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Blu-ray Highlights: Week of April 28th, 2013As we close out the month of April, eight of this year's nine Best Picture Academy Award nominees are now available on Blu-ray. This week also brings us several movies that were less than Oscar worthy. Let's take a look at these and more in the blog today.Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Killing Lincoln' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The docudrama based on Bill O'Reilly's bestselling book will hit Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Killing Lincoln' for Blu-ray on June 11. Based on The New York Times best-selling novel, 'Killing Lincoln' is the suspenseful, eye-opening story of the events surrounding the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. While some aspects of the plot to slay Lincoln and cripple the newly forming union are widely known, much more of the history unfolds in this insightful thriller. As actor John Wilkes Booth becomes increasingly obsessed with removing Lincoln from office, a secret cabal forms, and ultimately empowers Booth to carry out an event that will change America forever. Narrated by Oscar Winner Tom Hanks and produced by Tony Scott and Ridley Scott, this historical masterpiece stars Billy Campbell (TV's 'The Killing') in a spectacular turn as President Lincoln. The Blu-ray/UltraViolet Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Commentary with Executive Producer and Screenwriter Erik Jendresen; An Interview with Author Bill O'Reilly; Uncovering the Truth: The Making Of 'Killing Lincoln'; Lincoln In Virginia; Promotional Features; and Directing a New Lincoln Story. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Killing Lincoln ' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 11.Posted Mon Apr 29, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'The Sound of Music: Limited Edition Collector's Set' Blu-ray Set is $24.69 at Amazon[teaser]Save over seventy percent on limited edition Blu-ray set of the classic 1965 musical this week at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling 'The Sound of Music: Limited Edition Collector's Set' for $24.69 (73% off suggested list price). Share the magical, heartwarming true-life story that has become the most popular family film of all time - Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, the spirited young woman who leaves the convent to become governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, an autocratic widower whose strict household rules leave no room for music or entertainment. The 3-disc set (2 Blu-rays and a DVD) features 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and loads of supplements including audio commentaries; Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration — all-new immersive viewing experience with behind-the-scenes images, on-screen lyrics, trivia track and location quiz; Music Machine Sing-Along; Musical Stages: Creating The Sound of Music — all-new interactive "backlot tour" with in-depth featurettes on the songs, the stage show & movie, the film and sound restoration and the real-life von Trapp family; and more! This individually numbered Limited Edition Collector's Set also includes the 45th Anniversary soundtrack; 100-Page "My Favorite Things" scrapbook; Snapshots from Salzburg; Reproduction of the original 1965 Souvenir program; and an exclusive "My Favorite Things" Music Box with letter of authenticity. Click here to order this definitive edition of the 1965 classic today! The deal will run from now through May 5 or while supplies last.Posted Sun Apr 28, 2013 at 08:32 AM PDT by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Second ChancesSometimes, we just can't properly appreciate a movie on first viewing. Perhaps the marketing misled us into expecting something entirely different than what we'd actually get, perhaps we set impossibly high expectations that no movie could possibly meet, or perhaps we were just in a bad mood the day we first saw it. Whatever the reason, some films require a second (or sometimes third or even more) viewing before we can recognize their best qualities. In this week's Roundtable, we revisit some of the movies that we just didn't "get" the first time around.Posted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Spring Breakers' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The hit dramedy from writer/director Harmony Korine will have its debut on Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is readying 'Spring Breakers' for Blu-ray on July 9. The film about four college girls who land in jail after robbing a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation find themselves bailed out by a drug and arms dealer who wants them to do some dirty work stars James Franco, Ashley Benson, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Rachel Korine. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray/Ultraviolet combo will include a behind the scenes documentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes, and musical performances from the cast. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Spring Breakers' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 9.Posted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
TCL TV Powers the Upcoming 'Iron Man 3'[teaser]TCL set featured in Tony Stark's living room.[/teaser] Product placement in Hollywood movies is nothing new, and TCL has been teasing its involvement with 'Iron Man 3' for some time. Now a TCL set, said to be the one the company's newest models, is featured prominently in an 'Iron Man 3' trailer. TCL is teasing new 58 inch and 50 inch models that are coming to the US, but the model most Tony Stark like is the 110 inch 4K UHD 3D Multi-touch halo set from TCL. From TCL CEO Li Dongsheng, "The successful launch of our 110-inch screen with our patented technology including our Fine Stereo Performance technology application once again proves TCL's research, design and development capabilities. Not only will TCL benefit from the development of this breakthrough technology, all TV manufacturers in China and overseas will be able to capitalize on this revolutionary product design and provide people with even more enjoyable entertainment experiences." TCL has previously partnered for 'Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon,' and recently acquired the naming rights for the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. On the 'Iron Man 3' parntership, TCL gerneal manager Q.C. Liang said, "Our partnership with Marvel’s ‘Iron Man 3’ has been very fruitful, as we share a number of common grounds. Throughout the Iron Man franchise, the lead character Iron Man is one of the very few superheroes that does not possess supernatural abilities, but relies on his innovative ideas, deep engineering expertise and advanced technology to solve problems and create a better world. Similarly at TCL, we always strive to deliver inspiring and a brand-new experience to our consumers through technology innovation.” Source: TWICE GooglePosted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Sony HT-CT660 Surround Sound Bar Available for Pre-order[teaser]3 HDMI inputs, wireless sub, Bluetooth, and NFC top the list of features. [/teaser] Available for pre-order is Sony's new HD sound bar. The 330 watt 2.1 channel set-up features connectivity options that include HDMI, optical, analog, Bluetooth, and NFC. Sony is also pushing an IR Repeater Pass-through, which essential allows the sound bar to reside in front of a TV's IR sensor without obstructing it. The sound bar includes Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround 3D, which when coupled with the sound bar's ability to handle HD sound formats promises some of the best sound bar faux surround sound. The three HDMI inputs and one output include 3D and 4K UHD pass through and Bravia Sync. Sony sees the system as a great option for those looking for wireless smartphone pairing. Not only does the system use NFC, but the Bluetooth capability includes stand-by activation. Whenever a Bluetooth-enabled device attempts to connect to the sound bar, the sound bar will power up and be ready to stream music. Naturally, anyone unwilling to commit the space for a full receiver set-up, but still wanting better than TV speakers and HDMI routing will want to consider pre-ordering the $400 Sony HT-CT600. Source: Sony Author: Brian HossPosted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
'The Last Stand' Detailed, Hitting Blu-ray May 21st[teaser]Kim Jee-Woon's explosive action flick starring Arnold Schwarzenegger has been detailed for Blu-ray release in May. [/teaser] As previously reported, Lionsgate is preparing 'The Last Stand' for Blu-ray. Though originally slated for April 30, the film will now be available on May 21st. After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy. With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez' path: straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever. At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown. The Blu-ray/Digital Copy/UltraViolet Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Not In My Town: Making The Last Stand; Cornfield Chaos; The Dinkum Firearm and Historic Weaponry Museum; Actor-Cam Anarchy: with Johnny Knoxville and Jaimie Alexander; and Deleted/Extended & Alternate Scenes Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Last Stand' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 21.Posted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Theatrical Review: 'Pain & Gain'In the new crime comedy 'Pain & Gain', Michael Bay sets aside his expensive robot toys and returns to his low-budget, 'Bad Boys' roots. But is the movie more pain than gain? Our Bryan Kluger has seen the movie and survived to tell the tale. Read his review in the blog today.Posted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Silence' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed crime-thriller from Baran bo Odar is planned for Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Music Box Films says 'The Silence' will be available on Blu-ray on July 23. Based on the novel of the same name by Jan Costin Wagner, 'The Silence' begins on a hot summer day in 1986 with the brutal murder of a young girl named Pia, killed in a wheat field by Peer as his helpless friend Timo watches. Twenty-three years later, on the same date, 13-year-old Sinikka goes missing, her bicycle abandoned in the same spot, leading police to suspect the same killer may be at work again. Recently widowed detective David and his colleague Janna struggle to solve the mystery of these parallel crimes with the help of Krischan, the retired investigator of the original unresolved case. While Sinikka's distraught parents are trapped in an agonizing period of waiting and uncertainty, their daughter's fate rips open unhealed wounds in the heart of Pia's mother and sends Timo in search of Peer and their own suppressed past. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Two films by Baran bo Odar: Quietsch (7 min) and Under The Sun (60 min); Interviews with cast and crew; TV spots; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Silence' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 23.Posted Fri Apr 26, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
