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The Bonus View Is Live-Blogging The Oscars TONIGHT! We Promise Prizes and SURPRISES![teaser]If you weren’t already aware, the 2011 Academy Awards air TONIGHT!. High-Def Digest will be live-blogging the entire event over at The Bonus View![/teaser] In case you missed it, we had a blast with our Golden Globes live-blog, and we expect this one to be even more fun. How so, you ask? This time, we’re running multiple Blu-ray give-away contests throughout the show!! The best part, even people who’ve won any of our previous contests will be eligible to win! We've been busy sharpening our barbed observations and working our way through stacks of Blu-rays, ferreting out some great award winners and plenty of secret shame crowd-pleasers. We have tons of high brow and low brow goodies to send your way! Check out The Bonus View TONIGHT, and be sure to spread the word! We can’t wait to get started!Posted Sun Feb 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Spread the Word! We're Live-Blogging The Oscars This Sunday![teaser]If you weren’t already aware, the 2011 Academy Awards will air this Sunday, February 27th. High-Def Digest will be live-blogging the entire event over at The Bonus View![/teaser] In case you missed it, we had a blast with our Golden Globes live-blog, and we expect this one to be even more fun. How so, you ask? This time, we’re running multiple Blu-ray give-away contests throughout the show!! The best part, even people who’ve won any of our previous contests will be eligible to win! We're busy sharpening our barbed observations and working our way through stacks of Blu-rays, ferreting out some great award winners and plenty of secret shame crowd-pleasers. We should have tons of high brow and low brow goodies to send your way! Check out The Bonus View on Sunday evening, and be sure to spread the word! We can’t wait!Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
HD Advisor: Dogme 95 EditionEditor's Note: Each Friday, High-Def Digest's own HD Advisor will answer a new round of questions from our readers. If you have home theater questions you need answered, send an email to [email protected]. If you've already sent a question and don't see it answered yet, please be patient as we work our way through them. To browse through previously answered questions, visit the main HD Advisor page. Answers by Joshua Zyber Contrast on Digital Displays Q: What is your experience with films/scenes that are dimly lit, or have low contrast? I have found on several LCD TVs that this is a weak point. Pictures look stunning on well-lit blockbusters, but fail on the artier more natural lighting and low contrast. The night shots of 'Braveheart' look awful despite its sterling reviews. People's facial features trail the blacks. It would seem the gray to gray response is a little slow. My current set is a Sony 32EX503. It also received excellent reviews, but it fails in these areas. Have you found this to be a common problem with LCDs? Or is it an issue with certain brands? I would really appreciate some advice from the high def-experts. A: Contrast is a very common failing of digital display technologies, especially LCD. As you note, many LCD televisions look stunning in brightly-lit scenes, but turn into a murky mess in dark scenes. The black levels aren't particularly dark, and shadow detail is frequently crushed. Plasma and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) are traditionally stronger in this area, but ironically still lag in contrast reproduction behind the old CRT technology that is virtually extinct in the modern market. (I must note, however, the most digital displays exceed CRT quality in many other respects.) In an attempt to improve the perception of contrast, many LCD televisions implement dynamic contrast adjustment features. The most common application of this is to add an automated iris in front of the lamp that will cut the brightness of light output during predominantly dark scenes. Less light equals a darker picture. While this helps to improve black levels, it does so at the expense of brighter portions of the image. For example, if a scene takes place in a dark room with one bright light in the far corner, a dynamic iris will close down to darken the picture, and thus will dim that bright light. In a worst case scenario, movie scenes that alternate or transition from dark to bright may exhibit a "pumping" of black levels as the dynamic iris struggles to find the right setting. I see this all the time on my living room television whenever a movie's end credits (small white text on a black background) come up. The iris immediately clamps down because it detects a predominantly dark picture, but then opens up again as more white text fills the frame. I also like to use the opening scene in the first 'Star Wars' movie as a torture test for a dynamic iris. The scene opens with a dark star field, and then brightens considerably as the Imperial Destroyer ship flies overhead and occupies more and more of the frame. As this happens, you can watch the darkness of space in the background turn into a milky shade of gray. Some (but not all) LCD televisions offer the ability to adjust the intensity of the dynamic iris or turn it off completely. The weaker setting (or off position) will reduce pumping artifacts, but at the expense of black levels. This is a trade-off you will have to judge for yourself based on the performance of each specific TV model. A better option than a dynamic iris is an LCD set illuminated by a full LED backlight with local dimming. In this type of television, the picture is divided up into sections that can be adjusted independently of each other. Rather than an iris closing down to dim the entire picture, the LEDs will manipulate brightness only to the portions of the image needed. In the 'Star Wars' example, the parts of the screen with the background of space in them can stay dark while the parts taken up by the spaceship brighten. However, even this is still a compromise. Although more precisely targeted than a dynamic iris, local dimming still works on the same principle of reducing light output to achieve a darker picture. This will continue to have the consequence of crushing shadow detail. In a science fiction film where you see the darkness of space with stars in the far background, reducing light output to darken the black level will inevitably dim the stars (possibly to the point of crushing them out completely). Dynamic contrast is essentially a trick. It can be an effective trick, but a display with high native contrast will always be superior. If contrast reproduction is a high priority for you, plasma or LCoS will probably be a better option than LCD. (Note that even plasma or LCoS may have dynamic contrast features enabled as well.) As a projector owner, my preference is for the D-ILA line from JVC (which is that company's variation on LCoS). D-ILA projectors have high native contrast without the need for dynamic enhancements. Whatever you shop for, be sure to read product reviews from trusted sources before purchasing anything. You cannot take the contrast specifications provided by manufacturers at face value. Those listed specs are almost always measured in unrealistic situations that cannot be reproduced in the home at proper calibration values. A good product reviewer will measure the actual performance under realistic viewing conditions. Homework Assignment: You Be the Advisor The HD Advisor knows many things, but he doesn't know everything. Some questions are best answered with a consensus of opinions from our readers. If you can help to answer the following question, please post your response in our forum thread linked at the end of this article. Your advice and opinions matter too! Finding a Job in the Home Entertainment Industry Q: Just before they went out of business, I was employed by Tweeter, selling high-def televisions and home entertainment systems. With the combination of dirt poor margins, the company's impending bankruptcy, and my generally crappy sales skills, I was unable to make a real living there. That lack of sales skill prevents me from attempting employment at other commission-based home theater companies. What I would like to do is find out how to gain employment in a different facet of the home entertainment industry. What kind of skills or degree would I need to look into a career in mastering or remastering movies or television shows for Blu-ray or streaming? Are there schools dedicated to training individuals on that career path? Is it even a career path that has the potential for future growth, considering the mainstream media's constant panic-stories concerning the decline in DVD sales? What of tangentially related careers, such as film restoration or the like, basically anything that wouldn't require sales skills on my part? Thank you for any information you can give on this! Check back soon for another round of answers. Keep those questions coming. Joshua Zyber's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this site, its owners or employees.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 10:40 AM PST by: -
'Gettysburg: Director's Cut' & 'Gods and Generals: Extended Director's Cut' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Warner commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a pair of Ronald F. Maxwell directed epics in Blu-ray digibooks this May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers has slated 'Gettysburg: Director's Cut' and it's prequel, 'Gods and Generals: Extended Director's Cut' for Blu-ray on May 24. 'Gettysburg' - Summer 1863. The Confederacy pushes north into Pennsylvania. Union divisions converge to face them. Two great armies will clash at Gettysburg, site of a theology school. For three days, through such legendary actions as Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge, the fate of "one nation, indivisible" hangs in the balance. Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen, Richard Jordan and more play key roles in this magnificent epic based on Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Killer Angels, filmed at actual battle locations and rigorously authenticated down to the boots. 'Gods and Generals' - A sweeping epic charting the early years of the Civil War and how campaigns unfolded from Manassas to the Battle of Fredericksburg, this prequel to the film Gettysburg explores the motivations of the combatants and examines the lives of those who waited at home. Specs have yet to be revealed, but each release will be a two-disc digibook and 'Gettysburg' will include: Commentary with Ronald Maxwell; Map Gallery; "The Battle of Gettysburg - 1955 Doc";"The Making of Gettysburg"; Interview Gallery; "On Location"; and "Behind the Scenes of Nuremberg - The Story." 'Gods and Generals: Extended Director's Cut' will include: New Commentary; New Intro by Ted Turner and Ronald Maxwell; Music Video; Journey to the Past The Authenticities of the Film; The Life of Thomas" Stonewall" Jackson; and Visit Virginia. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Gettysburg: Director's Cut' and 'Gods and Generals: Extended Director's Cut' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under May 24.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 10:15 AM PST by: -
Redbox Leads in Rentals for January[teaser]This is the first time Redbox has been the number one source for rentals. [/teaser] Redbox has been making huge strides in the rental market with its kiosks, but up until now it had always come in second or third in the overall scheme of things. According to NPD Group, this changed in January. Not only did Redbox come out on top, but they came out with an impressive lead to boot. They accounted for 35 percent of DVD rentals, with Netflix trailing behind at 30 percent. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores still made up for 30 percent of rentals, showing that despite a growing trend towards online and kiosk rental plenty of people are still going to their local video store. Independent stores make up the rest. "Redbox has done an outstanding job of meeting consumer needs for a ‘blended’ shopping experience," says NPD's Russ Crupnick. "It saves an extra trip when I’m at Walmart or McDonalds, and the research shows that they are perceived as delivering a high value experience price wise." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Three Sophia Loren Classics Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]A trio of Vittorio De Sica films are planned for Blu-ray release in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino Lorber says 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,' 'Sunflower,' and 'Marriage Italian Style' are planned for Blu-ray on May 3. 'Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow' won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Italy), 'Sunflower' received an Oscar nomination for Best Music/Original Score (Henry Mancini), and 'Marriage Italian Style' was nominated for two Oscars including Best Foreign Language Film (Italy) and Best Leading Actress (Loren). Specs have yet to be finalized, but each release is reported to include trailers and stills galleries. Suggested list price for 'Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow' is set at $34.95, while 'Marriage Italian Style' and 'Sunflower' each is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,' 'Sunflower,' and 'Marriage Italian Style' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under May 3.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
'Grand Prix' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]John Frankenheimer's 1966 Oscar-winning Formula 1 thrill-ride will be speeding to Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'Grand Prix' starring James Garner and Eva Marie Saint on Blu-ray on May 24. The movie was nominated for a trio of Academy Awards and claimed all three (Best Effects/Sound Effects, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound). The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Pushing the Limit: The Making of Grand Prix, Flat Out: Formula One in the Sixties, The Style and Sound of Speed, Brands Hatch: Chasing the Checkered Flag, Grand Prix: Challenge of the Champions, and a theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Grand Prix' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
'Blue Crush' & 'Blue Crush 2' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Cowabunga dudes! Catch twice the surfing fun on Blu-ray this June! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal has slated 'Blue Crush' and it's all-new direct-to-video sequel 'Blue Crush 2' for Blu-ray on June 7. 'Blue Crush' - Set amid the stunning island paradise of Hawaii’s fabled North Shore surfer Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth) takes on the ultimate challenge to make her pipe dream into a reality. With the support of her two friends (Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake) Anne Marie discovers she must overcome her fears before she can conquer the waves. Hailed as an exhilarating “fun ride” by People Magazine Blue Crush is an adrenaline-powered story of heartfelt friendship and non-stop action that The Washington Post raves is “a big sexy sun-splashed thrill. The original film will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Feature Commentary with Director John Stockwell; Feature Commentary with Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake; Three Friends, One Passion: The Making of Blue Crush; Deleted Scenes; Filming Blue Crush; The Female Surfing Revolution; Wipeout!; Riding the Waves; Skateboarding; Blue Crush Promo; Surf Fashion; The World of Surfing; Music video: Lenny Kravitz, "If I Could Fall in Love"; Theatrical Trailer; Production Notes; and Cast and Filmmakers. Suggested list price is $26.98. 'Blue Crush 2' - A gorgeous and talented young cast including Sasha Jackson (“One Tree Hill”), Sharni Vinson ('Step Up 3-D'), Elizabeth Mathis ('Tron: Legacy,' 'Unstoppable'), Ben Milliken ('Newcastle') and newcomer Chris Fisher is joined by some of the world’s preeminent surfers at the renowned “home of the perfect wave,” Jeffrey’s Bay (aka “J-Bay”), as well as other spectacular South African surf destinations including North Beach, Glenmore, Banana Beach and Coffee Bay. The film also features many world-class female surfers from the professional Roxy team, including Sally Fitzgibbons, Bianca Buitendag, Rosy Hodge, Tanika Hoffman and Danielle Le Roux. Additional top female surfers featured in the film include Laura Enever, Sarah Baum, Roxy Louw, Tarryn Chudleigh, Kirsty Delport, Mia Hordyk, Morag Steele and Heidi Palmboom. Performing daring stunts and conquering some of the wildest surf ever captured on film on the men’s side are surfing legends Jordy Smith, Taj Burrow and Travis Logie as well as big wave surfer Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Rudi Palmboom Sr., Casey Grant, Warwick Wright, Mikey February and Andrew “Roosta” Lange. Specs have yet to be announced, but supplements will include: Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Surf Safari! Filming in South Africa, The Making of Blue Crush 2, Ripping It! Shooting the Surf Scenes, and Feature Commentary with Director Mike Elliott and Cast, with BD-Live, My Scenes, and Pocket Blu. Suggested list price for the sequel is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Blue Crush 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Gulliver's Travels (2010)' Announced for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]Jack Black's family comedy is coming to Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be bringing 'Gulliver's Travels (2010)' also starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segel to high-definition on April 19. 'Gulliver's Travels (2010) - 3D' will also be available on the same date. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Gag Reel; Deleted Scenes; I Don't Know...with Lemuel Gulliver; Little and Large; Jack Black Thinks Big; Down Time; Gulliver's Foosball Challenge; War Song Dance; Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character Jack Black & In Character Jason Segel; Life After Film School Rob Letterman of Gulliver’s Travels; World Premiere; and Theatrical Trailer. The suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack is $39.99, while the Blu-ray 3D is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Gulliver's Travels (2010)' and 'Gulliver's Travels (2010) - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under April 19.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Buy a Blu-ray, See 'Battle: Los Angeles' for FREE![teaser]See the sci-fi blockbuster or have a snack on Sony's dime when you purchase a qualifying Blu-ray at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon's latest promotion offers a free code with every purchase of a qualifying Sony Blu-ray for a certificate redeemable for either an admission or concession reward when seeing 'Battle: Los Angeles' between March 11 and June 1 2011 at participating theaters. There are twenty-four titles to choose from including 'District 9,' 'Ghostbusters,' and more! Click here to browse all of the titles, and this offer is only available from now through March 18th.Posted Fri Feb 25, 2011 at 05:00 AM PST by:
