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SIM2 tag-teams with Entertainment Experience to bring you movies on hard drives
Now here's a real head-scratcher -- imagine that instead of having Netflix ship you a new movie on disc every few days, you had some other company sending you a new hard drive once or twice a week. If we're understanding SIM2's latest news correctly, that's exactly what'll happen when signing up with Entertainment Experience, LLC. The Digital Entertainment Solution includes SIM2's ultra-pricey C3X 1080p projector, but that's not even the best part; purchasers will apparently also receive an undisclosed amount of additional hardware in the form of a "Digital Entertainment Center" that accepts HDDs with motion pictures stored in a reference-grade DCI format accepted by Hollywood. It even sounds like an AV signal processor comes bundled in to make even your current media components (Xbox 360, PS3, Blu-ray player, etc.) look better. Both firms have noted that content should be available "soon," and while we'll be doing our best to track down more information at CEDIA, feel free to read up on the cryptic release after the break for now.
Wall-E Blu-ray details seep out, it's unsurprisingly getting the royal treatment
To say that Wall-E was a hit for Disney would be grossly understating it, and that's evidenced by the robust Blu-ray release that's being primed for a November 18th release. Unsurprisingly, Disney and Buena Vista Home Entertainment will be releasing this one just before the holiday shopping season really gets going, and we have a hunch it'll probably do some record smashing of its own. The 3-disc BD package will include Digital Copy, Burn-E with Boards (PiP), Cine-Explor with director Andrew Stanton, Axoim Arcade: retro suite of video games with a twist and a few Blu-ray exclusive features including at least one that taps into BD-Live. So, are you going to hand over $40.99 (MSRP) to hear that sweetheart utter "EEEEEVVVAAAAAA!" once more?
Razor Digital reveals new line of Blu-ray documentaries
We'd say Discovery still has the whole "pretty Blu-ray" thing all wrapped up, but Razor Digital's looking to get a piece of the pie with its latest lineup of Blu-ray documentaries. By teaming with MagicPlay, the outfit has re-mastered a number of pieces originally shot on 70-millimeter film and released in IMAX in order to wow consumers in their own homes. The new flicks include Bears, Wolves, Ocean Oasis, Great North, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet and Emperor of the Seas. Best of all, they each retail for under $24.99, so fetching some new showcase material won't completely shatter the bank.
Aquarion Movie sees December 5th Blu-ray release date
Typically speaking, we won't cover every single film that hits Blu-ray -- particularly since it's pretty much the only high-def format to choose from (CH-DVD notwithstanding) -- but the anime industry is still struggling to pump out a healthy amount of BD titles. That being the case, we're all the more elated to see that Aquarion Movie will be landing on the format on December 5th in Japan. Reportedly, the disc will feature a 16:9 version of the flick with the MPEG-4 AVC codec along with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 channel audio. Buyers will also get a 28-page booklet, HD remake of Episode 27 and audio commentary for the special features. As for a US release? We're still waiting in tense anticipation.[Via ActiveAnime]
Warner Bros. to launch Casablanca / Austin Powers Blu-ray box sets
Warner Bros. isn't content with just loosing The Polar Express on 3D Blu-ray -- oh no, it's got another pair of titles set for a holiday launch. Famed classic Casablanca will finally be getting the Blu-ray treatment it deserves this December 2nd when it arrives in Ultimate Collector's Edition form. The $64.99 package ($59.98 on DVD) is reportedly "elegantly boxed in an intricate laser-cut Moroccan design and will include such collectibles as replicas of actual props (Victor Laszlo's "Letter of Transit") as well as a number of Warner studio documents. Going from one of the greatest love stories of all time to one of the raunchiest comedies of the past, oh, score, Austin Powers Collection: Shagadelic Edition, Loaded With Extra Mojo will be uncomfortably landing alongside the aforementioned gem on the same day. The collection-only package will include the entire trilogy in Blu-ray high-def for $74.98.[Image courtesy of ValleyArts]Read - Casablanca releaseRead - Austin Powers release
The Polar Express makes 3D Blu-ray debut on October 28th
Oh boy, we can see where this is headed. Not that 3D Blu-ray Discs are a bad thing, though. Anywho, shortly after Hannah Montana was announced as being the first to bring 3D to BD, along comes The Polar Express to call "shotgun!" Warner Bros. has announced that the visually pleasing film will make its 3D Blu-ray / DVD debut on October 28th, with the title coming bundled with four sets of 3D glasses. The Blu version will go for $34.99, while the DVD edition will demand $20.97. Anyone plan on picking this up to see if the hype is warranted?
Netflix shipping woes fixed, rentals flowing freely again
Stellar news, Netflix users -- those shipping issues that have been plaguing certain customers for a few days now are finally fixed. Currently, the company is still investigating the root cause as it attempts to ensure such a problem doesn't crop up again, but for those who've been adversely affected this week, you can look forward to a bit of compensation. No, we're talking a personalized "I'm sorry" letter in the mail, but existing users will get 15% off their next bill and folks within their trial period will get another week on the house. Party on, dudes and dudettes![Image courtesy of Homotron]
Netflix shipping systems act a fool -- have you been delayed?
We fully understand that we're a few days late in posting this up, but seriously, we figured Netflix would fix whatever's been ailing its shipping system well before now. Days after we heard the first reports of users getting an atypical warning when viewing their queue alerting them of possible shipment delays, tips are still flowing in from frustrated users. The message asserts that the company is "still experiencing issues with its shipping systems," though it gives no estimated time for a fix to be implemented. Have you been bitten by the Netflix delay bug? Have your titles continued without so much as a hiccup? Let us know in comments below.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
007: Casino Royale Collector's Edition first Blu-ray Disc to double-dip
Studios just love to re-release older titles just before a follow-up film hits the silver screen, and Sony's making darn sure it milks the 007 franchise for every dime it's worth prior to Quantum of Solace landing in theaters. Not only are six Bond classics slated to hit Blu-ray on October 21st, but now one of Sony's best-selling 007 BD titles will be joining 'em. Yep, 007: Casino Royale will be re-released in a Collector's Edition with seven hours of new material, free e-Movie Cash to catch the aforesaid QoS in cinemas, Bonus View picture-in-picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson and a "Know Your Double-O" BD-Live-enabled multi-player trivia game. To our knowledge, this is the first Blu-ray title to double-dip, as we're not counting the whole Fifth Element fiasco as a true double release. Prepare to spend $38.96 for the 2-disc Blu-ray set or $29.95 for the 3-disc DVD package.[Thanks, Chris]
VUDU announces $0.99 extended rentals, "99 for 99" movie channel
Shortly after picking up its very own adult channel, VUDU is announcing a more, shall we say, family friendly bit today. Effective immediately, VUDU users will be able to renew any SD rental for $0.99 within seven days of first viewing the film, while renewals of HD rentals will cost $1.99. Additionally, VUDU has launched a new "99 for 99" movie channel which contains a rotating list of 99 films that can be rented for -- you guessed it -- just south of a Washington. Interestingly, VUDU calls the deals "summer blockbuster specials," though there's no sign of an end date for either. Can't say this totally changes the way we see the movie set-top-box, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Full release after the jump.
The 13 Netflix DVDs still featuring ARccOS copy protection
We hoped that we had pretty much heard the end of Sony's ridiculous ARccOS copy protection -- which added in corrupted sectors in order to prevent copying (and legitimate playback in a myriad of players) -- but sadly, not all wishes are granted. Dave Zatz noticed an announcement on Netflix's website which spells out the remaining DVDs in which ARccOS is still in play, with 007: Casino Royale, Black Christmas, The Grudge 2, Pursuit of Happyness, Stranger than Fiction, The Holiday and a smattering of other halfway popular titles in the mix. It also shows the list of players known to be affected by the DRM, so you may want to take a peek before renting any of the aforesaid titles. Thanks, Big Content!
Blockbuster tests movie download service, DVD rental kiosks
As Blockbuster flounders around in an attempt to determine what it really wants to be, we're seeing that it's finally taking advantage of that whole Movielink purchase from last year. A new download section on the company's website has gone live, encouraging XP / Vista users running Internet Explorer (feel alienated yet?) to simply pick a flick, download and watch. In related news, the rental outfit has announced an expanded partnership with NCR that will see 50 DVD rental kiosks deployed in a pilot test, which is separate from the download-only kiosks which are being tested in Dallas, Texas. Anyone tried out the new download service? Do you prefer it more / less than Netflix's Watch Now?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Blockbuster download serviceRead - Blockbuster DVD kiosks
Planet of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution Blu-ray set oozes bonus material
We all know "that guy / gal" who secretly (or publicly) loves a movie more if there is oodles upon oodles of bonus content on the home release, don't we? If someone just popped into your head, forward this one on as quickly as possible. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has just unveiled details of its forthcoming $159.98 Planet of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution Blu-ray box set, and it seriously sets a new standard for bonus material. The November 4-bound five-disc package is expectedly gigantic, as it houses each Apes film on a BD-50 -- which will be presented in 2.35:1 alongside a remastered 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track -- and the unrated version of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Best of all, every single supplement is also presented in high-definition, and there are far too many to list in this space. Just hit the read link to see what we mean -- get ready to give that scroll wheel a workout.
Details flow about The Ultimate Matrix Collection on Blu-ray
We know you're hungry for every last morsel of information on Warner's hotly-anticipated Ultimate Matrix Collection on Blu-ray, so here goes. Warner Home Video just released information confirming that the data we already had was true, and that a seven-disc BD box set would be landing on (and shortly departing from) store shelves on October 14th. Aside from housing the complete trilogy with lossless 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio, the package will also include an hour of special features on each film. More specifically, you'll see the studio's In-Movie Experience alongside The Animatrix (which is debuting in high-definition here), 35 more hours of undisclosed bonus material and a digital copy of The Matrix. Yeah, $129.95 is still the asking price, but you know it'll be going for a bit less on launch day.
Netflix CEO says Blu-ray premiums coming "very soon"
Netflix taketh away, and Netflix giveth. Netflix is about to taketh once more (this time from your wallet), with CEO Reed Hastings noting on a recent conference call that the promised Blu-ray premium would be instituted "very shortly." Specifics weren't mentioned, but we are hearing that the new pricing will be applied across its entire subscriber base "based on how the tests go." Hastings did note that BD rentals still make up a "very low" percentage of rentals, but of course, that will obviously change as time progresses. Any guesses as to how much said "premium" will be?[Image courtesy of WorkItMom, thanks Dan]
The Ultimate Matrix Collection to make Blu-ray debut on October 14th
We've already Windexed our spectacles and hit refresh a time or two, and yes, The Matrix is finally -- finally! -- headed to Blu-ray. We've wondered when we'd see this go down for what seems like eons, but thanks to new data (including box art) over at DVD Active, Warner Home Video will finally loose The Ultimate Matrix Collection on BD on October 14th. The $129.95 (MSRP, we imagine) set will include seven discs, though we're not certain what extras will surround the films themselves just yet. Start saving those pennies, you know you'll want this one.[Thanks, Alex]
Survey finds most Americans think in-store movie renting is fading out
Even we would agree that digital downloads aren't apt to siphon away a significant amount of physical media market share in the immediate future, but a recent survey conducted by CinemaNow (read: your skeptic hat should now be firmly in place) suggests that the vast majority of Americans feel otherwise. As a matter of fact, 87% of those surveyed agreed that "renting DVDs at the video store or through mail service will become a thing of the past," and 94% of those same folks reportedly felt that movie downloads were just "better for the environment." Not like the average joe / jane understands how much energy is consumed by warehouses full of drives, gigantic air-conditioned server rooms and legions of PCs sucking down content, but yeah, these results are totally representative of the truth.[Image courtesy of Street Knowledge]
HD movies featuring stereo sound in PlayStation Video Store
Though we suspect this is totally normal judging by the fact that not all HD flicks available via Apple TV have 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound, it is a wee bit disappointing. One particular tipster wrote in to express his frustration with Sony's recently launched PlayStation Video Store, noting that his HD movie rental featured only stereo sound. When contacting Sony on the matter, a Store specialist informed him that no refunds were allowed and there was no way to determine how audio was packaged prior to downloading. So yeah, if multi-channel audio is paramount, you may want to think twice about emptying your wallet in the PS Store.
Showtime lands 7-year content deal with The Weinstein Company
A hot, hot summer isn't keeping The Weinstein Company from staying busy, as just weeks after announcing its intentions to finally join the herd and go Blu-ray exclusive comes word that it has inked a long-term deal with Showtime Networks. The two have entered into an "exclusive seven-year film distribution arrangement" which will be effective with Weinstein's 2009 release schedule. Showtime viewers can expect to see Nine, Inglorious Bastards and other highly acclaimed pictures from the outfit, and for those interested, you may be stoked to find that the output deal "also includes releases from Dimension Films." So, is this enough incentive to keep this premium around?
A Star is Born getting 6K makeover: is it worthwhile?
While many film lovers across the universe are still itching to watch something in 4K, studio execs are already eying the next best thing -- or are they? The 1954 A Star is Born will soon be undergoing a 6K restoration makeover prior to its release on Blu-ray, and while this may sound impressive to those not in the know, industry experts have varying opinions on the worthiness of such an undertaking. According to Lowry Digital Images' Chief Technical Officer John Lowry, the 6K transfer "is just an attempt at marketing position," noting that "everything on film is captured at 4K." Listening to The Film Preserve's Robert Harris could make you believe otherwise, as he asserts that while there is only a "slight" advantage to preserving the film in 6K, it's still important to "get every last drop you can." (Not surprising considering his occupation.) Nevertheless, we'd recommend hitting up the read link for a few interesting viewpoints on 6K, and get on down to a 4K theater before it becomes "so last year."
