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'Flight of the Butterflies' Dated for Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The nature documentary is fluttering toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray in July. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Flight of the Butterflies' for Blu-ray on July 12. An Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D version will also be released on that same day. Produced by SK Films, FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES is a unique and memorable cinema experience that follows a tiny creature’s epic story of endurance on one of the most spectacular migrations on earth. On the trail of one of nature’s greatest events, we will witness, as never before, one generation from some 100 million monarch butterflies as they travel across a continent on a perilous journey of 1,000 miles or more ... and not to just anywhere, but to a remote forest on a Mexican mountaintop, a destination that was once an impenetrable mystery. The iconic monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. Weighing less than a penny, it makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent, with pinpoint navigational accuracy, to a secluded place it has never been. Follow the monarchs' perilous and extraordinary journey and join hundreds of millions of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico. For the first time ever, witness the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, inside a chrysalis, thanks to advanced MRI and micro CT scans. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist's 40-year search to find their secret hideaway, with the help of citizen scientists across North America. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo pack is $39.93. You can find the latest specs for 'Flight of the Butterflies' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 12. Order the Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Wed Apr 27, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Director Francis Ford Coppola Praises LG OLED TV Tech & Perfect Black Levels[teaser]The Academy Award winning director is a big fan of OLED technology. [/teaser] Francis Ford Coppola has announced his support for LG's OLED TV tech. With their perfect blacks and vivid colors, OLED panels are capable of presenting the director's films as they are intended. "When I first watched Apocalypse Now on LG OLED, I was filled with emotion. Not only because it was so lifelike that I felt like I was back in the director's chair nearly 40 years ago, but because I was finally able to see the film how I always intended it to look," remarked Coppola. "Every scene was so vivid and stunning. Every detail was so perfectly clear and immersive. Many of these details which were originally lost when translated onto screen, were now brought back to all their glory." LG OLED TVs offer superior black levels, uniformity, and viewing angles over traditional LCD panels. In addition, the company's 2016 lineup of 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs includes models with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, along with Ultra HD Premium certification. Check out the video below to hear more comments from Coppola about OLED TVs. "LG OLED TV delivers what industry experts and consumers alike have hailed as the best TV picture quality ever right to consumers' living rooms," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "The innovation of OLED TV, along with advancements such as 4K Ultra HD and HDR, is revolutionizing the home entertainment experience and enabling viewers to experience films the way that visionary filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola meant for them to be seen." Here's a rundown of LG OLED TVs on sale now: LG Curved OLED 4k Smart TV 65EG9600 (2015 Model) - Currently $4,997 LG Flat OLED 4K Smart TV 65EF9500 (2015 Model) - Currently $4,997 LG Curved OLED 4K Smart TV 55EG9600 ( 2015 Model) - Currently $2,997 LG Flat OLED 4K Smart TV 55EF9500 (2015 Model) - Currently $2,997 LG Curved OLED 1080p Smart TV 55EG9100 (2015 Model) - Currently $1,997 LG Flat OLED65E6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $5,999 LG Flat OLED55E6P 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $5,999 LG Flat OLED65G6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV (2016 Model) - Currently $7,999. Source: LGPosted Tue Apr 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
New and Improved 'Deadpool' Ultra HD Blu-ray -- Now With Supplements![teaser]See Ryan Reynolds the way he was meant to be seen -- in glorious 2160p! But wait...there's MORE! [/teaser]As previously reported, 20th Century Fox said 'Deadpool' will be pummeling Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 10. Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein) tortures, disfigures, and transforms him into Deadpool. The rogue experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. With help from mutant allies Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Deadpool uses his new skills to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life. The release will include: Audio commentary with director Tim Miller and Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld; audio commentary with Ryan Reynolds and writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese; deleted and extended scenes with optional Miller commentary; Gag reel; From Comics to Screen... to Screen documentary; Galleries; Deadpool’s Fun Snack; and More! Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Deadpool' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 10. Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Tue Apr 26, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Independence Day: 20th Anniversary Edition' to Invade 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Roland Emmerich's explosive film will be getting a 4K Blu-ray release in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'Independence Day: 20th Anniversary Edition' on Blu-ray on June 7. Experience the original OSCAR®-Winning* sci-fi epic that launched a new era in blockbuster filmmaking. Director Roland Emmerich, producer Dean Devlin and an all-star cast including Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman join forces to deliver the ultimate encounter between powerful aliens and the human race. When massive spaceships appear in Earth’s skies and blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet, a determined band of survivors must unite for one last strike against the invaders before it’s the end of mankind. The release will feature both the newly restored Special Edition and original Theatrical Cuts with a DTS:X soundtrack and supplements will include: All-new 30-Minute Documentary – Independence Day: A Legacy Surging Forward (Featured on Disc Two of Blu-ray); Commentary with Director Roland Emmerich and Producer Dean Devlin; Commentary with VFX Supervisors Volker Engel and Doug Smith; and Datastream Trivia Track. You can find the latest specs for 'Independence Day: 20th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7.Posted Fri Apr 22, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Universal Preps First Ultra HD Blu-rays for Summer 2016[teaser]Titles will include new releases like 'The Huntsman: Winter’s War' and 'Jason Bourne.' [/teaser] Universal has announced plans to release its first wave of Ultra HD Blu-rays. Initial titles are expected to arrive starting this summer. "4K Ultra HD represents a giant leap forward in movie-watching," said Eddie Cunningham, President, UPHE. "The format's stunning resolution and peak luminance, combined with its deep bench of industry support, enables us to deliver to the consumer a truly differentiated viewing experience, one that has the capability to power the future of home entertainment. The advanced technology powering 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray in particular has created unquestionably the best, most pristine home viewing experience ever offered – one that will surely excite consumers and will remain unrivaled for years to come." Universal Ultra HD Blu-ray titles will include new releases like 'The Huntsman: Winter’s War,' 'Warcraft' and 'Jason Bourne,' along with recent hits like 'Everest,' 'Lucy,' 'Lone Survivor,' and more. Likewise, additional 4K Ultra HD releases will include a selection of IMAX films. Universal Ultra HD Blu-ray discs will feature 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range support. In addition, many titles will also include multi-dimensional object based sound, and select new release and catalog titles will be mastered in Dolby Vision. Beyond Ultra HD Blu-ray, Universal has also announced plans to support 4K Ultra HD digital formats. Ultra HD Blu-ray titles are now available from Sony, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and 20th Century Fox. Samsung's UBD-K8500 is currently the only Ultra HD Blu-ray player on the market. Models from Panasonic and Philips are expected to arrive later this year. You can find the latest specs for Universal's Ultra HD Blu-ray titles linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Apr 20, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Launches 4K Ultra HD Content with HDR & Dolby Vision, Lineup Includes 'Marco Polo'[teaser]HDR streaming content is now rolling out to subscribers. [/teaser] Netflix has announced the launch of HDR and Dolby Vision support for select titles. The current lineup includes season one of 'Marco Polo.' High Dynamic Range and Dolby Vision technology offer enhanced brightness and contrast on supported content and displays, resulting in superior highlights, shadows, and colors. Over 100 hours of HDR programming will arrive on Netflix by August, and more than 150 hours will be added by the end of 2016. Current Netflix Ultra HD subscribers can now watch season one of 'Marco Polo' in HDR through compatible HDR and Dolby Vision enabled displays. In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, 'Marco Polo' is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century China. The series stars Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, and Chin Han. In addition to the first season of 'Marco Polo,' Netflix has also announced plans to add future HDR and Dolby Vision support for the following titles: - 'A Series of Unfortunate Events'- 'Bloodline'- 'Chef’s Table'- 'Hibana'- 'Knights of Sidonia'- 'Marvel’s Daredevil'- 'Marvel’s Iron Fist'- 'Marvel’s Jessica Jones'- 'Marvel’s Luke Cage'- 'Marvel’s The Defenders'- 'The Do-Over'- 'The Ridiculous Six' Beyond specific HDR and Dolby Vision content, upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Patton Oswalt: Talking For Clapping' on April 22, 'Special Correspondents' on April 29, 'Marseille' on May 5, the second season of 'Grace and Frankie' on May 6, 'Chelsea' on May 11, season two of 'Chef's Table' on May 27, 'Bloodline' season two on May 27, 'The Do-Over' on May 27, 'Voltron: Legendary Defender' on June 10, 'The Fundamentals of Caring' on June 24, 'Marco Polo' season two on July 1, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Apr 19, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
VIZIO Details SmartCast M-Series Ultra HD Displays with Dolby Vision HDR, Prices Start at $850[teaser]The new models range in size from 50 inches to 80 inches. [/teaser] VIZIO has detailed the latest additions to its 2016 SmartCast display lineup. The new M-Series Ultra HD Displays integrate the Google Cast protocol along with support for HDR playback. "The M-Series truly represents a breakthrough in how consumers access and control content. The VIZIO Tablet Remote with pre-loaded VIZIO SmartCast app is a game-changer, delivering an advanced user experience that brings home entertainment into the mobile era," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The M-Series also brings forth major advancements in picture quality by rendering images with superior Ultra HD quality and delivering High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision support. This viewing experience reveals varying levels of shadows and accentuates highlights, resulting in more lifelike on-screen imagery." VIZIO's M-Series displays feature Ultra HD Full-Array LED panels with up to 64 Active LED Zones. Likewise, the displays offer HDR with Dolby Vision support for enhanced brightness and contrast in supported content -- including select streaming titles from VUDU and Netflix. Other features include Clear Action 720 technology and an ultra-fast 240Hz Effective Refresh. In addition, the sets include a 6 inch Android Tablet Remote preinstalled with the VIZIO SmartCast app. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once. The VIZIO SmartCast app is also available for download to iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, allowing customers to control any VIZIO SmartCast device from nearly any mobile device, from anywhere in the home. Here's the full lineup of VIZIO M-Series Ultra HD Displays: VIZIO SmartCast 50" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M50-D1) MSRP $849.99 VIZIO SmartCast 55" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M55-D0) MSRP $999.99 VIZIO SmartCast 60" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M60-D1) MSRP $1,249.99 VIZIO SmartCast 65" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M65-D0) MSRP $1,499.99 VIZIO SmartCast 70" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M70-D3) MSRP $1,999.99 VIZIO SmartCast 80" M-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (M80-D3) MSRP $3,999.99 Models will start rolling out to stores soon. In addition to the 2016 M-Series, VIZIO also recently announced pricing and availability for the 2016 P-Series and E-Series displays as well.Posted Tue Apr 19, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
VIZIO Announces E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD Displays, Prices Start at $470[teaser]The company's latest entry level Ultra HD displays and HDTVs have been detailed. [/teaser] VIZIO has revealed their 2016 E-Series display lineup. The collection includes Ultra HD Display and HDTV models with support for the SmartCast ecosystem. "The VIZIO E-Series truly offers an uncompromised value to consumers," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The product line gives consumers a whole new way to engage with content thanks to Google Cast built-in and the VIZIO SmartCast app. E-Series consumers can also reap the benefits of 4K Ultra HD technology with enhanced clarity and lifelike detail now playing a fundamental role in their entertainment experience." VIZIO's E-Series Ultra HD displays feature Full-Array LED panels with up to 12 Active LED Zones. Additional features include integrated Google Cast support, Clear Action 240 technology, an ultra-fast 120Hz Effective Refresh Rate, VIZIO's Spatial Scaling Engine, and VM50 Ultra HD Engine for 4K upscaling. Likewise, the displays include support for the VIZIO SmartCast app on iOS and Android devices. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once directly on their tablets or smartphones. A standard IR remote control is included as well. Ultra HD models will be available in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 70 inches. And in addition to Ultra HD, the E-Series will also include HDTV models in sizes ranging from 32 inches to 55 inches. Here's the full lineup of VIZIO E-Series Ultra HD Displays and HDTVs: VIZIO SmartCast 32" E-Series HDTV (E32-D1) MSRP $229.99 VIZIO SmartCast 40" E-Series HDTV (E40-D0) MSRP $299.99 VIZIO SmartCast 43" E-Series HDTV (E43-D2) MSRP $369.99 VIZIO SmartCast 43" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E43u-D2) MSRP $469.99 VIZIO SmartCast 48" E-Series HDTV (E48-D0) MSRP $399.99 VIZIO SmartCast 48" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E48u-D0) MSRP $549.99 VIZIO SmartCast 50" E-Series HDTV (E50-D1) MSRP $469.99 VIZIO SmartCast 50" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E50u-D2) MSRP $599.99 VIZIO SmartCast 55" E-Series HDTV (E55-D0) MSRP $569.99 VIZIO SmartCast 55" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E55u-D0) MSRP $699.99 VIZIO SmartCast 60" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E60u-D3) MSRP $969.99 VIZIO SmartCast 65" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E65u-D3) MSRP $1,099.99 VIZIO SmartCast 70" E-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display (E70u-D3) MSRP $1,699.99 Models will start rolling out to stores soon. In addition to the 2016 E-Series, VIZIO also recently announced pricing and availability for the 2016 P-Series and M-Series displays as well.Posted Tue Apr 19, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
UHD Alliance Announces Ultra HD Premium Logo & Certification Licensing for Ultra HD Blu-ray Players[teaser]The Ultra HD Premium logo and classification system has been expanded to Ultra HD Blu-ray players. [/teaser] The UHD Alliance (UHDA) has announced an expansion of its Ultra HD Premium certification licensing to include Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players. The Ultra HD Premium logo allows consumers to easily identify televisions, content, content services, and playback devices that meet the requirements for a premium Ultra HD experience. "As the Ultra HD ecosystem continues to grow, the UHDA will continue to expand the breadth of ULTRA HD PREMIUM certified products and services to provide consumers with a single, identifying mark to seek out so they can purchase with confidence," said UHD Alliance President Hanno Basse. "The certification of Ultra HD Blu-ray players is a natural first expansion, because the Ultra HD Blu-ray format was built with premium performance in mind and a growing number of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc titles released by Hollywood also bear the ULTRA HD PREMIUM logo." Developed through a collaboration with leading film studios, consumer electronics manufacturers, content distributors, and technology companies, the Ultra HD Premium spec requires certified products to satisfy specific performance metrics for resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), peak luminance, black levels, wide color gamut, and more. Likewise, the specification also includes recommendations for immersive audio. Though exact testing criteria for Ultra HD Blu-ray players has not been detailed, the UHDA has designated multiple, independent centers around the globe to conduct testing. Currently, the only Ultra HD Blu-ray player on the market is the Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. Models from Panasonic and Philips are expected to arrive later this year. Beyond Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the UHDA has already certified 30 Ultra HD TVs with the Ultra HD Premium designation. Likewise, the company is also planning to develop a premium standard for live 4K Ultra HD broadcasts. Source: UHD AlliancePosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Louis Leterrier's 'Now You See Me' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The thriller will materialize on Ultra HD Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Now You See Me' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 31. Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Jesse Eisenberg give astonishing performances in this visually stunning thriller from the director of 'Clash of the Titans.' As individual performers, these magicians are amazing. But once they join forces, they begin captivating an international audience with a series of bold, original heists—all the while pursuing a secret agenda that has the FBI and Interpol scrambling to anticipate what their next spectacular crime will be. Exact specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $22.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Now You See Me' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 31. Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: