Eagle Rock Entertainment has announced that they have signed a deal with the Rolling Stones to release two DVDs this year. The Rolling Stones have long been viewed by many as Britain's most important rock'n'roll band and these releases feature what's considered to be some of their finest work laid down in the '70s.
The first of the releases, Stones In Exile, is the story of the making of the classic album Exile On Main Street, which was released in 1972 as a double LP and is considered by many to be their masterpiece. This title is due to be released in June with substantial bonus material and follows the broadcast of the main show by the BBC in late May and the reissue of the audio album.
The second release is Ladies And Gentlemen . . . The Rolling Stones, the legendary Rolling Stones concert film from 1972. Fully restored from the original film elements, Ladies And Gentlemen . . . The Rolline Stones will be released nationally in cinemas and then receive its first ever authorized DVD release. The title will also be released in high definition on Blu-ray in the fall of 2010.
Geoff Kempin of Eagle Rock commented, "We are delighted to add a band of such unparalleled caliber as the Rolling Stones to our catalog and are delighted to bring to consumers a pair of such important and high-quality titles."
JVC has added the new DLA-SH7NLG projector to their award-winning lineup of projectors. The DLA-SH7NLG uses JVC’s D-ILA technology and boasts a screen resolution of 4096 x 2400 pixels (approximately 10 megapixels), which is about five times that of standard 1080x1920 HD. According to JVC’s March 17 press release, the DLA-SH7NLG uses "dual 330W ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, producing 5000 lumens of brightness." Lamp life is expected to be about 3000 hours in "low-power mode," which JVC say is about double that of conventional projectors.
Befitting the DLA-SHK7NLG’s extraordinarily high resolution is the unit’s retail price: $150,000. Furthermore, there is not any commercially available 4K source material on the market at this time, so the DLA-SHK7NLG’s appeal to most consumers is limited -- at least for now. However, the DLA-SH7NLG’s introduction is setting the stage for what the next generation of high-definition video playback will be for consumers. As always, over time hardware prices will decrease and 4K source material will become widely available to consumers.
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced an early Blu-ray and DVD release of the award-winning film Avatar to coincide with Earth Day, April 22.
Since its global theatrical release last December, Avatar has continued to make motion-picture history. Written by James Cameron and produced with his long-time collaborator Jon Landau, Avatar stars Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Wes Studi and Laz Alonso. The Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning epic is the highest-grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.6 billion in worldwide box-office revenue. Avatar has been praised for delivering a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story.
Avatar will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD everywhere in the United States and Canada on Earth Day, April 22.
The new finishes increase the price of each speaker by 15% over the standard piano-black finish, and will take three months for delivery. Since none of the custom-colored speakers will be carried in stores, KEF dealers will have on hand sample swatches so buyers can see the colors. KEF will also make special arrangements to finish the speakers in other colors should none of these 12 new finishes suit the buyer's tastes. Consult with KEF for details.
Sony announced its first A/V receiver capable of supporting 3D audio and video. Featuring HDMI 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high-definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 AV receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high-definition or 3D-capable home theater.
“It’s important for consumers to understand the important role that audio plays in the in-home 3D experience,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony’s Home Audio and Video Division. “By streamlining connectivity and supporting 3D hardware and software, the STR-DN1010 receiver will provide a simplified approach to 3D home-theater control and performance, ensuring the best possible user experience.”
Read more: Sony Introduces Its First 3D-Compatible Audio/Video Receiver
likeZEBRA, an underground music hub, offers independent bands and artists around the world the chance to monetize their music and promote their tunes in one simple platform. With a multitude of promotional tools that allow bands to virally connect with fans, artists have the opportunity to gain fans and cash in on their talents. Fans have the opportunity to discover new music. likeZEBRA provides unsigned artists with innovative monetizing tools to help them get exposure. Struggling artists who don't have the funds to record demos can utilize likeZEBRA's new CD media maker to record and package their albums.
"Any struggling musician knows that breaking into the music industry is no easy feat," says likeZEBRA spokesperson Braven Greenelsh. "likeZEBRA is unique in the sense that it allows artists to gain exposure in new areas, sell and distribute their music, book their own shows, get signed, and ultimately monetize on their music in the process."
Read more: Independent Music Hub Steers Unsigned Artists Toward Potential Success
In a move that should ensure that all audio and video equipment is 3D compatible, HDMI Licensing has announced a specification that is available to the general public.
Steven Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, said, “The HDMI Consortium recognizes the importance of standardized 3D formats for movies, gaming and broadcast content and the need for non-adopter companies and organizations to have access. HDMI is ready to support this major market development.”
The good news is that this move should ensure that 1080p can be achieved with equipment equipped with HDMI 1.4 inputs and outputs. The bad news is that most people will need an entirely new audio/video setup if they are to enjoy 3D at its highest resolution: a 120Hz television, active shutter glasses, a new 3D-capable Blu-ray player, and a new receiver or preamp if you want to connect everything through a central source.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton’s Live at the Royal Albert Hall will be released in the DVD and Blu-ray formats on May 4 by Eagle Rock Entertainment.
The 110-minute program offers an array of tunes, spanning Michael Bolton’s 25-year career, such as Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” “How Can We Be Lovers,” “Soul Provider,” Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind,” and Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman.” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Summertime,” “Crazy Love,” and “That’s Life” are embellished by his band and all-female brass section. “Murder My Heart,” a song he co-wrote with Lady Gaga, from his upcoming CD One World One Love (to release domestically May 4), is also highlighted in this set.
Additionally, a performance of “Nessun Dorma,” an interview with Bolton, and the “Countdown” documentary (a seven-minute feature showing the day at the venue leading up to the show) are part of the bonus features. The Blu-ray also boasts the bonus track “New York New York.”