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Netflix Original Series 'House of Cards' Has Officially Debuted[teaser]The company is offering the first episode free to non-members, hoping that taste will be enough to convert them. [/teaser] It's now time to find out whether or not the gamble that Netflix has taken will pay off. Though there has already been original content on the show, it's been nothing on the scale of 'House of Cards,' on which the company is resting a great deal of hope. The entire first season of 'House of Cards' is now available to watch on Netflix, which means you can knock out the whole series in one marathon session if that's your style. Non-members can access the first episode for free and get a sample of what the new series is like, but you'll have to sign up to watch the rest. 'House of Cards' is the first of two big series hitting Netflix this year, the second being a new season of 'Arrested Development' which arrives in May. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 4, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Bonus View Digest - February 1, 2012[teaser]January is over and February is here, but that doesn't mean it's any warmer! So bundle up in your blanket, get a warm cup of Joe, and join us for some exclusive Bonus View content, because, let's be honest, going outside is not an option.[/teaser] Sundance Film Festival Aaron is back from Utah's premiere film festival. Over the next week or so his reviews will continue to be published on the blog. This week we published reviews for Shane Carruth's anticipated 'Upstream Color'; Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut 'Don Jon's Addiction'; the controversial film 'Escape from Tomorrow' which was filmed entirely at Disneyland and Disney World without Disney's permission; the frightening 'Blue Caprice'; a documentary about the ills of America's illegal immigration issues in 'Who is Dayani Cristal? '; Jeremy Scahill's journey into uncovering U.S. military abuses of power in 'Dirty Wars'; the sexual adventures of a lesbian housewife conked in the head by a softball in 'Concussion'; and finally, Aaron's favorite movie of the festival, the unconscionably sad 'Fruitvale.' Keep an eye out in the coming days for more Sundance reviews. Blu-ray News There were some interesting releases this week, including a 25th Anniversary set of 'Die Hard,' the hilarious 'Seven Psychopaths,' and the overtly dramatic Downton Abbey: Season 3.' Want to know what else was released this week? Take a gander at Josh's weekly Blu-ray Highlights column to see if you missed anything that you wanted to buy. Theatrical News Director Steven Soderbergh has announced that he's going to retire, again. Does he mean it for real this time? For the theatrical releases hitting cinemas this weekend you can check out Bryan Kluger's thoughts. See his reviews for the zombie love story 'Warm Bodies' and Stallone's 'Bullet to the Head' to see if they're worth your time. The big news of the week was that J.J. Abrams signed on to direct the next 'Star Wars' movie. What do you think of the decision? Let us know in the poll. TV Recaps The only television recap we had this week was for the new serial killer thriller on Fox starring Kevin Bacon called 'The Following.' Josh reviewed the pilot episode to give you an idea of whether or not you should be watching this new show. Special Features We already covered the Mid-Week Poll above with J.J. Abrams directing 'Star Wars'. For the Weekend Roundtable we wondered "How did this movie get made?" Movies that completely baffle us as to how they were successfully pitched to a studio. What are some of the films you'd list? Let us know in the comments. That's it for this week at The Bonus View. Hopefully, you had a warm January. Don't worry, we'll all make it through February together.Posted Fri Feb 1, 2013 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
A Revamped Apple TV is On the Way[teaser]The new device is a touch smaller and features a new processor and antenna. [/teaser] The folks at Apple just passed a new version of their Apple TV through the FCC and there are a few changes that are worth taking a look at. The newest iteration of the device is about 4.5mm smaller than the previous version and utilizes some different components. According to the filing, the new Apple TV utilizes a single antenna for Wi-Fi, which is standard for Apple now. It also reveals an updated version of the A5X processor that's used in the current version of the Apple TV. Apple says that this is simply a component update to the device, but the new model number and new specs are intriguing nonetheless. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Jan 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Sony Kicks Music Unlimited Quality up to 320kbps on Android, PS3 and PC[teaser]That's quite a leap from the previous high of 48kbps. [/teaser] Just as it is with video, bitrate is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle for high quality audio playback. Sony just made a huge leap in that department, giving Music Unlimited listeners the ability to get 320kbps audio. That change isn't live on every device yet, but Sony says it's on the way. Currently, PC, Mac, Xperia, Android and Android Walkman devices have all been given the new feature, as has the PlayStation 3. To change the audio, simply jump into the settings menu and switch on "high quality streaming." Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Jan 31, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
THX Launches a Home Theater Tune-Up App[teaser]The app helps you adjust settings for your TV and speakers and includes custom designed tests from THX. [/teaser] If you're the kind of person that's always tweaking their settings, THX tune-up might be of some interest. It's an app designed to get your home theater looking and sounding good, and employs a few specifically designed tests in order to do so. THX tune-up walks you through six different picture adjustments and two different audio adjustments, all of which were set up specifically for the app by THX. The app is free and looks pretty useful, but those without a way to connect their Apple device to their TV will be out of luck. Early reviews also say that the audio is not working through AirPlay. If you have Apple TV though, or another way to connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your television, THX tune-up may be just what you needed. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Wed Jan 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Disc Association Ponders 4K Blu-rays[teaser]Though packing 4K content onto a Blu-ray disc should be possible, there's a lot to think about before going forward. [/teaser] At this point, the 4K revolution seems inevitable. The industry is pushing for it hard and if pricing can get lower, there's no doubt that people will start to make the switch. After all, this isn't something you need to wear glasses for or even buy extra speakers for – it's a better looking picture. Content delivery is a problem though, and it's one the Blu-ray Disc Association has been pondering. The format has had a good run thusfar, and the BDA would like to keep that going once UHDTVs really start to penetrate the market. There are three things they're looking at in regards to 4K Blu-rays: technical hurdles, demand and the effect that 4K discs would have on current Blu-ray fans. Creating 4K Blu-rays would also segment the market if the discs aren't compatible with old hardware. Folks who want to watch a UHD movie would have to ensure they had a 4K compatible player and disc. It's not hard to imagine the confusion of the general consumer. That's something that could be solved with backwards compatibility, or simply by bundling a traditional Blu-ray with a 4K Blu-ray. What happens with the initial rush of UHD hardware will be telling, and will have a big influence on the Blu-ray format moving forward. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Wed Jan 30, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: January 2013by Steven Cohen Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with high-def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for affection. [teaser]With so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month.[/teaser] From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted an underwater animated adventure, a blockbuster trilogy's grand conclusion, and an eccentric sci-fi satire. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November and December. With the holidays behind us, January has been a comparatively quiet month for major releases, but there have still been a few worthy gems released in the past few weeks, including a gritty cop drama, a Woody Allen classic, and an action-packed sci-fi reboot. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in January, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'End of Watch' - Despite the positive critical reaction, I was a little hesitant about filmmaker David Ayer's latest cop drama. I'm a fan of 'Training Day,' but Ayer's directorial debut, 'Harsh Times,' was very problematic, and his follow-up, 'Street Kings,' just plain sucked. Thankfully, 'End of Watch' plays toward all of the writer/director's strengths without falling victim to his previous movies' lofty flaws. A fly-on-the-wall action flick filled with strong characterizations and a surprising amount of heart, the film is both viscerally engaging and emotionally resonant, fulfilling the promise that was only hinted at in the director's earlier work. Through the story of two L.A. cops who become the targets of a dangerous Mexican cartel, Ayer weaves a potent narrative about brotherhood and sacrifice. Admittedly, the shaky-cam, documentary aesthetic is a little off putting at first, but the filmmaker does a good job of blending this style into the story, gradually making it feel organic without becoming forced or overdone. Instead, what starts out as a minor annoyance actually ends up giving the film an appropriate sense of stark reality, lending the images a raw, unpredictable feel. Likewise, the characters' crass, expletive filled dialogue carries a certain authenticity (and leads to some of the most irritating villains I've ever come across). While there are some embellishments in the heart-stopping action sequences, the director's stripped-down style always keeps the movie grounded, and the violence is brutal, unflinching, and occasionally disturbing without growing too sensationalized. Beyond the gritty shootouts and beat-downs, this is really a film about friendship, and Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena share wonderful on-screen chemistry. Their unwavering bond is effortlessly conveyed throughout the runtime by both performers, and the pair's relationship proves to be truly affecting. Through their day to day actions as police officers, the director offers a simple portrait of two heroes -- but not of the invincible, square-jawed variety. On the contrary, these are flawed individuals. They make mistakes, they break the rules, they have emotional meltdowns, they curse like sailors, and though they seem tough, they wear their hearts on their sleeves. At the end of the day, the officers always have each other's backs, and when push comes to shove, they step up to the plate to protect the innocent -- even if that means risking their lives. The film's intentional style doesn’t lead to a traditionally impressive technical presentation, but this is an authentic Blu-ray through and through. Fueled by gritty action and heartfelt drama, 'End of Watch' takes the top spot on January's Essential Picks. 'Sleeper' - This month actually sees the release of two classic Woody Allen titles, and together they offer an entertaining contrast. One the one hand, there's Allen's dystopian, slap-stick farce 'Sleeper.' On the other, there's the director's insightful dramedy 'Hannah and Her Sisters.' While I've given the slight edge to Allen's silly sci-fi parody, for all intents and purposes both titles are essentially tied for this spot on the list. Filled with loving nods to classic science fiction tropes and slap-stick conventions, 'Sleeper' is home to a delightfully goofy charm that places Allen's anxious on-screen alter-ego in an inept totalitarian future. Silly fish-out-of water antics, witty quips, and a few biting bits of satire abound, as Allen's character ends up joining a revolution against the dystopian society's not so oppressive rulers. While the comedy is layered with the writer/director's trademark penchant for neurotic observations, it's the film's frequent bits of physical humor that really end up leaving the most lasting impression. Inspired by the likes of Buster Keaton and the Marx Brothers, Allen's comedic timing is impeccable, and his attempt to disguise himself as a robotic butler is absolutely priceless. A prime example of the director's earlier, sillier period of moviemaking, 'Sleeper' just might be, as reviewer Daniel Hirshleifer states, "Allen's purest comedy film." One of the director's biggest box office successes, 'Hannah and Her Sisters' offers a much more subtle and at times dramatic experience, but maintains a sweet and ultimately endearing quality. As I mentioned in my full review, Allen's Academy Award winning script is filled with understated insights about family, happiness, and the meaning of life itself. It's not as laugh-out-loud funny as some of the filmmaker's other efforts, but the clever comedy is very potent in sporadic bits (Allen's horrified facial expression during a rock concert just might be the movie's funniest gag). Important epiphanies and smaller moments -- like a rather poignant scene between Hannah and her parents -- are all given equal weight, and the episodic story is tied nicely together through unifying themes. Together, both films serve as great examples of different phases in the celebrated write/director's beloved filmography. 'Sleeper' might take the lead by a very narrow margin, but really, you can't go wrong with either one. Though disappointingly (but expectedly) barebones, both discs are given authentic yet modest technical presentations, and both Blu-ray releases are worthy of a place in this month's list of must-own titles. 'Dredd' - To be perfectly honest, I was actually a little disappointed by this comic book reboot. Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, but I ended up coming away a tad underwhelmed. With that said, the general consensus seems to be pretty positive on this one, and there's no denying that 'Dredd' is a kick-ass action flick. A far cry from the terrible 90s adaptation starring Sylvester Stallone, this new, much more faithful take on the long-running British comic is an exciting and bloody exercise in blazing bullets. Eschewing traditional plotting and characterizations, director Pete Travis and writer Alex Garland opt for a much more visceral approach, thrusting the protagonist and audience into a tense thrill ride. With just the bare minimum of back-story and motivation, we hit the ground running, finding our law enforcement hero and a new recruit trapped in a building overrun by a vicious drug-addled gang. It's a very thin premise, but it offers a strong set-up for some intense action, and what the film lacks in story, it more than makes up for in pure adrenaline fueled mayhem. Karl Urban turns in an appropriately stoic and grizzly performance as the faceless title character (unlike the Stallone version, he never takes off his helmet), and Olivia Thirlby is very effective as the inexperienced rookie who gets thrown into the deep end (to say the least). Lena Heady also turns in a notable performance as the villainous Ma-Ma, and makes for a thoroughly repellent antagonist. Visually, this is an overtly stylized and grimy experience, with heavy color correcting used to embellish the low budget, intentionally noisy and digital look. It's not a totally appealing aesthetic, but it fits right at home with the grungy, ugly tone of the story and action (though, I did find the CG blood effects to be oddly disconnected and distracting). It should be noted that I was unfortunately only able to view the film in 2D, and this was one of the first times that I actually felt like I was missing out on a significant portion of the overall experience. One really gets a sense that the cinematography and slow motion sequences were specifically designed for 3D, and I have a hunch that my overall reaction to the film would have been much more enthusiastic if I had been able to see it that way. While I would have liked a bit more character development and a little more meat to the plot ('End of Watch' does a much better job of mixing visceral action with actual emotional investment), 'Dredd' is still an entertaining and engaging example of sci-fi entertainment. If nothing else, it totally eviscerates the bad taste left by its ill-conceived predecessor. I wasn't exactly blown away by it, but the disc still edges its way into January's Essential Picks. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this January, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selections? What are your choices for January's must own titles?Posted Tue Jan 29, 2013 at 12:20 PM PST by: -
Woo Audio Reveals the "Fireflies" Headphone Amp/DAC[teaser]A special preorder price of $799 is available now. [/teaser] The latest from Woo Audio is a combination headphone amp and DAC called the WA7, or Fireflies, depending on preference. Woo packs a 32-bit 192Khz USB digital to analog converter into its Class A amp, along with a pair of 6C45 vacuum tubes. Unlike most audio equipment, "Fireflies" is designed to be shown off. It features an aluminum chassis and a glass top to show off the pair of tubes. There's little to interrupt the look of the amp aside from a pair of headphone outputs for different sizes and a large volume knob. The WA7 ships at the end of February and is available now to preorder at the price of $799. Once it ships, the price is expected to raise to $999. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Jan 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Sony Debuts a 3LCD Laser Projector[teaser]The company says that at 4,000 lumens, it’s the brightest in its class. [/teaser] The folks at Sony have announced a brand new projector that utilizes Laser Light Source Technology to light the way. It boasts 4,000 lumens brightness, which Sony says is the highest in the class, and features a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution. The new projector, which doesn't have a model number listed yet, is a followup to the VPL-FH31 and VPL-FH36 projectors and is designed to be custom installed. "Installation projectors not only have to reproduce the highest quality images but also be relatively maintenance free and eco-friendly," says Robert Meakin of Sony Professional Solutions Europe. "The Laser Light Source Projector delivers on all accounts being mercury free, offering an incredible brightness of 4,000 lumens." As Sony did not release a picture, the projector photo you see is the very similar VPL-FH36. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jan 29, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
J.J. Abrams Signed to Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII'[teaser]At long last, a suitable director willing to take on the mantle has been found. [/teaser] When the folks at Disney started shopping around for someone to direct their new Star Wars film, a lot of the folks they reached out to said something unexpected. J.J. Abrams, among the many other candidates, declined the film. It's easy to see why – all the pressure from fans to make up for the prequels, the impossible task of living up to the original trilogy and, of course, the desire to sit back and enjoy the new films instead of being involved. At long last, J.J. Abrams has been swayed, and has signed on to direct the first of the trilogy. His experience with films like 'Super 8' and 'Star Trek' show that he can handle a big budget and a storied franchise. 'Super 8' in particular shows a nostalgia for the era of blockbuster films like 'Star Wars' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller," says George Lucas. "He's an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands." Source: StarWars.comPosted Mon Jan 28, 2013 at 11:07 AM PST by:
