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BDA Finalizes Ultra HD Blu-ray Spec, Format Supports HDR & Expanded Colors[teaser]The next-generation Blu-ray specification has been completed. [/teaser] The BDA has officially announced the finalization of the Ultra HD Blu-ray spec and logo. The upcoming disc format will deliver Ultra HD content to Ultra HD TVs. "For years, Blu-ray Disc™ has set the standard for high definition picture and audio quality in the home. Ultra HD Blu-ray will do the same for UHD home entertainment," said Victor Matsuda, chair, BDA Promotions Committee. "The technical capabilities of Blu-ray Disc, in particular its significant storage capacity and high data transfer rates, will enable the delivery of an unparalleled, consistent and repeatable UHD experience." The Ultra HD Blu-ray spec supports video at up to 3840x2160 resolution, expanded color gamuts, high dynamic range, high frame rate content, and object-based audio tech like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Likewise, the format includes an optional digital bridge feature that "enhances the value of content ownership by embracing the notion that a content purchase can enable the consumer to view their content across the range of in-home and mobile devices." Finally, the spec also requires that Ultra HD Blu-ray players offer backwards compatibility with current Blu-rays. Ultra HD Blu-ray discs will hold up to 66GB on dual layer discs and 100GB on triple layer discs. Currently, the only way to watch Ultra HD content on a 4K TV is through pre-loaded hard drives or streaming and download services. With its superior storage capacity and compression techniques, Ultra HD Blu-ray promises to deliver higher quality Ultra HD content. Licensing for Ultra HD Blu-ray is scheduled to commence this summer. An exact release window for the first Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs has not been announced, but previous rumors have indicated a possible holiday 2015 or early 2016 debut. Source: BDA via Business WirePosted Tue May 12, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Prepare to Go 'Back to the Jurassic' on Blu-ray 3D in June[teaser]The animated family flick will arrive on Blu-ray in June, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Alchemy is preparing 'Back to the Jurassic' for Blu-ray on June 9. Ernie, his little sister Julia, and his best friend Max accidentally start a time-machine while playing in Max's inventor father's workshop and find themselves transported back in time 65 million years, where they are adopted by doting dinosaur mom Tyra (Melanie Griffith) and a rambunctious dinosaur named Dodger (Rob Schneider). If they ever wish to make it back home they must steer clear of their evil dinosaur rivals (William Baldwin and Stephen Baldwin) and rely on the help of their mother Tyra and Dodger after all, family isn't always just the one you re born into! Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Back to the Jurassic' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue May 12, 2015 at 05:59 AM PDT by: -
Brett Morgen's Documentary 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The legendary Nirvana frontman is the focus of this documentary hitting Blu-ray in November. Pre-orders are now available. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' for Blu-ray on November 6. From acclaimed director Brett Morgen, this first ever, fully authorised documentary feature blends Cobain's personal archive of art, written word, music (both his most famous and some that's never been heard), and never –before-seen home movies, with animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest confidantes. Following Kurt from his earliest years in Aberdeen, WA, through the height of his fame, it creates an intense and powerful cinematic insight into an artist who craved the spotlight even as he rejected the trappings of fame. Those of Kurt's generation will learn things about him they never knew. Those who've discovered the man and his music more recently will understand what makes Kurt the lasting icon that he is. Just like the legendary frontman of Nirvana himself, Cobain: Montage of Heck is authentic, visceral and unflinching. It will get into your head and stay there long after the end credits roll. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon May 11, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'A John Williams Celebration' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The tribute concert will celebrate the legendary composer's iconic themes on Blu-ray in June, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, C Major Entertainment is preparing 'A John Williams Celebration' for Blu-ray on June 30. For the 2014/15 Opening Night Concert and Gala, the Los Angeles Philharmonic paid loving tribute to composer John Williams, long a champion and close friend of the LA Phil. Gustavo Dudamel, an awestruck fan of the musical icon, led the orchestra in a crosssection of Maestro Williams' matchless canon. Featuring Itzhak Perlman with a very special musical performance of pieces from Schindler's List as well as the Cadenza and variations from Fiddler on the Roof. Jazz elements will fill the air during Escapades from Catch Me if You Can, and may the force be with you during the iconic tunes from Star Wars. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'A John Williams Celebration' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 30. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon May 11, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy' Blu-ray $37.27 at Amazon[teaser]Nothing says Happy Mother's Day quite like rampaging dinosaurs in high-definition![/teaser] Amazon is selling 'Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy' for $37.27 (53% off the suggested retail price). The set includes all 3 films digitally remastered with new 7.1 audio plus hours of all-new bonus features. Click here to order your copy today! This offer is available from now through May 17.Posted Sun May 10, 2015 at 09:22 AM PDT by: -
Iain Softley's 'Hackers' Starring Jonny Lee Miller & Angelina Jolie Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Blu-ray will hack the planet this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is working on 'Hackers: 20th Anniversary Edition' for Blu-ray on August 18. While practicing the tricks of the trade, a neophyte "hacker" accomplishes the nearly impossible: he hacks the highly secured computer at the Ellingson Mineral Corporation. But in doing so, he unknowingly taps into a high-tech embezzling scheme masked by a computer virus with the potential to destroy the world's ecosystem! And when the young hacker and his pals are targeted for the crime, the group must launch a massive cyberspace attack - one that will hopefully clear their names and prevent ecological disaster. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Hackers: 20th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 8, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Herbert Ross' 1975 Comedy 'The Sunshine Boys' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The film starring Walter Matthau and George Burns will arrive on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive is prepping 'The Sunshine Boys' for Blu-ray sometime later this summer. A showbiz partner often thinks his sidekick is a pain in the neck. Lewis and Clark have lower anatomical opinions of each other. In writer Neil Simon's warm stage-to-screen adaptation, Walter Matthau and George Burns play feuding vaudevillians reteaming for a TV special - if they survive rehearsals. Matthau earned a 1975 Best Actor Golden Globe Award and Oscar nomination for his cantankerous Willy Clark. And as hilariously deadpan Al Lewis, George Burns turned his first on-camera film role in 36 years into a Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winning performance and a relaunch of his movie career. Also the winner of Golden Globes for Best Comedy/Musical and for Best Supporting Actor Richard Benjamin, The Sunshine Boys is comic perfection from masters of the art. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 2.0 audio, and supplements include: Full-length feature commentary by Richard Benjamin; Make-up tests (silent) with Walter Matthau and Jack Benny (originally intended co-star) (SD); Phil Silbers screen test (SD); The Lion Roars Again 1975 MGM promotional film featuring sequence with cast members of The Sunshine Boys (SD); and Original Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'The Sunshine Boys' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri May 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Nailed It! 'Toolbox Murders 2' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The sequel to Tobe Hooper's 2003 remake is headed for Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'Toolbox Murders 2' on Blu-ray on August 4. Thought you saw the whole nail-biting, gut-wrenching story? Think again. The handyman of horror is back with a new box of tricks in Toolbox Murders 2, a terrifying sequel to Tobe Hooper's 2004 reimagining of the 1978 cult favorite. Picking up directly after the events of Hooper's shocking film, Toolbox Murders 2 ratchets up the terror as it follows one of Hollywood's most twisted killers. Resurfacing in the darkest corners of the L.A. underworld with a serious axe to grind, the killer hammers out a plan to put the screws to a new victim: Samantha, the sister of his prey from his previous rampage. Soon Samantha finds herself held captive in a house of horrors and forced to undergo the most unspeakable tortures… with little hope of escape. No other details have been released at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Toolbox Murders 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 4.Posted Fri May 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Chuck Workman's 'Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The documentary will be available on Blu-ray this month. [/teaser] As previously reported, Cohen Media Group will be releasing 'Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles' on Blu-ray on May 26. Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles looks at the remarkable genius of Orson Welles on the eve of his centenary - the enigma of his career as a Hollywood star, a Hollywood director (for some a Hollywood failure), and a crucially important independent filmmaker. Orson Welles's life was magical: a musical prodigy at age 10, a director of Shakespeare at 14, a painter at 16, a star of stage and radio at 20, romances with some of the most beautiful women in the world, including Rita Hayworth. His work was similarly extraordinary, most notably Citizen Kane, (considered by many to be the most important movie ever made), created by Welles when he was only 25. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: EPK Featurette Interview with Annette Insdorf and a trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 8, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Well Go USA Preps 'Sword of Vengeance' for Blu-ray[teaser]The action flick will seek revenge on Blu-ray in May. Pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Sword of Vengeance' for Blu-ray on May 26. From the creator of 'Hammer of the Gods', starring Stanley Weber (Borgia) and Annabelle Wallis (Annabelle), the subjects of a ruthless tyrant's oppression discover an unlikely freedom fighter whose code of honor demands bloody retribution. In 1066, following the brutal genocide ordered by William the Conqueror in order to control the unrelenting Rebels of the North, it's a world of dark times and dark deeds. After years of slavery, a Norman Prince (Weber) returns to the lost lands to seek revenge on his father's murderer by leading a band of farmers in bloody retribution. Rounding out the notable cast are Ed Skrein ("Game of Thrones"), Dave Legeno (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) and Karel Roden (The Bourne Supremacy). Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Sword of Vengeance' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 8, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
