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High-Def Digest-Digest: August 29, 2011
Mon Aug 29, 2011 at 04:00 PM ETTags: High-Def Digest-Digest, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)
by Dick Ward
A lot can happen in a few weeks, and that's certainly been the case lately. New Christmas movies have been announced for Blu-ray, along with a few classics. New gear has been released, including a pair of flagship receivers. And the cast of one of the most beloved cult comedies of all time has reunited.
Christmas isn't too far away and that means it's time for holiday Blu-rays to start rolling out. First up is 'Scrooged,' my personal fourth favorite - 'Muppets Christmas Carol' will forever hold the number one position. It's a great flick and one of Bill Murray's most oft forgotten, but also one of his best. It hits shelves on November 1st.
'It's a Wonderful Life' Double Dip for Blu-ray
Is 'It's a Wonderful Life' already out on Blu-ray? Sure it is. Is it a good enough movie that you may as well own the limited edition gift set? That's your call, but I say yes. In addition to what was already included in the last release, you'll get a booklet, an ornament, and new packaging.
'The Goonies' Gets a Regular Blu-ray Release
'The Goonies' is a great flick, and the Goonies themselves are truly amazing. They never say "die" after all. Well, except when they're saying "Goonies Never Say Die." They say it then. Anyway, the Blu-ray of 'The Goonies' is finally available outside of the Ultimate Collector's Box packaging. It's coming as a single Blu-ray on October 18th.
'My Fair Lady' Dated for Blu-ray
Where does the rain in Spain fall? 'My Fair Lady' reveals the mystery. It's a dark and gripping film noir... what, it's a musical? Well that's cool too. It stars Rex Harrison and the incomparable Audrey Hepburn. You'll be able to get your hands on it November 15th.
Big Lebowki Cast Reunites for Blu-ray Release
People who don't care for 'Lebowski' aren't usually that excited about the movie one way or the other. People who love it though - they really love it. They go nuts for it. They hold conferences about a single movie, dress as the characters, and rehearse the lines. At this year's Lebowski fest they got a special treat - the cast reunited for an incredibly cool Q&A session. Even better, you can watch it now.
Gear and Industry News
Pioneer Intros its New Flagship Elite Receiver
Pioneer's new SC-55 and SC-57 are nice and fancy, just like a flagship to the Elite series should be. They boast a new D3 amplifier, AirPlay, Air Jam and the SC-57 is even THX Ultra 2 Plus certified. Both are available now from authorized dealers.
Yamaha's Top of the Line RX-V Receiver is Shipping Now
The final RX-V receiver was announced a while ago, but the series topping RX-V871 is shipping now, a few months after the others. It kicks out 100 watts per channel to 7.2 channels and gives you a total of eight HDMI inputs to play with. You can snag one now for $899.
Definitive Technology Launches New Sound Bars
The latest sound bars from Definitive technology are designed to ensure that you get the best audio quality possible out of the single speaker setup. The SSA3 gives you three channels - left, right and center - while the SSA5 offers five. Both sound bars are available now.
Startup Company Milleniata Boasts an Indestructible Disc
Here's a particularly interesting one, especially for anyone who's scratched a Blu-ray or DVD and rendered it unreadable. Milleniata's new discs, readable by both Blu-ray and DVD players and drives, are made of a stone-like substance and are said to last as long as 1,000 years. Not too shabby.
The Vudu Movie Rental Service Comes to the iPad
Vudu finally makes its way on over to the iPad, giving you the chance to enjoy your movie rentals on the small screen. Of course, you'll be watching SD movies on an SD screen, so it's not quite as exciting as you might think. After all, Vudu is all about the HD
"High-Def Digest-Digest" - January 18, 2011
Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 03:03 PM ETTags: High-Def Digest-Digest, Dick Ward, Josh Zyber, Drew Taylor, Mike Attebery, Industry Trends, High-Def Retailing (all tags)
The first few weeks of January have been huuuuuge, thanks in part to CES 2011. New gear was announced, 3D technology was pushed further forward, and we got what might be the biggest Blu-ray announcement of all time!!! Not sure what we're talking about? That's what the High-Def Digest-Digest is for.
Blu-ray News
'Star Wars' Announced for Blu-ray!
If you didn't hear about this one then you're really out of the loop. The trilogy everyone's been waiting for and the trilogy everyone wants to forget
about are hitting Blu-ray on September 18th.
'The Lion King' & 'Beauty and the Beast' Announced for Blu-ray 3D
Disney's going 3D with some of their classics, including 'The Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast.' Even more titles are rumored, including
'Nightmare Before Christmas.'
'The Incredibles' Blu-ray Dated
It's always exciting when a Pixar movie goes HD, and we couldn't be more excited for the Blu-ray release of 'The Incredibles' on April 12.
'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' Criterion Announced For Blu-ray
If you're a 'Fear and Loathing' fan, you'll be happy to know that the Criterion Collection Blu-ray will be hitting shelves on April 26. We're still trying to get Drew Taylor to stop giggling and clapping his hands together maniacally.
'The Ten Commandments' Blu-rays Detailed
The Cecil B. Demille classic will be hitting Blu-ray on March 29th along with documentaries, commentary and more.
Blu-ray Director’s Panel – CES 2011
Oliver Stone, Baz Luhrmann, and Michael Mann sat down to talk about Blu-ray and what it means to them.
The State of Blu-ray At CES 2011
There weren't very many big Blu-ray player announcements at CES 2011 - Dick Ward says that's a good sign.
Other News
Samsung Roundtable – CES 2011
Samsung holds a roundtable to discuss the present and future of the company with some of its top execs and a few members of the press. High-Def Digest
is there.
Philips Announces World's First Wireless HDMI Blu-ray Player
Aside from the power cord, you can go wireless with the new Philips player, giving you freedom to put the player anywhere you want - within 100 feet of
course.
Japan Gets First 3D Series, And It's a Drama!
Adventure? Excitement? A Japanese 3D audience craves not these things. Even if they do want it, they're getting a drama about air traffic controllers
instead.
Netflix Buttons Are Coming to Remotes Everywhere
Netflix fans with connected TVs and Blu-ray players will have an even easier time getting to their favorite streaming content thanks to the addition of
Netflix specific buttons.
Goodbye Component - From Now On Only HDMI Will Do HD
Analog video users are out of luck thanks to the new standard. Starting in 2013, Blu-ray players won't even offer component outputs.
The Bonus View
The Year in Review: The Best Films of 2010
Drew Taylor takes a look at the year's best and inspires controversy with 'Piranha 3D.'
How Soon is Too Soon for a Remake?
The impending remake of 'Total Recall' makes Josh Zyber ask - is twenty years too soon?
My Latest Addiction: 'Game Dev Story'
Dick Ward is hooked on an iPhone game - and he doesn't even have an iPhone. 'Game Dev Story' is the game worth borrowing your rommate's phone to play.
Worst Weekend Ever
Josh Zyber hates on Vampire Weekend, or at least one song in particular in his rant about the music used in TV commercials.
"High-Def Digest-Digest" January 3, 2011
Mon Jan 03, 2011 at 04:00 PM ETTags: High-Def Digest-Digest (all tags)
The holidays are over, the leftovers are gone, and the new year has begun. Back to a full work week without any of those nice vacation days. Time to work on your New Year's resolutions! If one of those is keeping up on the news, the High-Def Digest-Digest is here to help.
Blu-ray News
'Soylent Green' Announced for Blu-ray
The Charlton Heston classic is finally going HD in March, complete with commentary and other special features. Even more amazing - we don't go for the
easy joke.
'Paranormal Activity 2' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed
If the original movie wasn't terrifying enough for you, 'Paranormal Activity 2' adds a dog and a baby, and what could be scarier than that? Find out
when it hits shelves on February 8th.
'48 Hrs' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed
Once cancelled, the Eddie Murphy/Nick Nolte action flick '48 Hrs' is back on track for a February 22nd Blu-ray release.
'The Cable Guy' Announced for Blu-ray
An incredibly underrated comedy, 'The Cable Guy' starring Matthew Broderick and a very dark Jim Carrey is hitting Blu on March 1st.
'BMX Bandits' Announced for Blu-ray
Nicole Kidman's first movie was in this strange Aussie crime drama about criminals that need their walkie talkies back. It's, well... It's not
great.
Samsung is Prepping a 23mm Ultra-Thin 3D Blu-ray Player
Samsung may love 3D video, but they're obsessed with 2D electronics. Their new 3D Blu-ray player comes in at just 23mm.
Oppo Reveals the BDP-95 Audiophile Blu-ray Player
The BDP-95 is a marked improvement over the BDP-93 for those looking for the ultimate in audio quality.
Other News
LG Launching a 65 Inch Passive Tech 3D TV
No expensive, heavy, manufacturer specific 3D glasses for me thanks! The LG set will use passive 3D tech, allowing you to use the same glasses you got
at the theater.
Netflix is the Most Popular Service on Connected TVs
Even free YouTube videos aren't viewed as often as Netflix on internet connected TVs, with over half of poll respondents choosing the service.
Boxee Box Sales Better Than Expected
Unexpected news out of D-Link. Apparently the Boxee Box has been moving at a steady clip, with sales outpacing supply. That's the kind of problem you
want to have.
New Google TV Facing Delays Due to Poor Reviews
The old Google TV software left much to be desired and the new iteration just isn't ready yet. Things aren't looking good in Google Land.
Rumor: Logitech Temporarily Suspends Revue Production
Unlike the Boxee Box, Google TV hasn't been living up to expectation. Rumor has it that Logitech has even suspended production of the Revue until the
service improves.
The Bonus View
True Grit is a New Western Classic (Or Is It a Classic Western?)
One of the last movies released in 2010 turns out to be one of the best. Drew applauds brilliant performances and directing in his review.
The Best Games You've Never Played: 'Earth Defense Force 2017'
If you're a fan of co-op games and exploding giant ants, you'll love the 2006 Xbox 360 title 'Earth Defense Force 2017' - a ridiculously fun game even
if it isn't exactly great.
Open the Salt Mine Doors Please, HAL
Lost footage from '2001: A Space Odyssey' is found in a salt mine. Josh Zyber explains.
"High-Def Digest-Digest" - November 5, 2010
Fri Nov 05, 2010 at 01:45 PM ETTags: High-Def Digest, High-Def Digest-Digest, Dick Ward (all tags)
Carefully compiled by Dick Ward
Afraid you might have missed some recent HD news? Starting today, we're running regular issues of the "High-Def Digest-Digest" (like Little Caesars of course!). In each installment, we'll be gathering together the juiciest news, Blu-ray announcements, and more in one handy little news item, so you'll never miss a thing.
Blu-ray News:
'El Mariachi/Desperado' & 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' Blu-rays Detailed
What a great set of movies, and as you'll often see with films by Rodriguez, special features abound. You'll get commentary, 10 Minute Film School, and
one feature that you just can't miss - 10 Minute Cooking School.
'The Incredibles' Coming Soon to Blu-ray!
It's about time! Pixar's superhero flick is going Blu and we couldn't be more excited.
'Alice in Wonderland: 60th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray
As if the high definition version of one of Diney's finest works wasn't enough, you'll get special HD features, a newly discovered song cut from the
movie and a never-before-seen intro by Walt Disney himself.
'Network' & 'All The President's Men' Dated for Blu-ray
Don't be "mad as hell," these two excellent and important films are finally making their way to high definition and include commentary, documentaries,
interviews and more.
Get More out of Your 'Avatar' Blu-ray with BD-Live!
If you're not getting the
Panasonic Exclusive 3D Blu-ray
or the 3-disc Collector's Edition, you can still get more 'Avatar' from the new
BD-Live special features.
Packaging Instructions for Your 'Back to the Future' Blu-rays
"These cases reeeeeeally suck."
The DVD2Blu Program Now Lets You Trade in Any DVD You Own!
Trade in the absolute worst DVDs in your collection for a nice discount on Blu-rays from Warner.
Other News:
Things are Fixed with Fox, Cablevision and DISH
Everyone can watch their Fox channels again, but Cablevision sure isn't happy about it.
Gucci Joins the 3D Glasses Game
Sure $225 is a lot to pay, but you'll look good for two hours. In the dark. Facing a screen.
HP's 3D ENVY Laptop is Available Now
If you absolutely have to have your 3D Blu-rays on the road, the ENVY is the way to go.
Could We See a Future of Dish-Free Satellite TV?
Flat antennas and microchips are the solution according to one Dutch researcher.
Netflix Testing Streaming Plans - Other Subscription Fees May Rise
If these test plans are any indicator, you'll soon be paying even more to get your Blu-rays from Netflix.
Bonus View:
Absolutely Badass! Win the 'Alien Anthology on Blu-ray
Make Josh laugh, win a $140 Blu-ray box set. Did you get your entry posted in time?!
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