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'Hanna' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The action thriller starring Saoirse Ronan will take aim at Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios has slated 'Hanna' for a Blu-ray release on September 6. The film directed by Joe Wright co-stars Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana and raked in approximately $57 million at the box office. The Blu-ray will have 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature Commentary with Director Joe Wright; Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending; and Anatomy of a Scene: The Escape From Camp G: This feature breaks down the complexities of Hanna's daring escape, from getting the actors prepped to the special effects it took to make this action-packed sequence. Blu-ray exclusives will include: Adapt or Die: This featurette reveals the intense training and acting process Saoirse Ronan went through to become Hanna; Central Intelligence Allegory: The filmmakers and cast reveal their boldly original approach to this adventure thriller; Chemical Reaction: A look at The Chemical Brothers' creative process of writing and scoring all of the music in the film, as the musicians themselves talk about their unique approach to the task of composition; The Wide World of Hanna: Join the filmmakers as they travel from icy Finland to scorching Morocco and then from empty deserts to post-punk Berlin, finding the perfect locations for HANNA; and a Hanna Promo. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Hanna' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 6.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Watch Dolby's Surrounded: 7.1 Cinema & Beyond in its Entirety[teaser]The invitation went out last week, but if you missed the chance to watch Dolby's Livestreaming event, "Surrounded: 7.1 Cinema & Beyond", we've got the video for you right here in its entirety.[/teaser] Running at an hour and fifteen minutes, the panel of filmmakers and sound designers included Erik Aadahl (the supervising sound editor on 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon,' 'Kung Fu Panda 2,' and 'Megamind'), Eric Brevig, Michael Semanick (the re-recording mixer of 'Cars 2 and 'Toy Story 3), Rohan Sippy (the director of 'Dum Maaro Dum'), and Kinson Tsang (the supervising sound designer on 'Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen' and 'The Lost Bladesman'). Topics ranged from first experiences with surround sound (with many, of course, citing 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Star Wars') to what 7.1 cinema brings to both 2D and 3D movies. With two filmmakers working primarily in Asia, Rohan Sippy and Kinson Tsang were not only able to talk about the differences in constructing surround sound tracks for their audiences, but the challenges in quality they face. If you thought American theater owners and projections were crap, we haven't seen anything. Sippy and Tsang talked about, sometimes, having to reign in their sound design to account for the fact that many theaters in their collective regions are in disrepair or improperly set up. Another big challenge they face is not unlike the current 'Lord of the Rings: Extended Edition' Blu-ray controversy (926 comments and growing!). Meaning, what's rumored to be an possible-error on The Fellowship's color timing actually happens all the time with Asian Blu-ray audio – they produce a wonderful, full bodied surround mix, and then someone comes in a mucks it all up. If you love surround sound, you'll want to check out this panel. Enjoy! Having trouble watching it embedded, head on over to Dolby's Livestream Channel.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed![teaser]Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow will set sail to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and a Blu-ray 4-Film Collection in October! [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (Blu-ray/DVD) and DVD/Blu-ray (DVD packaging) combo packs each with a suggested list price of $39.99, which will hit stores on October 18. Also available will be a 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - 3D' combo pack priced at $49.99. From Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. A tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise — and mermaids! When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love or if she’s a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn’t know who to fear more —Blackbeard (Ian McShane) or the woman from his past. Directed by Rob Marshall, it’s filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery and all-out wit. The Blu-rays will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz/24-bit) soundtrack, and supplements will include: Bloopers of the Caribbean, Audio Commentary by director Rob Marshall, Disney Second Screen, and LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales. The Blu-ray 3D combo pack will add: Legends of On Stranger Tides, In Search of the Fountain, Last Sail/First Voyage, Under the Scene: Bringing Mermaids to Life, and Deleted and Extended Scenes with Intros by director Rob Marshall. Finally, there will be a mega 15-disc combo pack set containing all four films in the franchise housed inside collectible packaging for $169.99. This limited edition set will contain: • Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy) • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy) • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy) • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (1-Disc Blu-ray 3D +2-Disc Blu-ray+Digital Copy+1-Disc DVD) • 1-Disc Blu-ray bonus disc that includes all-new never-before-seen short film “Wedlocked” • Authentic replica Pirate’s Chest, a collectible map and an iconic skull disc case. • And much more… You can find the latest specs for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean Four Film Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under October 18.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 11:55 AM PDT by: -
Blockbuster Offers Subscription Free Rent-By-Mail[teaser]Expect to see a lot of changes from Netflix competitors in the wake of the new price structure fiasco. [/teaser] Netflix has changed its pricing pretty significantly and a great many customers have seen this as a perfect time to cancel their accounts, while others are beginning to explore other options. Blockbuster wants to be that option for those favoring discs over streaming. Their latest addition to the service might be the very thing that gets them back into the minds of movie enthusiasts. Instead of requiring a subscription to rent DVDs and Blu-rays, Blockbuster is now offering week long rentals by mail at the price of $4.99. While that's not entirely appealing when it comes to DVDs, keep in mind that Blockbuster charges the same amount for Blu-rays. That means that those new release Blu-rays that Redbox and Netflix don't have can be delivered to your door for five bucks. It's definitely going to be enough to tempt some away from Netflix disc service. Source: BlockbusterPosted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
'Robot Chicken: Season Five' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]More episodes from the Emmy-winning stop-motion comedy series are coming to Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Robot Chicken: Season Five' is headed to Blu-ray on October 25. This set will include all 20 episodes (nine of which are available before they even air on Cartoon Network) with 1080p video, a stereo soundtrack, and supplements will include 7 Fully Animated Deleted Scenes, Over 50 Deleted Animatics with Intros, Alternate Audio Takes from Sketches, Commentary on All Episodes with Celebrity Guests, Downloadable "Blue Rabbits" Song, Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes, and On-Air Promos. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Robot Chicken: Season Five' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 25.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The HMS Bounty will set sail once again on Blu-ray this November! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)' on Blu-ray on November 8. The film directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, and Richard Harris was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Effects, Best Cinematography, and Best Picture. The Bounty leaves Portsmouth in 1787. Its destination: to sail to Tahiti and load bread-fruit. Captain Bligh will do anything to get there as fast as possible, using any means to keep up a strict discipline. When they arrive at Tahiti, it is like a paradise for the crew, something completely different than the living hell on the ship. On the way back to England, officer Fletcher Christian becomes the leader of a mutiny. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Alternate Prologue and Epilogue Sequences Not Seen Theatrically; After the Cameras Stopped Rolling: The Journey of the Bounty (2006 Featurette); 1964 New York World's Fair Promo; Story of the HMS Bounty; Tour of the Bounty; Voyage of the Bounty to St. Petersburg; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 8.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season' Blu-ray Delayed[teaser]Looks like the fourth season of the hit TV series won't be coming to Blu-ray until October. [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Brothers was set to release 'Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season' on Blu-ray in September, but now the date has been pushed back to October 11. The reason for the postponement is most likely due to NBC delaying the premiere for the fifth season. The entire season will be presented on four BD-50 discs with 1080p video, Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks, and supplements include: Declassified scenes; gag reel; Chuck Versus Directing: Zachary Levi Takes Charge on "Chuck Versus the Leftovers;" Spying on the "Chuck" Cast: Operation Gomez; Buy Hard: The Jeff and Lester Story shorts; and the Blu-ray exclusive The Top Secret Chuckipedia Interactive Experience. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $69.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 11.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Over 3.4 Million 3D Blu-rays Sold - Technically[teaser]A total of 1.75 million 3D Blu-rays sold at retail, while the other 1.7 million were purchased in bundles. [/teaser] While 3D television is still in its infancy, and the encroaching but inevitable war between active and passive technology is making buyers leery of picking up new sets, there are still plenty of 3D televisions in homes across the country. According to a new report from IHS Screen Digest, people that own those screens are shelling out for 3D Blu-rays. Selections may be limited, but around 1.75 million 3D Blu-ray discs were still sold. Somewhere around 1.59 million of those were feature films. "Consumers are finding that 3D is one of the most fun concepts in home entertainment since color television, providing true three-dimensional pictures right in their living room," says IHS analyst Jan Saxton. "Sales reached this high level despite the fact that the number of BD3D titles on the market was relatively small compared to non-3D Blu-ray." Of course, it should be considered that the sales of pack-in 3D Blu-rays was nearly equal to that of those sold at retail. Around 1.7 million 3D Blu-rays were sold as bundles with 3D Blu-ray players and TVs. Source: TWICEPosted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 3D' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 3D' Announced for Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The Blu-ray 3D titles will no longer be hardware exclusives at the end of August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox has just revealed 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 3D' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 3D' will be widely available on August 30. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray 3D is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 3D' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under August 30.Posted Thu Jul 14, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Batman: Year One' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Frank Miller's iconic comic book story gets animated in Warner's next direct-to-video movie coming to Blu-ray in October! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'Batman: Year One' for Blu-ray on October 18. 'Batman: Year One' is based on the landmark 1987 DC Comics titles from 12-time Eisner Award winner Frank Miller and illustrator David Mazzucchelli. The film depicts young Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. The playboy billionaire chooses the guise of a giant bat to combat crime, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon (who is already battling corruption from inside the police department), inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps to bring down a crooked political system that infests Gotham. Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston ('Breaking Bad') voices the young Jim Gordon and Ben McKenzie ('Southland,' 'The O.C.') makes his animated voiceover debut as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Fanboy favorites Eliza Dushku ('Dollhouse, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer') and Katee Sackhoff ('Battlestar Galactica') fill the roles of Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Detective Sarah Essen, respectively. Alex Rocco ('The Godfather') is the voice of crime lord Carmine Falcone. "'Batman: Year One' offers fans and newcomers alike an animated perspective on one of the true benchmark works in Batman comics history," said Hersin Magante, Warner Home Video Marketing Manager, Family & Animation. "Bruce W. Timm and the Warner Bros. Animation team have gone to great lengths to realize Frank Miller's ground-breaking, influential vision. 'Batman: Year One' stands tall as the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie." Specs have yet to be finalized, but the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature a number of supplements including: • Sneak Peek at Justice League: Doom, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie • DC Showcase Animated Original Short - "Catwoman": This all-new entry to the growing canon of DC Universe animated shorts features the first first solo tale centered around Catwoman. The felonious feline's adventure takes her through the seedy streets of Gotham City. Catwoman is voiced by Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Tru Calling). • Featurette - "Heart of Vengeance: Returning Batman to His Roots": "The Dark Knight Returns" provided the denouement of Batman's life. Frank Miller's next seminal work would provide his near-mythic origin in Batman: Year One. This documentary uncovers the contemporary genius of Miller and the audience that was poised to appreciate the depths of his work. • Featurette - "Conversations with DC Comics": The Batman creative team at DC Entertainment discusses the personal influence of Batman: Year One on their careers. Batman producer Michael E. Uslan leads the chat amongst well-known writers, editors and artists of the Batman lore, focusing their dialogue on the darker, realistic interpretation of Batman's origins by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. • Audio Commentary with Alan Burnett, Sam Liu, Mike Carlin and Andrea Romano • "Batman: Year One, Chapter 1" Digital Comic Book • Two bonus episodes from Batman: The Animated Series, handpicked by Bruce W. Timm Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Batman: Year One' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 18.Posted Wed Jul 13, 2011 at 01:15 PM PDT by:
