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Samsung, Dreamworks partner for more exclusive Blu-ray 3D movies, streaming 3D
We'd hoped that the trend of Blu-ray 3D exclusives would follow 2010 out the door, but it looks like the combination of studios with content and manufacturers with money has lead to an extension of the arrangement between Samsung and Dreamworks. There will be two exclusives this year but only one was revealed, Megamind. That may put a slight damper on things for fans of 3D Dreamworks flicks and non-Samsung hardware, but if you do have one of the company's new Smart TVs you'll also be getting access to trailers and promotions streaming in 2D and 3D. Press release is after the break, along with a few shots of Jeffrey Katzenberg in our liveblog.
Sony's prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player hands-on
There's not much to say here, since Sony wasn't letting us do much with its prototype glasses-free 3D portable Blu-ray player except adjust the screen angle, but we will say that the 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 parallax 3D display looked quite nice and the 3D effect was solid once we got situated. Of course, it's just a prototype, so there's no word on price, availability, or even whether this thing will ever get made, but hey -- there it is. One more pic after the break.
Disney commits to 'at least 15' Blu-ray 3D releases for 2011 including Tron: Legacy
Even though Blu-ray 3D officially hit the streets in 2010, actually finding any discs available at retail was easier said than done, but that may be turning around this year starting with Disney announcing it plans "at least 15" releases this year. Recent 3D hits like Tron: Legacy and Tangled will be available at retail in 3D day-and-date with the 2D DVD & Blu-ray releases, with conversions of classics like The Lion King and Beauty in the Beast also in the works. Like it or not, the consistent box office success means there is more 3D than ever on the way, and it won't be any different at home. Check the press release after the break for a few more details about which movie will find their way out of the Disney vault in 2011.
Pioneer's 3D Blu-ray compatible, Netflix streaming player triumvirate now shipping
After debuting quietly at CEDIA Pioneer's 2010 line of Blu-ray players is finally available for purchase, including the low end BDP-430 and its two Elite cousins, the BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD. Other than the obvious addition of Blu-ray 3D compatibility, key upgrades from 2009 include WiFi readiness with optional dongle, streaming from YouTube (after a firmware update), Netflix and Pandora, an expanded continue mode to make sure you start The Twilight Saga: Eclipse right where you left it and the return of Pioneer's iControlAV remote app for iOS devices. Starting price? $299 for the BDP-430, $399 for the BDP-41FD and its home automation-friendly RS-232 port, while $499 is required to bring home the "armored chassis" of the BDP-43FD
Panasonic's Avatar 3D monopoly runs into 2012, no 3D Blu-ray release until Mayan calendar ends?
When Panasonic announced it was including copies of Avatar in 3D with its 3DTVs and Blu-ray players, it simply seemed like a great marketing move. Now it's looking like more of a coup, with Panasonic UK confirming that the company's bundle deal runs until February of 2012. That deal is said to be exclusive, likely meaning that will be the only 3D version of Avatar pressed to disc until it runs out, leaving you with two somewhat less than desirable choices for getting a copy: spring for Panasonic hardware or pay a hefty premium on eBay. How hefty? Copies of the 3D Blu-ray version look to be going for $150 and up, and we're guessing things won't be getting much better in the near future.
Blu-ray titles announced the week of December 10th, 2010
This week's batch of Blu-ray announcements was fairly light compared to the pre-holiday push of titles shared in November. Saw: The Final Chapter was the only film announced in 3D. On the 2D front, two big re-releases of famous classics were announced: the single disc edition of Blade Runner will arrive on January 4th and forgo the oodles of bonus features found on previous versions in favor of just the movie and some commentary by Ridley Scott while the 30th anniversary edition of Raging Bull will come slightly later in January and include 50 minutes of new features. Noteworthy new titles coming to Blu-ray for the first time include Steven Spielberg's A.I., which was originally developed by Stanley Kubrick in the 70s, and Steven Soderbergh's cult classic Out of Site starring George Clooney and J. Lo. That said, we know Birddemic: Shock and Terror and The Dorm That Drips Blood are really the two titles you've been hankering to watch in glorious 1080p. To view our full roundup of announcements this week by release date, read on after the break.
Alice in Wonderland Blu-ray 3D loosed from the bonds of exclusivity December 7
So far, Disney's Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton, the original hits high def in 2011) has only been available in 3D in a Sony pack-in deal, but this week the exclusivity runs out and a four disc combo pack hits shelves December 7th. Check the press release after the break for all the details, but it has a $49.95 MSRP, and comes with the same features as the original Blu-ray release, which unfortunately extends to a complete lack of extras on the 3D disc. Since Tim Burton's flick was converted in post as opposed to being shot in 3D originally it may not have the allure of a title like Avatar, but reviews usually leaned more towards the positive than rush jobs like Clash of the Titans and The Last Airbender.
Panasonic officially launches exclusive Avatar Blu-ray 3D pack-in, discs hit $400+ on eBay
Panasonic has finally made official several pack-in deals already in effect at retailers both physical and online that add Blu-ray 3D players, glasses and most notably, an exclusive copy of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D (also available to existing owners via a mail-in offer, owners of the Extended Collectors Edition can preview a 3D Easter Egg there too.) Despite being the highest grossing 3D movie of all, it's still not available at retail and is unlikely to show up there anytime soon, sending the price of those pack-in copies skyrocketing on eBay as owners of non-Panasonic 3D capable TVs try to get their hands on the ultimate demo material. Many current auctions are above the $200 mark, while the highest sold price we saw was $399 about a week ago, although considering a copy of Bee Movie went for $400 back in the day, we can't say we're too surprised. Check out the details about Panasonic's current promotions on its highly rated HDTVs (and the demo tour that just started) in the press release after the break and bring your calculator, if Dances With Smurfs wasn't your cup of tea anyway, we might have found the perfect way to finance your new home theater upgrade.
Panasonic hits the road again for the Unwrap 3D mall tour
It's that time of year again, as regular as the circus coming to town, when Panasonic pulls out the 18-wheeler and hits the road. After its Touch the Future tour earlier this year, Panasonic's heading back to the mall Robin Sherbatsky-style with the Unwrap 3D tour over the next two weeks. Starting tomorrow it hits 14 cities across the country with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players, glasses cameras and whatever else it can fit in that truck. Thanks to that exclusivity deal, expect plenty of Avatar demos wherever the tour makes a stop, along with sweepstakes to win Panasonic gear. If 3D is going to be adopted, people will need a good experience before they buy and it seems like this is the best form of exposure Panasonic can think of, check the press release after the break for dates and locations.
Panasonic 'Ultimate Pack' with Avatar 3D Blu-ray spotted at Best Buy
If you've been waiting for Panasonic's exclusive pack in of the 3D version of Avatar to bite on a new TV, your time is just about here as Mr. Blurrycam spotted these bundle packs of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D and two pairs of glasses arriving at a local Best Buy yesterday. No word if they're on hold for December 1, but we figure even if you're trying to haggle a salesman down on the price of a new VT25 plasma, it could be a worthwhile bargaining chip anyway. Update: We've got a couple more pictures for you, while our tipster mentions the street date is still marked as December 1, the glasses in the pack are of the new USB-rechargeable variety. Check after the break for a couple more pictures. [Thanks, Pastadude]
Blu-ray titles announced the week of November 19th, 2010
Plenty of upcoming Blu-rays were announced over the last week -- unfortunately most aren't terribly exciting. TV fans should keep an eye out however for the first season of FX's well-received Justified, in addition to season two of Nurse Jackie and season six of Weeds. On the movie side, both Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and the romcom Going the Distance are scheduled to be available on Blu-ray a mere three months after their theater debuts and conveniently just in time for Holiday stocking stuffing. Along those lines, if you were thinking Pamela Anderson's Barb Wire in HD would make a good thank you gift for your boss, sadly it's not releasing until February -- so go with plan B, bub. For a complete look at our roundup of announcements this week by release date, take a gander at the list after the break.
Avatar Extended Collectors Edition Blu-ray includes 3D Easter Egg
If you've snagged this week's Avatar Extended Collector's Edition on blu-ray even though you're really waiting for it to come out in 3D, you're in luck. AVSForum poster josephcoatar discovered that by fiddling with the menus, you can unlock an Easter Egg that pops up two 3D special features, the three and a half minute extended theatrical trailer and a four minute "Pandora Discovered" featurette. Even if you do plan on getting your hands on the Panasonic-exclusive 3D release this year, you can cut the waiting down by going to "Live Extras" in the main menu of disc three, pressing down, and slipping on some 3D glasses.
The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Film in 3D Blu-ray review
It's hard to believe that the 2010 World Cup was just a few months ago, but even though many 3D events have come since, it was certainly the biggest broadcast at the time and this week viewers at home can archive it with Sony's The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Film in 3D disc. This 3D Blu-ray disc (don't even try it in 2D players, we have no idea what will happen but the warnings are very somber -- we suspect a universe eating wormhole) captures 64 minutes of action from all the key games and matchups from South Africa in the highest quality you'll find. While we're currently experiencing an unprecedented flood of movie releases on Blu-ray 3D, this is our first opportunity to dive into some real sports action, check after the break to see if we found it worth the effort.
Universal brings Coraline Blu-ray 3D to retail January 4, 2011
So far, promotional exclusives have tied up many Blu-ray 3D titles, but that tide may start to turn, now that Universal has announced it's releasing the previously Panasonic-exclusive Coraline to retail on January 4, 2011. The only extras noted on the 3D disc itself are a commentary track with the director and composer and English DTS-HD MA soundtrack. We're sure fans of the animated flick will be happy to put away those red/blue glasses and get a better quality version, we'll be keeping an eye out to see which title is released from the bonds of exclusivity next.
Oppo officially announces BDP-93 Blu-ray player, shows off full specs
It hasn't been long since Oppo's well-received BDP-83 made its debut, but now it's gone, and the company has fleshed out details on the successor to the throne, the BDP-93. say hello to another universal player, now updated with Blu-ray 3D and streaming access to Netflix and Blockbuster over WiFi N. There's two HDMI 1.4a outputs in case your receiver isn't 3D passthrough ready, an eSATA port for playback from hard drives and two USB ports. Retail price? $499. If this is the player you've been waiting for you're probably already on the list, but if not click the source link for a full list of specs on Oppo's site and to register for notification when it goes on sale "soon." [Thanks, Mike]
Sony Optiarc debuts 12x Blu-ray writers, makes 'em friendly with BD 3D
Not that we haven't seen a 12x Blu-ray burner before, but it'll be a cold day in the underworld before you hear us griping about a little friendly competition. Sony Optiarc has taken the cellophane off of its newest crop of half-height writers, the BD-5300S, BWU-500S and BWU-500S. These guys will soon be shipping in a variety of retail and OEM configurations, offering up Blu-ray 3D playback, 12x toasting of BD-R media (dual-layer steps down to 8x) and a copy of CyberLink's Media Suite 8 with the latter unit. The outfit's not talking dollars and cents, but you can judge the value for yourself when they start filtering out in the next few weeks.
Sony Pictures schedules Resident Evil, Piranha flicks for Blu-ray 3D release
Sony Pictures queued up a couple of new Blu-ray 3D releases, revealing that Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D will arrive on shelves December 28, while Piranha 3D is getting ready for a January 11, 2011 release across 3D, Blu-ray 2D and DVD formats. The December release schedule is quickly filling up with 3D, with Despicable Me, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore and Step Up 3D already slated for retail release next month. Check after the break for a full list of special features on both, plus another box shot and trailer for Resident Evil.
Panasonic to start Avatar 3D Blu-ray promotion December 1
Panasonic 3DTV owners and potential owners can expect a treat this December , when the company will exclusively distribute Avatar on 3D Blu-ray to its customers. While that doesn't help anyone who's purchased any other brand of 3DTV this year, these promotional flyers that spotted by a tipster at Best Buy reveal those who shell out for a VIERA brand 3D plasma this December will get a free pair of 3D glasses included, while all owners new and old are eligible to receive the disc through the "VIERA 3D TV Loyalty Program." Check out the full image after the break for all the details, and if you don't have a Panasonic set, set up your eBay watchlists now if you plan on getting Avatar in 3D before 2011. [Thanks, Mike]
Cameron says the Avatar extended edition Blu-ray is the last 2D release left... for reals
Wondering when the Avatar Blu-ray release madness might end? Well James Cameron thankfully clarified at a recent press event that the Avatar extended edition Blu-ray on November 16th will be the last 2D, 1080p, iteration of his Blue Man Group epic before the 3D version arrives. He also slightly adjusted his previous November 3D Blu-ray release predictions made during a Wall Street Journal interview -- stating vaguely that the highly-anticipated format would instead arrive "maybe one, [or] two years out." That's much more in line with statements made by his Fox handlers (coincidence?) and now leaves Panasonic as the only party still claiming their anointed 3DTV owners will bring the Avatar 3D Blu-ray "experience" home sometime this year. Still, while we certainly don't know who at this point would fail the polygraph, we're not Na'vi enough to ignore how Panny's time line helps attract consumers to buy 3DTVs over the holiday season. As with most rumors though, only time will tell who in this debacle had the date right, so for now we'll content ourselves watching the Alien Anthology.
Sharp's ultraslim BD-AV70 Blu-ray / BDXL player hitting Japan soon for over a grand
Remember that slimmer-than-slim Blu-ray 3D / BDXL player that Sharp demonstrated at CEATEC? Looks like the world now has a ship date and price, though you aren't likely to be keen on either. The unit itself -- which measures but 35mm thick and looks eerily familiar to the slimmed-down PlayStation 2 -- will tout a Blu-ray recorder while supporting BD 3D and BDXL playback, and there's even compatibility with OTA broadcasts for those looking to toast television to blank Blu-ray media. Naturally, a contraption this awesome is going to be reserved for the Japanese market, with reports suggesting that it'll ship anywhere between mid-December to early January. The real kicker, however, is the price -- at ¥85,000 ($1,047 based on today's exchange rate), we're surmising that only a handful of individuals can afford to give this thing the time of day. And that, friends, is a modern day travesty.
