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Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Blu-ray 3D set for release February 28th -- 3D haters beware
Considering that Hugo was a flick capable of earning 4 out of 4 stars from noted 3D hater Roger Ebert, it will be interesting to see how it's received upon its home release February 28th. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and currently rocking a 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the fantasy tale of a boy who crosses paths with legendary filmmaker Georges Méliès in 1930s Paris may be the best example yet of how an artist can make use of the effect. The two hour six minute flick will be available in Blu-ray 3D combo pack, and 2D Blu-ray editions, with a 7.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack and special featurettes on the making of the film and the real magician/director who inspired the story.The release date is two days after the Academy Awards, and if this flick can snag Best Picture or Best Director it could become a turning point for 3D. New 3D movies are already on deck from other high-profile directors like Ridley Scott (Alien prequel Prometheus) and Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby), while big budget conversions like Star Wars -- coming to theaters next week -- and already-sold-out-for-Valentines Day Titanic test the waters for older movies. Add in sports broadcasts planned including UFC 143 tonight and the London Olympics in the summer, and 2012 is shaping up to be an especially rough year for 3D haters -- you have our deepest sympathies. Those on the other side of the fence can check after the break for a press release with more details and (2D) theatrical trailer, it's currently available on Amazon for preorders at $27.99, 2D only is $21.99.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon clip breaks down shooting movies, special effects in 3D (video)
The Transformers: Dark of the Moon Limited Edition Blu-ray 3D doesn't hit the streets officially until next week, but you can get a look at one of the special features early right here. In this video clip director Michael Bay and other members of the production team explain some of the special challenges that came with shooting the special-effects heavy movie in 3D. It required changes to his usual frenetic cutting style with fewer pans and longer shots, as well as extra work by the editors on each element of animation overlaid on each frame. For a longer discussion about the background of shooting the flick you can check out an interview featuring Bay and 3D-master James Cameron here, otherwise just press play, or check out the press release after the break for a full list of special features included when he disc debuts January 31st.
Transformers Blu-ray 3D comes home January 31st in Ultimate and Collector's editions
After a quickie Blu-ray dropped in the fall sans-extras, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is getting a full fledged release January 31st complete with 3D and four hours of bonus features. There's actually two versions coming, first up is the $39.99 four disc Ultimate Edition with a 2D copy on one disc, a Blu-ray full of extras, a Blu-ray 3D copy, and a DVD with the film in standard def plus iTunes / Windows Media Player compatible digital copies. Even though it's coming with that old school digital copy disc, this flick will also be Ultraviolet ready, so if you're packing the correct assortment of logins and software it can be downloaded or streamed on other devices. The other release is a $99 seven-disc Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray Trilogy set that dedicates two discs each to the first two movies, and three for DotM as well as a signed plaque from the director. We may have to wait to see Martin Scorsese's Hugo to see a Blu-ray 3D release to watch a good movie on the format, but the extensive work done in creating Transformer's visual effects should definitely hold over AV junkies until Avatar gets a wide release. Check out the press release with a full list of extras and a picture of the LCE after the break.
Must See HDTV (November 28th - December 4th)
Welcome to the midseason break -- while many shows are either already on hiatus or getting ready for one, cable favorites like The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles are just getting restarted. Of course, given the season that's not all there is to watch with a slew of movie debuts and one-off events like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and Grammy nominations taking place as well. Check below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listings of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. Cave of Forgotten Dreams This week is a good one for 3D fans, in theaters Martin Scorsese's Hugo is racking up the acclaims for its integration of effects and story, while at home viewers can finally experience Werner Herzog's trek into the Chauvet Caves of South France, exposing the oldest known human drawings. The entire documentary is filmed in 3D to help bring the shape and depth of the cave paintings alive, and by all accounts it's effective. Since you're probably not on the (very short list) of people who will ever be allowed access to the cave and its delicate relics, this is your best shot at taking a step 35,000 years into the past at an entirely different era of humankind. Check out the trailer after the break, but after seeing this one in theaters earlier this year we can definitely say 3D is the only way to watch. (November 29th, $18.99 on Amazon) College Football The last week of the college football season means everything comes down to these games to decide conference championships and who goes on to which bowl games. From the Big East being decided by the result of West Virginia vs. South Florida, to a couple of brand new conference championship games for the Pac-12 and Big Ten, to the always classic ACC and SEC football championships, and even a few rivalry games like Baylor/Texas and Oklahoma/Oklahoma State -- it's all here. No matter which team you root for there will be something at stake this weekend, so arrange your schedule accordingly. The Take After jumping into the original programming game earlier this year with Moby Dick, Encore is ready to push The Take, a British crime drama. Tom Hardy (Inception, Bronson, The Dark Knight Rises) stars as Freddie Jackson, an ex-con fresh out of prison who is trying to take over London's underworld with the help of the rest of his similarly crooked family. As you can tell by the name, the theme here is that everyone and everything is available for a price, we're willing to spend an hour of our time and see if this is a series worth watching thanks to its strong cast, check out a quick trailer embedded after the break. (December 2nd, Encore, 9PM)
Transformers Blu-ray 3D release coming to Japan in January, still no release date for US
The United States got a quickie Blu-ray release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon a couple of weeks ago sans-extras and 3D, with only a promise they would be delivered "in the coming months" but that is not the case across the Pacific. In Japan Paramount has announced the Blu-ray 3D version is coming January 20th complete with English and Japanese soundtracks. There's still no date for a full-fledged release around these parts, so if you're an early adopter (if you have a 3D TV, it's a pretty safe bet) your first chance to bring the billion dollar blockbuster home as Michael Bay intended may come with some extra kanji on it.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray due September 30th, 3D version later
Besides being a lightning rod for the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD wars, the Transformers series also racked up some of the biggest HD sales ever, and now we'll see if the latest entry, Dark of the Moon, keeps up that trend. Paramount has announced it will be released September 30th in Blu-ray/DVD combo form for $29.99, with a "deluxe" release including Blu-ray 3D expected in "the coming months." There's no specifics on any extras included in this release, but it looks like PHE is going the Avatar route and saving those for later. For those anticipating the 3D release, hopefully this doesn't equal a similar exclusivity period, but until the disc is actually announced we won't assume anything. If 154 minutes of Michael Bay exploding things sounds like a good idea to you, check after the break for a press release and schedule that Friday off -- you have somewhere to be.
Thor Blu-ray comes home September 13th with 3D and an Avengers sneak peek
The movie that set off the 2011 season of superhero movies will come home September 13th, when Thor is released on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. Paramount has mentioned the details of the release, either in three disc Blu-ray 3D combo or two disc Blu-ray / DVD trim, but after seeing the movie we're more interested in the promised "Exclusive look at Marvel's The Avengers". Leaked trailers of that hero flick have been popping up (and been promptly removed from) all over the internet, we might endure the slightly-too-dim Thor one more time for a better look at what's to come.
Pirates of the Caribbean Blu-ray combo arrives October 18th in two, five or 15 disc sets
Three years after the first three movies were released on Blu-ray as a combo, the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, On Stranger Tides, is ready to come home. Expect it in multiple forms, from a simple two disc combo with the movie on Blu-ray and DVD to a five disc pack that throws in a Blu-ray 3D edition and another Blu-ray full of extras, and finally the big daddy 15-disc Pirate's Chest Limited Collectors Edition (pictured above) that contains all four movies, a never before seen short film and more. All Blu-ray editions include a Disney Second Screen tie-in like the one seen on Bambi and Tron: Legacy, if you're wondering what else is in store check after the break for the press release with all the details, and one of the bonus clips.
The Lion King officially comes to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D October 4th after a short 3D-only theater run
Disney has officially announced release details for The Lion King in high definition, the three different boxed sets that were available for preorders last month will all come home starting October 4th. There's still no specific information on extras but the 8-, 4- or 2-disc set improved picture and sound, interactive features and a new set of blooper reels among the bonus features. Beyond the Blu-ray, The Lion King is first returning to theaters, with a two-week 3D-only engagement that kicks off September 16th so audiences can get a peek at the new conversion, and for those not into HD, the DVD will arrive November 15th. There's also an updated trailer for the set, check it out along with the press release after the break.
Panasonic extends Avatar Blu-ray 3D promotion by giving away copies with new Blu-ray players
If you're not interested in buying one of Panasonic's 3D televisions and snagging a copy of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D via the company's exclusivity deal, there is now a solution that doesn't involve downloading a rip, heading to eBay or opting for HBO's VOD version. Starting today, Panasonic has officially announced the offer extends to its 2011 3D Blu-ray players and HTIB systems, and invites all those who purchased one as early as March 1 to obtain a copy via the time honored tradition of a mail-in coupon. There's more details in the press release after the break or at the source link, unless you're looking for an in depth discussion of the properties of unobtanium, which would not be found at either of those locations.
Disney's The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast show up for preorders in Blu-ray, 3D boxed sets
Disney hasn't officially revealed details of The Lion King on Blu-ray beyond saying it would launch later this year, but now two boxed sets have shown up at various retailers. That includes an 8-disc collection pictured above with The Lion King on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy, The Lion King 1.5 on Blu-ray and DVD and The Lion King 2 on Blu-ray and DVD for $74.99, as well as a standard two disc set with just The Lion King on Blu-ray and DVD for $29.99. Also of note is a listing for Beauty and the Beast on Blu-ray 3D for $34.99. Check The Lion King's announce trailer again after the break, we'll let you know when special features, specs and release dates are available. [Thanks, Mitchell]
Mitsubishi Blu-ray players have BDXL, 3D support, and a two-faced remote
We don't want to slight these three new Blu-ray players from Mitsubishi -- they've got all the latest features that the kids are clamoring for, like 3D Blu-ray, BDXL, AVCREC, and VOD support. However, sometimes accessories are the most fascinating part of a product, as seems the case with this dual-faced remote -- not entirely unlike the ones we've seen from Samsung and Boxee. One side controls the TV and the other does the DVR, while a built-in sensor lets the system know which side you're using. The DVR-BZ450, DVR-BZ350, and DVR-BZ250 are pretty much identical, save for internal storage, which ranges from 500GB to 2TB. All are due out in Japan on May 31st -- no word on when the rest of the world will be able to get our hands on the latest technology for losing two remotes at the same time.
Want Avatar in 3D without buying Panasonic? It's on HBO VOD
While Panasonic's exclusive hold on the Avatar Blu-ray 3D release still holds, if you want to watch James Cameron's work at home without downloading a rip or snagging a copy from eBay you can get it from HBO video on-demand. It's actually been available since early this month according to posts on AVSForum, where viewers seem to differ on the picture quality, while it's clearly not up to the Blu-ray copy if you're fiending for another trip to Pandora it should get you through. Of course, this just brings us close to par with the UK where the flick aired months ago on Sky 3D, but with licensing deals being what they are, we'll take what we can get for now. [Thanks, Mike]
Tron: Legacy Blu-ray 3D review and Second Screen hands-on
Befitting its storyline, the home release of Tron: Legacy this week checks all the tech related boxes: 7.1 surround sound support, iPad / PC Second Screen app, 3D. Even the making of the movie featured new technology, from the 3D cameras to the self-illuminating outfits worn by the actors. Of course, there's more to a good home movie experience than just specs, so we gave Tron: Legacy (and the original Tron, included as a part of this five-disc special edition) a viewing or two to see if all of that effort in the presentation -- not to mention in the movie itself -- added up to a must-have disc.
Samsung's QWERTY flip Smart TV remote is official along with new TV apps and Megamind Blu-ray 3D pack-in (updated: hands-on!)
Samsung's 2011 product showcase is underway in New York City and while most of these products we got a peek at during CES, it's only finally ready to show off the new QWERTY flip remote for its smart TVs. The QWERTY TV remote is looking a lot sleeker in its glamour shot than it did in the FCC tests weeks ago, and is available in the box with all D7000 and D8000 model HDTVs, or as an add-on compatible with the D6300 line and above (no mention of the Smart Touch remote or Google TV devices in the press release we received.) Samsung's also putting a lot of stock in its new lighter 3D glasses and officially announced the new 3D Starter Kit that includes two pairs along with a copy of Megamind and all the Shrek movies on Blu-ray 3D, along with prescription-ready models for kids and adults. Finally, an app market is nothing without apps, and there's two new ones to announce today with HBO GO making its debut on the TV and MTV Music Meter. Check the details (Update: now including MSRPs!) in the press release after the break and the gallery for a few pictures. Updated: We got a few minutes to play around with the new QWERTY flip remote after Samsung's NYC press event today. It's not exactly the most glamorous handheld keyboard remote control out there with its monochrome screen, although we do like that the center of the D-pad can me morphed into a touch sensitive mouse-like control. Okay, so this thing isn't exactly ground breaking, but check out the shots below for a closer look. %Gallery-119170% %Gallery-119178%
Sharp delivers three new Blu-ray 3D players
After making their debut at CES 2011, Sharp has started shipping its newest Blu-ray players. Each one is Blu-ray 3D ready with currently standard features like DLNA, Netflix, VUDU, Pandora and YouTube access built in, but are priced a step above the average deck these days. The lower end BD-HP25U lacks the included WiFi and IP control of the higher end models (dongle optional) while the BD-HP35U (pictured above) lacks only the RS-232 control port of its BD-HP75U counterpart. The BD-HP25U ($249) and BD-HP35U ($299) are shipping now while the BD-HP75U ($329) is due to arrive March 14, check the full details in the press release after the break.
Tron: Legacy Blu-ray gets a release date, supports Disney's Second Screen iPad app
Amazon already revealed the three different Tron: Legacy Blu-ray & Blu-ray 3D combo packs on the way, from the 2-disc standard edition to the two movie, 5-disc Identity Disc-packaged limited edition but now we know the release date (4/5/11) and info about the extras. On the disc, Blu-ray-only exclusives include the Daft Punk music video for their song Derezzed, plus Launching the Legacy, Disc Roars and The Next Day: Flynn Lives Revealed features (Tron: The Original Classic Special Edition saves a Photo Tronology just for Blu-ray watchers.) If you have an iPad, the Disney Second Screen app that will make its debut alongside Bambi March 1 adds to the action with 360-degree views of the Tron vehicles, interactive progression reels and other information all synced to the movie by the audio track. There's more details including MSRPs ($40 - $80) and the press release after the break.
Yogi Bear comes home on DVD, Blu-ray & Blu-ray 3D March 22nd
Aimed at the cross section of movie fans that love Justin Timberlake and hate movies about Facebook, Warner's scheduled a day-and-date Blu-ray 3D release for Yogi Bear March 22nd. The 80-minute feature has plenty of extras in Full HD 3D, including a tour around Jellystone, some 3D test footage and even a Rabid Rider Looney Tunes short. The Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D combo packs sport $35.99 and $44.95 MSRPs, respectively.
Amazon lists three Tron: Legacy Blu-ray 3D packs for sale
Looks like Disney's going all in on that promise to offer Tron:Legacy on Blu-ray 3D day-and-date with the standard release, while it hasn't been announced officially Amazon already has three separate editions available for preorder. Pictured above is the five disc limited edition with Tron: The Original Classic Special Edition and special identity disc packaging, while the others are a five disc set minus the special case and a four disc combo pack that drops the 1982 original. No word on price or release date, but DiscDish mentions the original will also be available in its own two-disc pack if you're not a Daft Punk/Olivia Wilde fan.
Disney to release Tangled on Blu-ray and 3D March 29th
As promised, Disney has scheduled the release of Tangled in Blu-ray (two disc) and Blu-ray 3D (four disc) combo forms with a $40 and $50 MSRP (currently available for $24.99 and $29.99, respectively, on Amazon) on the same day, March 29th. It's the first animated flick from Disney to come home day-and-date on 3D with 7.1 audio, behind the scenes featurette, deleted scenes, extended songs two alternate versions of the opening and a montage celebrating it as the 50th animated classic from Disney. Trailer and more details are after the break.
