blu-ray 3d
Latest
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.
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.
