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HDD Deal of the Week: 'WWII in HD' Blu-ray $16.99 at Amazon[teaser]This week's deal is the A&E World War II documentary on Blu-ray! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'WWII in HD' for $16.99 (57% off suggested list price). Seventy years in the making. Three thousand hours of color footage no one knew existed. The first documentary to show World War II from the perspective of both sides in full, immersive HD color, the world premiere HISTORY series WWII in HD uses the diaries of soldiers who fought in the war’s biggest battles to create a personal, introspective and detailed look at life on and off the front lines. Though it was illegal for U.S. soldiers to carry diaries, many hid them away in their packs and recorded their experiences in detail. History buffs will want to click here to pick up this great 2-disc set for a great price today! The deal will run from now through February 5.Posted Sun Jan 30, 2011 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
HD Advisor 91: Bad As I Wanna BeEditor'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 TV Show Frame Rates Q: In the past, TV shows were universally 30 fps productions, and 1080i was the resolution of choice. However, many TV shows are released on Blu-ray in 1080p24. I can gather that shows such as 'Lost' are shot with 24 fps cameras, but what about documentary shows such as 'Ancient Aliens'? The Blu-ray release is 1080p24, but the show incorporates footage from a myriad of sources. It was my understanding that interlaced formats are traditionally used in such a case. Has production turned a corner and moved exclusively to 1080p24? Do 1080p30 or 1080p60 really exist in professional production? A: 'Lost', like the majority of primetime dramas over the years, was photographed on 35mm film at a frame rate of 24 fps. A series of this nature would not be shot at 30 fps for two reasons. First, the 24 fps rate gives the production an appearance similar to a feature film, which is an aesthetic decision. Secondly (and perhaps more importantly), it's simple a matter of cost. The slower frame rate uses less film per second, and thus is less expensive to produce. 'Lost' was broadcast on the ABC network at a 720p resolution. All American over-the-air television broadcasts (whether 480i, 720p or 1080i) run at a 60 Hz refresh rate. In order to accommodate this, the show's 24 fps photography was converted to 60 Hz by the addition to 3:2 Pulldown. The Blu-ray release restores the series to its original 24 fps rate at 1080p resolution. These days, many primetime dramas are switching to digital photography rather than film. Nonetheless, they continue to use the same 24 fps shooting rate in order to maintain the "film look." Faster frame rates give an appearance more similar to the classic "video look," which is usually not desirable for dramas or many comedies. Material shot at 24 fps continues to have the film-like appearance even after 3:2 Pulldown. Non-fiction programming (news, sports, game shows, Reality shows, and so forth) has traditionally been shot on video, first in standard definition and more recently in HD. These types of shows have a higher frame rate and a distinct "video" appearance. A show like 'Ancient Aliens' falls into a middle ground where the producers have discretion on how they want to shoot it. Honestly, I'm surprised to see that the Blu-ray release is encoded at 1080p24. I would have expected this to perhaps be a 1080p30 production encoded on disc as 1080i60. (The Blu-ray format does not support 1080p30.) If the program incorporates older standard-def video clips recorded at 480i60, those would need to be frame rate converted to 24 fps by dropping frames, which will likely give them a stuttering appearance. Note that I haven't seen the show or watched the Blu-ray myself, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to me. Updated: After this column went live, I received the following email from Bryan Banks, one of the editors on 'Ancient Aliens'. BB: I have to say that I am a little surprised to see 'Ancient Aliens' pop up in this week's HD Advisor. I have worked on both seasons 1 & 2 of the series as the lead asst. editor. The emailer was correct that we get a number of different source formats. We get EVERYTHING... The variety of formats makes my job particularly frustrating. The deliveries spec for History requires a 24p master on HDCamSR. The Blu-ray was authored from this tape. All of our interviews are shot 1080p24, and all acquired material stays at its native frame rate until the final output when it is converted by the Avid to 24p. The Avid has a few different methods of field blending for this. 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' Playback Issues on PS3 Q: I just got 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' on Blu-ray and I 'm having problems getting it to load on my PS3. When I insert the disc and try to start the movie, the PS3 (fat) will try to load it, and then for some reason it returns to the PS3 main menu. A pop-up comes on screen saying "The disc cannot be played" or something like that. When I turn off the PS3 with the disc inside and turn it back on, it starts the movie with no problems. I decided to try it on a buddy's Sony Blu-ray player and it played like normal. Is anyone else having this problem playing this disc on their PS3? My PS3 is connected to the internet with the latest firmware and has no problems playing other Blu-ray titles, games, or DVDs. A: I happen to have a copy of this Blu-ray, but only the standard 2D version. You didn't mention whether your disc is the 2D or 3D edition. I also have an original ("fat") PS3, which I hadn't used in a while and was running an older firmware (Version 3.50). I inserted the disc and it loaded without issue. However, the disc didn't auto-load. I had to navigate to the "Video" menu and manually prompt playback. Next, I ejected the disc and upgraded the console's firmware to the latest update (Version 3.56) and rebooted. Once that was complete, I tried the 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' disc again. This time, the disc auto-loaded on its own. Once again, I had no issues getting to the main menu or starting movie playback. I'm not able to test the 3D edition at this time. I'll leave it to our other readers to comment in the forum thread for this article if they've experienced the issues you describe with either Blu-ray release. Based on my own experience, I have to assume that this is a glitch specific to your player, or possibly a defective disc. I don't believe this to be a general authoring error with the release. 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! Audio-Only Blu-ray Compression Q: My company is looking to do on spec (we'll pay mastering and replication) several audio titles that will take advantage of a BD-50 disc's storage capacity. There are two types of titles: spoken word audio books and music. The audio books are intriguing, as you could have five language tracks and multiple subtitles that would allow a book to be listened to, say, in French but translated with an English subtitle crawl. There could be a classical music compilation or a collection from a jazz festival, etc., with limited graphics and menus that would allow one to program a personalized compilation that would provide day-long enjoyment from a BD player. What compression format would you recommend for the music? If I use AC3 at 640 Kb/s with 5.1 channel sound, does 180 hours on a BD-50 sound correct? Is it 640 Kb/s for each one of the 6 channels? That is to say, would a 2-channel title use more or less bits than the 6? What about for audio books? Is this a good idea, or am I crazy? 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 Jan 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM PST by: -
'The Cat O' Nine Tails' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Another classic thriller from acclaimed filmmaker Dario Argento will hit Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground is planning to release 'The Cat O' Nine Tails' on Blu-ray on May 25. The film stars Karl Malden and James Franciscus and the Blu-ray will be transferred from the original uncut camera negative. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: "Tales of the Cat": Interviews with Argento, co-writer Dardano Sacchetti and composer Ennio Morricone; Radio interviews with Franciscus and Malden; Theatrical trailers; and TV and radio spots. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Cat O' Nine Tails' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 25.Posted Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Scooby-Doo: Aloha Scooby-Doo!' & 'Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase' Blu-rays Announced[teaser]Two more Scooby-Doo mysteries are coming to high-definition this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'Scooby-Doo: Aloha Scooby-Doo!' to Blu-ray on April 5. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: An Evening with the Scooby-Doo Gang: cast Q&A and The Wiki-Tiki Tail of Aloha Scooby Doo! On the same date, Warner Brothers will also be bringing 'Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase' to Blu-ray. This release will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: The Making of Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase and Music video: Scott Innes, "Scooby and Shaggy Love to Eat." Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Scooby-Doo: Aloha Scooby-Doo!' and 'Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under April 5.Posted Fri Jan 28, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Ten Inspirational Blu-rays to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutionby Michael S. Palmer The last three months of any calendar year meld into one giant festive season that is equal parts consumerism, gluttony, and good will. In a 'nog-and-blinking-lights haze, we bounce between feasts and families and charity work and wishing for new toys. But a scant week after the presents are unwrapped, a New Year arrives and reminds us of our imperfections. The extra pounds. The bad habits. The unachieved goals and dreams. [teaser]Well, dear readers, as is the custom, it's time to make a resolution! To grow. To learn. To change ourselves for the better.[/teaser] But wait, there's more?!? No, there's a catch. A problem. A plot hole. Human beings don't actually like to change, because it's far too easy to stay the same (I'm pretty sure we're talking fundamental laws of physics here, but it works on people too). In fact, here we are some four weeks into the New Year and how many of our new selves are already looking much more akin to the selves of old? How many of those fancy new gym memberships are already going unused? Well fear not, we've got you a list of epically feel good Blu-ray discs to help you through the toughest of trials. Because if there's one thing movies teach us, it's that with enough will power, anything is freakin' possible. And if fictional characters can face off against impossible obstacles when filmmakers dreamed it so, why they hell can't we make a New Years Resolution and keep it? But first, what makes an inspirational movie? After exploring the genre a little bit, I found a lot of interesting parallels. For example, without really paying attention, so many are sports films. Spiritual and prison break films also frequently appear in considered titles. Despite the different genres, all inspirational films feature extreme situations where only perseverance can win out. Another interesting parallel is the narrative structure of the main characters. In most stories well told and well structured, the Hero must learn something. He or she must change in order to defeat an obstacle (a villain, a monster etc.) and if they don't learn about the world or themselves, they don't win. But, in the Inspirational Movie, Little Engines That Could remain essentially unchanged while enacting a change on the environment and characters around them. In the end, despite all the trials and tribulations, The Hero was right all along. 'Forrest Gump' is a perfect structural example of this as a film and as a character. Of course, this Inspirational Movie genre assumption isn't meant to imply these Heroes don't learn or change, or that every single main character listed below fits this mold. THE RUNNERS UP: 'Glory,' Cool Hand Luke,' 'Braveheart,' '300,' and 'Gladiator' are all fantastic films, but tragically so. If you need them as inspiration, only watch the first two acts! Then there are films like 'High Noon,' 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' 'Far and Away,' '127 Hours,' 'The Fighter,' and 'E.T.,' but alas, they aren't available on Blu-ray yet. TEN INSPIRATIONAL BLU-RAYS: 10) 'Signs' M. Night Shyamalan is probably not many people's first thought when it comes to inspiration. His early work was reserved and Hitchcockian -- he had an uncanny ability to create empathetic characters, tension and suspense -- and 'Signs' is my favorite in the bunch. Sure, you can poke some holes if you like, but to me, inspirational movies are all about how you feel at the end of watching them. 'Signs' is nothing short of a miracle as an empty, broken father -- a former priest who had lost his faith -- finds that the world has a plan. That he is not alone. It is a comforting thought to those who embrace one form of spirituality or another, but I don't think it's necessarily a requirement. Anyone can walk away knowing that, whether it be family, friends, or even God, that in the struggles we face, we can't always do it alone. Sometimes, faith in not-ourselves is important. Together, we can survive anything. 9) 'Poltergeist' Along the same lines, we have another supernatural genre piece. This one about a family banding together to take on the darkness that goes bump in the night. A darkness brought to life because of corporate greed. This film is scary and emotional and funny all at once. Again, we see how important it is to form bonds and relationships (to form a family of one kind or another). 8) 'Con Air' By now, I'm sure many of you think I'm crazy. That's okay. This list is about to get much more predictable, but for now, let's talk about 'Con Air.' Family is not only the thread that saves and redeems, but it is also the end game. Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is a man of principles who has gotten the short end of the stick (haven't we all?). When all he wants to do is go home and see the daughter he's never met on her 7th birthday, he has to make the impossible decision to do what is right when it is clearly dangerous. Poe then kicks so much ass and survives so many explosions, anyone watching feels like a superhero by the end of it. 'Con Air' makes me giddy. It makes me cheer at my television. It's loud and dumb and the supporting cast is amazing. 7) 'The Natural' / 'The Blind Side' / 'The Rookie' / 'Miracle' There are literally too many titles to list under inspirational 'based on a true story' sports film. Walt Disney and filmmaker John Lee Hancock certainly have been cornering this market in the last ten years. And while most of them are so glued to structure that any casual movie fan knows all the beats, they still manage to work emotionally. I suppose sports movies are the safe version of war movies. Themes of struggle and individuality versus the greater good are all over the place here. But in the end, the impossible happens for the underdogs, which is how we all cast ourselves in our daily struggles. 6) 'Apollo 13' 'Apollo 13' is an inspirational film for so many reasons. The astronauts themselves go through a terrible physical journey. They are isolated, and have to make constant life and death decisions. Back on Earth, the tension is just as great. Families left behind hoping to see their husbands/fathers/coworker/friends again. A nation/world waiting with bated breath to bring their heroes home. NASA engineers trying to figure out how to get the broken craft home before everyone perishes. 'Apollo 13' inspires not only because of how much we can accomplish on our own, but more so because in times of great tragedy, it too shows how we are not alone in our struggles. How we will band together to do the impossible. Lesson to be learned: join the gym with a partner. Tah dah! 5) 'World's Fastest Indian' Anthony Hopkins is pitch perfect (he usually is, even in lesser films than this one) and Roger Donaldson's direction puts viewers on the edge of their seats in this under-rated, under-seen movie. 'The World's Fastest Indian' has all of the features of the true story sports movie, but the subtle variation is that at the end of the day, we learn it's never too late in your life to have a dream. Also, there are some great moments where the kindness of strangers saves Hopkins from giving up. 4) 'Rocky' The greatest part about 'Rocky' is that the behind the scenes story is just as inspirational as the film itself. Sylvester Stallone wasn't getting the parts he really wanted, so he wrote himself a role that ended up becoming one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. It's a real-life fairy tale because regular guys like Stallone and his character Rocky Balboa don't easily win in the real world. But, if you keep trying, training and montaging…if you work harder than everyone else (than you ever thought possible), you too can be a champ. And becoming a winner isn't about winning one fight. It's about the change in yourself. 3) 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' I love this film. It's my favorite Spielberg movie, despite the fact that Spielberg publically declared, after having a family, he would change the way this film ends. To me, this is another example of Inspiration via universal connection (after all, we are not alone). But more than reaching out across the street/country/galaxy, it's about believing in something fully, and the sacrifices that come from following dreams and instinct. The reward for the characters in 'Close Encounters' is multi-faceted. Some are reunited with loved ones. Some finally know for sure that they aren't crazy. That the dream was worth the personal losses and sacrifices. It's also a film where regular people do and see extraordinary things; it says our world is much more special than day-to-day life sometimes allows us to realize. 2) 'Rudy' Every time I watch this film and Rudy's carried off the field by his teammates, his father and angry brother there to see it all, I fight a pair of watering eyes (*sniffle*…I won't cry…I won't!). Rudy is seven hundred times more of an underdog than Rocky Balboa; he's a talentless athlete who dreams of playing college football for one of the best programs in the nation. The only thing he has going for him is heart (aka, unwavering determination). He's had a dream his entire life, and his entire life, everyone said he couldn't do it. But when his best friend (the only person that ever did encourage him) dies, Rudy realizes that never trying is a sure-fire way of failing. From that moment forward, Rudy is relentless. He's an amazing character, the person we all wish we could be when facing adversity. Rudy will get you through many a tough time. And the number one movie to help inspire you to stick with a New Years Resolution or overcome a craptastic day/month/year… 1) 'The Shawshank Redemption' A film that bombed upon its initial release, only to be reborn on home video, where it has turned into a modern classic. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is one of the greatest movies of all time (it's certainly the best Stephen King adaptation). It's the classic tale of a wrongly convicted man stuck in a brutal prison who never gives up hope. Who never lets the darkness in. This is a movie about patience (decades worth) against adversity. About focusing on a Goal, and making the dream happen no matter what. It's also an amazing tale of friendship, again showing how human connections are just as important in bad times as dedication. The story also manages to humanize the terminally criminal by portraying the weakness inherent in all people. As always, there are certainly more films to mention than what's considered on this list – also, please remember, we're only considering currently available Blu-ray Discs -- so I encourage readers to hit up the forums to add titles and/or arrange your own list. What inspires you during dark and trying times?Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011 at 12:20 PM PST by: -
'Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 2000 animated movie featuring the caped crusader of the future is planned for Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker' to Blu-ray on April 5. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentary by the filmmakers; Batman Beyond: The Legend Lives; Animation tests; Music video: Mephisto Odysey featuring Static X, "Crash"; and Animated Character Bios. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 5.Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'Dogtooth' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The acclaimed dark comedy from Greece will bite into Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino Video says 'Dogtooth' will hit Blu-ray on March 29. Directed by Giorgos Lanthimos, the film also known as 'Kynodontas' has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price for the Blu-ray are still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Dogtooth' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 29.Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Birdemic: Shock and Terror' Blu-ray Features Added[teaser]The 2008 ultra low budget creature feature pecking high-definition this February now has supplements detailed! [/teaser] As previously reported, Severin will be bringing the horror film 'Birdemic: Shock and Terror' to Blu-ray on February 22. The ripoff of Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' is written and directed by James Nguyen and produced on only a $10,000 budget. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Audio commentary with Director James Nguyen; Audio commentary with Stars Alan Bagh and Whitney Moore; Deleted scenes; Birdemic Experience Tour featurette; James Nguyen on "Movie Close Up"; Moviehead: The James Nguyen Story teaser; and Birdemic Experience 2010 trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Birdemic: Shock and Terror' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 22.Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'The Man from Nowhere' Blu-ray Features Detailed[teaser]Supplements have been revealed for the South Korean smash hit coming to Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] As previously reported, Well Go USA is preparing 'The Man from Nowhere' for a Blu-ray release on March 8. Written and directed by Jeong-Beom Lee ('Cruel Winter Blues'), 'The Man from Nowhere' is the biggest grossing film of 2010 in South Korea with a box office total of $45 million. “'The Man from Nowhere' is a great addition to our fast growing home entertainment library and a major release for us in 2011,” said Tony Vandeveerdonk, Executive Vice President for Well Go USA. “With such a strong box office showing in Korea and thus far in North America, we anticipate 'The Man from Nowhere' will have tremendous success on DVD and Blu-ray. Bin Won is truly a star on the rise, with his brilliant performances in this film and last year’s critically-acclaimed 'Mother.'” Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include a making-of, a highlight reel, and a theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Man from Nowhere' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 8.Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Papillon' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1973 classic based on Henri Charriere’s bestseller is getting the digibook treatment this May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Papillon' is coming to Blu-ray on May 24. It's the greatest escape! Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman team for the spectacular true-life adventure of the man who defied "inescapable" Devil's Island. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: The Magnificent Rebel, theatrical trailer, and the release will receive Warner's digibook treatment. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Papillon' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24.Posted Wed Jan 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by:
