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Taxi Driver comes to Blu-ray for its 35th Anniversary April 5th
Yet another classic flick finally has a Blu-ray release date now that Sony Pictures has announced Taxi Driver will be released April 5th. There's plenty of extras in store, with the inclusion of a commentary by the director Martin Scorsese and the writer Paul Schrader recorded in 1986 by the Criterion Collection for the Laserdisc, and an exclusive "Script to Screen" feature that scrolls the original script along with stage notes onscreen as the movie plays and points out the differences. Along with a 5.1 audio track, the picture has been remastered in 4K from the original and approved by both the cinematographer and director for this release. It's hard to find anything missing from this release of an iconic film starring Robert DeNiro and Jodie Foster, check the press release after the break for all the details.
Sony schedules The Social Network Blu-ray for release January 11, 2011
After an impressive run in theaters and a recent slew of year end awards, it's no surprise Sony Pictures has quickly scheduled the release of The Social Network on Blu-ray for January 11, 2011. The two disc set includes extras like a commentary with director David Fincher, another with writer Aaron Sorkin and the cast, a documentary about the making of the movie and more. Of course, we think they really might be missing out if there's not some sort of BD-Live powered Facebook checkin included, but that's just us.
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.
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.
Sony, IMAX & Discovery's 3D channel to feature content from... Sony, IMAX & Discovery
Sony, IMAX and Discovery announced at CES this year that they would be bringing a new 3D network home next year, and now they've laid out some of the initial content that will be airing on it. No surprise, we guess, that it's a mix of their own catalogs, but we figure content starved 3DTV owners will be very happy to see this mix of documentaries and feature films including Monster House and Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. Check the pres release after the break for the full list, while they didn't put a specific launch date other than 2011 we're already thinking CES in January is as good a time as any.
Sony queues up The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Film in 3D on Blu-ray for November
Just in case you missed out on the 3D broadcast of this year's World Cup or if you simply want to relive the experience, Sony has followed through on its promise of a Blu-ray 3D release, scheduled for November 16. If there's any disappointment (other than remembering the United States team's exit against Ghana) it's that despite a $39.95 MSRP ($27.99 on Amazon currently) it has a running time of a mere 64 minutes and no extras are listed yet. Of course, if you're looking for something to hold you over until 2014, we guess this will have to do, but even if you don't purchase we're sure this is a demo disc that will be playing in Sony Style stores for quite a while.
Monster House 3D Blu-ray reviewed, hints Sony's skills are improving
If your 3DTV and eyes are moaning from endless replays of the Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 3D Blu-ray, High-Def Digest says Sony's second 3D Blu-ray release, Monster House, can provide some relief. Besides gushing over the "spectacular" 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, they note that Sony has fixed the issue of background smearing and image ghosting present in the few other 3D Blu-ray titles out there like Cloudy and Monsters vs Aliens. The "impressive" DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack was also deemed a great improvement over the original Blu-ray release's English PCM 5.1 version. Combined with the refreshing lack of pointy-objects-in-your-face 3D gimmick shots and accurate color reproduction, they gave the title 4.5 out of 5 stars for both HD video and audio quality -- which certainly isn't kids stuff. Good news aside, it probably won't make up for the scorn of Pansonic's Avatar exclusive for those using LG, Sony or Samsung gear, but then again, you can always just rent Dances With Wolves if you just need to belong. To read the full review, hit the source link below.
Warner has six Blu-ray 3D discs headed to retail November 16, Sony brings along Open Season
We're not sure if they were just waiting for the PlayStation 3's Blu-ray 3D update to be officially announced, but Warner Bros. has finally responded to our pleas and mentioned a few Blu-ray 3D discs that are headed for retail without any exclusive bundling holding them back. Home Media Magazine reports that among them, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore will be a day-and-date release along with the standard DVD and Blu-ray editions, while the other five are Clash of the Titans, The Polar Express, IMAX Deep Sea 3D, IMAX Under the Sea 3D and IMAX Space Station 3D, all sporting $44.95 MSRPs. According to SVP Dorinda Marticorena, this push "is just the beginning" and timed to capitalize on an increase in sales of Blu-ray 3D hardware during the holidays. No doubt, as Sony Pictures has also apparently dated the release of Open Season in 3D for November 16 as well, the same day A Christmas Carol arrives -- 3D early adopters mark your calendars appropriately.
Sony's second retail Blu-ray 3D, Monster House, goes on sale September 14
Add one more to the list of retail Blu-ray 3D discs, now that Sony Pictures has put a date on Monster House. Due September 14, Sony Pictures' website currently lists the same special features included on the original Blu-ray release back in '06, which we expect to see included in the package, just like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and a similar $39.95 MSRP. Outside of these kids features, the Blu-ray 3D is looking very dry for the near future, while IMAX: Grand Canyon Adventure has been announced for October 26, we're still waiting to find out when Sony is shipping Open Season and Resident Evil: Afterlife, and when the other movies currently locked in as exclusive pack-in offers will go on sale.
Sony plans to launch Sony Pictures Movies HD, FEARNet linear channel later this year
Get ready for a few more movie channels to hit your guide listing, as the L.A. Times reports it's heard Sony is planning to launch two new channels later this year. The first is the familiar FEARNet, currently existing as a video on-demand only provider that it hopes to get in more homes by adding a traditional channel, and the other would be an all new Sony Pictures Movies HD venture. So far Sony Pictures hasn't pursued its own movie network in the US but it does have channels overseas, and this would be a high definition channel along the lines (and pricing) of MGM HD. It doesn't have the three screen flair of EPIX HD, but if we can get some OAR movies with proper surround sound, that would be something to look forward to.
Sony 3DTVs go on pre-sale at Sony Style stores immediately, 'Cloudy' hits Blu-ray 3D June 22
After getting price and release date information in the UK, Japan and even Canada, Sony has finally seen fit to announce US details for the latest and greatest additions to the BRAVIA LCD lineup. Additionally, the software update to turn on Blu-ray 3D playback and DLNA streaming in its latest players (the out of the box 3D ready BDP-S770 ships next month) is going out today, provided you can find a disc to slip in them -- which you can't until Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs arrives at retail June 22. Just like the other launches, buyers of the new TVs can expect a copy of that movie, Deep Sea, and vouchers for 3D games on the PlayStation Network (once it comes back up.) Oh, and how much will you be spending on the new televisions? Check after the break for all the details, but MSRPs (expect much lower prices in reality, as revealed by JR.com) range from $2,100 for the KDL-40HX800 to $5,000 for a 60-inch BR-60LX900. No word yet on when you'll be able to pick up these displays at any other retailers, but if Sony is your preferred brand for 3D, you'll need to run by a Sony Style store to have a chance of sticking one on the wall in time for the 2010 World Cup.
Sony Pictures is releasing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on Blu-ray 3D June 1 -- in Germany
Just in case you've already snatched up a 3DTV and Blu-ray 3D compatible player, you've probably seen the demo disc Panasonic includes or Samsung's Monsters vs. Aliens pack-in enough times to junk those $150 3D glasses permanently, but help is on the way. The first commercially available 3D Blu-ray disc has finally been announced -- but only in Germany so far. If you sprechen sie deutsch, Amazon DE is more than willing to take your preorder cash for this movie which will ship June 1, the same day a 2D version is released, but with a €28.99 ($39.61) price tag you'll be paying an extra 9 euros for the privilege and sacrificing a couple of extras. In the U.S., we'll probably have to wait until Sony firms up the release schedule for its PS3 3D update before finding out exactly when this disc hits the shelves locally. [Thanks JoeCise]
iPad apps: video for the well-rounded couch potato
We totally would have had this roundup done earlier, but we were just way too busy watching TV on our iPads. Let's face it, as fun as those social networking and gaming applications are (sorry, utility apps -- no fun for you!) sometimes you just want to sit back, rest those fingers and soak in some drama. The iPad's 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768-resolution screen certainly looks nice when reading books and browsing the web, but you haven't seen anything until you get some HD content playing. Though we may never get over the fact that we can't watch Flash video in the browser, the following apps are just what the doctor ordered to ease the pain and turn Apple's tablet into a portable media viewing machine. What are you waiting for? Hop on past the break already, and then kindly let us know if you've come up with a good way to prop up the iPad so you can watch all that video goodness while laying down.
Sony signs up all six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network
Well, it looks like Sony has a little treat for PS3 users now that they're able to turn their consoles back on -- it's just announced that it has signed up all six major studios to deliver HD movies on the PlayStation Network (the first company to do so, as Sony is happy to point out). That includes 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and, of course, Sony Pictures Entertainment, which combined have an initial slate of 19 HD movies available to buy or rent -- including "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Star Trek," "District 9," "Inglourious Basterds," and "The Wizard of Oz," to name a few. Those are only available in the US at the moment, but Sony says it plans to also roll them out to the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain "soon."
This is It Blu-ray release debuts movieIQ Sync, brings more Michael Jackson info to your iPhone or PC
Unfortunately, the most telling element of this Blu-ray news is that it didn't merit a mention during Sony's CES keynote, but a new BD-Live feature will be included on This is It. movieIQ Sync updates the original by allowing users to pull up additional movie info on a PC or iPhone synchronized with the movie -- we're guessing the recently released FBI files won't be included -- without it popping up on the television. The other new feature is the ability to create & share customized playlists of the songs featured in the flick. We've been waiting for an event that would change both the reality and perception of internet connected features on Blu-ray -- and there's still some hope -- but this probably isn't it.
Sony Pictures has 3D Blu-ray titles in store for 2010
In what is sure to be just the beginning of announcements from studios getting behind 3D Blu-ray, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that when Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs and Blu-ray Players hit the street this Summer that at least one movie from said studio will be available in the new format. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs is the first 3D title on the list, but details and other titles are promised this Spring.
Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX
Over the last few years we've witnessed a slew of DivX Certified devices including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray player, set-top boxes, game consoles and even cell phones, but until now, despite several content agreements, in the U.S. there hasn't been any content available in the format from the major studios. That changes today now that online store FilmFresh.com, has signed up Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures to offer new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX formatted downloads. The bad news? For now at least, they'll be standard definition (stereo audio) only. Rick Bolton, CEO of Film Fresh as well as Eric Grab and John Greene of DivX filled us in on the details, and from what we've learned -- if you'll stand for lower res video -- the combination of compatibility and portability could make this download service a competitor against the likes of iTunes, CinemaNow and Zune.
Sony's movieIQ BD-Live feature attached to Silverado, The Quick and the Dead Blu-ray discs
With Angels & Demons still without a U.S. release date (September 14 in the U.K.) and Easy Rider set to debut September 15, there's a possibility Sony Pictures new BD-Live powered movieIQ feature could find its debut on a pair of western movies: The Quick and the Dead & Silverado. Both are set to hit the streets September 8, while Silverado promises a never-before-seen featurette sure to interest fans in this collector's edition, neither is quite The Man with No Name-series material or packing other notable Blu-ray exclusives beyond movieIQ. Still, it's interesting to see Sony pitching connected features to these audiences, looks like we should expect movieIQ on most titles from here on out.
Wolverine Blu-ray disc includes BD-Live access to IMDB
Looks like Sony isn't the only one ready to take a crack at improving BD-Live, Fox has revealed its "Live Lookup" feature, that will pull info from IMDB.com related to the movie being watched, slated to appear first on the Wolverine Blu-ray. Besides an internet hookup, Wolverine will bring a 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack, a digital copy and several Blu-ray exclusive featurettes when it is released September 15. Ready to find out if the performance of Fox's Java applet navigated via remote can beat having a laptop sitting open next to you?Read - Fox Shares X-Men Origins: Wolverine Blu-ray Details and Cover ArtRead - Fox launches BD Live feature with Wolverine
Sony Pictures to smarten up Blu-ray with MovieIQ, the "killer app for BD-Live"
Are you one of the more than 4,000 people (86%) that answered our poll saying you thought BD-Live was a waste of time, or didn't see any reason to give it a shot? We talked to Sony Pictures recently and were promised that more useful reasons for hooking the internet to Blu-ray discs & players were on the way, and today at a press event it showed why it thinks that will come true. Check out the gallery for a few pics of its new MovieIQ app, quickly described as a "wiki for movies" that can tie into your discs and provide information from Gracenote on demand on nearly anything in the movie or even specific scene being watched, from actors & directors to background music. The first BD-Live discs with it should be available in September, we'll be back with more details shortly, for now just let the images do the talking.Update: Official press release is included after the break
