Vinyl Season 1 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD
HBO's Vinyl Season 1 DVD Release Date is Set for June 7th
Read: HBO Premieres Vinyl Episode 1 To Boston Audience
Available on store shelves and online everywhere this spring comes HBO's Vinyl: The Complete First Season. The Vinyl Season 1 release date is set for June 7, 2016, for Blu-ray™ and DVD boxed sets. Both sets include a Digital HD copy. Season 1 of Vinyl is currently available for digital download. Pricing has been set at $59.99 and $49.99, respectively for the 10-episode Blu-ray™ and DVD boxed sets. Should you want to go the Amazon route, they're already $25 and $20 less, respectively. You can pre-order them today on Amazon from the links above, and soon from the HBO Store.
From the mind of musician Mick Jagger, the eyes of director Martin Scorsese, and the fingers of writers Rich Cohen and Terence Winter comes HBO's Vinyl. Per the press release, this "new drama series explores the drug- and sex-fueled music business of the 1970s New York at the dawn of punk, disco, and hip-hop." And it certainly does this in grand fashion.
HBO's Vinyl stars two-time Emmy® winning actor Bobby Cannavale as Richie Finestra, the head of American Century Records. In the process of selling his money-losing business to a German music company, he has "a life-altering event." It wasn't until after surviving the collapse of an NYC music hall does this epiphany hit.
Richie's new-found love of music (and re-involvement with drugs) leads to the cancellation of the sale of his business. But this is just Step 1 in the destruction of Richie Finestra. He not only damages the relationship with his business partners but that with his wife played by Olivia Wilde. These scenes are crazy fun to watch. And all of this takes place in the first two episodes.
If you've only seen the 2-hour pilot episode, here's what you can expect to see in the remaining nine episodes:
In cooperation with HBO, we're giving away Vinyl: The Complete First Season on DVD to one (1) lucky winner. Just click on the highlighted link. You have until 3 PM Eastern on June 7th to enter. Good luck.
Read: The New Netflix Unoriginal Series Chelsea Episodes 1-3 Review
The cast of Vinyl includes the following series regulars and guest stars:
Bobby Cannavale as Richie Finestra
Olivia Wilde as Devon Finestra
Ray Romano as Zak Yankovich
Ato Essandoh as Lester Grimes
Max Casella as Julius "Jules" Silver
P.J. Byrne as Scott Levitt
J.C. MacKenzie as Skip Fontaine
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Ingrid
Juno Temple as Jamie Vine
Jack Quaid as Clark Morelle
James Jagger as Kip Stevens
Paul Ben-Victor as Maury Gold
Included in the Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray™ boxed sets are the following features:
Format: DVD / Blu-ray™ with Digital HD
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 660 Minutes
Region: A
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16.:9
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1
Studio: HBO Home Video
DVD Release Date: June 7, 2016
Special features consist of the following:
Making Vinyl: Recreating the 70's (Extended Version)
Audio Commentaries with Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Terence Winter, and more…
Behind The Groove (on Digital HD)
Inside the Episodes
Read: Veep Season 4 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD
Vinyl: Season 1 is currently available on HBO GO and HBO NOW. Catch up on all the drama just in time for the Season 2 premiere set for 2017.
FTC Disclosure: HBO Home Entertainment provided Beantown LLC with one copy of Vinyl: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray™/Digital HD for review purposes. We're not paid ambassadors. Our opinions are 100% their own.
All photos are the courtesy and property of HBO Home Entertainment.
Enjoy this preview of Episode 3:
Read: Silicon Valley Season 2 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD
Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Bobby Cannavale, Digital HD, DVD, HBO, Vinyl 06/15/2016
Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel Headphones Review
05/17/2016 By Elliott Hall
Review: Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel® In-Ear Headphones
For active audio listeners who need in-ear headphones that provide reliable stability, Audio-Technica may have the solution for you. The SonicFuel® ATH-CKX9iS is a near perfect pair of daily in-ear headphones for people who live active lives and need headphones that can keep up. We present our Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS review.
Well-constructed exterior design
Comfortable, lightweight fit at 5.1 ounces
3 Sizes of ear stabilizers & 5 pairs of in-ear tips make for a perfect fit
3.5mm L-shaped audio jack prevents wire fray
13.5mm drivers
The flat 1.2-meter cable is tangle resistant
In-line control featuring microphone, volume slider, multi-function button
In-line microphone positioned too low for optimal vocal pickup
Sensitive volume slider
Not waterproof or sweat-resistant
Upper-mids lack clarity
Earphones are large and protrude from ear
Read: Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones
The SonicFuel® Design and Features
The ATH-CKX9iS earbuds are very large, but their comprehensive design reveals why. The most prominent features of the ATH-CKX9iS are the C-shaped silicone rubber grips that serve to secure the earphone when you are on the move. They stay put, and you can be confident that they will stand up to any accidental pulls that might occur during activity. With three different sizes of rubber in-ear grips, four pairs of rubber tips and one pair of Comply™ foam tips; you can find the perfect combination for your ear shape and activity level.
For those who prefer to store their headphones after use, you're in luck. The SonicFuel ATH-CKX9iS headphones come with a hard carrying case.
The ATH-CKX9iS features an in-line control for audio adjustments and phone calls on the go. The in-line control includes a microphone, volume slider and a single control button, which operates the play/pause, skip and call functions. Additionally, holding the button activates Siri and GooglePlay on an Apple iPhone and Google Android devices, respectively. While the in-line control handles most functions well; the volume slider only adjusts the sound level of the speakers themselves and not of your phone. This particular slider makes for less smooth volume adjustments and the absence of a true zero. Minor issues aside, these earphones are incredibly stable and stand up to all the bouncing and other movements that would cause standard ear buds to fall out.
Read: SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review
The SonicFuel® Sound
The ATH-CKX9iS headphones sound superb! The 13.5mm dynamic drivers produce premium quality sound performance that is sure to compliment any of your favorite tunes. The clarity of these earphones is a notable factor, and the output mix features a strong bass presence. Overall, they sound great. The highs and lows present a solid mix that proves perfect for pop, hip-hop or other high-energy genres. While useful for exercising and casual listening, these earphones are not ideal for those seeking a flat mix. Additionally, the upper-mids are not very pronounced in the mix resulting in subtle presence for sounds such as brass horns.
ATH-CKX9iS Overall Performance and Final Thoughts
Overall, these ATH-CKX9iS are fantastic headphones for their price and purpose! With excellent sound, high-performance design and an Amazon price of $60; the Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS in-ear headphones deserve to be heard.
These are some of the best daily use headphones on the market, and for less than $100 provide an excellent alternative to many of the other manufacturer's current traditional designs. You will love the sound these Audio-Technica's produce.
Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this review? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. And don't hesitate to head over to the Audio-Technica website. Feel free to check out their 2016 product lineup, recently introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.
FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one ATH-CKX9iS headphones sample for review purposes. This writer's opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC and/or Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
[Tweet "Overall, these ATH-CKX9iS are fantastic headphones for their price and purpose! @USAudioTechnica"]
Read: Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster
Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ATH-CKX9iS, Audio-Technica, headphones, In-Ear Headphones, SonicFuel 06/09/2016
The New Netflix Unoriginal Series Chelsea Episodes 1-3 Review
05/15/2016 By Jonathan Dery
Chelsea Handler's Return to TV, well sort of, it's Netflix.
Chelsea Handler went from E's Chelsea Lately to Chelsea Does to the current, Chelsea. With each installment, Chelsea Handler has further stripped herself of network regulations ultimately revealing her naked self. Considering her reputation and persona have been built through her long ride on the talk show bull, it is understandable why Netflix would trust Chelsea Handler to tame her wildest beast yet.
Handler's television chronology is a degeneration of civility and program conventions. On Netflix, she has reached her pinnacle; or in this case, her rudiment. There is no title more fitting than Chelsea. However, creative freedom does not equate to quality. Perhaps her previous supervision is what steered her chaos to conquest.
Setting the Stage
Before Chelsea Handler even delivers her first offhanded comment, the lighting, and focal lengths invoke a feeling of unease. An artificial, sharp white light bathes Chelsea and her guests while they are framed either slightly too close-up or with a slightly off angle. The look is not essential to this form of content, though it is imperative for the viewer to feel comfortable. Handler's quips and demeanor can be cringe-worthy enough; the aesthetic should not follow suit.
The arrangement and duration of shots are also problematic. The pacing falls stagnant at points, while the shots, more than occasionally, seem random. Considering Chelsea is a talk show, there are not many shot options. However, the placement and length of shots must be executed purposely and efficiently. Otherwise, in Chelsea's case, the show can seem like a lucky sequence of clips.
Read: Vinyl Season 1 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD
In true Chelsea Handler fashion, censorship is less a requirement and more a topic of mockery. On Netflix, not only is her content unrestricted, so is her behavior and courtesy. "Nothing is off limits" is a well-known mantra of comedy. Regardless, there is a difference between blatant insolence and irreverence. This division is a fine line Handler has drunkenly walked on since the onset of her career. Perhaps she has consumed a few too many to keep straight.
Chelsea Handler's coarse presentation is tolerable even for her opposition. However, there is a larger problem. The jokes. The heart of the content's receptivity lies in its likability. The subject matters can be dull, though the quality of the humor must not waver. Dependent and independent of content quality, the jokes, more often than not, fall flat and leave an awkward fallout. It can be uncomfortable enough with Chelsea's bombastic personality; regardless, the jokes must land.
"No I don't want to get a facelift, I don't have enough time for that." – Chelsea to Paltrow
The majority of her content and segments are just plain disinteresting. They either lack meaning and substance, or relatability to anyone under the upper-class. From Gwyneth Paltrow's "goop products" to Chelsea taking a basic academic quiz, the content is not dry; it disinteresting. Few and far between, there are provocative and substantial topics. However, Handler still either obnoxiously interferes or demeans the discussion altogether. If the majority of the content alienates, irritates, and, worse, bores viewers, then they will do as Chelsea asserts: refuse to care.
"It must feel fucking kickass after you go to Washington and do something like that, doesn't it" – in reference to Tony Hale and Gwyneth Paltrow telling their government lobbying stories. Chelsea disregarded the substantial topics, which subsequently diverted the dialogue to reductive, petty self-pride.
A Crude, Crass, and Uninhibited Chelsea
From discussing her former sidekick Chuy Bravo to conversing with the head of TED Talks, her crass approach does not relent.
"I don't give a fuck about Chuy!" – Chelsea remarked after lying about her former sidekick's death as a joke.
"Oh, what a funny accent" – Chelsea inserted, interrupting a thought-provoking explanation by TED Talks Chris Anderson.
Though this behavior is precisely what makes Chelsea, now she is uninhibited. She never had boundaries; now she has no limits. No regulations nor censorship. Therefore, she is afforded the rare opportunity of real freedom. It is evident that she exploits this desired capability like a mad tyrant. Ultimately, the likability of Chelsea's behavior depends on viewer taste. Or rather, their degree of tastelessness.
"Okay, break it down quickly for people that are really stupid." – demanded to Chris Anderson, head of TED Talks, after asking the audience, both in-house and through cameras, if they knew what TED Talks were.
Chelsea will always be Chelsea, except now she has a throne in the nirvana of modern media and a rusty loudspeaker. Chelsea demands a particular acquired taste to enjoy. Without it, the viewer must be tolerant or a masochist.
In a time of political correctness and hypersensitivity, Chelsea is a refreshing voice from a recent era. A voice reviled on the surface where new conventions rule, and echoes underground, receiving applause from society's not-so-soft underbelly.
Either way, Chelsea is best served with an empty stomach and your cheapest boxed wine.
Our rating: 5/10
How do you feel about Chelsea Handler on Netflix? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? We'd love to know your thoughts on our Facebook and Twitter pages, or in the comments section below.
All quotes and photos are the courtesy and property of Netflix.
Filed Under: Streaming Services Tagged With: Chelsea Handler, Netflix 06/06/2016
The Boy DVD Release Date and Movie Review
Universal Pictures's The Boy DVD Release Date is Set for May 10, 2016.
Available on store shelves and online everywhere this May comes STX Entertainment's The Boy. The Boy DVD release date is set for May 10, 2016. It's also available on Blu-ray™ with Digital HD and Ultraviolet. Pricing has been set at $19.99 and $24.99, respectively for the DVD and Blu-ray™ versions. You can pre-order them on the STX Entertainment website.
Review: The film stars Lauran Cohan from AMC's The Walking Dead as Greta Evans. She's been hired as a nanny for a boy named Brahms Heelshire. To her surprise, the boy isn't real but rather a doll of their deceased 8-year old son. The Heelshire's have gone through many nannies and now they've finally found one who Brahms likes. Yes, it's creepy.
Greta has left the Americas to hide from an abusive ex-boyfriend named Cole. You may recognize him from the current season of Vikings. As she arrives at their estate, she meets Malcolm, the local grocer to the Heelshire's. He drops off the weekly groceries and is a bit creeped out by Brahms as well. And yes, he takes a liking to Greta. It wouldn't be much of a film if there wasn't any romance to go along with the suspense.
Now, I'm not going to ruin anything for you the reader/viewer. What I can say is that both Greta and Malcolm come to believe the doll is the living spirit of Brahms. What happens over the next hour should suck you in and occasionally scare you. I'll also add that what takes place in the final half hour is something I didn't see coming.
The filmed is set in the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire in the English countryside. In addition to a studio set, it's actually filmed at the beautiful Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia.
I give the filmmakers plenty of credit here. The film is beautifully shot and edited with excellent pacing. The best thing I can say about this film is that I would not only watch it again, but I would recommend it to others. It's a great way to spend a little over an hour-and-a-half of your evening.
Lauren Cohan as Greta Evans
Rupert Evans as Malcolm
Jim Norton as Mr. Heelshire
Diana Hardcastle as Mrs. Hellshire
Ben Robson as Cole.
Jett KlyneKlyne as Brahms
Lily Pater as Emily Cribs
FILMMAKERS:
Directed By: William Brent Bell
Written By: Stacey Menear
Produced By: Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Richard Wright
Executive Producers: Eric Reid, David Kern, John Powers Middleton, Robert Simonds, Adam Fogelson, Oren Aviv, Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei, Donald Tang
Producers: Jim Wedaa, Roy Lee, Matt Berenson
Production Designer: John Willett
Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl, ASC
Edited By: Brian Berdan, ACE
Casting By: Julie Hutchinson, CSA
Music By: Bear McCreary
Costume Designer: Jori Woodman
Read: The Complete Demolition Movie Review
TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™ / DVD:
Street Date: May 10, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 64178542 (US) / 64177382 (US)
Layers: BD-50 / Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1 / Widescreen 2:40:1
Rating: PG-13 for violence and terror, and for some thematic material
Languages/Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Sound: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 / Dolby Digital 5.1
Run Time: 1 Hour, 38 Minutes
FTC Disclosure: Universal Picture Home Entertainment (UPHE) provided Beantown LLC with one copy of The Boy of Blu-ray™/Digital HD for review purposes. We're not paid ambassadors. Our opinions are 100% their own.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of UPHE and/or STX Entertainment.
Enjoy this trailer from STX Entertainment.
Read: Banshee Season 3 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD
Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, Lauren Cohan, The Boy 06/15/2016