-
Blockbuster is Keeping 1,500 Stores Open[teaser]Apparently the last few months have been pretty good for them. [/teaser] When Blockbuster finally announced that it was over and the company was being sold, it seemed likely that retail locations would all be closed up. After all, if the company isn't making a profit then the model isn't working. Dish Network seems to have things figured out though. They've shut a few hundred stores, sure, but they're going to be keeping 1,500 open with around 15,000 employees working at them. Blockbuster president Michael Kelly even says that the stores that did close were more due to issues with landlords than the market. "By lowering pricing and offering competitive summer promotions, we’ve brought millions of customers back into Blockbuster stores in the last three months," says Kelly. If that's the case then Blockbuster may start to stabilize and even stand a chance to make a comeback. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Fifty animated classics featuring Bugs, Daffy, Porky, and more are bound for Blu-ray in two editions this November! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing a special 'Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1' for Blu-ray on November 15. 50 of some of the greatest Looney Tunes cartoon are together for the first time on Blu-ray. Releasing in a digibook with rare images and a cartoon guide by historian Jerry Beck, this collection has been digitally restored and remastered. This 3-disc collection contains some of the franchise’s most enduring shorts featuring all your favorite Looney Tune Characters! Disc 1: features 25 classics from the immortals: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Road Runner, and Wile E. Coyote and more Disc 2: 25 shorts featuring One-Shot Classics and the complete collection for each of the following characters: Marvin the Martian, Tasmanian Devil, Witch Hazel, Marc Anthony & Ralph Phillips Disc 3: Contains over 5 hours of content saluting animator Chuck Jones, insightful documentaries and rare shorts from Jones and others! Disc 1 Episode Guide: Hare Tonic Baseball Bugs Buccaneer Bunny Old Grey Hare, The Rabbit Hood 8 Ball Bunny Rabbit Of Seville What's Opera, Doc? Great Piggy Bank Robbery, The Pest In The House, A Scarlet Pumpernickel, The Duck Amuck Robin Hood Daffy Baby Bottleneck Kitty Kornered Scaredy Cat Porky Chops Old Glory Tale Of Two Kitties, A Tweetie Pie Fast And Furry-ous Beep, Beep Lovelorn Leghorn For Scent-imental Reasons Speedy Gonzales Disc 2 Episode Guide: One Froggy Evening Three Little Bops I Love To Singa Katnip Kollege Dover Boys, The Chow Hound Haredevil Hare Hasty Hare, The Duck Dodgers In The 24th Century Hare-way To The Stars Mad As A Mars Hare Devil May Hare Bedevilled Rabbit Ducking The Devil Bill Of Hare Dr. Devil And Mr. Hare Bewitched Bunny Broom-stick Bunny Witch's Tangled Hare, A A-haunting We Will Go Feed The Kitty Kiss Me Kat Feline Frame-up From A To Z-z-z-z Boyhood Daze Also available will be an Ultimate Collector's Edition which will add a character collectible glass featuring Bugs Bunny, souvenir tin sign magnet featuring an image of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, framed litho-cel featuring your favorite Looney Tunes characters, and more all housed inside a slip box with a certificate of authenticity! Suggested list price for the digibook is $59.96 and the UCE $79.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 15.Posted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Rambo: The Complete Collection' Blu-ray Set is $27.49 at Amazon[teaser]This week Amazon sticks a giant serrated knife into the price tag of the iconic action hero's complete Blu-ray set! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Rambo: The Complete Collection' for only $27.49 (50% off suggested list price). The region free 4-disc set includes 'First Blood,' 'Rambo: First Blood Part II,' 'Rambo III,' and 'Rambo.' Click here to save on Stallone! The deal will run from now through July 30.Posted Sun Jul 24, 2011 at 07:33 AM PDT by: -
Bonus View Digest - July 22, 2011[teaser]July is almost over. That means quite a few things in this neck of the woods. You may have noticed that our writer Aaron Peck hasn't been contributing a lot of posts to The Bonus View the past few days. That's because he's readying himself for a baby. Running around from doctors appointments, to car seat specialists, to diaper warehouses. It's been pretty crazy, but once everything settles back down he'll join the rest of our crack team to continue bringing you the best and latest in Blu-ray news, TV Recaps, and what's happening at a box office near you.[/teaser] Blu-ray News Josh gave us the weekly rundown for Blu-rays hitting store shelves. Even though it was a slow week – with the only big day-and-date release being 'Limitless – there were still a few well known catalogue titles to get released namely 'Amelie' and 'Chocolat'. Aaron Uncovered some more cover art for upcoming releases. See what the cover art will be like for the brand-spanking-new 'Jurassic Park' trilogy! Home Theater News On the home theater front Josh showed us an easy region coding mod for the Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player that could make your machine ready for region-free blu-ray playing bliss. In other Oppo news, Oppo Digital unveiled its newest firmware update that allows Oppo players to become equipped with Vudu movie streaming. It's been an Oppo party all around. Theatrical News Luke reviewed a few movies this week that are going to try and take on the box office juggernaut that is 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. Marvel released, 'Captain America', its final superhero origins movie before 'The Avengers' which comes out next summer. He also reviewed a strangely familiar movie called 'Friends With Benefits' that pretty much mirrors the very same plot as 'No Strings Attached' which came out only a few months ago. Our intrepid movie trailer specialist, E, discusses a few new trailers in this week's Trailer Park. Take a look at Steven Soderbergh's new movie 'Contagion', gander at a brand new 'The Thing', laugh at the fact that they made a movie based on Rock'em Sock'em Robots when you see the trailer for 'Real Steel', and snicker all you want at the sparkly vampires in the brand new 'Breaking Dawn' trailer. TV Recaps We watch a lot of TV on The Bonus View, mostly so you know what shows to watch and what ones not to bother with. We have recaps for 'Covert Affairs', 'Rescue Me', 'Burn Notice', 'Necessary Roughness', 'Haven', 'Wilfred', 'Suits', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'Alphas' , and 'True Blood' . Special Features This week's Mid-Week Poll we asked if you saw the new 'Potter' film in 2D, 3D, or both, and your thoughts on the technology as a whole. The Weekend Roundtable focused on summer blockbusters. Our writers picked their favorites and explained their picks. It prompted a large discussion that's still going on right now, head on over to voice your opinion. As always thanks for your continued support of High-Def Digest and The Bonus View. We really appreciate it. Have a great weekend filled with movies, popcorn, and surround sound systems that threaten to burst your eardrums.Posted Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 12:50 PM PDT by: -
iPad Users Get a Sneak Peek at the Star Wars Blu-rays[teaser]iPhone and iPod Touch owners will be able to get their hands on it on August 2nd[/teaser] Despite not including the pure, unedited, non-special edition versions of the original trilogy, the 'Star Wars' Blu-ray set is still one of the most hotly anticipated releases of the year. If you're one of those folks that's craving the 'Star Wars' experience on Blu-ray and you own one of Apple's iDevices, you can check out a preview of what's to come. If you're an iPhone or iPod Touch owner you'll get your preview starting August 2nd, but if you rock an iPad you can jump on it now. It's just a sampling of over 40 hours of footage of course, but you'll get to check out some never before seen content and a few interviews to boot. If you're going to Comic Con - and if you are, we who are left behind are incredibly jealous - you can stop by booth #3528 to see even more. Source: iTunesPosted Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Naruto Shipp?den 2: Bonds' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2008 anime movie is coming to high-definition in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds' will have a Blu-ray release on October 25. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include production sketches and a music video. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 25.Posted Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Walking Dead: Season 1' Blu-ray Double Dips[teaser]The first season of Frank Darabont's zombie TV series is getting Special and Limited Edition Blu-ray double dips this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is re-releasing 'The Walking Dead: Season One' starring Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Laurie Holden, Sarah Wayne Callies, and Emma Bell on Blu-ray in a Special Edition as well as a Limited Edition Collector's Tin on October 4. AMC's hit "The Walking Dead," which broke ratings records in its first season reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other drama series in the history of basic cable television,* returns for its second season this Fall. The series is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln ("Teachers," 'Love Actually'), who travel in search of a safe and secure home. Shot on location in Atlanta, the series also stars Jon Bernthal ("The Pacific," 'The Ghost Writer') as Shane Walsh, Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break") as Lori Grimes, Laurie Holden ("The Shield," Stephen King's 'The Mist') as Andrea, Jeffrey DeMunn (Stephen King's The Mist, 'The Green Mile') as Dale, Norman Reedus (“The Conspirator”) as Daryl, Steven Yeun ("The Big Bang Theory") as Glen, Emma Bell ('The Bedford Diaries') as Amy and Chandler Riggs ('Get Low') as Carl Grimes. Season two of "The Walking Dead" is executive produced by three-time Academy™ Award nominee Frank Darabont, Gale Anne Hurd, Kirkman, David Alpert, and Glen Mazzara and AMC Studios. Based on the popular Image Comics’ comic book written by Robert Kirkman, the series premiered on AMC Fearfest Halloween night and immediately became the most watched drama series in cable’s history with 3.5 million viewers. It has thrilled (and chilled) both critics and audiences with its groundbreaking take on the living dead lore. Season 2 of “The Walking Dead” premieres on AMC this fall. Both new editions will be a three-disc set with 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, and all of the previous supplements will be present including: The Making of The Walking Dead; Inside The Walking Dead: Episode 1-6; A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman; Behind the Scenes Zombie Make-Up Tips; Convention panel with producers; Extra Footage (Zombie School, Bicycle Girl, On Set with Robert Kirkman, Hanging with Steven Yeun, Inside Dale's RV, On Set with Andrew Lincoln); and Trailer. New content on the Special and Limited editions include: Pilot Episode: Black and White Version; Audio Commentaries on All 6 episodes with Writer/Director Frank Darabont, Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd, Executive Producer/Writer Robert Kirkman, Producer Denise Huth, Actor Andrew Lincoln, Special Effects Make-Up Artist/Consulting Producer Greg Nicotero and more; We Are The Walking Dead; Bring Out the Dead: KNB and the Art of Making Zombies; Digital Decay: The VFX of The Walking Dead; No More Room in Hell: The Walking Dead Phenomenon; Adapting The Dead; and Killer Conversations: Frank Darabont & Greg Nicotero. The limited edition collector’s tin contains an exclusive wearable zombie mask from NECA designed by the series own make-up artist, Greg Nicotero. The first 100,000 units of the Blu-ray and Limited Edition Collector’s Tin together includes an EXCLUSIVE Cryptozoic “The Walking Dead” trading card. Suggested list price for the Special Edition is $59.99 and the Limited Edition is $89.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Walking Dead: Season 1 - Special Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 4.Posted Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition' Blu-ray Satisfaction Poll![teaser]Now YOU can share your feelings on the most controversial Blu-ray release of the year! [/teaser] Over the past few weeks, there has been much debate over Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - Extended Editions' now available on Blu-ray. Or more specifically, with what has become known as the mysterious "green tinting" appearing in the video presentation of 'The Fellowship of the Ring.' Well since you've asked for it, High-Def Digest has launched a poll where readers can share their opinion on this particular set! (Note that this is a multiple choice survey, so feel free to check all that apply). If you haven't done so already, stop by and have your voice be heard!Posted Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 02:20 PM PDT by: -
Don't Forget to Save Fifty Percent on Criterion Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble![teaser]In case you missed it, Barnes & Noble has a huge Criterion DVD and Blu-ray sale going on right now![/teaser] As previously reported, the retailer is selling a wide variety of Criterion DVD and Blu-ray discs for 50% off the suggested list price both in-store and online. Some highlights include 'Seven Samurai,' 'High and Low,' 'Solaris,' and many more! Plus save an additional 15% off of one item by using the coupon codes T9P8A9P or K4D8U4X (both expire July 25). Click here to check out the sale! Don't miss the opportunity to pick up a bunch of these great titles for a terrific price! This sale runs until August 1.Posted Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Bridesmaids' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]One of the top 5 R-rated comedies of all time is bound for Blu-ray in September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios is working on 'Bridesmaids' for a Blu-ray release on September 20. Hailed as “brazenly hysterical” by People Magazine and “the best comedy of 2011” (Back Stage), 'Bridesmaids' is the riotously funny and warmly outrageous comedy that has become the most talked about movie of the year. Critically acclaimed by fans and media alike, the “certified fresh” film (Rotten Tomatoes.com) received “two thumbs up! ®” from Ebert Presents. Surpassing 'Sex and the City' as the number one R-rated female comedy of all time, 'Bridesmaids' starring “Saturday Night Live” standouts Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, is produced by comedy mastermind Judd Apatow ('Knocked Up,' 'The 40-Year Old Virgin') and marks his most successful film ever. Wiig and Rudolph are joined by an all-star comedy cast including Rose Byrne ('Get Him to the Greek,' “Damages”), Melissa McCarthy (“Mike and Molly,” “Samantha Who?”), Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Rules of Engagement,” “Reno 911”), Ellie Kemper (“The Office,” 'Somewhere'), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” 'Sucker Punch'), and Chris O’Dowd (“The IT Crowd,” 'Pirate Radio'). Directed by Paul Feig (“Nurse Jackie," “Arrested Development”) and written by The Groundlings comedy veterans Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, 'Bridesmaids' is the must-own comedic phenomenon that fans will want to watch again and again! The release will be available in a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack (as well as a DVD/Digital Copy/Blu-ray Combo Pack) with the theatrical version and an all new never-before-seen unrated cut in 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature Commentary: With director Paul Feig, co-writer Annie Mumolo and cast members Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McClendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper; Line-o-rama; and Cholodecki’s Commercial: Check out what’s new with Cholodecki’s when you watch the never-before-seen “commercial” from Annie’s jewelry employer! Blu-ray exclusives include: Gag Reel; Deleted, Extended & Alternate Scenes; Made of Honor: Behind the Scenes of Bridesmaids; Drunk-o-Rama; Pep Talk; Annie vs. Helen; "Hold On" Song Performance of Wilson Phillips' Hit; Pocket Blu; My Scenes; and BD-Live. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Bridesmaids' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 20.Posted Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 11:50 AM PDT by:
