and genuine laughs, the movie defies the often soulless and clichéd tropes that plague most similar Hollywood efforts, making it a guilt-free purchase for your mom that everybody can enjoy. Mom Says: "This movie makes me laugh, cry and just feel happy. I love the various storylines all depicting different types and perspectives of love." 'Modern Family: The Complete First Season' - Among TV's most successful and top rated shows, this is one of those rare series that actually earns every inch of its massive popularity. A multifaceted and hilarious look at contemporary family life, the show is filled with many easily relatable mishaps, dilemmas, and heartwarming resolutions that are sure to ring true to any mother. If you already have season one, seasons two and three make great gifts as well! Mom Says: "This show always puts me in a great mood. It makes me laugh and I love the relationships among all the family members. I never miss an episode." 'Les Misérables (2012)' - We both actually haven't seen this one yet, but we've been looking forward to it. I mean, it's an acclaimed adaptation of a celebrated Broadway musical that features Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway singing their hearts out -- what more could a mother want?! Mom Says: "The music is so beautiful and I love Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway!" 'When Harry Met Sally' - Rob Reiner's 1989 classic really hasn't aged a day, and it's still one of the most entertaining and enlightening films about the precarious divide between men and women. With a comically perceptive script written by the late Nora Ephron, and iconic performances from Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan (who share effortlessly natural chemistry), this is easily among the most enjoyable romcoms out there, and would make a great gift for any movie-loving mother. Mom Says: "I love how the film shows the two characters growing throughout the years, and how their close friendship slowly evolves and changes into romance. And it's so funny!" 'The Impossible' - Not just a truly harrowing story of survival, this movie also features one of the most affecting displays of motherhood ever put to screen. Naomi Watts really is incredible here, and even as her body nearly breaks apart, she never once loses the drive to take care of her children, or the determination to reunite her family -- even in the face of total devastation. Mom Says: "This is one of the most intense movies I've seen in a very long time. It's such a powerful and inspirational story about family bonds and survival." 'Brave' - Through bursts of magic and fantasy, Pixar's 'Brave' perfectly distills the changing dynamics that eventually rattle every mother/daughter relationship. While it might not be among the studio's very best efforts, it's still home to all their trademark wit and sincerity, and the animation is simply breathtaking. Mom Says: "This was really clever and cute. The growing conflict between mother and daughter rings true, and the resolution is very sweet. And the little bear cub kids are adorable!" 'Parenthood' - Ron Howard's ensemble comedy is filled with universally relatable horrors and triumphs dealing with family. Inspired by the filmmakers' real life experiences in parenthood, the film is sure to make any experienced or burgeoning mother laugh and cry. Also, this gets bonus points for featuring a young Joaquin Phoenix who was still calling himself Leaf at the time. Yes, Leaf. Mom Says: "What a great movie that really shows the wild roller coaster ride of being a parent. Enjoy it while you hang on tight!" 'Rosemary's Baby' - Yes, mothers like horror too! A classic example of psychologically driven supernatural terror, the film remains a true benchmark of its genre. Polanski's command of mood and tone makes for an exceedingly creepy experience that slowly builds as the runtime goes on, often drawing scares from what's not shown. Mia Farrow's turn as the increasingly tormented expectant mother is perfect, and the film's final shots might actually offer the most telling and enlightening depiction of true motherhood found in any of the films on this list. Mom Says: "I just remember this being so creepy and scary, and Mia Farrow's performance as the unsuspecting mother-to-be remains frighteningly compelling to watch." 'The Tree of Life' - For the more cinematically adventurous mothers, Terrence Malick's poetic masterpiece, 'The Tree of Life,' is a beautiful examination of family, love, and the history of the universe. Through its examination of the dueling forces of nature and grace, the film keys in on how parents can shape their children's lives, leaving a very lasting impression. As Mrs. O'Brien, Jessica Chastain comes to represent the very essence of compassion, tenderness, and motherly love. Its avant garde flourishes make it the least accessible title on this list, but this would make the perfect gift for any big cinephile mothers out there. Mom Says: "Through a stirring visual poem, the film juxtaposes a mother's gentle protection and nurturance, against the practical, tough upbringings of a father. 'Crazy Stupid Love' - AKA "that movie my mother has been continuously trying to get me to watch for the last two years." Seriously, every time we're together and there's an opportunity to watch something, this is always the first suggestion that jumps out of her mouth. In fact, I'm kind of shocked that I've somehow managed to go so long without seeing it. And it's not like I'm actively avoiding it. I mean, the cast is great, the trailers made it look solid, and the flick received many positive reviews. Hmm, I have a feeling I know exactly what I'll be watching this Mother's Day… Mom Says: "You still haven't seen this?! This is one of my favorites. I love the marriage bump in the road and its consequences while everyone discovers what loves really means to them. How have you not seen this?!" Gear Tablets - Portable, convenient, versatile, practical, and a whole lot of fun, tablets make the perfect gift for mothers, letting them browse the internet, watch movies, listen to music, or play games comfortably from anywhere in the house or even on the go. The iPad remains the reigning champion when it comes to overall performance, available apps, and additional features, and the latest 4th Generation iteration ranges from 16GB all the way up to 128GB, with the former starting out at $499. Of course, Apple isn't the only game in town, and Samsung and even Amazon all have very solid tablets that should more than meet most mother's needs. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 are both strong bets for those open to Android devices or adverse to Apple. The former features a 10.1 inch screen and the latter has an 8 inch screen, and they start out at $499 and $399 respectively for their 16GB models. While it doesn't boast the same feature set, performance, or robust app store as the other options, The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9" also makes for a great, cheaper media centric tablet, and starts out at $269 for its 16GB version. Really, whether you go with Apple, Samsung, Amazon, or any other reliable brand, the basic internet and entertainment functions are all relatively similar, and if your mom is anything like my mom, they're all just "iPads" anyway. My own mother recently got the Samsung Galaxy Tab2 10.1 (MSRP $349), and it has more than met all her needs (which basically means she gets to play Angry Birds). E-book Readers - Don't have the cash for a full-blown tablet, but still want to give mom the option to easily read books on the go within one convenient device? Well then, a standalone e-book reader sounds like the perfect gift. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best readers available, and offers users a built-in light, adjustable font styles and sizes (an option my mother loves), great battery life, and enough space to hold up to 1,100 titles. The Kindle Paperwhite starts out at $119, and an ad-free version is available for $139. If a built-in light and touch screen aren't high on your mother's priorities, the cheaper standard Kindle is available for $69 or $89 for the ad-free version. Barnes and Noble also offers a solid assortment of readers, headlined by the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, and while the screen isn't as nice as Amazon's, it's still a comparatively priced, ad-free alternative with similar features. Noise Cancelling Headphones - Now that she's got her brand new tablet, how is mom supposed to enjoy her music, audio books, movies, and games with all that constant noise going on in the house? The solution: a pair of noise canceling headphones. The Bose Quiet Comfort 15 is a good choice for those looking for great sound quality and comfort. They're on the pricier side ($299), but they'll effectively cut out all the noise, and are rated for about 35 hours of battery life. On the cheaper side (MSRP $129.95 but currently available on Amazon for about $80), the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC1 QuietPoint is also a solid product. Though not as comfortable or sturdily built as the Bose headphones, this option is more compact and, unlike the former, these headphones can be used with or without the noise cancelling feature. Digital Cameras - Yes, it might be the most annoying part of family gatherings, but there's no denying that mothers love to take pictures, and there are plenty of great, simple point-and-shoot options that will help make the experience a little less painful. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS is an affordable (MSRP is $229 but Amazon currently has it for about $165), high quality, ultra thin, compact camera with a 12 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. Perfect for taking pictures conveniently on the go with the auto setting, a camera like this will ensure that mom can always capture those special family moments whenever or wherever they strike -- and as quickly as possible. For a comparatively less compact alternative, the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is another highly rated point-and-shoot option that offers more robust controls and an ultra zoom lens (25-500mm). MSRP is $349.99 but it can be found for as low as $215 on Amazon. Well, there you have it. Those are our Mother's Day gift suggestions for 2013. No matter what you end up buying for your mom, just make sure it comes from the heart… and with a receipt. I mean, who are we kidding, gift guide or no gift guide, mom's are still really hard to please! Of course, they’re more than worth the effort. We hope you all have a great Mother's Day!Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'21 & Over' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Another outrageous comedy will be available on the high-definition format this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is working on '21 & Over' for Blu-ray on June 18. From the writers of 'The Hangover' comes a movie 21 years in the making. Straight-A college student Jeff Chang (Justin Chon of the 'Twilight Saga') has always done what's expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey (Skylar Astin of 'Pitch Perfect,' 'Wreck-It Ralph') and Miller (Miles Teller of 'The Spectacular Now,' 'Project X,' 'Rabbit Hole') surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do what's unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this outrageous comedy. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Levels of Intoxication; Tower of Power; Gag Reel; Theatrical Trailer; and Sneak Peek. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for '21 & Over' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 18.Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The King of Comedy' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Martin Scorsese's 1983 crime comedy will be 'napping Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'The King of Comedy' on Blu-ray on October 29. Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, and Sandra Bernhard light up the screen in this unforgettable film by Martin Scorsese. A funny thing happens to talk show host Jerry Langford (Lewis) on his way to the studio.... kidnapped by stand up comedian Rupert Pupkin (De Niro) and his wacky sidekick (Bernhard), Langford is forced to give Pupkin a shot at the big time by allowing the struggling comic to perform his routine on Langford's show. What unfolds is an incredibly funny and poignant story about the darker side of comedy. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price for the Blu-ray haven't been revealed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'The King of Comedy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 29.Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy' Blu-ray $17.49 at Amazon[teaser]Seth MacFarlane's 'Star Wars' spoof trilogy on Blu-ray is over fifty percent off this week at Amazon![/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy' on Blu-ray for only $17.49 (56% off suggested retail price). This set includes: 'Family Guy: Blue Harvest,' 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side,' and 'Family Guy: It's A Trap!' Click here to order your copy and this offer is available now through May 4!Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 09:02 AM PDT by: -
LG begins Accepting Pre-orders the 55" Curved OLED[teaser]Features include WRGB display tech and transparent speakers. [/teaser] LG and Samsung are so ready to compete with each other that the two companies had to develop a new off-shoot product, the curved OLED TV. LG has now announced that the company is accepting pre-orders for the LG 55EA9800 in South Korea. The expectation is that the set will ship next month, and the price for 55 inch version is currently $13,500. Havis Kwon, LG President and CEO, "Our Curved OLED TV is not only the proof of LG’s unmatched leadership in next-generation displays but also a testament to LG’s commitment to bringing to market the most exciting TV technology available today." The set is naturally characterized first by its concave screen, which claims to invoke an "IMAX-like" viewing experience. LG explains the curve by stating that "With more than five years of research behind developing the optimum curvature, the entire screen surface is equidistant from the viewer’s eyes, eliminating the problem of screen-edge visual distortion and loss of detail." The OLED set also contains LG's white pixel display tech, which through adding white to the standard red, green, and blue pixel base enhances the possible color gamut. With a .17 inch thickness, the curved set is not only thin, but maintains a special footprint that allows the model to be set adjacent to itself to produce a curved chain of OLED displays. The set's design includes a clear stand that contains the TV's transparent speakers. LG has promised that pricing and dates for the rest of the world can be expected in the coming months . Source: LG Author: Brian HossPosted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 4' Blu-ray Details Emerging[teaser]No date has been set yet, but details are trickling in for the much-anticipated Blu-ray set arriving this summer! [/teaser] According to Startrek.com, Paramount and CBS are gearing up to release 'Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 4' on Blu-ray sometime in the next few months. The Fourth Season includes all 26 episodes including fan-favorites “The Best of Both Worlds, Part II,” “Reunion,” “Redemption,” “Final Mission,” “Qpid,” “The Drumhead,” “Brothers” and “In Theory,” all painstakingly restored and remastered from the original negatives like the previous releases. The 6-disc set will feature all 26 remastered episodes with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio commentaries by Rob Bowman, Brannon Braga, Mike and Denise Okuda and Ronald D. Moore; gag reel; and episodic promos; plus brand-new features will include Relavitity: The Family Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation; and In Conversation: The Art Department. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 4' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
