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'Lightning Bug' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]An extended cut of the 2004 thriller from writer/director Robert Hall is bound for Blu-ray this January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is preparing 'Lightning Bug' for Blu-ray on January 15. 'Lightning Bug' is a nostalgic journey through the budding aspirations and sobering realities of youth, as told semi-autobiographically by writer/director Hall. Bret Harrison ("Reaper," "Grounded For Life," "The O.C.") stars as Green Graves, a young Alabama man desperate to escape the stifling grip of his rural confines. In a Bible-Belt town chock full of misfits, Green finds escape and solace in his longing to create special effects creatures in Hollywood. Despite finding a kindred spirit in a local girl with a sordid past, Green soon learns that sometimes the most frightening monsters aren't always made of rubber and latex. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Afterglow: A Look Back at Lightning Bug; The Making of Lightning Bug; Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Robert Hall and cast; and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $17.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Lightning Bug' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 15.Posted Wed Oct 31, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Objectified' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The acclaimed documentary from director Gary Hustwit will hit Blu-ray next week. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, New Video Group has slated 'Objectified' for Blu-ray on November 6. 'Objectified' is a feature-length documentary about our complex relationship with manufactured objects and, by extension, the people who design them. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include additional interviews. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Objectified' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 6.Posted Wed Oct 31, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Best in Show' Blu-ray Features Added[teaser]Bonus features have been added for the cult comedy hit letting the dogs out on Blu-ray this February! [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Brothers is working on 'Best in Show' for a Blu-ray release on February 19. The tension is palpable, the excitement is mounting and the heady scent of competition is in the air as hundreds of eager contestants from across America prepare to take part in what is undoubtedly one of the greatest events of their lives -- the Mayflower Dog Show. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include deleted scenes with optional director commentary; K-9 Corner visiting various dogs and their owners; and Cast/ filmakers highlights. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Best in Show' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 19.Posted Wed Oct 31, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Goodie Bag: Your Horror Blu-rays For Halloween 2012[teaser]Just like we do every year around this time, High-Def Digest has scraped together another maggot-infested candy bowl of fun to help you prepare for Halloween! [/teaser] What's in the Goodie Bag? --- Horror Blu-rays for this Halloween Season! by M. Enois Duarte (The HDD Crypt Keeper) Greetings, boils and ghouls! With the Hell-idays finally around the corner, High-Def Die-gest decided to resurrect another selection of gory treats to celebrate this year's feast-ivities. And with the political race starting to really heat up, I'm dressed in my ghoulish best to show my patriotic spirit for what's sure to be a suspenseful and frightful carnival freak show. A battle royale with lots of hunger, mudslinging, and bloodsucking mayhem! In one corner, we have a Harvard graduate with the experience of a jackal, but full of grand, extremists ideas to gut and rip apart the nation into ruin. In the other corner, we have a Harvard graduate with little experience and extremist notions to shred the nation into pieces and restructure the social order. So, umm . . . place your bets on the loser? Well, never fear, kiddies, I've scraped together a terror list of putrid horror tales that will set the perfect mood and distract from this miserable lot. The scary stories are separated into three stomach-churning categories and in alphabetical order. The queasy gathering is organ-ized according to each title delivering a spooky atmosphere, offering you creeps the best variety in scares and creepy laughter. So, without further ado . . . Frights! Camera! Hack-tion! MILD DECOMPOSITION THE CABIN IN THE WOODS This year's biggest surprise is from Joss Whedon and 'Cloverfield' writer Drew Goddard, who has also worked on J.J. Abrams's 'Lost.' It's a highly entertaining and clever love letter to horror movies before they devolved into torture stupidity — or "a very loving hate letter" as Whedon describes it. Disguised as a reality TV spoof, the movie delivers a terrific blend of gore, suspense, mystery, and comedy as it tackles a variety of clichés and archetypes. Starring Chris Hemsworth, with memorable appearances by Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, and Sigourney Weaver, the meta-spoof of a familiar formula with a serious horror undertone is a great way to kick of the Halloween season. HALLOWEEN COLLECTION Pick your poison, from Collector's Editions of 'Halloween II (1981)' and 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' via Shout! Factory to 'Halloween 4' and 'Halloween 5,' which see the return of Michael "The Shape" Myers, through Anchor Bay, the franchise is most popular and always a fun treat during this spooky season. These four releases are the only reason why the series makes this year's horror list. We also have 'Halloween H20' and 'Halloween: Resurrection' available on Blu-ray, but they come from Echo Bridge, a company that never cares to provide the best possible presentation of any movie. Fan can complete their collection with a double feature that includes 'Halloween 6' but that also comes from Echo Bridge. Or you can wait for Echo's triple feature release. None of the sequels compare to John Carpenter's original or even come close, but they've become a traditional watch around this time of the year. JAWS While Steven Spielberg's first massive box office hit is arguably more appropriate during the summer months, the story of a great white shark terrorizing a small beach community remains one of the best and scariest horror movies ever made. Featuring one of the most iconic musical motifs by John Williams, the film changed the way Hollywood studios marketed future releases and initiated the summer blockbuster tradition that continues today. With clever editing by Verna Fields and inspired direction by a then up-and-coming filmmaker, 'Jaws' still delivers the nerve-wracking chills it did during its original, record-shattering theatrical run. Never has a wood fragment from a small pier been so unnerving or two yellow barrels moving across the water been so thrilling to watch. ROSEMARY'S BABY Roman Polanski made his American debut with this macabre, spine-chilling masterpiece based on the bestselling novel by Ira Levin and featuring amazing performances by Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon. Ranking as one of the best by the Polish filmmaker, this creepy tale about a young's woman's disturbing ordeal with her seemingly loving husband and her overtly friendly neighbors spawned a trend of horror flicks that centered around the occult, black magic and Satanists. The second in Polanski's unofficial "Apartment Trilogy," the landmark film of stylishly artful horror is an ingeniously slow-build of unsettling atmosphere that disturbingly spirals in psychological terror. Not only did it scare the bejesus out of audiences in 1968, turning it into a box-office hit, it also continues to rank as one of the most terrifying motion pictures ever filmed. UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS Personally, the inclusion of this wonderful collection of classic horror movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood goes without saying and doesn't need an introduction. Horror fans and cinephiles everywhere know the influential significance and importance of these splendid films within the history of cinema. Along with Todd Browning's 'Dracula,' which has made Bela Lugosi into a screen legend, we also get the more stylishly atmospheric and arguably better Spanish version. Boris Karloff also became a household name of horror when he made 'Frankenstein' into the iconic face of monsters. He's accompanied by the superior masterpiece 'Bride of Frankenstein.' Joining the festivities are 'The Wolf Man,' 'The Mummy,' 'The Invisible Man' and 'The Phantom.' Also crashing the party is the 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' for the first time in 3D, the format in which it was originally shot! Others Worthy of the Cleaver: The 39 Steps, Arachnophobia, The Boogens, The Dark Mirror, Dead Ringer, Dial M for Murder - 3D, The Entity, The Game, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Little Shop of Horrors (1960 & 1986), Mad Monster Party, Night of the Living Dead (1990), A Nightmare on Elm Street Collection, The Ring (2002), Shallow Grave, Terror Train (1980), What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? MOULDY AROUND THE CORNERS (Just Eat around the Maggots) THE DEAD After years of waiting for a good zombie movie where the dead actually behave like rotting corpses walking the Earth, this low-budget independent feature rises from the earth to quench the insatiable hunger for apocalyptic mayhem. Set in the scorching deserts of western Africa, providing the plot with a chillingly immersive atmosphere, two men with military backgrounds are forced to overcome their difference and work together in order to survive. Directed, written, produced, and even photographed by the Ford brothers, 'The Dead' wears its influences with pride, carrying a solemn political undertone similar to the 'Living Dead' films from George A. Romero. It makes for a suspenseful, scary flick with brains. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY TRILOGY Yes, 'Paranormal Activity 3' should technically be the only one on the list for being the newest to hit Blu-ray, but this is the box set featuring all three together. What better way to spend the spooky season than with some fun jump scares, something to genuinely creep you out and make you afraid of the dark. And honestly, all three of these micro-budget flicks are far better and imaginative in the way they build fright than the latest idiocy going out of its way to make you barf rather than scream. What I find most interesting and appealing are sequels that play as prequels, with the third going as far back as the childhood of the sibling protagonists. And with each one, the filmmakers keep designing new ways of giving the audience goose bumps. Granted, there are some flaws worth noting, but when you're having this much fun being scared by a camera attached to an oscillating fan, you simply sit back and enjoy the supernatural horror. PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE As far as I'm concerned, the best way to enjoy the Halloween festivities is with a good balance of cheese to go along with all the tasty treats. And what better cheese to savor than this smelly, moldy mass of perfectly aged celluloid from the legendary filmmaker of Z-grade dreck Ed Wood. It's an oddly delightful piece of awful filmmaking that still ranks as one of greatest bad movies ever made. The plot is deceptively simple but hilarious about Earthlings creating a weapon that could destroy the universe and the aliens resurrecting the dead (as in zombies, but called ghouls in the movie) in order to distract them. Production issues and goofs abound, from the terrible acting (except for maybe the wonderful "Vampira"), continuity problems and the sometimes confusing editing. Topping it off is the bewildering presence of Bela Lugosi, which is actually footage of another Ed Wood movie that was never completed. 'Plan 9' is for great Halloween laughs and fun, not scares. RE-ANIMATOR Another cheese-tacular spectacle of low-budget horror is this cult classic from Stuart Gordon. However, the silliness doesn't come from terrible production values or any major gaffes. In fact, the adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's short story is filled to the brim with amazingly realistic special effects and is ultimately one of the best modernized inspirations of the Frankenstein tale. Instead, what makes this 1985 sci-fi horror flick so memorable is the flawless balance of horror and comedy mixed with outrageous levels of gore which are sometimes shockingly accurate. In addition to that, we also get a splendidly deadpan performance from the always terrifically funny Jeffrey Combs as the psychotic Herbert West, a deluded medical student obsessed with reanimating the dead. Things only get better once the decapitated head of David Gale enters the bedlam. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986) Extending the cheese factor further is Tobe Hooper's cult sequel to his own seminal vérité classic of hillbilly horror. After thirteen years since the incident on a normally quite Texan farmland, Hooper decides to revisit the cannibal family and give fans an update as to their whereabouts. Going against the intense, creepily atmospheric tone of the original, and pretty much eschewing its subtle political commentary, the script by L.M. Kit Carson ('Paris, Texas') goes for a more black comedy style — a very dark, ultra-black type of comedy, I might add — while opening doors for gooey amounts of gore by make-up maestro Tom Savini. It's a bit off-putting at first, but after a while, it's fairly hilarious, especially with Dennis Hooper's over-the-top performance, and essentially set the tone for future installments. Along with the return of Leatherface and Bill Moseley's Chop Top, the movie is a gruesome entertainment for the whole family. Others Worthy of the Cleaver: Dark Shadows (2012), The Deadly Spawn, The Devil's Advocate, Exorcism, The Faculty, The Funhouse, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Hocus Pocus, Jeepers Creepers, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, The Night of the Devils, Pet Sematary, Puppet Master 1-3 (Three-Pack), The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season, The Woman in Black (2012) A FESTERING, PUTRID STENCH DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK I don't know which is scarier: the thought of having to suffer through this cure for insomnia a second time or the fact that well-regarded Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro actually believed this would scare the bejesus out of audiences. The remake to the 1973 made-for-television horror feature, which today enjoys a strong cult following and remains an amusing watch, is the best way to keep trick-or-treaters away from your house. I know I would if I saw this dreck playing inside your house. If you find this anywhere remotely scary, you're also probably the type to hand out toothbrushes and floss instead of some delicious, tooth-rotting goodness. LOVELY MOLLY Trying to wring out every drop from his fifteen-minutes of notoriety, Eduardo Sánchez writes and directs another horror movie that ultimately fails to impress. In fact, it's downright boring and verges towards the idiotic on several occasions because characters would rather cry and argue than give the protagonist the psychological help she clearly needs. Sure, the filmmakers try to have audiences question whether it's all in Molly's head or if she's actually possessed by a demonic presence, but they never once succeed at making the latter a genuine possibility. The only good thing to come out of this dreadful mess is Gretchen Lodge, delivering an amazing debut performance. Unless you find feelings of frustration and a desire to yell at the screen scary, then I'd avoid this at all cost. INTRUDERS The thought of a faceless stranger in a hooded raincoat living in my daughter's closet is utterly terrifying. So much so that there is little for a filmmaker to do when turning that idea into a creepy horror flick. Yet, Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, who previously worked on '28 Weeks Later' and is attached to the 'BioShock' adaptation, has managed to turn something that sounds disturbing on paper into a sleep aid. Granted, the movie starring Clive Owen has its moments of raising the hairs on the back of your neck, but it ultimately flounders towards the end and collapses under its own heavy-laden plot. In an effort to find a conclusion that wraps everything up nice and neat, the story opts for a coincidental twist sugarcoated in melodrama. THE MOTH DIARIES I'm sorry to have to include this one on the list of dreadful horror flicks to avoid, mostly because it marks the fourth feature-length film from Mary Harron, a director who impressed me enough with 'I Shot Andy Warhol,' 'The Notorious Bettie Page' and especially 'American Psycho' to tempt me into giving this foul piece of s**t a chance. Based on another tween novel but nowhere near as crappy as the Twilight series (yes, the books are undeniably garbage and Stephenie Meyer is a hack), the adaptation is clearly an attempt to capitalize on the latest trend but it also lacks pretty much everything you'd expect from a horror movie, like an actual scary tone. Worse still is Harron's script missing many of the mature themes about adolescence and sexuality found in the book and the mystery of Ernessa being a vampire is all but lost in this awful snoozefest. SILENT HOUSE (2011) Gimmick movies like 'Silent House' depend too much on contrived conveniences to be effective. The house in which Elizabeth Olsen becomes trapped in conveniently has all the windows boarded up, and the front door conveniently requires a key for unlocking it from the inside. The house conveniently has no power for lights, except when certain scenes conveniently need more lighting, and the property is conveniently located in an area where cell phone reception is poor. Sadly, these conveniences, along with the movie's single-continuous-shot gimmick (which it's not, by the way), are more of a glaring nuisance than a frightfully good time. From Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, the team behind the much better 'Open Water,' the horror psycho-thriller is a waste of Ms. Olsen's talent, with a predictable twist and a finish that's complete rubbish. Others Worthy of the Cleaver: ATM, Beneath the Darkness, Cold Creek Manor, The Devil Inside, The Haunting of Whaley House, Hellraiser VI: Hellseeker, The Hills Have Eyes: Part 2, The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence, The Innkeepers, Piranha 3DD, Queen of the Damned, The Shock Labyrinth - 3D, Sleepwalkers THE LEFTOVERS (just because they didn't make it to the main course, doesn't mean they can't be enjoyed as a side-dish.) The Asphyx, Bell, Book, and Candle (1958), Black Magic Rites, Black Sunday, Blade, Blade II, Blade: Trinity, The Blood Beast Terror, Chained, Demoniacs, The Divide, Chernobyl Diaries, Female Vampire, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Hatchet for the Honeymoon, House of Dark Shadows, Hocus Pocus, Killer's Moon, The Living Dead Girl, Mother's Day (1980), Mutant Girls Squad, Murder Obsession, Night of Dark Shadows, Night Train Murders, The Rape of the Vampire, Requiem for a Vampire, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Sector 7 - 3D, Strip Nude for Your Killer, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except, Two Orphan Vampires, Virgin Witch, The Wizard of Gore / The Gore Gore Girls THE OTHER UNMENTIONABLES (the abnormal putrefaction from the far bowels of dead imagination) Camel Spiders, The Day the Dead Walked, Edgar Allen Poe's Requiem for the Damned, Filth to Ashes, Flesh to Dust, Kill List, Monster Brawl, Night of the Demons (2009), Psychotica, The Summer of Massacre, Ubaldo Terzani Horror Show, The Wicker Tree, Where the Dead Go to Die, Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines WANTS FOR NEXT YEAR (Now, This is What I Can Sink My Teeth Into) Here's hoping for the best and that studios will take note of what horror aficionados really hunger for and of what will truly please our insatiable appetites. Some of these are available on Blu-ray in other parts of the world. But since they're region locked, this list is offered in hopes of one day receiving announcement of a North American release. Please share your own wish lists in the forum. All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, Alone in the Dark (1982), The Beyond, The Birds, Black Sabbath, Blood and Black Lace, The Brood, The Burning, Candyman, Cannibal Apocalypse, The Changeling, The Children (1980), Death Becomes Her, Dellamore Dellamorte (Cemetery Man), Demons, Don't Look Now, Eden Lake, The Fog (1980), Freaks, From Beyond, Ginger Snaps, The Haunting (1963), Hell Night, Horror of Dracula, The Howling, The Hunger, Idle Hands, The Innocents, It's Alive (1974), The Legend of Hell House, Martyrs, The Mask of Satan (Black Sunday), May, Night of the Living Dead (1968), Nightmare City, Nosferatu (1922), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), Oasis of the Zombies, Peeping Tom, Phantasm, Prom Night (1980), Rear Window, Ringu (2003), Scanners, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Stepford Wives (1975), Shadow of the Vampire, Sleepaway Camp, A Tale of Two Sisters, The Tenant (1976), White Zombie, Zombie Lake.Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:40 PM PDT by: -
'Stalingrad' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Joseph Vilsmaier's 1993 war drama will march to Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Hen's Tooth will release 'Stalingrad' on Blu-ray on January 8. In the spring of 1942, German troops advanced deep into the Soviet Union en route to Stalingrad. Hitler seriously misjudged the tenacity of the Red Army and was convinced that the city could be conquered before winter. Ordinary foot soldiers, inadequately clothed and without sufficient food, struggled just to stay alive. Abandoned by their leaders, Nazi troops froze and starved to death in a conflict that left over one million dead. 'Stalingrad' graphically depicts this turning point in World War II as a vast tableau of horror in which the average German soldier was as much a victim of Nazi evil as the Soviet people. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Stalingrad' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 8.Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Justified: The Complete Third Season' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The third season of the hit crime series starring Timothy Olyphant as a no-nonsense law enforcement officer arrives on Blu-ray New Year's Eve. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has revealed 'Justified: The Complete Third Season' for Blu-ray on December 31. U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is a modern day 19th century-style lawman, enforcing his brand of justice in a way that puts a target on his back with criminals and places him at odds with his bosses in the Marshal service. That conflict results in a reassignment for Givens to the U.S. District covering the town where he grew up. He is an anachronism - a tough, soft spoken gentleman who finds his quarry fascinating, but never gives an inch. Dig under his placid skin and you'll find an angry man who grew up hard in rural Kentucky, with an outlaw father, who knows a lot more about who he doesn't want to be than who he really is. The 3-disc set will include all 13 episodes in 1080p with a lossless soundtrack, and supplements include: Multiple Episode Commentaries; Crossing the Line: Making Season 3; Catch; Go Back In There; Ellstin's Joint: Noble's Holler Set Tour; Anatomy of a Stunt; Outtakes; and In Conversation: Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. Suggested list price for this set is $75.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Justified: The Complete Third Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 31.Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Hysteria' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1997 cult film will be committed to Blu-ray next March! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cult Epics is preparing 'Hysteria' for a Blu-ray release on March 12. Dutch cult filmmaker Rene Daalder ('Massacre at Central High,' 'Habitat') directed this surreal tale of thought-control experiments on the inmates of an insane asylum. Like his other films, 'Hysteria' is a rich and thematically dense sociopolitical allegory, but this time around the concept is overwhelmed by a particularly risible execution. Patrick McGoohan stars as Dr. Harvey Langston, a mad genius who spouts twisted philosophical nonsense while conducting experiments in universal consciousness and group thought. His latest guinea pig is Veronica (Emmanuelle Vaugier), who hallucinates ants all over her body and attempts to stab her doctor (Michael Maloney) in the eye with a corkscrew. Langston implants a computer chip in Veronica's head, and she enters the group consciousness of a contrived assembly of patients including a mannish Tourette's sufferer who speaks in rhyme, a musician who has separate identities in each of his arms, and Amanda Plummer as a wheelchair-bound dancer. Plummer has the film's most memorable scene, spinning about in her chair as the asylum's inmates copulate in every possible combination for the orgiastic finale. Whether the entire escapade is a dangerous cult or a radical new model for a communal civilization (as in the similarly offbeat Phase IV) is open to interpretation, but most of the time the events onscreen are too laughable for it to really matter. Daalder's unique vision walks a very thin line, and he is capable of taking outrageous concepts and making them believable (as in Habitat), but this time he misses the mark by a mile. Nevertheless, McGoohan does his best and the film is still worth watching, for even if it is a failure (and it is), it's at least an interesting one. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Hysteria' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 12.Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
The Best 3D Blu-rays for Halloween!by Daniel Hirshleifer It's that time of year again. The jack-o'-lanterns are out, the scarecrows are up, and everyone's donning costumes. Yes, it's Halloween, the scariest holiday of them all. Horror movies have always been a staple of the season, but what most people don't realize is the long relationship between the genre and 3D. In every wave of 3D, from the 50s to the 80s all the way up to the present, horror films have always taken advantage of the format. Of course, until recently the only way to catch a 3D showing would be if a local theater ran a print. On TV, you could put up with anaglyph red and blue glasses, but those ruined the colors while also delivering a subpar 3D experience. That's all changed thanks to the introduction of 3D TVs and Blu-rays using shutter or polarization technology. [teaser]Now that you can enjoy all sorts of 3D films at home, what better place to celebrate Halloween than with the horror films that have so long been staples of the format?[/teaser] Image Quality To Die For 'The Final Destination' The film itself shows the series getting long in the tooth, but 'The Final Destination' was designed to look good in 3D, and it does not disappoint. The lengths the filmmakers go to incorporate 3D into their gruesome kills is an impressive sight to behold. And the transfer translates this intention perfectly, improving not just the picture but the fun factor of the whole movie. If you need demo material, this is a great disc to grab off the shelf. 'Prometheus' While 'Prometheus', Ridley Scott's not-exactly-a-prequel to 'Alien', was incredibly divisive, the one thing that audiences agreed on was that it displayed an excellent use of 3D. If you're a fan of the flick, then this Blu-ray is a must own, with an incredible sense of depth and a practically perfect transfer. 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' Director Paul Anderson (that's WS, not Thomas) returns to the franchise for its fourth outing. Say what you will about Anderson, but the man knows how to use 3D. Instead of only showing it off in a few select sequences, he naturally integrates the depth, layering elements in the foreground, middle, and background to create a true sense of space. Forget 'Avatar'; if you want a truly immersive 3D experience, look no further than WS Anderson. The image is so good that Nate Boss dubbed it, "The Best 3D Disc Yet". A Blood-Sucking Good Time 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' Based on the best-selling book from the author of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies', 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' reveals an alternate history, where Lincoln, as the title suggest, hunts vampires. For a premise that outlandish, director Timur Bekmambetov plays things relatively straight while offering stylish action sequences that really pop in 3D. 'Underworld: Awakening' While the movie itself was a poor effort, 'Underworld: Awakening' is pure demo material heaven. The use of 3D is impressive, with plenty of layering and visual elements designed to make use of the format. And besides, where else will you ever see Kate Beckinsale wearing skintight leather in three dimensions? Hungry For 3D? 'Piranha 3D' Alexandre Aja's in-name-only remake of Joe Dante's Corman creature feature was a surprisingly fun time at the movies, offering a perfect mix of T&A, gore, and inside jokes. While the film was shot in 2D and later post-converted to 3D, the transfer looks so good that it doesn't matter. 'Bait' A freak tsunami becomes a buffet line for a pair of killer sharks in this low-budget Australian disaster flick. The film isn't perfect, with a meandering second half and poor CGI, but its first half provides some good fun. The 3D presentation favors the gimmicky side of the format, with the sharks practically swimming off the screen. If you want something firmly in the B-movie tradition, then this might satisfy your hunger. For The Little Monsters 'Coraline' Based on Neil Gaiman's delightful book, 'Coraline' is a marvel. Using pain-staking stop motion, the filmmakers bring not one but two worlds to life, populated with enigmatic and memorable characters. Gaiman's story is artfully adapted, resulting in a film that is mesmerizing, haunting, a little scary, and a whole lot of fun. Heck, it even has a song by They Might Be Giants! The animation, utilizing physical objects instead of CGI, offers an incredible amount of detail, which looks all the more brilliant in its native 3D. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D' A post-converted re-release of the Disney classic, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is perfect for Halloween. The film is set in Halloween Town, for heaven's sake! With memorable character designs by Tim Burton and catchy tunes from Danny Elfman, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is a treat no matter how old you are. As far as post-conversion jobs go, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' was one of the earliest and still one of the best, as Disney put a lot of time into the process. The result is a pleasing Blu-ray that will get played in your home over and over. 'Monster House' A family film that still manages to ratchet up the tension and atmosphere. 'Monster House' may not be the all-time classic that 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is, but it was designed from the ground up for 3D, and it shows on this Blu-ray, which sports a strong transfer with plenty of dimensionality. Chillingly Classic The Creature From The Black Lagoon The last of the classic Universal monsters, 'The Creature From The Black Lagoon' was also an early high profile 3D release. People have the misconception that early 3D was anaglyph and gimmicky, and films like 'Creature' prove them one hundred percent wrong. The 3D has a wonderful sense of depth and immersion to it, and the Blu-ray offers a strong presentation. 'Dial M For Murder' If straight up horror and gore isn't your thing, you might appreciate Alfred Hitchock's sole foray into the 3D format. While 'Dial M For Murder' isn't his best, his use of 3D is masterful; creating a sense of three-dimensional space that feels like looking through a window. If you didn't know better, you might believe you could reach through the screen and touch Grace Kelly, something I'm sure many audience members wanted to do during the film's theatrical release. Best Left In The Coffin 'My Bloody Valentine' I remember catching this one, an early entry in the new wave of 3D, in the theaters. Starring Jensen Ackles of 'Supernatural' fame, the film disappoints on many levels. However, it does feature an extended sequence where a nude woman runs away from the murderer in horror, quite the sight in 3D. 'Conan The Barbarian' Most people don't know this, but Conan author Robert E. Howard was in close communication with horror legend HP Lovecraft, and many Conan stories feature nameless beasts that felt right at home with the Cthulhu Mythos. This 2011 adaptation of Howard's work has more than its fair share of flaws, but one thing it does not lack is monsters. From witches to a giant underwater creature, 'Conan The Barbarian' doesn't shy away from the fantastical. Sadly, the 3D is underused, leaving the whole package with much to be desired. 'The Shock Labyrinth' While Disney proved that movies based on rides could be big business, 'The Shock Labyrinth,' based on The Haunted Hospital attraction at the Fuji-Q Highland theme park, does not manage to replicate such success. Nor is it a very good horror film, with many of the set pieces coming off as laughable instead of scary. The 3D presentation is also quite poor, marking 'The Shock Labyrinth' as a film best left unwatched. No matter which way your tastes run, from the gory to the goofy, there's a 3D horror film to satisfy your nocturnal cravings. What are your favorite 3D horror films? Which films are you still waiting to see in the format? Let us know in the forums!Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012 at 02:20 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Checks Out The First 4K Ultra-HD TV in the USby Michael S. Palmer Hundreds gathered last Thursday -- some waiting overnight -- at Video & Audio Center in sunny Lawndale, California (which, the Mayor reminded everyone is NOT Torrance) for the official launch of the first Ultra-High-Definition television available in the US market. [teaser]The 84-inch television, model 84LM9600, is an LED TV with a "4K" 3840 x 2160 screen resolution. At eight million pixels, that's four times the pixel count and resolution of current "Full HD" 1080p televisions. [/teaser]The 48LM9600 includes LG's Magic Remote for hand gesture and voice control, is 3D capable using passive glasses and, as one of LG's Smart TVs, comes equipped with apps and access to streaming audio and video content. But "wait a minute," you may be asking yourselves. They have 4K digital projectors in commercial cinemas, but is there any home entertainment -- broadcast, streaming, download, physical media -- available today in the new Ultra-HD standard? That depends. There are a few 4K DSLR cameras and video recording devices, so if you're a budding filmmaker or a home-movie enthusiast, you could watch your own content on the Ultra-HD TV. However, in terms of professionally produced product -- Hollywood films, television series, and video games -- you're currently limited to Blu-ray's 1080p content. But fret not, my friends, LG has you covered with its proprietary up-conversion engine (this TV has two dual-core processors built-in), the "LG Resolution Upscaler Plus," which automatically up-coverts all of your content to 3840 x 2160. I didn't get to check a variety of sources in person, but after watching the in-store demo loop over and over again (the source, according to LG: an LG Blu-ray player), and it looked stunning. Jaw-dropping even. Most of the footage was from HD time lapse photography -- famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, beautiful desert canyons, rolling clouds in clear blue skies, starscapes swimming across the horizon. You've seen this material before, and I would have sworn LG hooked up a 4K source. Other than some light banding seen at an unfair distance of 12-24 inches, which I'm guessing is in the source material or Blu-ray encode, the Ultra-HD TV was mesmerizing. Though, to be fair, ever other 1080p HDTV in the store wasn't running the demo loop so there wasn't a chance to compare and contrast it with the best LEDs and Plasmas from LG and competing brands, but still the demo was breathtaking. For what it's worth, LG claims the LG Resolution Upscaler Plus will work with SD footage as well, but I didn't get to see that first hand. My guess is results would vary depending on the source quality and viewing distance. So how much will you have to pay to be among the world's first to own a 4K display and is it even worth it? The MSRP is listed as $19,999.99, but the retail price at Video & Audio Center was a few pennies shy of $17,000. LG claims that any TV or display above 65-inches (what this intrepid reporter owns) will benefit from the added pixels Ultra-High-Definition, but then again there are a lot of people with projectors happy with screens in the 100-200 inch range. Also, the lack of native 4K content concerns me. The full press release follows below, but here's the one disclaimer that caught my eye: *No “ultra high definition” or “4K” video content is currently available. No broadcast or other standard currently exists for “4K” or “ultra high definition” television, and the 84LM9600 may or may not be compatible with such standards if and when developed. Remember all those early adopters who had DVI or RGB component HD inputs on their "HDTVs" who ran into limitations when HDMI arrived on the scene? The risk here is that you'll be stuck with a next-generation TV that can't actually play next-generation content. But then again, if you're in the market for an 84-inch television, having four-times the pixels is certainly a benefit much like having a high quality computer monitor -- Retina Display or other -- where everything on your computer looks better, even 720p and 1080p content. Here's a few more pictures of the world's first Ultra-HD TV in action, followed by the official LG Press Release: LG ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES FIRST ‘ULTRA-HIGH-DEFINITION’ 4K TVs IN U.S. LG’s 84-inch Class Display Boasts Four Times the Resolution of Full HD, Ushers in New Era in Picture Quality for Large-Screen TVs LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2012 – Ushering in a new era in home entertainment, the first “Ultra High Definition” flat-panel TV – with four times the resolution of today’s HDTVs – went on sale today to consumers in the United States. LG Electronics USA chose Southern California, the epicenter of entertainment and innovation, as the consumer launchpad for this groundbreaking technology. Teaming up with high-end retailer Video & Audio Center, LG hosted hundreds of consumers eager to be among the first in the United States to have an opportunity to see and purchase LG’s new Ultra HD TV. The LG 84-inch class (84-inch diagonal) LED TV, with a native Ultra High Def screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 to match its impressive size*, has an MSRP of $19,999.99. Model 84LM9600 quadruples the level of detail from full 1080p HD resolution to a massive 8 million pixels. Even before so-called “4K” content is available, LG’s powerful up-conversion engine, the proprietary “LG Resolution Upscaler Plus,” delivers higher detail from current HD/SD external sources. On hand at Video & Audio Center’s Lawndale/Torrance, Calif. store today to discuss the importance of Ultra HD’s development and its expected market adoption were industry luminaries, including Jeff Joseph of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA); Randall Dark, an award winning director and 4K content pioneer; and industry insider and technologist Tom Campbell. Joseph, CEA’s senior vice president of communications and strategic relationships and passionate advocate for 4K technology, said, “Innovation drives our industry, and Ultra High Definition is the latest innovation that will transform home entertainment. This milestone is a pivotal moment in TV history because Ultra HD 4K technology will make it possible for consumers to purchase huge TVs with crystal clear picture quality.” Dark, CEO of Randall Dark Productions, and one of the world’s first directors/ cinematographers to advance high-definition programming, said, “Content is always a major factor when new hardware technologies are introduced on the market. The LG Ultra HD TV’s upscaling capability is crucial so consumers can enjoy the benefits of higher resolution now, while the rest of the industry, myself included, work on ways to advance this new format with native 4K content.” Campbell, widely quoted technologist and futurist who serves on the CEA Ultra HD Working Group, said, “I liken the dawn of Ultra HD technology to the switch from standard-definition analog TV to digital high-definition TV in the late 1990s. It’s going to be big, and not just because it’s key for big screens. I can already see consumers calling for more models, more sizes and more content.” “Picture quality has always been LG’s foremost priority, one that’s especially important now as manufacturers scale TVs to meet the trend line pointing toward larger and larger class sizes,” said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, LG Electronics USA, and head of LG’s U.S. home entertainment business. “We were instrumental in developing the HD standard and, similarly, our goal now is to pioneer Ultra High Def technology to create the crisp and immersive viewing experience consumers are currently missing with large-screen TVs.” Joseph Akhtarzad, vice president and co-owner of Video & Audio Center’s three LA-area stores, said, “Ultra High Definition is a very significant development, a high-end product catering to a high-end consumer who demands the ultimate home entertainment experience. We are proud to be the first retailer in the nation to sell this cutting-edge LG technology to consumers.” In addition to its excellent picture quality, LG’s 84LM9600 boasts a growing Smart TV ecosystem, which is composed of over 1,000 apps and gives users access to a growing range of premium content services**. Users can easily browse and navigate through the Smart TV ecosystem using LG’s Magic Remote, which allows users to make commands using the control modes of Voice Recognition, Wheel, Magic Gesture and Point. It also features LG’s CINEMA 3D technology and an imbedded 2D to 3D conversion engine expanding 3D content availability. For more information on LG’s Ultra HD TV please visit, https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-84LM9600-led-tv. *No “ultra high definition” or “4K” video content is currently available. No broadcast or other standard currently exists for “4K” or “ultra high definition” television, and the 84LM9600 may or may not be compatible with such standards if and when developed. **Internet connection and certain subscriptions required and sold separately. Content and services vary by product and are subject to change without notice. For a small percentage of the population, the viewing of stereoscopic 3D video may cause discomfort such as dizziness or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using the 3D functionality and contact your health care provider. Designs, features and specifications subject to change without notice. LG LED TVs are LCD TVs with LED backlighting. About LG Electronics USA, Inc. LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $49 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and energy solutions, all under LG’s “Life’s Good” marketing theme. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Wild Geese' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1978 action/adventure is coming to Blu-ray in December! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Severin will be bringing the classic film 'The Wild Geese' to Blu-ray on December 11. Screen legends Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris star as a team of aging mercenaries hired by a wealthy industrialist for one final mission: Recruit and train a squad of desperate commandos, parachute into an unstable African nation, snatch its deposed President from a maximum security army prison, escape via the military-controlled airport, and massacre anyone who gets in their way. Getting to the target will be murder. But when the group is double-crossed, getting out alive may be impossible. Hardy Kruger ('A Bridge Too Far'), Frank Finlay ('The Three Musketeers'), Barry Foster ('Frenzy') and Stewart Granger ('King Solomon's Mines') co-star in this blood & guts action classic, now packed with all-new bonus features and fully re-mastered in explosive HD for the first time ever in America! Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack include: The Wild Geese Director - Exclusive new video interview with Director Andrew V. MgLaghlen (16 mins); The Mercenary - Exclusive new video interview with military advisor Mike Hoare (10 mins); The Last of the Gentleman Producers - Documentary on Producer Euan Lloyd featuring Lloyd, Roger Moore, Joan Armatrading, Ingrid Pitt, and more (33 mins); Audio Commentary With Producer Euan Lloyd, Star Roger Moore, Second Unit Director John Glen, Moderated by Filmmaker Jonathan Sothcott; The Flight Of The Wild Geese - Vintage Featurette; The Wild Geese Royal Charity Premiere Newsreel (7 mins); and theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Wild Geese' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 11.Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
