“Lionsgate offers ‘Dredd‘ on a single 50 GB dual-layer disc with both the 3D and 2D versions of the film. The package comes in a slipcover that reproduces the cover art and an insert with a code for the Ultraviolet and Digital Copy included. The disc has several skippable trailers at the start, specifically ‘The Last Stand’, ‘Alex Cross’, ‘The Cold Light of Day’, an ad for the ‘Tarantino XX’ collection, ‘The Expendables 2‘, ‘The Men Who Built America’, and an ad for ‘Epix.’ (High Def Digest, 2012)

Dredd shouldn’t be mistaken for the Sylvester Stallone movie, Judge Dredd which was released in 1995. For those of you that haven’t seen this film, click here to watch the entire movie via YouTube. We have no affiliation with the person that uploaded the entire movie so if there are any copy write issues, we just posted a link to it here!

The special features:

1) Mega-City Masters: 35 Years of Judge Dredd
2) ‘Dredd‘ Featurette
3) Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of ‘Dredd 3D’
4) Dredd’s Gear
5) The 3rd Dimension
6) Welcome to Peach Trees
7) ‘Dredd‘ Motion Comic Prequel
8) Trailers

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

1. Sony PS3 – As a game console and a Blu-ray player, the PS3 gives you two worlds in one package. Retailing approximately at $299.99, this would make a great gift for people that enjoy video games and love the quality of Blu-ray players. Netflix is also available on your PS3.

2. OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player – Retailing around $499. the OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player is a bit more expensive than regular Blu-ray players but the quality is superb. The 3D graphics pop right out (with the right TV of course) and since it is only available online, you can ensure it is shipped directly to you without any hassle. This comes equipped with internet radio, YouTube, Netflix, 2D and 3D video.

3. LG BD590 Network Blu-ray Player – MSRP of $400. the LG BD590 Network Blu-ray Player networking features are easy to use and the player has some of the most popular online content, including Netflix, Vudu, Cinema Now, Pandora and Napster. With a 250 G hard drive, the picture quality is amazing and it’s very user friendly.

4. Sony BDP S390 Blu-ray Player – An affordable price, approximately $89.99, the Sony BDP S390 Blu-ray Player with Ethernet and WiFi connectivity you can stream content from Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, as well as content stored on computers connected on your network. For the value, you get a lot with the Sony BDP S390 Blu-ray Player. It’s well worth the price.

These are just a few of the many that are available to choose from. Holiday shopping can be stressful so if you are looking for a new Blu-ray player, use our recommendations before you go shopping.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

Sony BDP-S390 Blu-ray Player

The Samsung HT-E6730W Blue-ray home theater in a box system that combines 2D and 3D Blu-ray DVD player with a vacuum tube-equipped 7.1 channel audio system that has internet and network streaming capabilities. With MSRP of $849.99 this home theater package is reasonably priced for what it comes with. Here are the specs via the official Samsung website:

General

7.1 Channels
Total Power: 1330W

Features

Captivating 2D & 3D Blu-ray Playback
Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
BD Wise
Crystal Amp Plus
Samsung Smart Home Theater
Smart Hub Network Service
Vertical Surround Sound
Wireless Rear Speakers
Built-in WiFi
Smart Volume
AllShare™ Play

Audio Processing

Dolby® Digital
Dolby® Digital Plus
Dolby® Pro Logic II
Dolby® True HD
DTS
DTS 96/24
DTS-HD
3D Sound Plus

Speakers

EC2-1 Center Speaker
EW4 Dual-unit Subwoofer with passive radiator
ES3-1 Surround
2 Tallboy Swivel Speakers

Connectivity

1 Audio Input
2 HDMI Inputs
HDMI Out
Includes iPod Docking Cradle
Made for iPod / iPhone
1 Optical Input
USB HOST 2.0
Wireless Rear Module included
Built-in WiFi

Supported Media

Supports Blu-Ray
Supports CD DA / CD-R / CD-RW
Supports DVD / DVD±R / DVD±RW

Dimensions & Weight

Product Dimensions: 16.93″ (W) x 2.48″ (H) x 12.4″ (D)
Product Weight: 8.49 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions: 36.26″ (W) x 15.63″ (H) x 17.56″ (D)
Shipping Weight: 60.63 lb.

For those of you that may have already purchased this, we would love to know how the experience is in your home theater. The features are great and can cover both 2D and 3D which is a great selling feature. 

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

“3-D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension. Hollywood’s current crazy stampede toward it is suicidal. It adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience. For some, it is an annoying distraction. For others, it creates nausea and headaches” – Roger Ebert (2010)

Over the past four months we have discussed improvements in 3D technology, how 3D has made a comeback in movie theaters, and how home theater has new 3D TV’s to add to our experience but is 3D any better than it was before? 3D technology has been around for many years and even though technology has improved, does the viewer actually enjoy the experience? Our blog from June 15, “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV” details the trend of home theater technology.

In January 2013 the reboot of a reboot will be released in theaters, Texas Chainsaw 3D, (view the Facebook page here). As a fan of horror movies, there is interest in this reboot but does it have to be in 3D? One has to think they may do this so they can raise the price point and charge you more at the theater. 3D technology is unique and can be fun but there is a push from Hollywood like they want to force it on us. Let’s remind you that 3D technology is not new, it was first introduced in the 1950′s.  There was a resurgence in 3D movies in the 1980′s then it died out and then reappeared in the mid to late 2000′s. When the resurgence happened a few years ago, Roger Ebert spoke up in an article titled Why I Hate 3D Movies (And You Should Too). Once you read this you will see that there is a love/hate relationship with 3D technology.

Since Hollywood has increased their 3D movie releases, home theater equipment has joined the movement. As we stated in our previous blog, “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV”, Samsung released the worlds first 3D LED HDTV, called the LG LX9500 in 2010 and since, numerous other competitors have released 3D TV’s. Roger Ebert is a well respected movie critic and his harsh words regarding 3D technology could sway viewers away.

One constant complaint made regarding 3D technology is the glasses. There is something uncomfortable about sitting in a theater with a pair of glasses on and if you’ve ever walked into someones home where they are watching 3D TV, you will find it looks odd as well. Some people love 3D technology, especially children but is the force-feeding of 3D something that will lose interest once again like in the 1950′s and 1980′s? As we stated in “The Future of Home Theater: From HD to 3D to Holographic TV”, it seems as if holographic TV’s are next. With holographic TV’s, there is no need to wear those 3D glasses and that alone could eliminate the need for 3D TV’s.

We all want the experience of a movie or sporting event where it looks like the action is right in front of us. The enjoyment of the experience grows more when you feel like you are right there in the movie. However this love/hate relationship with 3D technology makes it hard for some to enjoy it especially since it’s a sixty year old technology. When are we finally going to the next level with holographic movies and TV’s? That will be interesting to see.

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

While looking at lists of the best Blu-ray 3D movies available from Squidoo, Popular Mechanics, and About.com, it’s evident their list include amazing movies, (some lists seem identical…) We would like to give you our picks of the top four Blu-ray 3D movies to enjoy in your home theater. With summer now drawing to a close, many of us will be spending more quality time at home. So let’s see which 3D movies can enhance the home viewing experience, (in no particular order):

1) Avatar: On October 16, 2012, the highly anticipated limited edition Blu-ray 3D version of Avatar will be released. When released in theaters, Avatar was originally in 3D, however upon its DVD release in 2010, the version was in 2D. Experiencing Avatar in the original 3D version will be amazing. Information on the contents of this version is currently unknown.

2) Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Released in January 2012, Transformers: Dark of the Moon captures the feel of the theatrical release very well. According to Bluray.com, the 3D effects are evident and will leave the viewers satisfied and impressed. This 4 disc edition has the Blu-ray 3D version on disc 1, the standard Blu-ray version on disc 2, disc 3 has all the special features and disc 4 has the standard DVD version. The clip below is in 3D as well. 

3) Despicable Me: Released in December 2010, Despicable Me on Blu-ray 3D is a movie made for kids but is geared towards adults as well. The 3D effects are well done and similar to the theatrical release. There are scenes that really work well in 3D so ensure you watch this movie.

4) Resident Evil – Afterlife: Reviews of this Blu-ray 3D have been very positive. Even if you are not a fan of the video game, the 3D effects in this movie are very well done. You will enjoy watching Resident Evil – Afterlife. The opening credits sequence is said to be picture perfect 3D. 

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact through Facebook, Twitter, email or by phone.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel. 604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

The Titanic Blu-ray 3D DVD will be released on September 10, 2012. Fifteen years after its release, Titanic has been upgraded to meet our current needs of home theater technology. Directed by James Cameron, this blockbuster movie has made approximately $2.2 billion worldwide. In the spring of 2012, Titanic 3D was released in theaters. You can now view the biggest grossing movie of all time in 3D in the comfort of your own home and home theater.

Three versions will be released on September 10th. A 2 disc DVD, a 4 disc Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack, and the 4 disc Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack. Titanic will also be available on demand and digital download. According to Blu-ray.com, the 3D upgrade “earns a stunning 3D conversion”. The initial release of Titanic was visually stunning and the 3D conversion has enhanced the quality perfectly.

The Blu-ray is filled with bonus content, over two and a half hours of never before seen footage. There is the standard audio commentary as well as two documentaries, “Reflections on Titanic” which clocks in just a few seconds under one hour and four minutes and “Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron“, at one hour and thirty-six minute in length . If you like deleted scenes, there are over fifty three minutes for you to enjoy. The extras don’t end there either. Various segments that include the construction timelapse, deep down dive footage, videomatics, visual effects, TV spots, trailers, still galleries, Titanic parodies, and the music video for Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On“.

Over the past two months, we’ve done blogs on home theater 3D technology and equipment. This past Wednesday’s blog, (Septenber 5),  “The New Sony 4K TV” featured the new XBR-84X900 4K TV from Sony and from July 9th, we discussed The New Sony 3D VPL-VW1000ES Projector. We all know 3D technology has been a welcomed addition to home theaters while the content available hasn’t been as exciting as the technology itself. With Titanic and its 3D upgrade, we have a movie perfectly made for this emerging new home theater technology.

You can pre-order the Blu-ray 3D DVD Combo Pack of  Titanic from Amazon, (just click here).

We always appreciate your comments and feedback so contact us at any of the methods below.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel.  604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

The Discovery Channel is celebrating the 25 years of Shark Week from August 13 till August 19. The programs are amazing & this year, Shark Week has become interactive.  Click here to download the Shark Week Plus App & Shark Week Bingo App from the App Store. You can enter the “Chompdown” Competition and play Shark Games which includes Shark Munch, Great White Shark Puzzle, & Shark Week Picture Pieces.

“Air Jaws Apocolypse”, “Sharkzilla” (a look at the Megalodon), “How Jaws Changed The World”, “Great White Highway”, & “Shark Week’s 25 Best Bites” are just some of the fascinating programs this year. What makes Shark Week special is their ability to educate the viewer on the behaviour of sharks. Sharks often stereotyped as vicious creatures out to kill humans at any possible chance. These programs show that this is not the case at all. Sharks are intelligent creatures and the fact they have been around before the dinosaurs roamed the earth does state the survival instincts they have. With the recent media coverage of “shark finning” (the removal and retention of shark fins and the discard at sea of the carcass, most often still alive when it is tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom where it is eaten alive by other fish), the public needs to be aware of the importance of sharks. The Discovery Channel helps bring awareness to the beauty of these creatures.

Coincidentally, this week also brought the release of a must have Blu-Ray DVD’s. The 1975 blockbuster that scared a nation, Jaws, has been released as part of Universal Studios 100th Anniversary Edition. Jaws terrified a nation, scaring people away from the ocean. As a child, I saw this movie and was too scared to go into the shower! The two disc set comes with bonus content, “The Shark Is Still Working:The Impact & Legacy of Jaws”, “The Making of Jaws”, “Jaws:The Restoration”, deleted scenes, a digital, and an ultraviolet copy. You can purchase a copy from Amazon.

For those of you with 3D home theaters, the IMAX: Sharks 3D Blu-ray DVD will keep you entertained. Presented by Jean-Michel Couteau, IMAX: Sharks 3D gives you an up close look at Great White, Hammerhead, Whale, and various other species of sharks. This documentary shows you that sharks are not malicious man-eating machines. You can also purchase this from Amazon.

A few shark facts:

1) Where did the term “Jumping The Shark” come from?:

We’ve all heard the term, “jumping the shark” but few actually know where this originated from.  In 1977, Happy Days was a popular TV show and in its fifth season premier, main character, Fonzie can be seen jumping a shark. The scene is so terrible that it depicted the decline in ideas the writers had for the show. Soon after, numerous cast changes, odd story lines, and a decline in the shows popularity created the term, “jumping the shark”, originally penned by Jon Hein. Jumping the shark can be defined as an act that is so bad, it is the decline of ones popularity.

courtesy of sharkfacts.org:
2) There are more than 350 different kinds of sharks
3) You are 1,000 times more likely to drown in the sea than you are to be bitten by a shark
4) Most sharks as we know them today developed about 64 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs
5) A shark can hear a fish in the water from more than a mile away
6) About 100 people in the world are bitten by sharks each year. Of these, five to ten die
7) The chance of being killed by a shark is one in 300 million. The chance of being killed by airplane parts falling from the sky is one in 10 million

Sharks are fascinating creatures and Shark Week on the Discovery Channel is entertaining and educational. For a full schedule of all shark documentaries this weekend, please click here.

Give us your feedback on this or any other home theater related experience. We would love to hear it.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel.  604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

According to this article (via CTV News which can be viewed here), sales have not been very good this year with standard ticket sales. The premium priced theaters, (3D, UltraAVX, IMAX, and VIP Cinemas), which also have premium ticket prices helped increase revenue. Add in the ultra-high concession prices and there is no wonder why Cineplex Inc. have record profits. Standard movie theaters are not the big earners they once were because people are deciding to stay home and watch movies instead.

If you eliminate the premium prices and the blockbuster, The Avengers, you will notice movie theaters are not as popular as before. Consumers have decided to stay home and watch movies from the comfort of their own home. Having a home theater has it’s benefits especially if you have children or lead busy lives and just can’t make it out to the theater. The cost of the ticket, transportation to and from the theater, concessions, and implicit costs associated, the long term benefit of a home theater is appealing. Long gone are the days of $2.50 Tuesdays at your local theater.

A home theater can be tailored to your personal preferences. You can have a themed room or a basic room, you can watch a movie, concert, home movies, etc. without getting distracted by people in the theater that don’t follow movie theater etiquette. Most important to us is the comfort of the theater experience compared to the comfort of the home theater experience. Home theater seating has comfort and luxury associated with it while movie theater seats are uncomfortable and not built to your specifications. With more and more home owners deciding to stay in the comfort of their own home, movie theaters are feeling the effects. Not everyone is willing to pay for premium tickets to a movie.

 Give us your feedback on this or any other home theater related experience. We would love to hear it.

Canadian Head Office
Unit 406, 17665 66A Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 2A7
Tel.  604-575-8310
Fax. 604-575-8329

U.S. Head Office
1927 Boblett Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel. 1-800-490-1595

email: sales@elitehts.com

The “home theater in a box” features a 5.1 channel receiver with a front panel USB port for direct connectivity for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and USB drives. There are compatible apps for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire and also comes equipped with HDMI 4K and 3D video pass through. The speaker package consists of styled glossy black tower speakers, compact surround, & center speakers with a 100W multi-range subwoofer. With AirPlay you can wirelessly stream from iTunes as well.

This system offers an advanced multi language on screen display in both HD and 3D video signals. Even data from song titles through iPhone, iPad, iPod, and USB drives can be shown on the receiver’s on screen display. The YHT-697BL offers a full complement of HD Audio format decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. CINEMA DSP 3D with 17 DSP programs enables users to adjust the experience to your personal preferences.

XPand 3D Cinema System has been added to over 5000 movie theaters worldwide. You may have not heard of them before but it is more than likely that you have witnessed their technology while watching a movie at your local theater. 3D technology for the home has increased since 2010 when Samsung released the worlds first 3D LED HDTV. XPand has decided to introduce their 3D glasses for home theaters. 

What makes these 3D glasses different is how they operate. 3D technology depends on stereopsis, (perception of depth produced by the reception in the brain of visual stimuli from both eyes in combination).The XPand technology uses alternating shuttering of the lenses. Since this is done so quickly, the human eye cannot tell. So while the right eye is blocked, the left is visible and when the left is blocked, the right is visible. These glasses are not the plastic disposable kind you receive at a movie theater. These 3D glasses start at $119.00. There are three styles to choose from, YOUniversal Electronic 3D Eyewear, Universal 3D Glasses, & DLP®-Link Edux 3D Glasses. 

For the 3D glasses to work, the AE125 IR emitter is needed.  By placing the emitter at the back of your home theater, the emitter projects to the screen. As this occurs, the signal then bounces off the screen directly to the 3D glasses.

There are three kits available:

1) The QC Cinema Kit includes: an AE125 Emitter, Mid-Range, Wide Angle-25 degrees, and 10 X103-C3 Infinity glasses.

2) The QC Pro Kit includes: an AE125 Emitter, Mid-Range, Wide Angle-25 degrees, and 10 X103-C1 Infinity Pro glasses.

3) The XPAND VIP Cinema Kit includes: an AE125 Emitter, Mid-Range, Wide Angle-25 degrees and 10 X104 LX1 YOUniversal Glasses.

For more information on XPand, please visit their website. With the popularity of home theaters and the popularity of 3D for the home increasing at such a rapid rate,  XPand 3D could be an essential in 3D home theaters in the near future.