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Netflix Adds Billy Crudup to Cast of Psychological Thriller 'Gypsy'[teaser]Billy Crudup has joined the cast of the upcoming one hour series. [/teaser] Netflix has announced the latest cast addition to its new original series, 'Gypsy.' Billy Crudup will now join previously announced star, Naomi Watts, in the psychological thriller from Universal Television, Working Title, and writer Lisa Rubin. The show focuses on Jean Holloway (Naomi Watts) – a therapist who begins to develop dangerous and intimate relationships with the people in her patients' lives. Billy Crudup will play Jean's husband and loving father to their daughter. Liza Chasin and Lisa Rubin will serve as executive producers. Likewise, Rubin will also serve as writer. Sam Taylor-Johnson ('Fifty Shades of Grey') is directing the first two episodes of the series, and Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Andrew Stearn and Naomi Watts are all on board as executive producers. An exact release date has not been announced, but the ten episode series is set to make its streaming debut exclusively through Netflix in 2017. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'XOXO' on August 26, 'Easy' on September 22, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Mascots' on October 13, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. 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 third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 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 Fri Aug 19, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Premieres 2016 Streaming Comedy Pilots, Including Ben Edlund's 'The Tick'[teaser]Three new comedy pilots are now live on Amazon Video. [/teaser] Amazon is now streaming its 2016 comedy pilot season lineup. The new shows include 'I Love Dick,' 'Jean-Claude Van Johnson,' and 'The Tick.' The pilots are now available to stream in the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Japan through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/amazonvideo. All Amazon customers can now stream the pilots and offer reviews. Customer feedback will then help choose which shows get picked up to become new original series for Amazon Prime. Check out the 2016 comedy pilot season sizzle reel below! And here's a full rundown of the comedy pilots now available to stream: 'I Love Dick' - Adapted from the cult classic I Love Dick—referred to as “the most important book about men and women written in the last century" (Emily Gould, The Guardian)—is set in a colorful intellectual community in Marfa, Texas. Chris (Kathryn Hahn, Transparent) and Sylvere (Griffin Dunne, Dallas Buyers Club), arrive in Marfa when Sylvere is offered a fellowship to finish a book he's been writing on the Holocaust. When they meet Dick (Kevin Bacon, The Following), he taunts their imaginations and upends their preconceptions about love and monogamy. An exploration of the female gaze and how we tell stories about love and desire, I Love Dick charts the evolution of a marriage, the awakening of an artist and the deification of a writer named Dick. I Love Dick is executive produced by Jill Soloway (Transparent), Andrea Sperling (Transparent), and Sarah Gubbins (Ten Aker Wood). The pilot is directed by Soloway and written by Gubbins. 'Jean-Claude Van Johnson' - If you need to eliminate a political rival, debilitate a multinational corporation, or overthrow an entire government—and you need it done with the utmost secrecy—there’s only one person to turn to: one of the most internationally recognizable movie stars in the history of film. Jean-Claude Van Johnson stars Jean-Claude Van Damme (JCVD) playing "Jean-Claude Van Johnson," a global martial arts and film sensation…and, operating under the simple alias of “Johnson,” the most dangerous undercover private contractor in the world. Lucky for the world’s bad guys, he’s been retired for years…unlucky for them, a chance encounter with a lost love is about to bring him back to the game…and this time, he’ll be deadlier than ever. Probably. Jean-Claude Van Johnson stars Van Damme along with Kat Foster (Your Family or Mine), Moises Arias (The Middle), and Phylicia Rashad (Creed). The show is executive produced by Peter Atencio (Key and Peele), Ridley Scott (The Good Wife), David W. Zucker (The Man in the High Castle) and Van Damme. From Scott Free Productions, the pilot is directed by Atencio and written by Dave Callaham (Mortal Kombat). 'The Tick' -In a world where superheroes have been real for decades, an underdog accountant with zero powers comes to realize his city is owned by a global super villain long-thought dead. As he struggles to uncover this conspiracy, he falls in league with a strange blue superhero. The Tick stars Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy), Griffin Newman (Vinyl), Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen), Valorie Curry (House of Lies), Yara Martinez (Jane the Virgin) and Brendan Hines (Scorpion). The Tick is executive produced by Ben Edlund (Supernatural), Barry Josephson (Bones) and Barry Sonnenfeld (A Series of Unfortunate Events), directed by Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight), and written by Edlund. The Tick is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Aug 19, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Best Buy Marks 50th Anniversary with 50 Deals for 50 Hours, Sale Begins at 10 P.M. Tonight![teaser]The retailer is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special sale! [/teaser] Best Buy has announced plans to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a 50-hour sale featuring 50 Black Friday-like deals on the latest tech products. The promotion will kick off tonight at 10 p.m. Central Time and end at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. The majority of the deals will be available in store and through BestBuy.com, with discounts planned for 4K Ultra HD TVs, headphones, smartphones, and more. Online shoppers can also take advantage of free, two-day shipping on almost everything included in the sale. The special promotion is in honor of the company's upcoming 50th Anniversary on August 22. Here's a rundown of some of the announced deals: - Save $150 on select MacBook Pro computers- Students can save an additional $150, for a total savings of $300 with Best Buy’s Student Deals program- Save $400 on a 65-inch Samsung 4K UHD TV- Save $180 on Beats Studio wireless on-ear headphones- Get an iPhone 6s starting at $1 or an iPhone 6s Plus starting at $99.99 with two-year activation on Sprint or Verizon Wireless (Save $200) – or get a $200 gift card with purchase of iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus and activation with an AT&T Next plan- Save up to 70 percent on LEGO Dimensions, Skylanders and amiibo- Save $50 on Garmin Vivosmart HR activity tracker- Get "Destiny" and your choice of two other select games for free with purchase of the PlayStation 4 “Call of Duty” bundle- Get a $50 gift card with purchase of a Swagtron T1 self-balancing scooter (online only) Discounts will be available while supplies last. Source: Best BuyPosted Thu Aug 18, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Readies Marvel's 'Runaways' with Showrunners Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage[teaser]A new Marvel streaming series is heading to Hulu. [/teaser] Hulu has announced its latest original series, 'Runaways.' Based on the Marvel comic created by the award-winning team of Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, 'Runaways' will be the first Marvel streaming series to debut on Hulu. Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? 'Marvel's Runaways' is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe--their parents. Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage ('The O.C.,' 'Gossip Girl') will serve as Co-Showrunners/writers and Executive Producers. Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb ('Marvel's Jessica Jones,' 'Marvel's Luke Cage') and Jim Chory ('Marvel’s Daredevil,' 'Marvel’s Jessica Jones') will also serve as Executive Producers, with Lis Rowinski set to produce as well. "We've known the Runaways' story would make great television," said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Head of Marvel Television, "and being lucky enough to have Josh and Stephanie--who have time and again created shows that speak so genuinely to this exact audience--write and produce the series is nothing short of remarkable." "I'm a long-time fan of Runaways and couldn't be more excited to bring Brian and Adrian’s characters to life," said Schwartz. An exact release date has not been announced yet. In addition to 'Runaways' on Hulu, Marvel also has several streaming shows on Netflix, including 'Daredevil,' 'Jessica Jones,' and the upcoming 'Luke Cage,' 'Iron Fist,' and 'Defenders' series. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. A Hulu live streaming platform is also planned to launch in early 2017 with content expected from Turner Networks, Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Source: MarvelPosted Thu Aug 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Announces New Minibeam Portable Projectors, Prices Start at $350[teaser]Two new minibeam projector models have been detailed. [/teaser] LG has announced the latest additions to its portable projector lineup. The upcoming PH450U and PH150G are set to debut next month at IFA 2016 in Berlin. "With more variety than ever before, LG's expanded lineup Minibeam projectors offer expanded features with enhanced connectivity for consumers, which means delivering unparalleled freedom and viewing convenience to enjoy entertainment," said Tim Alessi, Senior Director, Product Marketing for home entertainment at LG Electronics USA. The PH450U minibeam DLP projector is capable of displaying an 80 inch HD (1280 x 720) image from a distance of only 13 inches from the screen. The model offers a contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and up to 450 lumens, making it one of the brightest battery-powered ultra short-throw projectors on the market. In addition to traditional projection, the device can also be positioned upright to create images on any flat, horizontal surface like a desk, table or even floor. HDMI with MHL capability, USB, and wireless connectivity via WiDi or Miracast are integrated as well. Likewise, users can wirelessly stream audio from the projector through Bluetooth. Finally, the unit comes equipped with a built in rechargeable 2.5-hour battery. Meanwhile, the PH150G offers the same connectivity features in an even more compact form factor. The LCoS projector is capable of displaying up to a 100-inch screen size in HD resolution (1280 x 720). The device offers up to 130 lumens of brightness along with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. A built in rechargeable 2.5-hour battery is also included. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability for LG's new minibeam projectors: - Battery Embedded Ultra Short-Throw Projector with TV Tuner (PH450U): $649.99, available September at Best Buy. - Battery Embedded Ultra Short-Throw Projector (PH450UG): $649.99, available October at retailers nationwide. - Battery Embedded Projector (PH150G): $349.99, available October at retailers nationwide. Source: LGPosted Wed Aug 17, 2016 at 06:00 PM PDT by: -
VUDU Adds New 4K Ultra HD Titles from Universal with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos[teaser]Several Universal movies are now available in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. [/teaser] VUDU, Dolby, and Universal have announced the release of the first crop of Universal movies with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on VUDU. Universal titles now available for purchase or rental through VUDU in Dolby Vision high dynamic range include 'The Huntsman: Winter's War,' 'Lucy,' 'Oblivion,' and 'Lone Survivor.' In addition, 'Lucy' and 'Oblivion' also feature Dolby Atmos immersive audio tracks. "We're thrilled to partner with UPHE to deliver these exciting titles with the breathtaking color, deep contrast, and striking highlights that customers have come to expect from Dolby Vision. Combined with Dolby Atmos immersive audio, Universal titles such as "Lucy" and "Oblivion" have never looked—or sounded—better," said Curt Behlmer, Senior Vice President, Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "As more Dolby Vision enabled displays hit the market, streaming partners like VUDU make Dolby's next-generation imaging technology easier to experience than ever before." Dolby Vision uses HDR (high dynamic range) and expanded colors to offer enhanced contrast and picture on supported displays -- including VIZIO's 2016 P-Series and M-Series, as well as LG's 2016 OLED and SUPER UHD lineup. Meanwhile, Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that allows users to add overhead audio to supported sound systems. Beyond the new VUDU titles from Universal, here's a rundown of recent Dolby Vision news and highlights across cinemas and home entertainment platforms: - All 7 major Hollywood studios support Dolby Vision in the cinema and consumers can visit Dolby Cinema locations around the world for this experience. - Universal Pictures, MGM, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Lionsgate support Dolby Vision in the home.- Nearly 50 titles available on VUDU from Universal, MGM, and Warner Bros.- On Amazon, 10 titles are available from Sony Pictures in addition to the second season of the Amazon Original Series Bosch.- Netflix is streaming Marco Polo season 1&2, The Do-Over, and The Ridiculous 6 in Dolby Vision, and has committed to 150 hours of original content by end of year.- Over 60 titles in Dolby Vision are now available for consumers via Netflix, Amazon Video and VUDU. "At VUDU, we're committed to providing customers with the best possible home entertainment experience, and partnering with Dolby on HDR delivers on that promise," said Scott Blanksteen, Vice President of Product, VUDU. "We're excited to add these new Universal titles to our library and offer customers the largest selection of premium HDR movies of any digital service." Source: DolbyPosted Wed Aug 17, 2016 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 22% off Fire Tablets & Amazon Tap Portable Speaker[teaser]Amazon is offering discounts on the Amazon Tap and Fire tablets! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on select Fire tablets and the Amazon Tap Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Fire Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, Pink Kid-Proof Case - Currently $70 (22% off). Fire Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case - Currently $80 (20% off). Fire HDX 8.9 Tablet, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE, 32 GB, Includes Special Offers - Currently $430 (19% off). Fire HDX 8.9 Tablet, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE, 64 GB, Includes Special Offers - Currently $480 (17% off). Amazon Tap Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $115 (12% 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 Wed Aug 17, 2016 at 03:15 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Offers 10 Free Streaming Pilots on YouTube & Facebook[teaser]The free lineup includes shows like 'Transparent,' 'The Man in the High Castle,' and 'Mozart in the Jungle.' [/teaser] Amazon has posted free pilot episodes for 10 of its original series on YouTube and Facebook. The free streaming lineup includes 'Transparent,' 'The Man in the High Castle,' 'Mozart in the Jungle,' 'Bosch,' 'Red Oaks,' 'Annedroids,' 'Tumble Leaf,' 'Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street,' 'Wishenpoof,' and 'Just Add Magic.' Remaining episodes for each series are available through Amazon Prime Video. Check out the pilots below! 'Transparent' - An LA family with serious boundary issues have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out. Starring Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass, and Gaby Hoffmann. 'The Man in the High Castle' - It's 1962, America has lost WWII; the east is the Greater Nazi Reich and the west, the Japanese Pacific States. Amidst this oppression there is new hope - films that seem to show a different world. When her sister gives her a film and is then murdered, a woman comes to believe the films hold the key to freedom and becomes obsessed with finding their mysterious guardian, The Man in the High Castle. 'Mozart in the Jungle' - What happens behind the curtains at the symphony is just as captivating as what happens on stage. Brash new maestro Rodrigo is stirring things up, and young oboist Hailey hopes for her big chance. 'Bosch' - Harry Bosch, an LAPD homicide detective, stands trial for the fatal shooting of a serial murder suspect -- just as a cold case involving the remains of a missing boy forces Bosch to confront his past. 'Red Oaks' - In the summer of 1985, 20-year-old David Meyers takes a job as a tennis pro at Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey, as his parents, girlfriend, and co-workers pull him toward a future he's increasingly unsure he wants. 'Annedroids' - Eleven-year old genius and kid-scientist Anne has invented and built her own amazing androids. Nick discovers Anne's secret junkyard laboratory and enlists the help of Shania to befriend Anne and her mechanical companions. 'Tumble Leaf' - After tossing coins to make wishes in a faraway wishing well, Fig and Maple find their way home in the dark by making giant clams laugh. 'Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street' - On the hottest day of summer, Gortimer and his two best friends, Mel and Ranger, discover a way to end the heat by solving a mystery involving an intimidating neighbor and an even more intimidating frog. 'Wishenpoof' - Presenting...Bianca! Bianca's class is having a talent show, and Bianca is ready to take the stage. But her friends Penelope and Charlie are feeling discouraged. Bianca tries to use her Wish Magic to help, but ultimately, needs to be a good friend. 'Just Add Magic' - Kelly Quinn and her two BFF's, Darbie and Hannah, stumble upon her grandmother's mysterious cookbook in the attic and discover some far from ordinary recipes. When the Shut'em Up Shortcake silences Kelly's pesky little brother and the Healing Hazelnut Tart heals Darbie's ankle, the girls discover they have the power of magic. A single-camera live-action pilot based on the popular book. 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. Source: Amazon (YouTube), Amazon (Facebook)Posted Wed Aug 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Releases X-CM56 CD Receiver System for $200[teaser]The new audio system features Bluetooth with NFC functionality. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The new X-CM56 CD Receiver System offers a variety of music playback options, a simple set up, and an elegant design. The mini stereo system is available in white (X-CM56W) or black woodgrain designs (X-CM56B) with two-way separate speakers (94 mm diameter cone woofer and 50 mm diameter cone tweeter) that can be positioned vertically or horizontally. Under the hood, the system uses a high-performance Class D Amplifier with an overall output of 30 Watts (15 Watts + 15 Watts, 1 kHz, 10 % THD, 8 ohms). Music playback is supported through an integrated CD drive, as well as an FM/AM tuner, USB port, and Audio in connection. In addition, the X-CM5 also includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music playback from smartphones, digital audio players, and personal computers. NFC functionality is also featured, allowing customers to connect NFC products to the system by simply holding their devices next to the unit. A Bluetooth auto-connect function and a Bluetooth standby function are included as well, letting the system automatically power on and start playback immediately when wirelessly connections are made -- even if the product has been switched off. Finally, the X-CM56 has a standby power consumption of less than 0.5 watts, and a power-off mode that places the device in standby when not in use. The Pioneer X-CM56 CD Receiver System is now available for a suggested retail price of $200. In addition to the new CD system, Pioneer also recently announced the launch of their latest AV receiver, the Elite SC-LX501 7.2 Channel Network AVR ($1,000), with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Source: PioneerPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Casts Anna Paquin, Zachary Levi & Sarah Gadon in 'Alias Grace'[teaser]The cast has been announced for the upcoming miniseries. [/teaser] Netflix has revealed cast additions for its latest streaming show, 'Alias Grace.' The six hour miniseries is based on the award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood and will star Sarah Gadon, Anna Paquin, and Zachary Levi. Sarah Polley ('Looking for Alaska,' 'Take this Waltz,' 'Away from Her') is on board as writer and producer while Mary Harron ('American Psycho,' 'I Shot Andy Warhol') is handling directing duties. 'Alias Grace' follows Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin) in 1843. Nancy is Kinnear's housekeeper and lover, and while she initially befriends Grace, she begins to resent Grace and becomes increasingly jealous of Kinnear’s affection for her. Nancy eventually fires Grace in a fit of rage and is later found brutally murdered. "Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work," said Sarah Polley, Executive Producer. "It's always a marvel to watch her and we’re thrilled to have her join the cast." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Alias Grace' will be broadcast in Canada through CBC and streamed globally through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Mascots' on October 13, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 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 Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 03:00 PM PDT by:
