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Amazon Readies Three New Original Kids Holiday Specials for November 25 Premiere[teaser]Three new kids holiday specials are set to start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its upcoming lineup of kids holiday themed specials. The new programs include 'If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie,' 'The Snowy Day,' and 'An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas.' "We are so excited to bring our customers our first-ever holiday line-up of specials this season, with If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie and The Snowy Day based on beloved children's books that highlight strong bonds between friends and families. It's what the holidays are all about," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "The American Girl Maryellen special is an inspiring feel-good story that will surely become a holiday family favorite for our customers." Here's a full rundown of the lineup: 'If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie' - If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie is an animated holiday special based on the classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book series written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. In this special, it’s holiday time and in Mouse’s house that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling with friends…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant. Can Mouse and his animal friends save the show, without getting utterly distracted along the way? It’s a wild ride as Mouse and his friends work together to solve a problem in a fun and creative way. The special is written and produced by Ken Scarborough (Doug, Curious George, Martha Speaks, Arthur,and Saturday Night Live); stars Mason Mahay (voice of Oliver), Roger Craig Smith (Avengers Assemble and Wreck-It Ralph), Jessica DiCiccio (Over the Hedge), Jeff Bennett (Futurama), and Lara Jill Miller (The Loud House, Henry Hugglemonster, and Doc McStuffins). The special also features an original song "Christmas Cookie Song" by Lisa Loeb, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. If You Give a Mouse a Cookiewas part of Amazon's 2015 fall pilot season rated 4.7 stars by customers with 82% 5-star reviews; season one will premiere on Amazon Prime Video next year. 'Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day' - The Snowy Day is an animated holiday special based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. The book is well-known as one of the first picture books to feature an African-American protagonist, has won many awards, including the Caldecott medal—one of the highest honors in children’s literature, and was included in the Library of Congress’ list of “Books that Shaped America.” The special follows Peter, a young boy in a red snowsuit, as his mother sends him on an adventure to Nana’s house to retrieve their traditional Christmas mac and cheese dinner. Enjoying the snowy day along the way, Peter encounters friends from the neighborhood, including storekeepers and bakers to the older boys he admires—and a group of a capella singers voiced by Boyz II Men. After arriving at Nana’s and retrieving the mac and cheese—and his most coveted gift, a brand-new red sled—Nana helps Peter team up with the older boys for an epic snowball fight, resulting in the destruction of the special holiday dinner and his sled. When the neighborhood comes together to celebrate new traditions with Peter and his family, Peter realizes that the true meaning of the holiday is who you spend it with. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and The Matrix) and featuring voice talent by Regina King (American Crime and The Leftovers), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos), and Angela Bassett (American Horror Story and BoJack Horseman), The Snowy Day features an original song “Snowy Day” by Boyz II Men, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. Executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland (Akeelah and the Bee) as well as Ann Austen, Irene Sherman, and Deborah Pope (Ezra Jack Keats Foundation). 'An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas' - An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas is the second collaboration between American Girl and Amazon and is based on American Girl’s previously launched BeForever character Maryellen Larkin. The special is set during Christmas in 1955 in Daytona Beach, Florida, where middle child Maryellen (Alyvia Alyn Lind) longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big, busy family. A boisterous and artistic girl, Maryellen’s adventurous spirit is sometimes at odds with the era she’s living in: when conformity was valued above individuality. When Benji (Samuel Faraci), a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them and visit Daytona Beach’s hospital for care, Maryellen is inspired to help the polio patients have the best Christmas ever. But her first attempts fall flat, followed by a fight with her best friend Davy (Maxwell Acee Donovan). With guidance and advice from Maryellen’s wise and sympathetic mother (Mary McCormack), Maryellen learns the key to helping others is through listening. Through her gift of drawing, Maryellen helps give the children an extraordinary Christmas they’ll never forget. Executive produced by Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted). An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas features an original song “Christmas and Everyday” by Best Coast, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: AmazonPosted Wed Nov 9, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Countdown to Black Friday HD Gear Deals: Up to 47% off Fire TV Devices, Speakers, and Receivers[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select streaming players and audio gear![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's Black Friday Deals Store, Amazon is running a special sale on Fire TV products, a Cyber Acoustics speaker system, and a Denon receiver. Certified Refurbished Amazon Fire TV (Previous Generation - 1st) - Currently $50 (47% off). Certified Refurbished Amazon Fire TV Stick (Previous Generation - 1st) - Currently $25 (29% off). Certified Refurbished Amazon Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote - Currently $65 (28% off). Cyber Acoustics 30 Watt Powered Speakers with Subwoofer - Currently $36 (28% off). Denon AVR-S510BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver - Currently $229 (18% 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 Black Friday sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 8, 2016 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for 'Colin Quinn: The New York Story,' Streaming Premiere Set for November 18[teaser]The comedian will hit the stage on Netflix later this month. [/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its upcoming comedy special, 'Colin Quinn: The New York Story'. The show will premiere exclusively through Netflix on November 18. 'SNL' veteran Colin Quinn delivers a taping of his sold out off-Broadway show to Netflix for his second stand-up special. In front of a crowd of fellow locals, Quinn presents the history of New York and the different groups who shape the personality of the city. Quinn's show was filmed at the Schimmel Center in New York City and is directed by Jerry Seinfeld. Check out the trailer below! In addition to Quinn's new special, Netflix is also preparing stand-up shows from Michael Che, Reggie Watts, and Gabriel Iglesias. 'Michael Che Matters' (Premieres Friday, November 25, 2016) - 'SNL' Weekend Update co-anchor and former “Daily Show” correspondent, Michael Che brings down the house with his laid-back style as he tackles society’s most controversial actions through his hilarious prism at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. 'Reggie Watts: Spatial' (Premieres Tuesday, December 13, 2016) - Comedian/musician Reggie Watts brings viewers along on a one-of-a-kind surrealist experimental comedy adventure. The completely improvised show weaves together sketches, short stories, and dream sequences creating a truly unique experience. Filmed live on a soundstage in Los Angeles, Watts waxes poetic about flight, grits, and guns - and takes the audience on a trip fantastic they will not soon forget. 'Gabriel lglesias: I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry' (Premieres Tuesday, December 20, 2016) - One of the most popular comedians in the world with sell out concerts in over 24 countries, this special marks Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ Netflix original stand-up comedy debut and sixth comedy special. Watch as Fluffy reflects on his life and more before a sold out house in Chicago, IL. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Nov 8, 2016 at 03:45 PM PST by: -
Amazon Snags News Shows from David O. Russell & Matthew Weiner[teaser]Amazon has ordered two new shows from high profile creators.[/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Amazon has ordered two seasons of director David O. Russell's upcoming untitled drama series. The show will be produced by the Weinstein Company and is set to star Robert De Niro and Julianne Moore. In addition, the streaming platform has also snagged the latest series from 'Mad Men' creator Matthew Weiner. The untitled show will also be produced by the Weinstein Company. Though plot details have not been announced yet, reports indicate that the David O. Russell series could be a mafia crime drama. Each of the two seasons will feature eight episodes and each installment is set to be written and directed by David O. Russell. The show was shopped around to several potential streaming platforms and networks, including FX, before landing at Amazon in a $160 million deal. In addition to David O. Russell, the series is being produced by Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert, who also developed the project with Russell. Likewise, Harvey Weinstein, David Glasser, and Annapurna’s Megan Ellison are all on board as executive producers. Meanwhile, Matthew Weiner's new show has been picked up for an eight episode first season in a $70 million straight-to-series order. Full plot details have not been revealed yet, but the series is said to be a contemporary anthology set in multiple locations worldwide. Weiner is creating, writing, and executive producing the show. Likewise, he is expected to direct about half of the show's first season as well. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $8 per month. Sources: Deadline 1, Deadline 2Posted Tue Nov 8, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, and Linnea Berthelsen Join 'Stranger Things' Season Two Cast[teaser]Three new cast members have been added to the show. [/teaser] Netflix has announced the addition of three cast members to the upcoming second season of 'Stranger Things.' Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, and Linnea Berthelsen will all join the series when the show returns in 2017. According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, Astin will play Bob Newby, the manager of the Hawkins RadioShack who went to high school with Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). Meanwhile, Reiser will play Dr. Owens, a Department of Energy official tasked with containing the events of the show's first season. Finally, Berthelsen is set to play Roman, an emotionally damaged, magnetic young woman who suffered a great loss as a child. In addition to the three new cast members, Netflix also recently announced that Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery will both be joining the second season as well. Likewise, Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, and Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, have both been promoted from recurring to series regulars for season two. Plot details have not been announced yet, but the show will pick up in the fall of 1984. Season two of 'Strangers Things' will premiere in 2017 and is set to include nine episodes. Meanwhile, all eight season one episodes are now available for streaming globally through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25, '3%' on November 25, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Sources: Entertainment WeeklyPosted Tue Nov 8, 2016 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
Amazon Offers Limited Time Discount on Echo Smart Speaker with Alexa Voice Service[teaser]The voice controlled speaker is now on sale![/teaser] In celebration of Alexa's second birthday, Amazon is now offering a special discount on its Echo speaker. The device is now on sale for $140.39, which is 22% off its usual retail price of $179.99. Echo is a cylindrical speaker system with 360° omni-directional audio and support for voice-controlled commands, offering instant information and music. The speaker is an always-on device that uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud through Amazon Web Services. After waking Echo with the wake word "Alexa," the speaker provides similar functionality to Siri or Ok Google on Apple and Android devices, allowing customers to ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. In addition, buyers can use Echo to control lights, switches, thermostats, and more from WeMo, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon, Nest, ecobee, and Wink. Likewise, thanks to its cloud integration, Echo actually adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences over time. The speaker features Far-field voice recognition that uses seven microphones to pick up customer's commands. A 2.5-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter are integrated as well, offering 360° omni-directional audio. In addition to the standard Echo, Amazon also offers a growing collection of Alexa-enabled Echo products, including the Echo Dot and Amazon Tap. The Amazon Tap is designed to serve as a mobile version of the Echo. The Tap is a portable Alexa-enabled speaker with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The device uses dual stereo speakers with Dolby processing to offer 360 degree omni directional audio. Users can simply tap the microphone button to enable the Alexa Voice Service, allowing them to ask for music, make searches, hear news, order products and more. The speaker is rated for up to nine hours of playback. The Amazon Tap is now available for $130. Meanwhile, the Echo Dot is a compact, hands-free voice controlled device powered by Alexa -- allowing customers to ask questions, play music, turn on the lights, set timers, give sports updates, check the weather, access over 3,000 Alexa skills, and much more. The product is designed to be connected to existing speakers through a 3.5mm stereo cable of Bluetooth, allowing users to add voice control to their sound systems. In addition, the device also includes a small integrated speaker for use as an alarm clock or a voice assistant for smart home devices. The Echo Dot uses the same array of seven microphones found in the larger Amazon Echo, and the new 2nd generation model features a more powerful speech processor for improved far-field speech recognition accuracy. The 2nd Generation Echo Dot is now available in black or white for $50. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Nov 7, 2016 at 04:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Reveals Trailer for 'Lovesick' Season Two, Streaming Premiere Set for November 17[teaser]The romantic comedy series will return to Netflix later this month. [/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for the upcoming second season of 'Lovesick.' The new season is set to start streaming exclusively through Netflix on November 17. The second season of Lovesick, the series formerly known as Scrotal Recall, stars Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas and Daniel Ings, all returning for more fun in this delightful, romantic comedy. Season two will consist of eight episodes. Series creator Tom Edge returns as writer for season two and serves as Executive Producer along with Murray Ferguson, Andy Baker and Ed Macdonald. Lovesick is produced by Clerkenwell Films. Check out the official trailer below! In addition to the forthcoming second season, all six episodes of the show's first season are now available to stream on Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25, '3%' on November 25, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 'Bill Nye Saves the World' for 2017, Marvel's 'The Punisher,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Nov 7, 2016 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
YouTube Adds HDR Video Streaming and Uploading Support[teaser]The streaming platform now supports HDR videos. [/teaser] YouTube has announced the addition of HDR video support. High Dynamic Range content offers enhanced contrast with more detailed highlights and shadows. Likewise, HDR YouTube videos also include support for a wider color gamut. Several YouTube videos in HDR are now available to stream. Users can confirm HDR streaming if they see the "HDR" badge on the player controls. HDR YouTube videos can be played back through supported setups, including HDR TVs with the new Chromecast Ultra or other HDR-enabled media players. Likewise, YouTube HDR video streaming will soon be enabled on all 2016 Samsung SUHD and UHD TVs directly through the display's integrated YouTube app. For users without supported TVs, HDR content will simply stream in standard dynamic range. Current HDR videos come from various YouTube creators like MysteryGuitarMan, Jacob + Katie Schwarz, and Abandon Visuals. Users can check out the HDR YouTube playlist here. In addition to streaming, users can also upload HDR video to YouTube. Uploaded content must have HDR metadata in the codec or container to be played back in high dynamic range. YouTube recommends exporting content from a supported application, such as BlackMagic DaVinci Resolve 12.5.2, in order to ensure proper recording of the metadata. Uploaders who use a different workflow to grade in HDR, can also use the YouTube HDR metadata tool to add HDR metadata to a video -- but only if the video was graded using an HDR transfer function. Likewise, color grading should be conducted in Rec. 2020 with PQ or HLG in order to achieve correct results. Click here for more details on the HDR uploading process and requirements. YouTube will continue to work with partners to add more high dynamic range videos and support for more devices as more HDR content and hardware becomes available. Source: YouTubePosted Mon Nov 7, 2016 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
Comcast Set to Launch Netflix on X1 Devices Next Week[teaser]Comcast is launching Netflix integration through its X1 system.[/teaser] Following previous beta testing, Comcast has announced plans to officially launch Netflix on its X1 platform across the US next week. With Netflix integration, Comcast X1 users with Netflix subscriptions will be able to access their Netflix content directly through their set-top boxes alongside the live, on demand, DVR, and web programming already included with their Xfinity TV plans. "We are excited to add Netflix to X1 and give our customers access to all the content they love in a way that has never been done before," said Neil Smit, Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable. "Netflix has been a terrific partner, and our incredible teams of engineers and designers have come together to create an experience that is not only seamless and intuitive, but also lets viewers search and watch tens of thousands of movies, shows, specials and documentaries with the sound of their voice." Netflix streaming on Comcast's X1 platform will allow customers to watch live, On Demand, DVR, and Netflix content all in one place. The X1 Netflix experience has been designed to take advantage of key X1 technical advances like universal search, natural language processing, IP stream processing, and a cloud-based infrastructure. In addition, the X1’s voice control has been expanded to support Netflix titles. Likewise, customers can also access the standard Netflix app through their set-top boxes as well. Here's a rundown of key features per the press release: - Launch the Netflix app by simply saying "Netflix" into the X1 voice remote.- Browse Netflix content alongside other On Demand movies and shows- Search for an actor like "Adam Sandler" or "Kevin Spacey" and see everything they are in, across both Xfinity and Netflix.- Start from the beginning of long-running shows like The Walking Dead or Scandal -- with all prior seasons from Netflix and the current season from Xfinity -- available in one place. "The Netflix integration into the X1 platform means our mutual customers will no longer need to change inputs or juggle remotes," said Reed Hastings, Netflix Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Now they can seamlessly move between the Netflix app and their cable service, enjoying all the TV shows and movies they love without hassle." Netflix integration will be available on the Comcast X1 platform next week. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Nov 4, 2016 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Sling TV Adds New "Sling Kids" On-Demand Content[teaser]The streaming TV platform is expanding its selection of kids entertainment.[/teaser] Sling TV has announced the addition of Sling Kids, a new selection of on-demand programming for children. Sling Kids offers more than 200 on-demand TV shows and movies for kids of all ages, joining the service's previous collection of kid-friendly channels like NickToons, TeenNick, Nick Jr., Boomerang, Baby TV, Kaboom, and Disney Junior. Sling Kids is now available as part of the "Kids Extra" add-on pack for $5 per month with a Sling Orange or Sling Blue subscribtion. The content will now appear as a new channel in the guide, providing over 200 on-demand TV shows organized by age group in an easy-to-navigate format, directly within the channel. Curated selections include content for ages 2-4, 5-7 8-11 and 12+. Sling Kids programming will feature titles from Kabillion, Kaboom and Splash, including shows like 'Sonic X' and 'Chloe's Closet,' along with movies like 'The Missing Lynx' and 'My Friend Bernard.' Beyond the new Sling Kids content, the Sling Blue Kids Extra package will continue to offer live and on-demand programming from networks like NickToons, TeenNick, and Boomerang, while the Sling Orange Kids Extra package will continue to offer content from Disney Junior, Nick Jr., Baby TV, and more. The base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 25 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month. In addition to new kids content, Sling TV also recently announced plans to offer NFL Network and NFL Redzone, and NHL Network. Sling TV is available through Apple TV, Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, Android and iOS devices, and more. Source: Sling TVPosted Fri Nov 4, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
