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Samsung Announces Pricing for 2016 4K SUHD TV Lineup, Models Start at 1,499[teaser]The company's full 2016 4K TV line has been detailed. [/teaser] Samsung has announced pricing and availability for its 2016 4K SUHD TV collection. The lineup will be available in five series -- the KS8000, KS8500, KS9000, KS9500, and KS9800 -- with sizes ranging from 49 inches to 88 inches. "Samsung has always been about the ultimate experience in Picture Quality. This year is no different. Our new SUHD models provide the brightest, most realistic color and clarity for every viewing environment," said Dave Das, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "What is new this year is our redefined Smart TV experience. We listened to our customers and made enjoying content the easiest it’s ever been." The flagship KS9800 series features a cadmium free 10 bit Quantum Dot Display with 1,000-nit HDR and support for up to one billion colors in detail. A 65 inch model ($4,499) and an 88 inch model ($19,999) are expected to arrive in early June. Likewise a 78 inch model ($9,999) will be available in early May. Next up, the KS9500 series features the world's first bezel-less curved design. The display uses Quantum Dot Color tech, Supreme UHD Dimming, Supreme Motion Rate 240, and HDR1000 support. The KS9500 is available now in a 55 inch model ($2,499) and a 65 inch model ($3,699). Likewise, a 78 inch model ($7,999) will be available in early June. Meanwhile, for customers who aren't quite ready for curves, Samsung is also offering the flat screen KS900 series. A 55 inch model ($2,299) and a 65 inch model ($3,499) are now available. Likewise, a 75 inch model ($6,499) will be available in early June. Also joining the 2016 lineup is the KS8500 series. The curved screen displays feature Quantum Dot Color tech, HDR1000 High Dynamic Range support, and Samsung's Peak Illuminator Pro. The KS8500 series is now available in a 55 inch model ($1,999) and 65 inch model ($2,999). In addition, a 49 inch model ($1,699) will be available in May. Finally, the flat screen KS8000 series is also now available in a 55 inch model ($1, 799) and a 65 inch model ($2,799). In addition, a 49 inch model ($1,499) and a 60 inch model ($2,299) will be available in May. Source: SamsungPosted Tue Apr 12, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Alex Proyas' 'Gods of Egypt' Headed for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The action-adventure fantasy arrives in stores on multiple formats in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'Gods of Egypt' on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 31. In this spectacular action-adventure, the survival of mankind hangs in the balance as an unexpected mortal hero Bek (Brenton Thwaites) undertakes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. In order to succeed, he must enlist the help of the powerful god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an unlikely alliance against Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. As their breathtaking battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the epic final confrontation. Each release will feature a DTS:X soundtrack and supplements include: Deleted Storyboards; A Divine Vision: Creating a Cinematic Action Fantasy; Of Gods and Mortals: The Cast; Transformation: Costume, Make-up & Hair; On Location: Shooting in Australia; The Battle for Eternity: Stunts; and A Window into Another World: Visual Effects. You can find the latest specs for 'Gods of Egypt' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 31. Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Apr 11, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Eddie the Eagle' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live![teaser]The inspirational biopic is leaping toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Eddie the Eagle' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year. Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael "Eddie" Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself - even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. From producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pck is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is also $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Eddie the Eagle' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Apr 11, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 54% off 4K Ultra HD TVs from LG & Hisense[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select 2015 Ultra HD TVs! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on 2015 4K Ultra HD TVs from Hisense and LG. LG 65UF9500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD 3D TV - Currently $2,050 (54% off). LG 65UF8600 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,760 (52% off). LG 55UF6800 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $860 (49% off). LG 65UF6800 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV - Currently $1,475 (41% off). Hisense 65H7B2 65-Inch 4K Ultra TV - Currently $1,100 (27% off). Hisense 65H10B2 Curved 65-Inch 4K ULED TV - Currently $2,000 (33% off). Hisense 55H9B2 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra TV - Currently $750 (25% off). Hisense 55H7B2 55-Inch 4K Ultra TV - Currently $650 (19% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
DISH Brings 4K Ultra HD Netflix Support to Hopper 3 DVR[teaser]The company's 4K DVR now supports Netflix playback in Ultra HD. [/teaser] DISH has announced the addition of 4K Netflix support to its Hopper 3 DVR. Users can now stream 4K Netflix titles in Ultra HD directly through the Hopper 3. "Netflix is actively taking steps to broaden the availability of Ultra HD content, with plans to provide more than 600 hours by the end of this year," said Vivek Khemka, DISH executive vice president and CTO. "As the cost of 4K TVs continues to decrease, consumer adoption of and interest in Ultra HD technology becomes more widespread. We’re making every effort to provide our Hopper 3 customers with additional access to 4K programming as it’s made available." To access Netflix, DISH subscribers with a Hopper 3 simply need to press the Home or App button on their remotes. From there, customers can select the Netflix App icon and search for Ultra HD content by typing in "4K" or "UHD." Current Netflix Ultra HD content includes original shows like 'Daredevil' and 'House of Cards.' Netflix recommends an internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second to stream Ultra HD titles. The Hopper 3 features 16 tuners, allowing customers to watch shows in multiple rooms, remotely view live content through DISH Anywhere, and schedule multiple recordings at the same time without any pesky conflicts. Under the hood, the device runs a Broadcom BCM7445 quad-core ARM application processor at 1.5 GHz, 21K DMIPS and features a 2TB hard drive for up to 500 hours of high-definition recording (or 2,000 hours of standard definition recording). For 4K playback, the Hopper 3 can decode and output 60 FPS and 10-bit color and can support H.264 and H.265. The device also supports HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, USB 3.0, and HDR10/BDA 2.0 encoded streams. Finally, the DVR features a new 4K Sports Bar Mode which divides the screen into four quadrants, enabling customers to watch four different HD feeds at the same time. Beyond Netflix, DISH has announced partnerships with Sony Pictures, The Orchard and Mance Media to offer on-demand Ultra HD content to the Hopper 3 and 4K Joey, including popular titles like 'The Amazing Spiderman' and 'American Hustle.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: DISHPosted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
'Star Trek' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Headed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Paramount's first voyage into the world of 4K Ultra HD boldly arrives in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount will be releasing 'Star Trek 4K' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness 4K' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on June 14. Both STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS have been digitally remastered with new 4K UHD transfers for exceptionally brilliant picture quality and feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks* remixed specifically for the home theater environment. Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience. Each film will be presented in a three-disc UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack. STAR TREK features a bonus Blu-ray Disc™ loaded with over three hours of behind-the-scenes content. The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS UHD and Blu-ray Discs include the spectacular IMAX® version of the film and the package also includes a bonus Blu-ray Disc with more than two hours of special features. 'Star Trek' will include a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci; To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success; Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy; A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective; Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships; Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek; Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations; Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless; Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek; Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme; Gene Roddenberry’s Vision — J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry; Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary; Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information; Gag Reel; and Trailers. 'Star Trek Into Darkness' will include the IMAX version with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Enhanced commentary; The Mission Continues PSA; The Voyage Begins…Again – Go behind-the-scenes as filming begins on the next Star Trek adventure; Creating the Red Planet – Experience the creation of a never-before-seen alien world, as featured in the action-packed opening sequence of the film; Introducing the Villain; Rebuilding the Enterprise – See the design and construction of a bigger, interconnected Enterprise set; National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core – Location shooting at the National Ignition Facility; Attack on Starfleet – Go behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers and witness the creation of the shocking attack on Starfleet Headquarters; Aliens Encountered – The design and application of alien makeup; The Klingon Home World – Discover the stunning world of Kronos, and see how the filmmakers reinvented the Klingons for a new generation; The Enemy of My Enemy – Find out how, and why, the identity of the film’s true villain was kept a mystery to the very end; Vengeance is Coming – A comprehensive look at the design and production surrounding the black ship; Ship to Ship – An in-depth and thrilling look at the filming of the iconic space jump sequence, which both defied the laws of physics and pushed the limits of visual effects; Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy makes a cameo appearance and reflects on his history with Trek; Down with the Ship – Discover the stunt & VFX work involved to make the Enterprise roll over; Kirk and Spock – Explore the dynamic relationship between the film’s heroes; Brawl by the Bay – Sit in with Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch as they revisit their intense preparation for the film’s breathtaking climax; Fitting the Future – A look at the film’s out-of-this-world costumes; Property of Starfleet – Sourcing and tracking the film’s myriad props; Unlocking the Cut – A discussion with the film editors about their monumental task; Visual Affection – A comprehensive look at the creation and implementation of visual effects; The Sounds of Music (and FX) – A discussion with film composer Michael Giacchino and sound designer Ben Burtt; Safety First – A prank pulled on the cast; Continuing the Mission – An inspiring look at the partnership between the film’s crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front; Gag Reel; Deleted Scenes; and Theatrical Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek 4K' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness 4K' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under June 14.Posted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Deadpool' Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Date Announced[teaser]Ryan Reynolds puts on the anti-hero's tights and heads to Ultra HD Blu-ray next month. [/teaser]As previously reported, 20th Century Fox said 'Deadpool' will be pummeling Ultra HD Blu-ray in the spring, and now the date has been set for 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. 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 $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 5, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Who You Gonna Call? 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ghostbusters II' Dated for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Both comedies will be available on 4K Blu-rays in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Ghostbusters 4K' and 'Ghostbusters II 4K' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays on June 7. As two of the first Sony 4K Ultra HD disc releases, both films were fully restored from the 35mm original camera negatives, thereby utilizing in 4K the full resolution, detail and color depth inherent in the film. 4K Ultra HD is the perfect way to finally experience these comprehensive restorations at full 4K resolution in the home – it features four times the resolution of high definition, along with High Dynamic Range (HDR), which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays. Additionally, both films have been remixed specifically for the home theater environment with Dolby Atmos® audio, delivering captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. These new 4K Ultra HD releases precede the July 15 U.S. premiere of Sony Pictures’ highly anticipated new motion picture, Ghostbusters, from director Paul Feig, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. Also, as part of the excitement surrounding the arrival of the new film, SPHE will release over 50 episodes of the iconic 1980s animated series, The Real Ghostbusters, on DVD July 7 and on Digital, from Ivan Reitman, DiC and Sony Pictures Television. Both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II are directed and produced by Ivan Reitman (Meatballs, Stripes), and written by Dan Aykroyd (My Girl) and Harold Ramis (Knocked Up). Bill Murray (St. Vincent), Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers), and Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) star, along with Harold Ramis (Groundhog Day) and Rick Moranis (Honey I Shrunk the Kids). Ernie Hudson (TV’s “Oz”) and Annie Potts (TV’s “Designing Women”) also star. Ghostbusters is ranked No. 28 on the AFI’s List of America’s Funniest Movies. Ghostbusters: University parapsychologists Dr. Peter Venkman (Murray), Dr. Raymond Stanz (Aykroyd) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis) lose a research grant when their experiment methodology is proven to be bogus. The team decides to go into business for themselves and open ‘Ghostbusters,’ a ghost removal service. After struggling to get on their feet, they are summoned to investigate the strange happenings in Dana Barrett’s (Weaver) Central Park West apartment. What they discover is that all Manhattan is being besieged by ghosts and other-worldly demons through a portal in her building. Ghostbusters II: Supernatural superstars Peter Venkman (Murray), Dr. Raymond Stanz (Aykroyd) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis) spring back into action when the infant son of Dana Barrett (Weaver) becomes the target of a powerful demonic force. Reunited with their industrious secretary Janine (Potts) and the nerdy, near-sighted Louis (Moranis), the ‘heroes of the hereafter’ must put a stop to an enormous underground river ready to rot the roots of the entire Big Apple. 'Ghostbusters' will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Who You Gonna Call: A Ghostbusters Retrospective - Roundtable Discussion with Director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd (Part 1); Poster Art Gallery – Gallery of 1988 artwork; Ray Parker Jr. Music Video; Slimer Mode – Picture in Picture and Trivia Track; 10 Deleted Scenes; Featurettes; Commentary with Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis & Joe Medjuck; Multi-Angles; Ecto-1: Resurrecting the Classic Car; and Ghostbusters Garage: Ecto-1 Gallery Storyboard Comparisons. 'Ghostbusters II' will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Time Is But A Window: Ghostbusters II and Beyond - Roundtable Discussion with Director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd (Part 2); Bobby Brown Music Video; Deleted Scenes; and Theatrical Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Ghostbusters 4K' and 'Ghostbusters II 4K' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under June 7.Posted Tue Apr 5, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Preps ULTRA 4K Streaming Service for April 4 Launch[teaser]The new 4K Ultra HD streaming service will arrive on Sony 4K Android Ultra HD TVs next month. [/teaser] Sony has announced a launch date for its new Ultra HD streaming platform. The ULTRA app is set to debut on April 4 in the US through Sony 4K Ultra HD TVs with Android TV support. "Consumers are rapidly upgrading their living rooms to 4K, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s new ULTRA streaming service will provide a premium viewing experience to satisfy growing demand for 4K movies and television shows," said Jake Winett, VP, Consumer Services & Advanced Platforms at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. ULTRA is powered by the Sony Pictures Store and will offer numerous 4K Ultra HD titles for purchase, including several movies in HDR (high dynamic range). Likewise, select content will also include Digital Extras at no additional cost. The ULTRA library of titles will include new releases like 'Concussion,' 'The Night Before,' and 'The Walk,' along with catalog titles like 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' and 'Ghostbusters,' priced at $30 in 4K with HDR. Likewise, users can link their ULTRA profiles to existing UltraViolet libraries, allowing customers to stream previously purchased or redeemed UltraViolet copies of Sony Pictures content. In addition, customers who already own HD versions of select Sony titles through the Sony Pictures Store will also be able to upgrade to 4K versions at a discounted price. "ULTRA takes advantage of the latest industry innovations – 4K resolution, high dynamic range, a wider color spectrum, digital movie extras, and UltraViolet interoperability – so viewers get the most out of their televisions and their movie collections," Jake Winett added. The Sony ULTRA 4K streaming app will be supported on Sony's new 4K Ultra HD TVs powered by Android. The service will launch in the US on April 4. And as an added bonus, customers who buy eligible Sony 4K televisions with ULTRA this summer will receive four complimentary movies when they sign up for the service. Source: SonyPosted Tue Mar 29, 2016 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'Journey to Space' Dated for Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The space documentary is blasting off toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray in June. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Journey to Space' for Blu-ray on June 7. An Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D version will also be released on that same day. Produced by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films, JOURNEY TO SPACE will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet. That is the clear “roadmap” painted by JOURNEY TO SPACE. The film absolutely annihilates the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program by showcasing the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they must overcome to carry out audacious missions such as landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids. By using extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), as well as a brilliant narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, JOURNEY TO SPACE gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans. 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 'Journey to Space' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7. Order the Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: