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You can now watch Blu-ray 3D movies on your PlayStation 4
Before the newest, shiniest consoles launched late last year, it was the Xbox One that was touted as the complete multimedia machine. It's slightly ironic, then, that Sony's beaten Microsoft to the punch in adding Blu-ray 3D support to the PlayStation 4. Last week, we heard the feature was being added in software version 1.75, and today that update's begun rolling out to PS4s. There are still a few things, like DLNA support, the PS4 needs to usurp other A/V gear in your entertainment center, but on the matter of Blu-ray 3D at least, the Xbone's now playing catch-up.
PS4 will add Blu-ray 3D support next week (update)
That was fast. After Microsoft announced the Xbox One is going to get Blu-ray 3D support in an update soon, Sony's PlayStation Europe arm has responded by finally revealing the same feature is coming to the PS4. There's no word yet on any other other home theater related features we'd love to see make the jump from PS3 to PS4 (Bluetooth remote, DLNA, MP3 playback), or a specific release date, but software update 1.75 is the one we're looking forward to. It's hard to say which is the bigger coincidence -- that this feature is confirmed just days after the XB1 or that it comes as we're finding out about the PSN outage settlement. Hey, at least it's not another stability update. Update: The PlayStation US Twitter account has chimed in and done one better -- mentioning that firmware 1.75 will arrive next week. Still no word on any other changes, but that will probably put it ahead of the Xbox One, and give you enough time to order Gravity in 3D from Amazon.
Xbox One's next update makes it easier to keep up with friends, and play Blu-ray 3D
A new lower price alone may not have moved the Xbox One past the PS4 on the sales chart, but Microsoft is still keeping up with its quick update cycle. The August update preview is arriving for testers, and one of the areas getting a lot of attention is the friends list. Right on the home screen, gamers will be able to see what their friends have been playing and a Gamerscore leaderboard, and in the activity feed you can finally like or comment on activity. It seemed like an obvious feature for the feed from the beginning, so it's good to see it's here now. Also, after an update to the app it will be able to handle Blu-ray 3D -- something we asked Phil Spencer about, 5,644 of you requested, and something the PS4 still can't do. Check after the break to see what else is changing, plus a video demo of the new features.
Xbox at E3 2014: an interview with the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer
Yesterday wasn't the first time Phil Spencer took an E3 stage for Microsoft to talk Xbox, but it was his first time as the head of Microsoft's Xbox division. After taking over for Marc Whitten back in March, Spencer's been on a charm offensive. His focus was clear at yesterday's show: games, all games. Forget about last year's coming out for Xbox One as an "entertainment" platform -- yesterday's focus was all games, all the time. The 90-minute show was divided cleanly in half between games coming this year and games arriving in 2015 and beyond. It was, in short, an impressive display of the Xbox One's gaming prowess over anything else. "I want the content to be the star," Spencer told us. So, that aside, we wanted him to give us more on the other stuff that the Xbox One does: media streaming, voice control, Windows 8 and television. And hey, what's Microsoft doing to compete with Sony's Project Morpheus VR headset, not to mention the Oculus Rift?
Must See HDTV for the week of February 25th: Oscars, Gravity and Game of Arms
The Winter Olympics are over and your normal programming schedule is back in full swing. The NHL is back for hockey fans, but Sunday is the big night for movies, as the 86th Annual Academy Awards air on ABC, hosted by Ellen Degeneres. The Best Picture category is looking particularly stacked with American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her, Nebraska, Philomena, 12 Years a Slave and The Wolf of Wall Street. Tonight the battle of odd reality TV shows takes off as Discovery heads to the mountains for Battle of the Ozarks and AMC airs its Game of Arms arm-wrestling competition. Legit returns this week on FXX, while FX premieres season two of The Americans. Otherwise, we'd keep an eye out for Fred Armisen who is leading the band for Seth Meyers on Late Night, and kicking off a new season of Portlandia on IFC. Gravity is also coming home this week on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, while gamers can pick up Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare or Thief. Check after the break for trailers plus our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and gaming.
The Wizard of Oz celebrates 75th Anniversary this fall with IMAX, Blu-ray 3D releases
While many remember the moment Dorothy stepped out into the Technicolor land of Oz, Warner is aiming to make that moment even grander with a 75th anniversary Wizard of Oz re-release this fall. The plans call for a week-long IMAX 3D run (similar to recent releases like Jurassic Park and the Oz HD screening back in '09) beginning September 20th, and a Blu-ray releases hitting shelves October 1st. Digitally remastered and scanned in 8K before being rotoscoped and converted for 3D from the original Technicolor negative, Warner called it a long and complex project which it would not release until "perfect." The Blu-ray set will come in several versions, with the five disc 75th Anniversary set including Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and Ultraviolet versions plus a making of documentary and other special features. That one is currently priced at $73.99 on Amazon, and a 2-disc Blu-ray 3D combo pack goes for $26.99, with Blu-ray and DVD versions also planned. Check after the break for a press release with all the details, plus a video clip of that colorized first step and a documentary from the last time it was remastered, scanned in merely 4K resolution.
Jurassic Park 3D Blu-ray comes home April 23rd after its one-week theatrical return
We've known since last year that Jurassic Park would make its return to theaters in 3D this April, but now Universal has also dropped the details about its Blu-ray 3D release, as well as the 2D release of all the flicks individually in March. Just to fill in the timeline: first Jurassic Park 1, 2 and 3 will hit Blu-ray/DVD individually (following the triple pack that shipped in 2011) on March 26th, then Jurassic Park in 3D arrives April 5th in regular and IMAX theaters (no, the now-dated CGI has not been redone, you can get a peek in the trailer embedded after the break) followed finally by the Blu-ray 3D April 26th. While news that the flick is back on the big screen is exciting, we can't help but think there's a few missed opportunities here like the previously mentioned CGI, and lack of any extras detailing the conversion process on the disc. Still, some had complaints about the picture quality of the previous release and it's possible that remastering done in the name of 3D could see a better version this time around for all viewers. Either way, after Titanic, I, Robot and even Top Gun seeing 3D re-release it appears this is definitely a trend. The individual movies are priced at $24.49 on Amazon, and the 3D combo pack is $34.99.
Top Gun Blu-ray 3D details revealed, comes home February 19th after IMAX 3D run
After being delayed, Top Gun 3D will be released by Paramount in 2013. Prior to his passing late last year, director Tony Scott personally oversaw the remastering and conversion of the 80's classic performed by Legend3D. According to the press release, the process of remapping and adjusting the depth of elements in the movie brings additional clarity to its aerial dogfights in both the long shots and cockpit closeups. This comes after the 3D rerelease of Titanic last year, and ahead of the theatrical return of a converted version of Jurassic Park this summer. Before the Blu-ray 3D version hits stores February 19th it's due for a six day IMAX run, although if you're only into it for the 2D (and Tom Cruise, of course) a remastered version is included as well. Check after the break for a trailer and the press release with all of the specs, it's currently available for pre-order from Amazon for $19.96.
Must See HDTV (October 22nd - 28th)
While baseball's postseason moves on to its final round, football is just hitting its stride and NBA preseason action is just beginning to get interesting. This week Blade Runner gets yet another HD home release, there's one more presidential debate, and on Friday the maker of Pushing Daisies returns for a one-off / backdoor pilot attempt called Mockingbird Lane -- check out a teaser after the break. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. I, Robot (3D) A 3D Blu-ray release isn't uncommon these days, however I, Robot has a fresh twist: it wasn't in 3D in theaters, ever. Fox has made the interesting decision of converting the flick in post and releasing a 3D version exclusively for the home. Fans of the 2004 Will Smith flick can snag a $24.99 Blu-ray 3D set, but if you pre-ordered at Comic-Con, it comes with a bust of the robot character, Sonny. We'll have to wait and see if this trend takes off (Fox says it has more titles in the pipeline), or if people prefer the standard original releases. ($24.99 on Amazon) Forza Horizon The Forza series has brought its brand of sim racing to Xbox consoles for several generations, but this latest version takes all of its underlying technology on a trip to the arcade side of town. You won't be doing so much tweaking under the hood this time, but there's still a healthy selection of cars plus options for night and off road racing to keep you interested. Joystiq was impressed enough by its "massive toy chest of hyper-accurate Hot Wheels" to give it four out of five stars, racing fans can check out a demo on Xbox Live now. ($59.99 on Amazon) World Series Baseball fans, it all comes down to this. For the championship in 2012 the Detroit Tigers will face TBD in an epic battle that kicks off Wednesday night. Either St. Louis or San Francisco will be representing the National League in the World Series, but we'll have to wait until tonight's game to know which one. The days for the games are already locked in however, so clear your schedule as needed.
Must See HDTV (October 15th - 21st)
We've pretty much exhausted the high profile fall premieres for now, but there still presidential debates and baseball playoff action to be had. Also, while we have not moved so far in the future that we've reached the date Marty McFly went to in Back to the Future Part II (that's in 2015, perhaps by then people will stop reposting photoshopped images), we have reached the data Avatar is available at retail on Blu-ray 3D. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. Avatar (3D) It's taken a couple of years, but Avatar is finally widely available on Blu-ray 3D after being tied up as a Panasonic pack-in exclusive. The bad news? It's not the Extended Collector's Edition, so if you want 3D and extras your wait may continue. Otherwise, James Cameron's special effects should be enough to thrill the eyes of anyone that snagged a 3DTV in the last few years and is looking for a good demo disc. ($24.99 on Amazon) MLB Playoffs We have reached the league championship series and, assuming both series need some extra games, should be in for excellent baseball all week. The Yankees have lost Derek Jeter for the postseason, but are by no means done... unless their bats stay as cold as they've been. In the National League the Giants and the Cardinals are duking it out, we'll see if the 2-3-2 home field format plays into the outcome for either team, after the Giants took three on the road in the last round. NBA Preseason It's finally time for hoops again, and after some overseas exhibitions you can watch NBA teams work their way back into shape as they take each other on this week. If you're a basketball fan you probably love TNT's Thursday night broadcasts, and the first preseason one features the Celtics and the Nets at 8PM.
Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video)
While Ridley Scott's latest flick is already available on just about every downloadable movie store you could name, Prometheus is still a few weeks away from making its debut on disc and now Fox has officially released all the details. The extras listed in an earlier leak appear to be accurate, with a Second Screen iPad app that promises access to character Peter Weyland's archives, while much of the 15 minutes or so of deleted and alternative scenes have already been posted on the internet (search around if you absolutely must know what else there is and can't wait / don't want to spend the cash). Arriving October 9th, there's a four disc set with both a Blu-ray 3D edition and bonus extras disc with featurettes for a total of seven hours of bonus materials, while the two disc set trims it to just one Blu-ray and DVD / digital copy. The two disc set is currently selling for $24.99 on Amazon, while the four disc edition bumps the price another $5. A trailer with a peek at some of those extras and the full list of details awaits after the break, but an explanation for why anyone would ever try to touch some weird alien snake is something you'll have to find on your own.
Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collectors Edition finally comes to retail in October (video)
Despite being one of the most widely viewed 3D movies, and the highest grossing film of all time, viewers still have not been able to buy Avatar on Blu-ray 3D by itself (without paying high prices to resellers) due to an exclusive pack-in deal with Panasonic, but that will change this fall. Fox just announced the Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collector's Edition will debut globally October 15th, and release in North America October 16th. There's no word on any extra special features, as producer Jon Landau indicates in the press release (included after the break) it will contain the theatrical cut of the flick inside special packaging. Originally, the delay in releasing the movie widely on disc in 3D was blamed on a lack of 3DTVs in homes. We'll see if the prospect of watching the $2.7 billion juggernaut "the way it was meant to be seen" according to director James Cameron, nudges more buyers towards a new display this fall. Check below for a video clip of Cameron sharing the news to the movie's fans on Facebook, plus an extra treat that didn't make it into the movie. Update: If you'd like to pre-order, commenters point out it's popped up on Amazon, currently sporting a $27.99 price tag.
Dracula, The Mummy and six other horror classics coming in a Blu-ray set October 2nd (video)
Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection will arrive on shelves October 2nd, and pack eight classic horror movies, all restored so they can be seen in the highest quality possible. Among the releases is Creature from the Black Lagoon restored for Blu-ray 3D (yes, like Dial M for Murder it was originally shot and released in 3D back in 1954), as well as Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and Phantom of the Opera. This is all a part of the ongoing Universal centennial celebration that's seeing its vaults unleash many of our favorites for the first time in high definition. After the break you can check out a featurette detailing the process undertaken to prep Dracula for Blu-ray release, as well as a press release with details on all of the flicks and which extras are included for each movie. Of course, the downside of a pack like this is that it's pricey -- the MSRP is $160, but it's available for preorder on Amazon currently priced at $112.
Prometheus Blu-ray extras leak reveals Second Screen app and 15 minutes of deleted scenes
While Ridley Scott's Prometheus is still in theaters, it's been available for preorder on Blu-ray 3D since before the flick debuted, and now Amazon France has exposed the full list of extras on the way. The bad news, pointed out by Movies.com and Prometheus Forum, is that those anticipating a classic Ridley Scott Director's Cut to fill in plot holes appear to be in for a disappointment -- while there are 15 minutes of extended / cut scenes, there's no indication that you'll be able to watch the movie with them reinserted. There are a lot of other extras, including a director's commentary, extensive making-of featurettes, many of the short viral videos that were posted previously and production materials, along with a Second Screen iPad app. The specific set listed includes the other Alien flicks, but since we're sure you've already snagged the Anthology with its MU-TH-UR interactive mode you'll probably be looking for a more limited release. The release date for the set remains October 9th, hit the source link for the listing or check out the full list of features and a trailer after the break.
Marvel's The Avengers Blu-ray hits September 25th, iOS second screen app this month (video)
We don't have any more details yet on the 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set that popped up on Amazon a month ago, but Disney and Marvel have revealed we can expect Marvel's The Avengers on Blu-ray September 25th. It will be shipping in the usual assortment of combo packs: four disc with Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital copy and digital download or two disc Blu-ray and DVD combo for $50 / $40 MSRP (respectively, Amazon currently lists the four disc set for $35). What will arrive first this month however, is The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App, available on iPad and, for the first time for one of Disney's second screen apps, iPhone. Marvel is promising bi-weekly content updates until September when it moves up to weekly updates of character profiles, interactive comic books and more before the movie even arrives. Extras on disc will include 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio, a gag reel, behind the scenes looks with director Joss Whedon and cast, deleted scenes and more. Check the press release after the break for the full list, plus a new trailer for the Blu-ray.
Hitchcock classics Dial M for Murder (3D) and Strangers on a Train come to Blu-ray October 9th
Warner Bros. is reaching deep into its vaults and releasing two Alfred Hitchcock classics on Blu-ray this fall in Dial M for Murder and Strangers on a Train. While both are notable for their content, Dial M for Murder reaches back to a much earlier infatuation with 3D during the 50s, however few moviegoers at the time actually got to see it in the intended format. According to the press release, the studio has gone back to the original camera negative for a 4K scan, with restoration done for both eyes and tweaks to improve convergence where necessary (a 2D version is also included). Fans of classic 3D should keep an eye out more on the way, as EVP Jeff Baker says House of Wax is up next from the catalog of 15 movies Warner is able to draw from. The Dial M for Murder Blu-ray 3D is scheduled to hit shelves October 9th for $35.99, while Strangers On A Train will be released the same day for $19.98. Check after the break for the press release with full details, as well as trailers for both movies.
Avengers Blu-ray preorders listed, including massive 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set
If you left the theater after watching Marvel / Disney / Joss Whedon's The Avengers ready to buy the Blu-ray disc as soon as it hit then get your credit cards ready. As Blu-ray.com notes, Amazon has listings for both a 2-disc Blu-ray edition and a 4-disc Blu-ray 3D version, but the one that's caught our eye is the just updated listing for Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled. A 10 disc set, it has every movie in this chapter of Marvel flicks -- Avengers, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk -- with 3D copies where applicable plus collectible packaging and a bonus "The Phase One Archives" disc. The only pic of the casing we have is the promo image shown above which hints at a replica of Nick Fury's Cosmic Cube suitcase from the movie, but more information is promised to be revealed July 15th. Until then you'll have to decide if $153 ($25~ per movie) is worth it for the set, or maybe take this time to finance it by selling off your existing copies on Craigslist. Your choice. [Thanks, Victor]
Sony's 4K-upscaling BDP-S790 Blu-ray player available online, hits stores May 6th
If you've been itching for Sony to take your money since it announced its flagship BDP-S790 Blu-ray player, then get ready to open up that wallet. The device is now available at Sony's online store for $249.99, with an estimated ship date of April 24th. The dual-core player (yes, there's a dual-core CPU in here!) will also be available in stores on May 6th for folks who prefer schlepping their electronics the old-fashioned way. Besides 4K upscaling and 3D playback, the BDP-S790 features DLNA, Netflix, VUDU, Amazon Instant Video, Slacker, Pandora, Twitter and Facebook capabilities. For more details, feel free to peruse the PR after the break.
'Hugo' director Martin Scorsese, cast explain the advantages of shooting movies in 3D (video)
We'll have to wait until this weekend to find out if Martin Scorsese's Hugo takes home any hardware from the Academy Awards, but we've got an early preview of one the Blu-ray 3D release's special features right here. Press play to hear the director explain why 3D affects the storytelling by bringing in qualities usually found in the theater to film, as well as comments from actors Christopher Lee and Sascha Baron Cohen. Scorsese explains "We see in 3D, we see in space... most of us do. Space is part of our lives. It means something. I think, for the individual person who has a vision of telling a story through images, how that person uses space -- that extra element, that extra dimension -- to tell a story is very, very important." Adapted from a book inspired by filmmaker Georges Méliès, the movie hits stores February 28th -- check out the trailer after the break.
Star Wars 3D getting the Blu-ray treatment for spring?
Just finished your deliciously digital Blu-ray collection of the Star Wars saga? Thought that was the end of it? C'mon. Following the three-dimensional release of Episode 1 in theaters, Pocket-lint's heard from sources at a recent Panasonic event that the "start" of the saga will be arriving on 3D Blu-ray faster than you might think -- this spring, likely as a replacement for its Avatar pack-in exclusive. Panasonic's got a history of Star Wars tie-ins, so we're putting whatever money we have left for additional Jedi media on it making an appearance over the next few months.
