Entertainment Technology Center @ USC

[By Scott Hettrick, hollywoodinhidef.com]

Star Wars is coming to Blu-ray Disc Sept. 16 as a nine-disc set called “The Complete Saga” with 40-plus hours of bonus features, including some previously unseen materials and new documentaries. Overseas markets get a four-day jump on North America with the latest iteration of the franchise being introduced on Sept. 12 internationally.

The announcement comes just two weeks before Star Tours: The Adventure Continues in 3D attraction will open at Disney Hollywood Studios in Florida on May 20 and the Blu-ray release bonus features will be teased in a this fall will come just months before the first chapter in the Star Wars series in 3D will be re-released theatrically in 2012, the first of all six films to get the 3D treatment. The Blu-ray bonus features will be teased for the first time in July at San Diego Comic-Con during Lucasfilm’s 35th anniversary at the fan fest.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment president Mike Dunn says the latest home release on a new format (not in 3D) proves that the Blu-ray format has come of age since George Lucas of Lucasfilm would not have approved the release until the high-def format achieved mainstream status.

In a media gathering at Panasonic Hollywood Labs and Innovation Center at Universal City in Los Angeles on “May the Fourth be with you,” Dunn also praised manufacturing partner Panasonic for impeccable mastering of high-profile films on Blu-ray such as “Avatar.”

The new set with 6.1 DTS Surround Sound features only the special editions of chapters 4-6 (the first three movies),which were also re-released in theaters in the 1990s.

In addition to the Complete Saga, two separate packages will be available featuring the first and second trilogies.

Following are details of the releases.

Special Features:
STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY is presented in widescreen with 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Special features include:
●     DISC ONE – STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC TWO – STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC THREE – STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC FOUR – STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC FIVE – STAR WARS: EPISODE V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC SIX – STAR WARS: EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE JEDI
○     Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
○     Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

●     DISC SEVEN – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES I-III
○     Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; a flythrough of the Lucasfilm Archives and more

●     DISC EIGHT – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES IV-VI
○     Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more

●     DISC NINE – THE STAR WARS DOCUMENTARIES
○     NEW! Star Warriors  (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures…these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world.
○     NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later  (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time.
○     NEW! Star Wars Spoofs  (2011, Color, Apx. 91 Minutes) – The farce is strong with this one! Enjoy a hilarious collection of Star Wars spoofs and parodies that have been created over the years, including outrageous clips from Family Guy, The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother and more — and don’t miss “Weird Al” Yankovic’s one-of-a-kind music video tribute to The Phantom Menace!
○     The Making of Star Wars  (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.
○     The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX  (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality!
○     Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi  (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billie Dee Williams.
○     Anatomy of a Dewback  (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update.
○     Star Wars Tech  (2007, Color, Apx. 46 Minutes) – Exploring the technical aspects of Star Wars vehicles, weapons and gadgetry, Star Wars Tech consults leading scientists in the fields of physics, prosthetics, lasers, engineering and astronomy to examine the plausibility of Star Wars technology based on science as we know it today.

– By Scott Hettrick

See the original post here: http://hollywoodinhidef.com/2011/05/star-wars-916-proves-blu-for-real/

[press release]

This Fall, families will not want to miss the chance to own Mars Needs Moms, the story of a young boy’s intergalactic adventure to find his Martian-nabbed mother as it arrives into living rooms across the country in a Blu-ray Combo Pack with 3D, DVD, Movie Download and On-Demand August 9, 2011. From Disney and Academy Award-winner Robert Zemeckis (Best Director, Forrest Gump, 1994), comes the craziest adventure in the galaxy- complete with out-of this world special effects and jam packed with bonus features, it’s a thrilling journey that’s pure fun.

See this original post here:  http://www.movieweb.com/news/mars-needs-moms-3d-blu-ray-blu-ray-and-dvd-arrive-august-9th

[by Jeff DeDekker, Regina Leader-Post, Canada]

Kenny Chesney Summer In 3D

(2D version of the 3D theatrical release)

Image Entertainment

Rating 4 (out of five)

Before heading out on his Sun City Carnival tour in 2009, country music superstar Kenny Chesney had already decided not to tour in 2010. So to fill the void for his legion of fans, Chesney chose to film his Sun City Carnival tour for a theatrical release in 3D. While the DVD doesn’t quite pack the same punch as the 3D movie, it’s still an impressive look the big-stadium circus, with Chesney as the ringleader.

Filmed in Seattle, Foxboro, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Philadelphia, Summer In 3D presents the full spectacle of a live Chesney show -the huge video screens, the massive staging and the amazing lighting. The disc includes 20 songs, along with four bonus tracks, featuring such hits as “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” “Living In Fast Forward,” “Anything But Mine,” “Out Last Night,” “Beer In Mexico” and “I Go Back.”

Filmed from a wide array of camera angles, Summer In 3D has a striking look, which does well to capture Chesney’s passion and love for what he does for a living.

If you’ve seen Chesney perform, this disc won’t show you anything new, but it will provide you with a personal glimpse of Chesney through a series of voice overs that serve as segues between songs.

Chesney speaks of chasing his dream, the unfolding of life and the impact of his fans and, yes, he seems genuinely grateful for his success.

He speaks often about his fans and claims they are fully entwined in his life. At one point, Chesney explains, “These songs are a part of the fibre of who (the fans) are . This isn’t just music or a party. It’s their lives.”

That may sound a little pompous but I’m sure many Chesney fans would agree wholeheartedly with the statement.

See the original post here:  http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Summer+great/4703361/story.html

[from StereoscopyNews.com]

For the most part, the five discs in the Tron: Legacy box and their associated features are impressive, if predictable. Both films look fantastic, and each comes with a bevy of behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentaries and other innovative features.

One film was meant to break new ground, and became celebrated for its concept. The other took that concept and gave it a fresh look (and notably, an incredible soundtrack from Daft Punk). Instead of breaking new ground, “Tron: Legacy” became a popcorn film, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Read the paper explaining the ‘Tron’ concept here in Desert News.

The Amazon offer for the five-disc combo is here (49.99$).

See the original post here:  http://stereoscopynews.com/hotnews/storage-a-support/3d-blu-ray/1441-tron-legacy-now-available-in-blu-ray-3d.html

[by Mark Hefflinger, www.dmwmedia.com]

Consumers still largely favor DVD and Blu-ray for watching movies over all the emerging digital services combined, according to a report from market research firm NPD Group.

Seventy-seven percent of consumers reported watching a DVD or Blu-ray over the past three months, while 68% watched a movie on a TV or cable network; 49% saw one in a theater; and 21% used a paid video-on-demand service through their televisions.

Consumers also reported that 78% of their home video budgets went to purchase or rent DVDs/Blu-rays — including both online and in-store — while 15% was spent on video subscription services like Netflix.

The remaining 8% was split between digital video downloads, paid streaming, paid transactional video-on-demand, and pay-per-view.

“With the well publicized struggles of Blockbuster and retail video stores closing around the country, and with media attention increasingly focused on the newest digital home-video offerings, the value and importance of physical formats to the home video industry and to consumers is often overlooked,” said NPD analyst Russ Crupnick.

“Even though DVD sales and rentals are slowing, there is no evidence that consumers are abandoning physical discs for watching movies, even as the choices for viewing are expanding.”

See the original story here: http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2011/04/18/report-dvd-bluray-still-dominate-video-viewing-spending

[By Greg Tarr -- TWICE]
Combined consumer spending on Blu-ray Discs 3D (BD3D) in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France will grow 533 percent in 2011 from 2010, according to forecasts from market analysts IHS Screen Digest.

According to new research from the firm, sales to consumers of BD3D in the collective territories will reach $213.9 million this year, up sixfold from $33.8 million in the 2010 launch year of the format.

That would cover the sale of approximately 7.5 million BD3Ds, up from 1.1 million discs sold to consumers a year ago.

Looking further forward to 2014, IHS said consumer spending on BD3D should reach $909 million on 41 million disc sales, more than four times the 2011 forecast.

“Consumers are snapping up BD3D titles because of a number of positive occurrences in the home 3-D segment,” said Richard Baxter, research analyst, video, at IHS. “These developments include increasing consumer awareness of 3-D technology, rising 3-D hardware sales and an expanding catalog of 3-D films for the home environment. Meanwhile, the arrival of more BD3D titles in retail stores will enhance the technology’s profile among consumers and encourage 3-D hardware adoption. BD3D-enabled households are also likely to buy more BD3D titles if they have a larger slate to choose from.”

BD3D-enabled households are defined as homes having a 3D TV connected to either a Blu-ray Disc 3D player or to a PlayStation 3 video game console with the required glasses.

The BD3D titles tabulated in the study confirm to the Blu-ray Disc Association BD3D standard, and exclude earlier 3D discs required anaglyph (red/green) glasses.

IHS said the increased catalog of BD3D titles is an important factor in boosting demand for home 3D.

The number of titles at retail was limited until September 2010, when more BD3D titles began to hit retail stores.

Movie studios are expected to offer more than 65 titles for the U.S. market this year, HIS said. Disney alone is planning to release at least 15 titles on BD3D, including “Tron Legacy” and “Tangled,” along with “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King,” which have been converted from 2D to 3D.

These Disney titles will offer further incentive to upgrade to home 3D hardware.

Warner Bros. will convert three titles from the Harry Potter series, including “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One.”

Of the markets used in the study, the U.S. represented the largest base of sales, but the three European countries are expected to show significant growth.

The U.S. accounted for 75.2 percent of consumer spending on BD3D at $160.8 million, up from $28.4 million last year. U.S. consumers will buy 5.7 million BD3Ds this year at an average per-title price of $28.33, compared to the roughly 900,000 titles bought in 2010 at the higher price of $31.09, IHS said.

Some 3.2 million U.S. households in 2011 will be BD3D-enabled, compared to 790,000 last year, with the number expected to exceed 22.5 million in 2014.

The U.K., which is expected to have about 60 BD3D titles available by the end of 2011, will be the second-largest BD3D market of the four Western territories this year, IHS said. Consumer spending there will reach $25 million, up from $2.5 million last year. By 2014, spending will reach $91.2 million.

Germany follows in third place with $15.8 million in BD3D spending predicted by the firm, while France’s volume is targeted at $12.3 million.

By 2014, consumer spending in Germany will reach $88.9 million, compared to $46.8 million in France.

See the original post here:  http://www.twice.com/article/466866-Major_Growth_Seen_For_3D_Blu_ray_Discs.php

The Blu-ray.com web site now includes a 3D section, with 3D Blu-ray release calendar, a list of popular 3D devices, and several forums.

[by Blu-ray.com] “3D Blu-ray is here! Everything you need to get started with your 3D home theater. 3D Blu-ray movies, 3D Blu-ray players, 3D HDTVs, 3D projectors and 3D receivers. As 3D Blu-ray is completely new, the 3D section is still relatively small, but we will be updating it continuously as more and more 3D movies and 3D hardware becomes available. For our first impressions of 3D Blu-ray and 3D HD in general, we recommend reading our latest 3D Blu-ray reviews.”

See the 3D page here:  http://www.blu-ray.com/3d/

Eagle Rock will distribute it later this year the year across 3DTV, theatrical, digital, DVD and Blu-ray platforms in all territories.

[by Mimi Turner, The Hollywood Reporter]

Coming to a cinema near you: Peter Gabriel in 3D. Eagle Rock Entertainment and Peter Gabriel said Monday they are working on a 3D theatrical movie release for the artist’s first ever 3D project, Peter Gabriel’s New Blood 3D. The film features a live concert performance filmed on March 23, which features the artist and musician accompanied by a full orchestra at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

“I have long been fascinated by the potential of 3D to go beyond the gimmicks and immerse people in an experience,” said Gabriel.

“We had our first 3D filming experiments in the ’80s, but at that time there was no audience or place to show them.”

Eagle Rock COO Geoff Kempin said he believed 3D could fundamentally change music performances.

“3D has the ability to truly transform consumer experience of recorded live music performance outside the concert venue. [Eagle chairman and CEO] Terry Shand and I have always been at the forefront of new technology with music video programming,” he said.

“Peter Gabriel is not only a fantastic musician and writer, he also has a strong sense of how the visual art can enhance the music experience.”

The Eagle Media production was directed by Blue Leach – whose credits include tours for Snow Patrol, R.E.M. and Toto — and will be co-produced by Peter Gabriel’s company Real World. Eagle Rock will distribute it later this year the year across 3DTV, theatrical, digital, DVD and Blu-ray platforms in all territories.

See the original post here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-gabriel-s-new-blood-174351

[By CE Pro Editors] [Excerpt]

Can you explain why IOGEAR developed and introduced its new Wireless 3D Media Kit? Does IOGEAR see the need for 3D continuing into 2011 and beyond?
After reviewing the product offerings from top-tier TV, Blu-ray and other device manufacturers leading up to CES 2011, we determined 3D is a trend that will only grow in significance. The Wireless 3D Media Kit is another example of IOGEAR’s commitment to innovation.

What are some other products that installers can look forward to seeing from the company in 2011?
IOGEAR will be releasing its AVIOR series line of professional A/V distribution products with 3D support ranging from wired to wireless solutions. This is an important development for our company since it marks the biggest commitment we’ve ever made to the custom install and CEDIA market. Much research, development and planning have gone into making this a meaningful launch for dealers and installers who may have never worked with IOGEAR before, but can expect to see us around for a long time.

Read the full interview here: http://www.cepro.com/article/qa_ruben_lugo_iogear/

[By Chris Davies, Slashgear.com]

VUDU‘s streaming movie service can now be found on Sony’s latest Blu-ray players, with a choice of 1080p 2D and 3D pay-per-view titles available. Promising 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound and, in many cases, availability on the same day as DVDs go on sale, the VUDU movies can be watched in 3D on Sony’s 3D-enabled hardware.

The Sony BDP-S280, BDP-S380, BDP-S480, BDP-S580, BDP-S780, BDV-E280, BDV-E580 and BDV-E780W have all been confirmed as having VUDU support, though Sony’s entire Blu-ray line in 2011 will apparently get the service. VUDU pushed its updated UI to the PS3 earlier this year, with the promise of Move control coming later on.

Press Release:

VUDU Goes Live on Sony 2011 Connected Blu-ray Disc Players

Santa Clara, CA – (March 15, 2011) – VUDU, the leader in HD streaming, today announced that its steaming movie service is shipping on the 2011 line of Sony connected Blu-ray Disc™ Players, offering instant access to the extensive VUDU library of Hi-Definition movies from all major Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors.

VUDU, a subscription-free service, provides consumers with the highest quality cinematic experience via instant streaming of 1080p movies with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The VUDU library boasts the most extensive collection of HD and HDX movies from all major Hollywood studios, offering most titles the same-day as DVD release. On Sony’s 3D enabled devices, users can also access 3D content.

All 2011 Sony Blu-ray Disc Players and Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems feature VUDU, including:

· BDP-S280

· BDP-S380

· BDP-S480

· BDP-S580

· BDP-S780

· BDV-E280

· BDV-E580

· BDV-E780W

“From the newest Hollywood blockbusters to our extensive library of classics, VUDU continues to give people more options to discover and enjoy the highest quality movie experience in their living room,” said Edward Lichty, General Manager of VUDU. “By adding Sony Blu-ray Disc Players to our roster of top tier connected devices we provide yet another avenue to for anybody to enjoy a great movie, with a simple click of a button.”

VUDU-enabled 2011 Sony Blu-ray Disc Players are available now in select stores and will be shipping nationally in March. Models include connected and 3D capable devices.

 

See the original post here: http://www.slashgear.com/sony-blu-ray-range-gets-vudu-2d3d-streaming-15140021/