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HBO enters the 4K UHD Blu-ray Arena with 'Westworld: Season One' this November[teaser]The first season of the critically-acclaimed series arrives on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray this fall. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO and Warner Brothers says 'Westworld: Season One' will hit Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 7. Based on the film written by best-selling author Michael Crichton (ER, Jurassic Park films), Westworld is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and evolution of sin. Set at the intersection of the near future and a reimagined past, the series explores a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged. Westworld: Season One features a star-studded cast led by Academy Award® winner Sir Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs), Golden Globe winner Ed Harris (The Truman Show), Golden Globe and Emmy® nominee Evan Rachel Wood (The Wrestler) and Golden Globe nominee Thandie Newton (Crash). The cast of this 10-episode phenomenon also includes Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Ben Barnes, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Clifton Collins, Jr., Luke Hemsworth, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Simon Quarterman, Rodrigo Santoro, Angela Sarafyan, Jimmi Simpson, Tessa Thompson and Shannon Woodward. Executive produced by Abrams, Nolan, Joy, Jerry Weintraub and Bryan Burk, Westworld is produced by Kilter Films in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. "We are thrilled to release the first season of HBO's critically-acclaimed and most watched new series Westworld in 4K Blu-ray with HDR, Blu-ray and DVD," said Rosemary Markson, Senior Vice President, Television Marketing, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. "Fans will devour this beautifully crafted series – a perfect candidate to receive the fully immersive 4K HDR experience along with limited edition collectable packaging and all-new special features." Each release will include a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Inside Look with Jonah Nolan and Lisa Joy – Season One (New Featurette); Imagining the Main Title (New Featurette); The Key to The Chords (New Featurette); 2017 Comic Con Panel (New); Gag reel (New); Welcome to Westworld; Crafting the Narrative; An Invitation to The Set; Welcome to Westworld: About the Series; Reality of A.I.: Westworld; and "The Big Moment" Featurettes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99 and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is $44.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Westworld: Season One' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 7. Order the Blu-ray Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Thu Jul 6, 2017 at 09:44 AM PDT by: -
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray News Roundup: 'Harry Potter,' 'Rough Night,' & New Rumored Titles[teaser]Wizards, astronauts, aliens, and a Grinch are all making their way toward 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases from Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and Sony Pictures. First up, as previously reported, Warner Bros. is prepping the first four Harry Potter films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson for Ultra HD Blu-ray, and now word indicates that the titles are set for an October 3 release. The selection will include: Chris Columbus' Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chris Columbus' Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Alfonso Cuarón's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Mike Newell's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Full specs and details have not been revealed yet, but the discs are expected to include DTS:X soundtracks. The upcoming titles will now join the previously released Harry Potter films from director David Yates which all first hit the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format back in March: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Meanwhile, according to a report from The Digital Bits, Universal is prepping several catalog titles for a potential October debut on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. The rumored selection, revealed by The Bits' industry and retail sources, will include: Joss Whedon's Serenity starring Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, and Jewel Staite. Ron Howard's Apollo 13 starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Kathleen Quinlan. Ron Howard's Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, and Molly Shannon Likewise, as previously reported, Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial starring Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and Drew Barrymore is also on deck for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and rumors now indicate a September release. No other specs or details have been revealed at this time and an official announcement from Universal is still forthcoming. Finally, Sony is prepping Lucia Aniello's Rough Night starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Zoë Kravitz, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Paul W. Downs for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Specs, supplements, and an exact release date have not been announced yet, but pre-orders for the raunchy comedy are now live. Order the 4K Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the 4K titles listed above linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule. Source: The Digital BitsPosted Thu Jul 6, 2017 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
4K Ultraviolet Headaches: How & Where To Redeem Digital Copies in 4K UHDEDITOR'S NOTE: this article is being updated with info on Fox and FandangoNOW after conflicting reports from readers, personal experience, and FandangoNOW customer service. Welcome to the latest installment of our Home Theater 101 Series, where we set out to educate folks on the nitty-gritty involved with enjoying emerging home cinema technologies. Today lets take a minute to chat about the current state of Ultraviolet, why there's an extra layer of confusion for anyone upgrading to 4K, and what you should do to get the best out of the Digital Copies included with your 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. HOME THEATER 101ULTRAVIOLET IN 4K WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET? Ultraviolet is a cloud-based digital locker that allows you to own (though many argue digital ownership isn't true ownership, but that's for another article) and manage a library of movie and TV titles that were either redeemed via codes included with a physical media purchase or purchased online. Once you have an Ultraviolet account -- thanks a series of partnerships between STUDIOS (content producers) and RETAILERS (streaming services where you can purchase or rent movies and TV shows) -- you can enjoy your library on across a vast swath of Smart TVs, smartphone & tablets, Ultra HD Blu-ray & Blu-ray players, media streamers & sticks, gaming consoles, and compatible external hard drives. Ultraviolet STUDIO partners include Anchor Bay, BBC, Fox, HBO, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Ultraviolet RETAILERS include FandangoNOW, Kaleidescape, Paramount Movies, Sony Pictures Store, Verizon FiOS, VUDU, and WB Movies All Access (FKA Flickster). iTunes and Disney are off doing their own things, but some studios like Universal and Fox offer the option to get an iTunes copy of your movie instead of Ultraviolet, while Disney Movies Anywhere can be linked to VUDU and iTunes accounts. So not totally separate, but not fully Ultraviolet either. The confusion, hassle, and frustration with Ultraviolet and Digital HD, in general, is the simple fact that not every studio has partnered with every retailer AND not every retailer is available on your media streamer PLUS you have to sign up for several different accounts on poorly designed websites. Ultraviolet's partners set out to make DIGITAL OWNERSHIP easier and portable, but it's such a cluster only diehard enthusiasts care to keep up. Even then, it's a PITA. WHY DOES ULTRAVIOLET STILL SUCK FOR 4K UHD? One of the first questions we asked about the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format was about Ultraviolet redemption codes -- if HD Blu-rays earned you an HD copy to stream and download, would 4K Blu-rays get you a 4K UHD copy to stream and download? The answer is, of course, complicated, varies by studio and retailer, and is far less consistent that the HD world because, while every streaming service offers a version of HD playback, there are only three major UHD streaming retailers with ties to Ultraviolet and each one requires different (sometimes exclusive) gear. VUDU has the largest collection of 4K UHD titles with Dolby Vision HDR, some support for Dolby Atmos, and rumors of HDR10 support reportedly coming "soon". On VUDU, you'll find over 100 titles from Warner Bros, Universal, and Paramount. FandangoNOW (fka M-GO) offers UHD titles with HDR10, but according to the company's website, only from Fox and only if you own a "VIDITY-enabled device" (basically, a compliant hard drive media streamer). They also have 4K UHD titles (NO HDR) from Universal and Amazon Studios (and possibly other distributors -- I didn't check every title) that are available on a wider range of devices. Sony's ULTRA 4K UHD streaming service is an extension of the Sony Pictures Store, offers UHD movies with HDR10, and available on Sony 4K & 4K HDR TVs made after 2015 and **possibly** the PS4 Pro (EDITOR'S NOTE: I've read conflicting reports about the PS4 Pro and ULTRA -- can anyone double-confirm in the comments or on the forum whether ULTRA works on the console. Thanks!!!!). Please note that Amazon Instant Video also sells and rents 4K UHD HDR video, in addition to titles included with Amazon Prime, while Netflix offers 4K content in Dolby Vision & HDR10, but at this point, and this is key, neither are related to Ultraviolet digital copies. In short, Ultraviolet, in the 4K era, is extra confusing because every time you buy a 4K Blu-ray, you have to check the studio involved along with your preferred retailer to see if it's available in 4K (plus there's nothing on the packaging which indicates UHD or HD). Even then, you have to be careful about WHERE you redeem your code because, while retailers allow you to redeem Ultraviolet codes on their websites... They don't warn you that redeeming 4K Ultraviolet codes directly through a retailer may prevent you from gaining access to the UHD version -- especially if it's a Warner Bros. 4K movie on VUDU -- and you can't fix it on your own once a code has been used. LEGO BATMAN UHD... 3 WEEKS LATER After hearing some complaints on our Facebook page from readers who were stuck with VUDU HDX copies of their Warner Bros 4K Blu-rays, I recently experienced the problem myself. Even though I've redeemed dozens of HD and UHD Ultraviolet codes directly on VUDU.com with no troubles, my attempt to redeem The LEGO Batman Movie left me stuck with the 1080p HDX version. Not kidding, it took almost three weeks to resolve the problem thanks to lackluster VUDU customer service, who repeatedly refused to listen to my question, suggested I had the wrong equipment, and claimed Warner Bros. didn't offer the ability to redeem LEGO Batman in UHD on VUDU.com despite the redemption process working for some customers, including HDD writers. In short, VUDU had no idea what was wrong, so they sent me back to Warners, which was actually fantastic. The WB Movies All Access folks, who are extremely prompt and helpful, were able to add the UHD version to my WB Movies All Access library, but by that point, I'd accidentally created an extra Ultraviolet library that needed to be merged and re-linked to VUDU. In summary, my experience taught me two things: 1) In the 4K era, skip the retailer shortcuts, as helpful as they may have been for several years, and follow the studio/Ultraviolet instructions exactly. 2) If you do mess up, or did in the past, there's probably a way to get things fixed. In other words, hopefully, there are some readers out there, with lost UHD titles, who can still get access to them. HOW TO GET YOUR UHD COPY FROM A 4K BLU-RAY **UPDATED 9/17/15** As I write this, Anchor Bay, The BBC, Disney, HBO, and Lionsgate's home entertainment divisions do NOT support UHD streaming (Disney's first 4K Blu-ray won't be available until next month, so we'll soon find out how Disney Movies Anywhere handles things). For the rest of the major studios, here's an overview of what to do (and keep in mind, it's subject to change). Disney -- DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com -- When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 first premiered on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, the digital redemption code included did not, per Disney's PR agency, unlock the 4K version of the film even though it was available for sale on VUDU with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos... HOWEVER, Disney has updated its policty. If you unlocked Guardians Vol. 2 AFTER September 9 (2017) and choose VUDU during your redemption process, you'll have access to 4K streaming. If you unlocked Guardians Vol. 2 BEFORE September 9 or if you don't get the 4K version automatically, please use the Contact US feature on the DMA site and they should be able to get this fixed for you.Going forward, I suspect Disney will support 4K redemption with their codes, but nothing official has been confirmed. We'll have to see as they release more 4K Blu-rays. Fox -- FoxRedeem.com -- Fox offers access to iTunes OR Google Play or VUDU/Ultraviolet, but you have to pick one and stick with one while redeeming. Here's where we add another headache -- I just redeemed my code inside Logan 4K as a test -- if you pick VUDU/Ultraviolet, your Ultraviolet library instantly updates with a note that says "VUDU SD, HD," but no mention of UHD. However, FandangoNOW customer service said if your Ultraviolet account was linked to FandangoNOW, you CAN watch certain titles in UHD (assuming you have the right gear). So even though Fox movies are available online IN 4K UHD with HDR on FandangoNOW, at this time it's unclear if your Ultraviolet codes unlock them or if you can ONLY purchase them separately. If anyone regularly uses FandangoNOW, please feel free to chime in below or on the forums. Paramount -- paramountmovies.com OR ultraviolet.flixster.com/paramount -- Paramount also offers you the chance to use Ultraviolet OR iTunes. However, although Paramount VUDU UHD titles available to purchase and rent, the first few Ultraviolet codes included with Paramount 4K Blu-rays only redeem in SD & HD. Hopefully this will change. Sony -- sonypictures.com/uvredeem -- With Ultraviolet, you can link to your Sony Pictures Store account to stream via Sony ULTRA if you have the right Sony gear. FWIW, Amazon used to sell Sony movies in 4K UHD with Dolby Vision, but as I was researching this article, that seems to have ended. (NOTE: please let us know if I'm wrong.) Either way, the Amazon titles are/were not part of Ultraviolet. Universal -- UPHE.com/Redeem -- Universal also offers Ultraviolet OR iTunes options with a purchase, but I've personally experienced the ability to redeem BOTH if you act quickly. With Ultraviolet, you can link your library to VUDU to enjoy in UHD. Warner Bros -- WB.com/redeemdigital -- Warner Bros redemption instructions change per title. Some just say redeem or redeemdigital, while others like Suicide Squad or The LEGO Batman Movie have their own movie-specific pages. Either way, if you link WB Movies All Access to your Ultraviolet account and then link that to VUDU (way too many steps, I know), you can watch your 4K titles in UHD. Warners, at present, actually has the most 4K content available to stream. HOW TO GET BACK A 4K ULTRAVIOLET COPY STUCK IN HD If you made the same mistake I did and are now stuck with an HD Ultraviolet copy from a 4K Blu-ray, there's a good chance the STUDIOS (not the retailers) will be able to help you (though I can't make any guarantees, especially if your redemption code is older and/or expired). But remember: this assumes A) you know a movie is able to stream in 4K UHD and be unlocked by the studio's supplied code, B) you have the necessary gear to watch said content and C) you still have the paper insert along with proof of purchase. If those assumptions are met, here's what you should do: 1) Go to the websites listed above (aka, follow the instructions on the paper insert included with your 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray). 2) Click on the HELP button to contact the studio in question. Fox can be emailed at [email protected]. Paramount has a form you can fill out on the site. Sony offers Live Chat, Phone, or email support. Universal has a form you can fill out on the site. Warner Bros can be reached at [email protected]. 3) While you're waiting for a response, make sure you are signed up for Ultraviolet and whatever app/site each studio is running. 4) Double check that you only have ONE Ultraviolet library. If you have more than one, MERGE THEM in your account settings. 5) LINK your Ultraviolet library with your VUDU, FandangoNOW, and/or Sony ULTRA account(s). 6) If the studio says you should have the UHD copy and your Ultraviolet library is linked to the necessary retailer, but you still can't stream the UHD version, contact the retailer directly. (I know it's old-fashioned, but I'm listing phone numbers because it was, for me, faster than getting emails back a day later.) FandangoNOW can be reached at 855-646-2580. Sony Pictures Store can be reached at 800-860-2878 VUDU Customer Service can be reached at 888-554-8838 FINAL THOUGHTS Home Entertainment has never been more amazing. We can literally build libraries of films and TV shows and play them back on gear that shames all but the best commercial cinemas. Or gear that fits in our pockets. The choice is ours. And while physical media is often frustrating, with its endless trailers and FBI warnings, streaming content in a 4K Ultra HD world is also confusing because Ultraviolet remains an over-complicated mess. Yet, for a service that's the result of competing businesses, I suppose it's not all bad. Without it, we'd be at the mercy of several different studios each trying to launch their own video apps, which would mean more gear exclusivities and less access to our favorite movies. I hope this article helped you figure out the ins and outs of using Ultraviolet in 4K because, if you bought a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Fox (maybe), Paramount, Sony, Universal, or Warners, you should be able to enjoy a UHD Digital Copy as well. Cheers.Posted Wed Jul 5, 2017 at 03:27 PM PDT by: -
'The Cabin in the Woods,' 'Red,' and 'Red 2' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]All three films will be available on the 4K format this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'The Cabin in the Woods' for Blu-ray on September 5. Discover the truth behind The Cabin in the Woods when it arrives for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack. Featuring an all-star cast including Chris Hemsworth, Jesse Williams, Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchison, and Fran Kranz, the critically acclaimed horror will be available in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR), which delivers the brightest, most vivid and realistic color with the greatest contrast. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will also feature Dolby Vision™ high-dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience. Co-written by producer Joss Whedon (The Avengers franchise) and director Drew Goddard (Cloverfield), Special features include: Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Drew Goddard and Writer/Producer Joss Whedon; “We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin in the Woods” Featurette; “An Army of Nightmares: Make-up & Animatronic Effects” Featurette; “Primal Terror: Visual Effects” Featurette; “The Secret Secret Stash” Featurette; WonderCon Q&A; “It’s Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods BonusView™ Mode” (Blu-ray™ only). The Cabin in the Woods 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99. 'Red' and 'Red 2' will also be available on the same date. Relive the action-packed adventures of retired and extremely dangerous special agents in the most amazing picture quality available today when both RED and RED 2 arrive on 4K Ultra HD, which provides over four times the resolution of Full HD and includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) to deliver the brightest, most vivid and realistic color with the greatest contrast. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will also feature Dolby Vision™ high-dynamic range imaging and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience. RED features an all-star cast including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Mary-Louise Parker. In the film’s sequel, RED 2, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung Hun Lee join the franchise. 'Red' will include an Audio Commentary with Retired CIA Field Officer Robert Baer and Deleted and Extended Scenes; while 'Red 2' will include The Red 2 Experience, Gag Reel, and Deleted Scenes. The exhilarating thrillers RED and RED 2 will be available separately on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack for the suggested retail price of $22.99 each. You can find the latest specs for 'The Cabin in the Woods,' 'Red,' and 'Red 2' linked from our 4K UHD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under September 5.Posted Wed Jul 5, 2017 at 10:34 AM PDT by: -
4K Preview: Kong: Skull Island in Dolby Vision & Dolby AtmosHopefully, everyone's having a safe and festive Holiday weekend here in the US (for our international readers, Happy Regular Old Monday!). We're two weeks out from Kong: Skull Island landing on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, a 4K/3D Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook, Blu-ray 3D, and Blu-ray (there may be other exclusives, but those are the big ones), and I wanted to give you a quick preview of what to expect from a visual and audio standpoint. [Teaser]This 4K preview is based on the VUDU UHD version of the film, which is presented in 2D with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos hemispherical surround sound, both of which elevate the action-packed monster mayhem to demo-worthy levels.[/Teaser] More on this in a second. How's the movie? Oh my god, SO SO FUN! I'll leave the full in-depth reviews to Phil Brown, who covered the theatrical release HERE, and Moises E. Duarte, who will be reviewing the flick across various physical media formats, but I think Phil's punny subtitle sums up the experience perfectly: "Apeocalypse Now" Imagine the Vietnam War tropes established in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece fused with your favorite Kaiju Movie. It's a non-stop thrill-ride of exotic locations and nasty beasties fighting for a chance to eat our human characters, who are just specific and empathetic enough for us to care about them while they crash and run and hide and fight back with flamethrowers and machine guns. It's not quite an elevated affair, a monster movie that transcends its genre, but if you grew up watching Godzilla movies and enjoyed the universe established with Gareth Edwards' Godzilla in 2014, I think you'll enjoy this one too. Much like Pacific Rim, Kong: Skull Island taps into the sensation of being a kid when watching monsters felt larger than life itself, dare I say REAL, even if some of the set-pieces are a touch too long. Still, I liked it even more than the recent Godzilla reboot, which was a too dour and serious at times for me, and hope Legendary keeps going with their monster universe. Either way, Kong: Skull Island gets two paws up for well-crafted spectacle and overall fun factor. DOLBY VISION [UPDATED 7/17/17]: There was a rumor that Kong: Skull Island's 4K Blu-ray would be in Dolby Vision too, but this did not turn out to be true, which is a shame because VUDU's 4K Dolby Vision presentation is FANTASTIC. [END UPDATE] Dolby Vision best shows its visual might with aggressive color palettes, and Kong Skull Island oozes color from the very first frame. With lush green jungles and a warm, almost-sepia-but-also-almost-puke-green grading, the movie is awash in colors you won't see on standard dynamic range displays. Everything from John Goodman's yellow cab to the orange storm of ballooning fireballs to Kong's midnight-black fur look is bright and brilliant and eye-popping. Blacks levels and contrast are also on point, delivering both on shadow details and specular highlights. Compared to the standard HDX (1080p) presentation, the Dolby Vision iteration not only looks more pleasing to the eye thanks to its wider color gamut, but I would argue the visual effects look more weighted. Now, I have pretty spectacular Internet (around 200Mbps), so I generally have no troubles running VUDU UHD, as was the case here, but if Kong looks this great on streaming, I can only imagine what the full 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will look like in HDR10 and/or Dolby Vision. Exciting stuff. Definitely an impending demo disc, no matter what format you buy. DOLBY ATMOS Kong: Skull Island's Dolby Atmos mix isn't the best I've ever heard, but it's very aggressive throughout and comes a few pegs short of reference titles like Mad Max: Fury Road, Pacific Rim, and Gravity. Outside of noting that this isn't one of the greatest sound mixes of all time, Kong: Skull Island offers a wonderful sense of hemispherical immersion. Helicopters fly overhead and around the room. Monsters stomp and roar and fight above your head. Bullets and bombs fly in all directions. And, Henry Jackson's classical-yet-modern score envelopes like you're in the middle of a symphony. All of it works together to haul you out of your seat and into the movie's sonic universe. Yes, the movie's visuals are often breathtaking, but it's Dolby Atmos that gives Kong: Skull Island its scope, with each new action set-piece presenting another demo-worthy sequence to wow audiophiles and show off your Dolby Atmos system. BONUS FEATURES Unlike some recent films -- like The LEGO Batman Movie -- Kong: Skull Island does not feature what VUDU calls Extras+ with your UHD purchase (or, at least, nothing showed up in my account). I'm not sure if this will remain true after street date, but there's nothing to watch here unlike, say, the iTunes (HD only) version which includes "almost an hour of iTunes Extras." FINAL THOUGHTS I didn't really know what to expect going into Kong: Skull Island, but this monster movie is an inventive genre mashup that 's sometimes clever, sometimes dumb, but always a whole lot of fun. If you enjoyed Gareth Edwards' Godzilla or grew up with loving monster movies, you'll probably enjoy this one too. In terms of value in purchasing the VUDU UHD version, at this point it makes more sense to hold off and wait for the 4K Blu-ray (pre-order HERE) or 4K/3D Best Buy SteelBook (pre-order HERE). That way, you'll get the 4K disc, a Blu-ray HD copy, all the bonus features, AND access to this VUDU UHD version with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos... HOWEVER, PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN REDEEMING YOUR DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET REDEMPTION CODE. Sorry for the all-caps, but I didn't want anyone to miss the warning. I recently redeemed our UHD code for The LEGO Batman Movie directly on the VUDU website and, even though some others have done so successfully, I only ended up with the HDX version in My Movies. I believe some of our readers have experienced similar with other Warners titles as well, which is a shame. The fix? 1) MAKE SURE you follow the redemption instructions exactly as they are on the paper-insert and it should work out fine (it'll most likely be a wb.com/redeemdigital link). 2) If something goes wrong, reach out to WB Movies All Access (fka Flixster) to help correct the error. They actually have pretty fantastic customer service (VUDU was useless because they're limited by their studio contracts) and were able to fix my LEGO Batman UHD issue. Either way, get excited, monster movie fans. Kong: Skull Island will be here soon so, if you haven't already done so, please consider supporting us by Pre-Ordering your copy directly through High-Def Digest (links above). It doesn't cost you a single cent extra, and is a big help for us. Cheers and thanks so much for reading!Posted Mon Jul 3, 2017 at 08:22 AM PDT by: -
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray News Roundup: 'Split,' 'Get Out,' 'Minions,' and More[teaser]Mummies, monsters, and minions are all creeping toward 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in September.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases from Universal Studios. Here's a full rundown of all the recently revealed title announcements: The animated flick Minions starring Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, and Steve Coogan will arrive on September 5. Supplements will include: -Mini-Movies-Deleted Scene - Me, Myself and Stuart-Around the World Interactive Map-Behind the Goggles - The Illumination Story of the Minions-Jingle Bells Minion Style-The Secret Life of Pets Theatrical Trailer Order the Blu-ray In addition, the studio is preparing several titles for a September 12 release. Here's the full lineup... Gary Shore's Dracula Untold starring Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon, and Charles Dance. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc will feature a DTS:X soundtrack and supplements will include: -Feature Commentary with Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy-Luke Evans: Creating a Legend-Alternate Opening with Optional Commentary by Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy-Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy-Day in the Life - Luke Evans-Dracula Retold-Slaying 1000-The Land of Dracula Order the Blu-ray Jordan Peele's Get Out starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and Catherine Keener. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc will feature a DTS:X soundtrack and supplements will include: -Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Jordan Peele-Alternate Ending with Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Jordan Peele-Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Writer/Director Jordan Peele-Unveiling the Horror of Get Out-Q&A Discussion with Writer/Director Jordan Peele and the Cast Order the Blu-ray Stephen Sommers' The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emperor starring Brendan Fraser will all get standalone releases. The Ultra HD Blu-ray discs will feature DTS:X soundtracks and supplements will likely mirror those found on the previously released Ultimate Trilogy collection. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray M. Night Shyamalan's Split starring James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc will feature a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and supplements will include: -Alternate Ending-Deleted Scenes-The Making of Split-The Many Faces of James McAvoy-The Filmmaker's Eye: M. Night Shyamalan Order the Blu-ray Stephen Sommers' Van Helsing starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, and Richard Roxburgh. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc will feature a DTS:X track and supplements will include: -Van Helsing: The Story, The Life, The Legend-Track the Adventure-Bringing the Monsters to Life-You Are in the Movie!-The Music of Van Helsing-Bloopers-Dracula's Lair is Transformed-The Masquerade Ball Scene "Unmasked"-The Art of Van Helsing-Monster Eggs-Feature Commentary with Director Stephen Sommers and Editor/Producer Bob Ducsay-Feature Commentary with Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Henley and Will Kemp Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
'Despicable Me 3' Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D & 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order[teaser]The animated comedy is now up for preorder at Amazon.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing to release Despicable Me 3 for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D later this year. Gru (voice of Steve Carell) battles Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a 1980s child star-turned-supervillain, in this animated sequel. Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig, Steve Coogan, and Dana Gaier also return to reprise their characters from prior installments. No other details have been released at this time. You can find the latest specs for Despicable Me 3 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-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 11:47 AM PDT by: -
Edgar Wright's 'Baby Driver' Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated and Bonus Features Detailed (UPDATED)[teaser]The heist comedy is up for pre-order on both formats at Amazon. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony is already preparing 'Baby Driver' for a Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray release later this year, and now the official date has been set for October 10. A talented, young getaway driver relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss, he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Extended/Deleted Scenes – 20 minutes of extended scenes and a few moments that were dropped from the final cut. Mozart In A Go-Kart: Ansel Drives – Ride shotgun with star Ansel Elgort as he works with the talented stunt drivers to become the ultimate getaway driver. I Need A Killer Track: The Music – Explore how the film's phenomenal soundtrack dictated both the writing process and all aspects of production on Baby Driver. That's My Baby: Edgar Wright – Follow Edgar Wright's vision of Baby Driver from its inception two decades ago, to its ultimate realization on the big screen. Meet Your New Crew: Doc's Gang – Led by powerhouse Kevin Spacey, the cast assembled to form Doc's gang is perfectly constructed with stars like Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm as well as up and coming talent like Eiza González and Jon Bernthal. Go behind the scenes to see this talented group at work as they bring these characters to life. Find Something Funky On There: The Choreography – With every frame of Baby Driver set to a specific beat it took precise choreography by the cast, crew and editors to create a cinematic dance like nothing that's been done before. Hear from the choreographer and filmmakers on this groundbreaking process. Devil Behind The Wheel: The Car Chases – From closing down Atlanta's interstates to creating eyepopping maneuvers for a variety of vehicles, witness the amazing craftsmanship and sheer determination that made the film's incredible car chases possible. Animatics – Check out over 35 minutes of the numerous pre-vis animatics developed by Edgar Wright as part of his meticulous preparation. Ansel Elgort Audition – See firsthand the audition that proved without a doubt that Ansel Elgort was the perfect choice for Baby. Annotated Coffee Run Rehearsal – Day one of production involved one of the film's most elaborately choreographed sequences where every movement is carefully crafted. Check out the preliminary rehearsal and see the behind the scenes movement in concert with Ansel Elgort's on camera choreography. Hair, Make Up & Costume Tests – In this stylized montage, witness the transformation of the actors through costume, hair and make-up tests. Mint Royale – "Blue Song" Music Video – This music video directed by Edgar years ago for the band Mint Royale showcases some early inspiration for Baby Driver. Complete Storyboard Gallery – See the elaborate storyboards developed for the film in this gallery featuring storyboards for the entire film. Director Commentary Filmmaker Commentary (Edgar Wright and Director of Photography Bill Pope) Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99 and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is $45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Baby Driver' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 10. Order the Blu-ray Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Wed Jun 28, 2017 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
Guy Ritchie's 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword' Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D & 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The medieval actioner starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law is coming to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in August.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing King Arthur: Legend of the Sword for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D on August 8. Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." Starring Charlie Hunnam in the title role, the film is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur's journey from the streets to the throne. When the child Arthur's father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur's uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy…whether he likes it or not. The King Arthur: Legend of the Sword 4K Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Packs will include: Arthur with Swagger - Charlie Hunnam is a gentleman, a hunk and a rebel, setting new standards as king and new rules with the ladies.Sword from the Stone - Director Guy Ritchie as he breathes 21st Century life and luster into England's most iconic legend and he creates Camelot for a new audience!Parry and Bleed - Charlie Hunnam and other cast members get a crash course in swordplay. Vikings versus Saxons style!Building on the Past - Londinium comes to life with a new design of Medieval Urban life, built from scratch.Inside the Cut: The Action of King Arthur - Join stunt choreographer Eunice Huthart as she teams with Director Guy Ritchie to create the mind-blowing action of King ArthurCamelot in 93 Days - Friendships and romances strengthen and fray as the realities of a 93 day shoot set in.Legend of Excalibur - The world's most famous sword is brought to life for a new generation.Scenic Scotland - Wrapping a monumental production on location in glorious Scotland. You can find the latest specs for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 8. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Tue Jun 27, 2017 at 09:51 AM PDT by: -
'Transformers: The Last Knight' Blu-ray, 3D, & 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Up For Pre-Order![teaser]Michael Bay's latest crunching metal blockbuster is now up for preorder at Amazon.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is set to bring 'Transformers: The Last Knight' for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year. Optimus Prime discovers that his home planet, Cybertron, is now a dead planet, which he comes to find he was responsible for killing. He finds a way to bring the planet back to life, but in order to do so he needs to find an artifact, and that artifact is on Earth. No other details have been announced yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: The Last Knight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Wed Jun 21, 2017 at 02:13 PM PDT by:
