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Sony Reveals New Master Series 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs[teaser]The company's latest premium display lineup has been detailed.[/teaser] Sony has unveiled its newest 4K HDR TV collection. Dubbed the Master Series, the new lineup focuses on high-end picture quality and includes the A9F OLED and Z9F LED. "Sony's focus has always been on quality, and our new MASTER Series is a game changer," said Mike Fasulo, president and chief operating officer, Sony Electronics North America. "Netflix is redefining the way in which content is produced, and together we have created an offering that has never been done before. Our new line of TVs featuring Netflix Calibrated Mode truly optimize the entertainment experience and provide new viewing options for our customers." The A9F and Z9F Master Series TVs both utilize Sony's next-generation Picture Processor X1 Ultimate, allowing the displays to intelligently detect and analyze each object in the picture through Sony's new Object-based Super Resolution and Object-based HDR remaster technology. In addition, the TVs also feature a new Netflix Calibrated Mode to reproduce the same picture quality as a studio evaluation master for television. In addition, the Master Series is compatible with Portrait Displays' CalMAN calibration software. The A9F OLED 4K HDR TV also features Sony's Pixel Contrast Booster to maximize the dynamic range of the display. In addition, the TV includes Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, offering an integrated 3.2 channel sound system. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Sony: Features OLED as display device with Pixel Contrast Booster; eight million self-illuminating pixels and Sony-original panel controller for OLED brings a significantly enriched visual experience with unprecedented black, authentic color and a wide viewing angle Features Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate, providing the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience with the following technologies: Object-based Super Resolution, Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping™ 4K HDR and dual database processing Acoustic Surface Audio+™ creates a rich sound field delivered from three actuators and two subwoofers facing sideways, which greatly enhance the viewing experience Features Netflix Calibrated Mode that brings the creator's vision directly to the TV. CalMAN ready for professional-grade calibration Features vibrant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS™ Display, further enhanced for color accuracy Android TV with hands-free help from the Google Assistantii: Find what you want simply by talking to the TV; ask your Google Assistant to help you play TV shows, movies, and more; dim the lights and control your compatible, connected devices while you watch a movie for a better viewing experience Minimalism styled with softness: the screen being a single slate with only a stand in the back to hold it up The Z9F LED 4K HDR TV features Sony's new X-Wide Angle tech, offering better off-axis viewing with reduced color shifts. Likewise, the display uses a full array backlight with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO to dim and boost specific areas of the panel. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Sony: Features Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate, providing the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience with the following technologies: Object-based Super Resolution; Object-based HDR remaster; Super Bit Mapping™ 4K HDR and dual database processing. Features X-Wide Angle that minimizes color change when seen from the side; view faithful shades and hue from wherever you watch the TV Features Full-array LED Backlight for ultra-high contrast X-Motion Clarity keeps fast action clear and smooth; moving images are precisely controlled to minimize blur and even during fast-moving scenes, pictures stay true with no loss in brightness Features Netflix Calibrated Mode that brings the creator's vision directly to the TV CalMAN ready for professional-grade calibration Includes X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO to produce better contrast by precisely balancing the light output across the screen, dimming some areas and boosting others; it reveals a brightness range three times that of a conventional LED-backlit TV, and it enhances any source to near HDR quality with a wider range of brightness Features vibrant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy Android TV with hands-free help from the Google Assistantii: Find what you want simply by talking to the TV; ask your Google Assistant to help you play TV shows, movies, and more; dim the lights and control your compatible, connected devices while you watch a movie for a better viewing experience Clean cable management for tabletop mount Sony's A9F OLED 4K HDR TV will be available in 65-inch and 55-inch screen sizes. Meanwhile, the Z9F LED 4K HDR TV will be available in 65-inch and 75-inch screen sizes. Pricing has not been announced yet, but both models are set to launch this fall. Source: Sony via PR NewswirePosted Tue Jul 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Soundbar Showdown: Sony HT-Z9F Vs. LG SK10YWhen I decided to turn an unused playroom into an intimate home theater, I transferred much of my existing A/V equipment into the new area. But I left my 65” OLED 3D-capable TV where it was. I wanted to maintain the ability to watch 4K UHD and 3D Blu-ray discs on that television, and I wanted high-quality sound as well. What I didn’t want was a cluster of bulky speakers cluttering the room and a tangle of cables behind the TV. I envisioned this setup as sleek and streamlined, and believed a high-quality, high-def Dolby Atmos soundbar with unobtrusive wireless rear speakers would be the perfect solution. Yet finding the perfect soundbar wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. After doing a fair bit of research, I ordered both Sony’s HT-Z9F and LG’s SK10Y systems along with their respective wireless rear speakers. Both sit on the high-end of the price spectrum, with the Z9F currently selling for $798 (reduced from $899) and the LG selling for $999 (reduced from $1,099). (Sony’s rear speakers, which retail for $299, are more expensive than LG’s, which list for $179.) I reviewed both systems for HDD. For my full, in-depth analysis of the Sony HT-Z9F, click here. For my full, in-depth take on the LG SK10Y, click here. Which system is better? I pitted them against each other and put them through rigorous testing over a two-week period. Here’s what I found... BOTH THE SONY HT-Z9F & LG SK10Y - support Dolby Atmos soundtracks - come equipped with a wireless subwoofer and remote - pump out more than sufficient power - flaunt a sleek, low-profile design - provide full 4K pass-through - allow Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity - feature built-in Chromecast - contain 2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI out (ARC compatible), one optical input, and one Ethernet input - offer multiple soundscape options - can work with Google Assistant - have subpar sync adjustment tools WHERE THE SONY HT-Z9F HAS THE EDGE - warmer, richer, fuller sound - both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support - superior wireless rear speakers - Vertical Surround option expands the soundscape - excellent voice adjustment tool brings dialogue to the foreground while maintaining a good balance with surround effects - compact styling makes it portable, if desired - on-screen display for movies and music - better remote - ability to turn off LED display, if desired - more pleasing music playback WHERE THE LG SK10Y HAS THE EDGE - dedicated upward-firing speakers to provide more authentic Dolby Atmos audio - coupled with the optional rear speakers, provides a 7.1.2 surround experience - more watts per channel - sleeker styling - better for large format TVs - offers a phone app to control the unit in addition to the remote WHERE THE SONY HT-Z9F FALLS SHORT - no upward-firing speakers - less distinct Dolby Atmos sound - no treble or bass adjustments for music - no phone app to control the unit WHERE THE LG SK10Y FALLS SHORT - no DTS:X support - despite firmware update, dialogue still gets drowned out by effects during high-tech action, sci-fi, and fantasy movies - volume maxes out at too low a level during Blu-ray and streaming movies - rear speakers must connect to a separate receiver via speaker wire, adding unsightly clutter and an extra component to the setup - Bluetooth music sounds harsh and sharp - no on-screen display - LED light only dims, does not go out, which could distract some viewers when watching content in a dark room - remote is too simple and doesn’t have quick access buttons BOTTOM LINE Both soundbar systems have their similarities and differences, attributes and faults. Neither one hits a home run, but after a deep dive, I chose the Sony HT-Z9F, which I found to have better all-around sound quality, a more streamlined setup, fewer components, and features that better suit my needs and satisfy my personal home theater preferences. The LG SK10Y has the chops to beat its Sony rival, but until the center channel/dialogue and maximum volume issues are fixed, it’s not really a worthy competitor. (I also found the inability to turn off the LED display on the LG to be another serious strike against it.) Multi-channel audio effects are a lot of fun, but as William Shakespeare once famously wrote, “the play’s the thing,” and if verbal exchanges are subjugated by explosions, gunfire, and swelling music, it’s tough to truly enjoy a movie. The Sony HT-Z9F may not provide the perfect Atmos experience, but it supplies high-quality, well-balanced, adjustable surround sound that complements any genre of film and is a fine substitute for a traditional receiver-based setup. In this head-to-head battle, the Sony HT-Z9F scores a decisive victory. Buy the Sony HT-Z9F from Amazon.com OR from BestBuy.com! Buy the LG SK10Y from Amazon.com OR from BestBuy.com!Posted Mon Jul 30, 2018 at 03:14 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Announces Summer 2019 Premiere for 'Stranger Things' Season 3[teaser]Viewers will have to wait a little longer for their next trip to Hawkins, Indiana.[/teaser] According to a report by Entertainment Weekly, Netflix has announced a release window for the third season of Stranger Things. Though fans were hoping for a 2018 premiere, the new season is now slated to start streaming in summer 2019. The news comes from Netflix programming executive Cindy Holland, who made the announcement during the Television Critics Association's press tour. The extra time is being used to make sure the new episodes are as good as they can be, with Holland teasing a "bigger and better" season marked by even more special effects work. Season one of Stranger Things originally premiered in July 2016 and season two debuted in October 2017. Though plot details for the new season have not been revealed yet, Netflix did recently release a playful teaser highlighting a new location for the series. Check out the promo clip below to learn all about Hawkins' exciting new shopping mall -- complete with an appearance by everyone's favorite baseball bat wielding bad boy turned babysitter, Steve Harrington (Joe Keery)! In addition to Steve, the promo clip also features new cast member Maya Hawke as Robin. According to Netflix, Robin is "an alternative girl who is equal parts sharp and playful. Bored with her mundane day job, she just wants a little excitement in her life... and gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a dark secret in Hawkins." Stranger Things comes from The Duffer Brothers and stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Cara Buono, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, and Sadie Sink. Seasons one and two are now available to stream through Netflix. In addition, the first season is also available on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Entertainment WeeklyPosted Mon Jul 30, 2018 at 11:25 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Recruits 'Star Trek 4' Writers for 'Lord of The Rings' Prequel Series[teaser]A creative team has been announced for the upcoming streaming series.[/teaser] As detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon has hired writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay to develop the studio's new Lord of the Rings prequel series for Prime Video. Though plot details remain elusive, the show is expected to premiere by 2021. The news comes from Amazon Studios' head of TV and film Jennifer Salke, who made the announcement during the recent Television Critics Association's summer press tour. JD Payne and Patrick McKay were chosen to help spearhead the project after an extensive search. The pair also wrote the upcoming fourth entry in the big screen Star Trek franchise and are attached to Disney's Jungle Cruise set to star The Rock. Salke also revealed that Amazon is still in talks with director Peter Jackson about his potential involvement with the series. Jackson previously directed the big screen Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies for New Line Cinema. Amazon's $250 million agreement with the Tolkien estate, HarperCollins, and New Line Cinema covers the small screen rights to the Lord of the Rings franchise for a five-season commitment. Likewise, the deal also includes the potential for a spin-off series. With that said, in order to be in compliance with the contract, Amazon has to get production rolling on the project within two years. And it's looking like the whole endeavor could end up costing more than Smaug's treasure. All in, the budget estimate for the proposed five-season run is over $1 billion. An exact release date for the new Lord of the Rings series has not been announced yet, but the show will debut exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: The Hollywood ReporterPosted Mon Jul 30, 2018 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
This Week in Gear: Deezer Hi-Fi Streaming Arrives on Samsung Products, DTS Play-Fi Expands Alexa Support, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including the launch of Deezer HiFi on Samsung products, expanded Alexa support for DTS Play-Fi devices, and more.[/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering the launch of Deezer Hi-Fi streaming on select Samsung audio products, the expansion of "Works with Alexa" support to more DTS Play-Fi devices, and the release of Echobox's newest earphones. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: Samsung Adds Deezer Hi-Fi Audio Streaming Support to Select Audio Devices Samsung has announced the launch of Deezer High Fidelity Lossless Audio support on select audio products. "At Samsung, we prioritize innovation and sound quality when introducing audio products to our consumers," said Taeho Park, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are driven by our commitment to providing a listening experience that’s unrivaled by our competitors, and our partnership with Deezer speaks directly to our mission to produce the best sound quality in the market." Unlike typical lossy compressed digital music services, Deezer HiFi allows users to stream tracks at 16-Bit/ 44.1 kHz lossless CD quality. In addition, the service also includes a personal soundtrack feature called Flow. Flow uses smart data to compile favorite music and new recommendations. Likewise, the platform offers ad-free listening, unlimited music play with access to 36 million HiFi tracks, an extensive library of playlists, and more. "Our partnership with Samsung ensures that Deezer HiFi and Samsung users will have even more opportunities to discover and experience the music they love in the way it was meant to be heard," said Riad Hawa, Vice President of Hardware Partnerships at Deezer. "Providing greater accessibility to FLAC quality sound is really important to us and to all audiophiles who have a greater appreciation for lossless audio. Teaming up with Samsung allows us to deliver the best quality sound to our consumers who care about high quality sound." Deezer HiFi is now available through select Samsung sound bars and wireless speakers, including the company's Wireless Audio 360 collection. The music streaming service currently costs $20 per month, and new subscribers can receive a free 30-day trial. Source: Samsung Alexa Support Expands to More DTS Play-Fi Devices DTS has announced the expansion of "Works with Amazon Alexa" support to several additional DTS Play-Fi enabled audio products. The feature is now compatible with select devices from Aerix, Klipsch, McIntosh, Onkyo, Pioneer, Phorus, and Soundcast. "DTS Play-Fi is excited to have built an open wireless multi-room audio platform that offers both integrated Alexa Voice Services (AVS) and Works with Alexa certification, giving consumers the most flexibility when it comes to voice control," said Dannie Lau, general manager, DTS Play-Fi, at Xperi. "As more customers request and use voice control with Alexa, we will continue to expand support for Alexa in the DTS Play-Fi family of products to create a seamless experience for users." With the "Works with Amazon Alexa" feature for compatible DTS Play-Fi products, users can control audio playback from another room via spoken commands through an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Show, or other Alexa device. Customers just need to link an Amazon account to their compatible DTS Play-Fi product. One linked, Alexa will recognize the speaker by name and users can begin to play, adjust volume, skip tracks forward, mute, pause, stop, and more with their voice. Here's a full rundown of DTS Play-Fi products that have received Works with Alexa support per DTS: Aerix Duet Klipsch Gate Klipsch PowerGate Klipsch RW-1 Klipsch "The Capital Three" Klipsch "The Three" McIntosh MB50 streaming audio player McIntosh RS100 Onkyo P3 Smart Speaker Phorus PS10 Smart Speaker Pioneer F4 Smart Speaker Soundcast VG10 DTS Play-Fit tech enables customers to wirelessly play high quality lossless music from smartphones and tablets over an existing Wi-Fi network throughout the home. The tech can synchronize playback of a single source to multiple speakers; can stream different sources to different speakers simultaneously from the same mobile device; and can support individual music streams to separate speakers from different devices at the same time. Likewise, Play-Fi is not brand exclusive. This means that Play-Fi audio products from different manufacturers can actually work together seamlessly. Works with Alexa support is also set to be added to even more DTS Play-Fi products throughout the year, including select sound bars and receivers. Source: DTS Echobox Releases Ti-22BT Bluetooth Earphones Echobox has announced the release of its latest audio device. The new Ti-22BT earphones are the world's first Bluetooth earphones crafted from Titanium housings. "The Ti-22BT was designed for a simple and important purpose, which is to deliver the highest quality sound available in today's wireless audio market, and pair this sound with the most durable and functional Bluetooth design ever crafted," said Echobox Vice President Sam McKinney. "By using Titanium, we were able to accomplish this task by creating an earphone with housings that are both intensely strong, yet exceptionally light. Once we had the housings, we completed the project by precision tuning the inner drivers to our established Echobox sonic standards, resulting in the most 'audiophile' sound presentation available in any current Bluetooth earphone." The Bluetooth earphones feature machined titanium housings, offering a nearly indestructible yet still very lightweight design. In addition, the Ti-22BT uses a wing-tip ear hook style, and each unit includes a pair of Comply T-400 Isolation Series heat-reactive memory foam ear tips, silicone tips, and a cloth carry bag. Charging is handled via a single micro-USB port and battery life is rated for eight hours. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Echobox: Housings: Machined Titanium Drivers: 6mm Wear Style: In-Ear Bluetooth: V4.1 aptX Sensitivity: 94 dB/mw Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz THD: <0.5% The Echobox Ti-22BT Titanium Bluetooth Earphones are now available for an MSRP of $129. Source: EchoboxPosted Fri Jul 27, 2018 at 09:55 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'The First,' 'Disenchantment,' and More[teaser]A new Hulu series starring Sean Penn and Matt Groening's latest animated series are among this week's streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming programs and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Demetri Martin: The Overthinker (Netflix, August 10) - With his signature one-liners and drawings, Demetri Martin muses on doughnut holes, dogs, sports bars, the alphabet's most aggressive letters and more. Disenchantment (Netflix, August 17) - From the mind of Matt Groening, comes the 10-episode adult animated comedy fantasy series, Disenchantment. In Disenchantment, viewers will be whisked away to the crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland, where they will follow the misadventures of hard-drinking young princess Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci. Along the way, the oddball trio will encounter ogres, sprites, harpies, imps, trolls, walruses, and lots of human fools. The series will feature the voice talents of Abbi Jacobson (“Bean”), Eric Andre (“Luci”), and Nat Faxon (“Elfo”) along with John DiMaggio, Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, David Herman, Matt Berry, Jeny Batten, Rich Fulcher, Noel Fielding, and Lucy Montgomery. To All The Boys I've Loved Before (Netflix, August 17) - What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Lara Jean Song Covey’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the love letters for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all– are mysteriously mailed out. From New York Times Bestselling Author, Jenny Han, the film adaption of the popular YA novel stars Lana Condor (Alita: Battle Angel, X-Men: Apocalypse), Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) and Noah Centineo (Sierra Burgess Is A Loser, The Fosters), directed by Susan Johnson. Paradise PD (Netflix, August 31) - They’re bad cops. Not bad like no nonsense. Not bad like cool. Bad like shitty. Paradise PD: They’re the worst responders. From the creators of Brickleberry comes this take on a small-town police department. Cable Girls: Season 3 (Netflix, September 7) - Welcome to the 30's. This season, they'll have to stand their ground. Coming 7 September. Watch Las Chicas Del Cable on Netflix: LINK Season 3 of Netflix's first original Spanish series features Blanca Suárez, Ana Fernández, Nadia de Santiago, Maggie Civantos, Ana Polvorosa, Yon González, and Martiño Rivas, among others. The Dragon Prince (Netflix, September 14) - Two human princes forge an unlikely bond with the elfin assassin sent to kill them, embarking on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands. In addition, Netflix has announced a second season renewal for Altered Carbon. The show comes from Skydance Television and is based on Richard K. Morgan's series of science fiction novels. Season two will star Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Indinity War) as Takeshi Kovacs. Laeta Kalogridis will serve as co-showrunner and executive producer along with Alison Schapker. All Or Nothing: Manchester City (Amazon Prime Video, August 17) - In this ground-breaking docu-series, follow Manchester City F.C. behind the scenes throughout their Premier League winning, record-breaking ‘17-18 season. Get an exclusive look into one of the best global sports clubs, including never-before-seen locker room footage with legendary coach Pep Guardiola, and delve into the players’ lives off and on the pitch. The Man In The High Castle: Season 3 (Amazon Prime Video, October 5) - Based on Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel, and executive produced by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner), and Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files), The Man in the High Castle explores what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States. Starring Rufus Sewell (John Adams), Luke Kleintank (Pretty Little Liars), and Alexa Davalos (Mob City). Good Omens (Amazon Prime Video, Coming 2019) - Good Omens takes place in 2018 when the Apocalypse is near and Final Judgment is set to descend upon humanity. According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter Witch (the world’s only completely accurate book of prophecies), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis is rising, and tempers are flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except Aziraphale, a somewhat fussy angel, and Crowley, a fast-living demon—both of whom have lived amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle—are not actually looking forward to the coming war. And…someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist. Crime + Punishment (Hulu, August 24) - Amidst a landmark class action lawsuit over illegal policing quotas, Crime + Punishment chronicles the real lives and struggles of a group of black and Latino whistleblower cops and the young minorities they are pressured to arrest and summons in New York City. A highly intimate and cinematic experience with unprecedented access, Crime + Punishment examines the United States' most powerful police department through the brave efforts of a group of active duty officers and one unforgettable private investigator who risk their careers and safety to bring light to harmful policing practices which have plagued the precincts and streets of New York City for decades. The First (Hulu, September 14) - Created by Beau Willimon (House of Cards) and starring Sean Penn. Set in the near future (2030), this groundbreaking story explores the challenges of taking the first steps towards Mars. Viewers will get an intimate look at the dedicated characters trying to reach the unknown while dealing with the psychological and physical toll it takes to achieve the impossible. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Hulu (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Jul 27, 2018 at 07:10 PM PDT by: -
Everything Coming to iTunes & the Apple TV App in August 2018[teaser]Check out all the new digital titles coming to the iTunes library and Apple TV App in August.[/teaser] Apple has revealed its August lineup of iTunes movies and TV shows. The collection includes films like Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2, Tag, Ocean's 8, and Hereditary, along with series like The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2, Billions: Season 3, and more. And beyond iTunes, Apple has also compiled a list of August streaming titles set to be available via the Apple TV App on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices. The Apple TV App allows users to browse through content from over 60 video services without switching from one app to the next, including titles from Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, Showtime, CBS All Access, Hulu, and many other pay-TV subscriptions. Here's a full rundown of August iTunes titles per Apple: Movies 7/31 Avengers: Infinity War 7/31 LEGO DC Super Heroes: Aquaman 8/7 Deadpool 2 8/7 Death of Superman 8/7 Life of the Party 8/7 Show Dogs 8/7 Breaking In 8/14 Scooby Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost 8/14 Tag 8/14 Action Point 8/14 Book Club 8/21 Ocean’s 8 8/21 DC Superhero Girls: Legends of Atlantis 8/21 Hereditary 8/21 Adrift 8/28 Black Water 8/28 DC: Freedom Fighters: The Ray 8/28 Barbie: Dolphin Magic 8/28 Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost Movies Indies 8/3 RBG 8/7 The Rider 8/7 Summer 1993 8/7 On Chesil Beach 8/7 A Prayer Before Dawn (same day as theaters) 8/10 Elizabeth Harvest (same day as theaters) 8/14 First Reformed 8/14 American Animals 8/14 Mountain 8/21 Hereditary 8/21 Won’t You Be My Neighbor? 8/21 Beast 8/24 Summer of 84 (same day as theaters) 8/28 Support the Girls (same day as theaters) TV 8/5 The Venture Bros S7 8/6 Succession, Season 1 8/10 The Handmaid’s Tale, Season 2 8/11 Freaky Friday 8/11 Paw Patrol Vol. 10 8/13 Sharp Objects Season 1 8/13 Billions Season 3 8/14 Sons of Anarchy, Seasons 1-7 (Digital Box) 8/31 Impractical Jokers And here's a rundown of August streaming titles set to arrive on various digital services through the Apple TV App: 8/1 The Sinner S2 (USA) 8/1 Alone Together S2 (Freeform) 8/2 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (CMT) 8/2 Shahs of Sunset S7 (Bravo) 8/3 Animals S3 (HBO NOW) 8/3 Random Acts of Flyness S1 (HBO) 8/5 Keeping up with the Kardashians S15 (E!) 8/5 Chesapeake Shores S3 (Hallmark) 8/6 Better Call Saul S4 (AMC) 8/6 Lodge 49 (AMC) 8/6 Agatha Christie, S1 (Prime Video) 8/7 Bachelor in Paradise (ABC) 8/7 Castaways (ABC) 8/7 Wrecked S3 (TBS) 8/8 Are you the One S7 (MTV) 8/12 Get Shorty, S2 (EPIX) 8/12 Fear the Walking Dead S4B (AMC) 8/12 Ballers S4(HBO) 8/12 Insecure S3 (HBO) 8/13 All or Nothing: Manchester City, S1 (Prime Video) 8/18 Esme & Roy, S1 (HBO) 8/19 Sharknado 6 (Syfy) 8/20 The Last Ship S5 (TNT) 8/24 The Contender (EPIX) 8/28 GreenLeaf S3 (OWN) 8/30 One Dollar (CBS All Access) 8/31 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Prime Video) Source: iTunesPosted Fri Jul 27, 2018 at 01:40 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Snags Rights to Andy Serkis' 'Mowgli'[teaser]The upcoming Jungle Book adaptation is swinging to Netflix in 2019.[/teaser] According to a report by Deadline, Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to Andy Serkis' Mowgli from Warner Bros. Pictures. While the movie was previously set for an October 19 theatrical debut through Warner Bros., Netflix is now planning to release the film through its streaming service in 2019, along with a theatrical run to allow viewers a chance to see the movie in 3D. The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins. Mowgli blends live action and motion capture performances. The motion capture cast for the animal characters includes Christian Bale as Bagheera, Cate Blanchett Kaa, Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan, Naomie Harris as Nisha, Andy Serkis as Baloo, Peter Mullan as Akela, and Tom Hollander as Tabaqui. Meanwhile, the live action ensemble playing the human characters includes Matthew Rhys as Lockwood, Freida Pinto as Messua, and Rohan Chand as Mowgli. The film is produced by Steve Kloves, Jonathan Cavendish, and David Barron, along with Nikki Penny who is on board as an executive producer. Andy Serkis directs from a script written by Callie Kloves. Though Disney released a similar live action/motion capture version of The Jungle Book back in 2016 from director Jon Favreau, this new take promises a darker and more serious approach to the classic story. Mowgli marks the latest Netflix acquisition of a film originally slated for a traditional theatrical release from a major studio. The streaming platform previously purchased and debuted The God Particle from Paramount earlier this year. Source: DeadlinePosted Fri Jul 27, 2018 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Prediction: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Will Open June 7, 2019 at Disneyland[Teaser]Does Disneyland's Deluxe Annual Passport Blockout Date Calendar predict the opening day of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? Here's our theory.[/Teaser] Venture with me, friends, to Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy edge. Home to smugglers and rogues and adventurers, it's a smart place to hide out from First Order. And starting next year, it's a place where you'll have a chance to fly the Millenium Falcon, board a Star Destroyer during a battle, drink blue milk in a Cantina, and mingle with your favorite Star Wars characters. That's right, for the first time in the history of the 40-year franchise, fans are going to literally be able to step into the Star Wars Universe in a new theme park land called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. What We Know Currently under construction, Disney Parks says Galaxy's Edge will open "Summer 2019" at the Disneyland Resort in California and "late Fall 2019" at Walt Disney World in Flordia. There's also going to be a Star Wars Hotel in Flordia, but no opening "season" has been set. As alluded to above, there will be at least two rides and a restaurant. The Star Destroyer-set ride has been described by Disney Imagineers as the most epic attraction ever created. It will send riders on a Resistance Transport ship into a battle, around life-sized AT-AT walkers, and into a Star Destroyer. The second ride is a Millenium Falcon flight simulator. It should be a bit like Star Tours, but much more interactive with your ability to flip switches and press buttons. As for the Cantina, the only confirmed food or beverage item is the blue milk. I'm personally less familiar with the Florida iteration (so we have no prediction about that), but if you're ever in Anaheim, the best way to sneak a peek at Galaxy's Edge is to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which has been offering riders glimpses of the construction for over a year. If you'd like to learn more about Batuu, the droid L3-37 references the planet while talking to Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story and, apparently, the Thrawn Alliances novel, written by Timothy Zahn, makes a few references as well. The Reasoning Behind Our Prediction Outside "Summer 2019", Disney hasn't officially announced a specific opening date for Galaxy's Edge in California, but we think there might be a big clue tucked into Disneyland's Annual Passport Blockout Date Calendars. The Deluxe Annual Passport is a mid-tier passport, giving folks park-hopper access to both the Disneyland Park or Disney's California Adventure most Sundays through Fridays during busier months. Generally, Deluxe blockout dates include March-to-September Saturdays along with big holiday weekends and the last two weeks of the year (Christmas & New Year's). Disneyland and California Adventure blockout dates have traditionally been synced; check one calendar to see if you can enter both parks. Last month, Disney separated the Disneyland Park and California Adventure blockout date calendars. Meaning, if you're an annual passport holder, you now need to check two calendars to see if you can enter a given park on a given day. Many speculated Disney's blockout date park-splitting was being put in place in advance of the large crowds expected for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The idea, we think, is to get most tiers of Annual Passport holders used to checking two calendars and the idea that park entry can and will vary. But since the new split-calendars appeared, we haven't seen any variances between the two park schedules... Until now. Annual Passport Blockout Date Calendars typically preview up to one year in advance. As I write this, you can currently see July 2018 through June 2019. And it's in June of next year where I think we can pinpoint the exact launch date of Disneyland's iteration of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Checking out the Deluxe Annual Passport Calendar, June 2019 looks different from any other June in recent history. Not only are there no Saturday blockout dates at Disney's California Adventure, but, after June 2, 2019, Deluxe Annual Passport holders won't be able to enter Disneyland Park on any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Ergo, my prediction: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens on Friday, June 7, 2019, or, if that Friday becomes an invite-only media day, Saturday, June 8, 2019 will serve as the grand opening. What do you think, readers? Have we cracked the code? Let us know your theories in the comments and tell us what you hope to see most in Galaxy's Edge, or what you hope the Disney Imagineers capture about Star Wars in this new park. Cheers! Sources: CNET, Disney Parks, DisneylandGalaxy's Edge Renderings Source: StarWars.comPosted Fri Jul 27, 2018 at 09:58 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Video Set to Add Dolby Atmos Support[teaser]Select streaming titles will soon offer Dolby Atmos audio.[/teaser] According to a report from Forbes, Amazon is set to launch Dolby Atmos audio support for its Prime Video streaming platform. The first Amazon title to include a Dolby Atmos mix will be Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, which is scheduled to premiere on August 31. Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that can add overhead audio to supported content and sound systems through ceiling speakers or Dolby Atmos speakers with upward firing drivers. Prime Video is expected to offer Dolby Atmos content using the Dolby Digital Plus codec. Atmos streaming from Prime Video will be supported via Amazon's Fire TV and Fire TV Cube. With that said, it's not yet clear if Atmos support will also be offered through the Prime Video app on other Atmos-capable devices and smart TVs from additional manufacturers. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan will premiere on Amazon Prime Video with Dolby Atmos audio on August 31. The series stars John Krasinski as the title character and comes from showrunners Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland. Beyond Jack Ryan, no other Prime Video streaming titles have been confirmed to include Dolby Atmos audio just yet. Outside of Prime Video, Dolby Atmos streaming is also available on select titles and devices through VUDU and Netflix. Likewise, iTunes will also offer Atmos content via the Apple TV 4K this fall. Meanwhile, the format is featured on several Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs as well. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. In addition to Dolby Atmos audio, Prime Video also offers support for the new HDR10+ high dynamic range format. Source: ForbesPosted Tue Jul 24, 2018 at 03:45 PM PDT by:
