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You are here: Home / 2016 / Archives for June 2016

Archives for June 2016

Banshee Season 4 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

06/30/2016 By Hakan Can

Banshee Season 4 release date

Cinemax’s Banshee Season 4 Release Date is Set for June

Available this June on Digital HD comes Cinemax’s Banshee Season 4. The Banshee Season 4 release date is set for June 20, 2016. Pricing has been set at $22.99 and $14.99, respectively for the 8-episode high- and standard-definition complete fourth season. Single episodes are available for $2.99 and $1.99, respectively. For information on Season 4 Blu-ray™ and DVD sets, see the link below.

You can order Banshee: The Complete Fourth Season along with the previous three seasons at any of these five digital stores:Banshee Season 4 release date

  • Apple’s iTunes Store
  • Amazon
  • Google’s Play Store
  • Sony’s PlayStation Store
  • Vudu

Read:   Banshee Season 4 Release Date Announced for DVD/Blu-ray

Return To Banshee – The Final Season

Read:   Banshee Season 3 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

Per the Home Box Office press release: “This MAX action drama charts the final twists and turns that follow Lucas Hood, an ex-convict who assumed the identity of sheriff in the Amish-area town Banshee, where his former lover and partner-in-crime was living under her own alias, Carrie Hopewell. The final season takes place two years after Lucas gave up his badge after a bloody, multimillion-dollar heist at the Camp Genoa Marine Base which proved costly: Carrie’s husband Gordon was killed, and Lucas’s longtime computer-hacker partner, Job, was abducted by a shady criminal ring.”

“After settling a score with a “recruiter” from Lucas’s past whom he hoped would have intel on Job, Lucas went on a bender before being rescued by an unlikely savior, Proctor’s niece. Emerging from a self-imposed exile, Lucas returns to Banshee to find it a changed town. Brock Lotus is now sheriff, Kai Proctor is the mayor, and the old “Cadi” police station has been replaced by a state-of the-art facility. A new deputy with ties to Proctor, Nina Cruz, has joined Brock’s team, along with Kurt Bunker, the skinhead-turned-deputy who continues to make amends for his dark past while fighting the racist overtures of the group led by his younger brother Calvin. After reuniting with Carrie, their daughter Deva, and ex-boxer Sugar Bates, Lucas becomes immersed in a new Banshee crisis: rooting out a vicious serial murderer whose latest victim is someone near and dear to his heart.”

  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
  • Banshee Season 4 release date
Read:   Mr. Robot Season 2 Release Date Announced for DVD/Blu-ray

Included with Banshee: The Complete Fourth Season are the following bonus features:

  • Season 3 Recap: A look back at the action-packed events from Season 3.
  • Season 4 Preview: A preview of the fourth and final season of the hit series.
  • Season 4 Trailer: Get ready to return with this exhilarating peek at the fourth and final season.
  • Zoomed In: Episode 1, Something Out of the Bible
  • Zoomed In: Episode 2, The Burden of Beauty
  • Zoomed In: Episode 3, Job
  • Zoomed In: Episode 4, Innocent Might Be a Bit of a Stretch
  • Zoomed In: Episode 5, A Little Late to Grow a Pair
  • Zoomed In: Episode 6, Only One Way a Dogfight Ends
  • Zoomed In: Episode 7, Truths Other Than the Ones You Tell Yourself
  • Zoomed In: Episode 8, Requiem
  • Banshee Origins: Delve inside the past of all the primary players in this scenes.
  • Cast Retrospectives: Lucas vs. the MMA fighter? Nola vs. Burton? It’s a toss-up as to what is the best fight scene, but the stars of the hit action series all pick a favorite in this featurette that also includes their memories of Job’s most outrageous outfits.
  • Deleted Scenes
Read:   A Bleak Inheritance: Netflix Original Bloodline Season 2 Review

Now don’t you think it’s time to watch the best show Cinemax has ever aired? Banshee Seasons 1-4 are currently available on MAX GO.

FTC Disclosure: HBO Home Entertainment provided Beantown LLC with one copy of Banshee: The Complete Fourth Season on Digital HD.

All photos and video are the courtesy and property of HBO Home Entertainment.

Read:   Veep Season 5 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

Banshee Season 4 release date

Filed Under: Digital Hollywood Tagged With: Banshee, Cinemax, Digital HD 10/24/2016

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

06/26/2016 By Zach Can

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

HyperX Cloud Revolver Gaming Headset Review

Many of you gamers out there are fans and users of the HyperX Cloud and Cloud II gaming headsets. Recently introduced and now priced at $120, the HyperX Cloud Revolver gaming headset is the next evolution of the Cloud Family of gaming headphones producing high-quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with Circumaural, Closed-back Dynamic 50 mm drivers producing less than 2% total harmonic distortion. Are these gaming headphones a worthy successor to the HyperX Cloud II and as good as many claim them to be? Let’s take a greater look in this HyperX Cloud Revolver headset review.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

Pros:
• Comfortable fit and attractive design
• Great stereo audio
• Directional drivers of 50mm size
• Price of $120

Cons:
• Slightly heavier than the Cloud II
• Sound resonates from tapping the steel headband

Read:   HyperX Cloud II Headset Review
HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review
HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review
HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

HyperX Cloud Revolver Design, Features, and Fit

This gaming headset is the successor to the wildly popular HyperX Cloud II. The Cloud Revolver comes with a new look: an outer frame of solid steel.

The first change you’ll notice with this headset is the increase in weight (376g) over the Cloud II (320g), an increase of 18%. Unless you have a sensitive head, you won’t even feel a difference. Second, there’s the solid steel frame. Do refrain from tapping it as the vibrations it creates will resonate throughout the headset. Personally, I find the sound amusing, but I do understand that others will not and find it annoying. The headphones support Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Mac, PC, and many mobile devices.

Now the headphones aren’t manually adjustable. They fit your head using a flexible metal band which is connected to each ear cup. I’ve never liked these types of headphones because they’re usually cheap and uncomfortable. The Cloud Revolver showed me what was up. The headset fit perfectly to my head, and the memory-foamed leatherette ear cups were quite comfortable. Unfortunately, if it’s hot in your playing area, in my case my bedroom, your ears will start to perspire. You may not feel it while playing, but when you take them off, you’ll notice it.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review
HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review
Read:   Silicon Valley Season 3 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

The Cloud Revolver has some impressive noise-cancelling where most of the sound outside of your gaming experience is well muffled. It’s to the point where I can’t comprehend what my dad is saying when he’s beside me.

When using the headphones for the PC, the audio control box that comes with it is a bit annoying. I know this is nitpicking, but I’ll explain regardless. The control box just sits on the ground or in your lap. Pinning it to your shirt works, but then you have wires all over you. I’ll make a quick comparison to the Sennheiser Day One Gaming Headset. Its volume control is on the headphones themselves, thus no switch box, but, the Day One is PC only. I’ll also note that the Day One is twice the price of the Cloud Revolver. So when the Cloud Revolver control box is on your lap, the volume dial sometimes gets brushed and turns all the way up or down.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

The Cloud Revolver comes with an attachable uni-directional, noise canceling mic. With a frequency response of 50Hz-18KHz, the recording quality of the mic is decent. While better than the average gaming headset it’s not at the level of the Day One headset. Even with this said, no one has complained about mic quality while on TeamSpeak™.

Read:   Gamdias HERMES RGB Keyboard Review

HyperX Cloud Revolver Performance

The stereo sound quality is amazing! The Cloud Revolver comes with Circumaural, Closed-back Dynamic 50mm directional drivers positioned parallel to your ears that just make the audio so crisp. Distant police sirens in Grand Theft Auto V sound as if they’ve traveled to my ears.

Boasting greater sound quality (12Hz- 28KHz) than the Cloud and Cloud II (15Hz-25KHz) and most other gaming or audio headphones, I’d say the HyperX Cloud Revolver is worth a close look when making your next purchase.

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Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

As you’ve read above, this gaming headset offers plenty for the price. Currently on Amazon (see link below) the HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset goes for $117. At this price, and with the great features such as stereo audio, interchangeable cups, and more, what’s not to love?

The packaging comes with the Cloud Revolver headset w/1M Cable, a detachable microphone, and an audio control box w/2M cable.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review
HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

The HyperX Cloud Revolver gaming headphones come with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, feel free to call one of these two numbers: 714-435-2639 or 800-435-0640.

Have you tried the gaming headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this HyperX Cloud Revolver headset review? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages, and feel free to follow HyperX on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: HyperX provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cloud Revolver Headset 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 2016.

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HERMES 7 Color Keyboard Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: Cloud Revolver, gaming headphones, gaming headset, HyperX, Kingston 11/29/2016

HyperX Cloud II Headset Review

06/22/2016 By Zach Can

HyperX Cloud II headset review

HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review

Priced at just below $100, the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is quite the affordable pair of headphones for producing high-quality gaming audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 53 mm drivers producing less than 2% total harmonic distortion. Are these gaming headphones as good as gamers claim them to be? Let’s take a greater look with this HyperX Cloud II headset review.

HyperX Cloud II headset review

Package Contents:

  • Headset
  • Microphone
  • Set of Velour Ear Cushions
  • Airplane Adapter
  • USB Control Box
  • Mesh Carry Bag

Read:   Gamdias HERMES RGB Keyboard Review

HyperX Cloud II Design, Features, and Fit

This gaming headset sits between the original HyperX Cloud and its successor, the HyperX Cloud Core.

The HyperX Cloud II headset improves over the original Cloud headset with increased comfort. Much of this is due to the Cloud II having memory foam within the leatherette headband. Along with the first iteration, the Cloud II is compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox systems. It comes in a couple more colors than its predecessor such as Gun Metal (Gray/Grey whatever spelling you prefer), Pink, and Red. I think the Red looks more metallic than the Gray, but it’s up to your personal preference. The design of the Cloud II includes a detachable microphone which features noise and echo cancellation with its volume control on the control box. This is a massive plus if you’re a gamer who chats online frequently.

HyperX Cloud II headset review
HyperX Cloud II headset review

While the another HyperX headset, the Cloud Revolver headset has unparalleled sound depth, it doesn’t have the 7.1 or the USB powered control box that the Cloud II has. The control box for the Cloud II has volume control, microphone sound control which I have mentioned before, a switch to mute the microphone, and of course the 7.1 enabler. The Cloud II headset even comes with interchangeable velour ear cups. In the event your ears get hot with the leatherette ear cups, you can switch them to velour. Albeit, the swapping of the cups is somewhat difficult to do.

HyperX Cloud II headset review

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HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Sound

Now the 7.1 surround sound is phenomenal. Playing competitive games like Counterstrike – Global Offensive with 7.1 sound makes an immense difference. I can clearly and vividly hear if an enemy is behind me. I’ve brought up Grand Theft Auto V in past reviews, but running around in first person mode with 7.1 surround sound is sweet. And for you Serious Sam players, this level of sound really makes dodging those headless kamikazes something special.

It doesn’t have to be just video games to enjoy the benefits of 7.1 surround sound. Music sounds excellent in surround mode, with instruments sounding so much clearer. After enjoying 7.1 surround, I found myself not wanting to go back to the standard 2-channel audio.

HyperX Cloud II headset review
HyperX Cloud II headset review
HyperX Cloud II headset review

Now this is a bit peculiar, but I have to set the volume very low on the headset, around a level of 32. The headphones produce so much sound that maybe I just can’t handle their excellence. The Cloud II is on the same footing with the Cloud Revolver on noise cancelling headphones–it truly works. Unlike the Cloud Revolver which just fits to your head, the Cloud II headset is adjustable for a better fit. If you’re a bit tight on cash, maybe because you just did other upgrades to your gaming rig, I’d recommend buying these over waiting for a sale on the Cloud Revolver.

Read:   New Speck Apple iPhone 7 Case Designs Are Introduced

Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen above, this headset offers plenty for the price. Currently on Amazon (see link below) the HyperX Cloud II headset goes for $85-100, depending on the color. At this price, and with the great features such as 7.1 audio, interchangeable cups, and more, what’s not to love?

HyperX Cloud II headset review
HyperX Cloud II headset review

The HyperX Cloud II headphones come with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, feel free to call one of these two numbers: 714-435-2639 or 800-435-0640.

Have you tried the gaming headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this HyperX Cloud II headset review? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages, and feel free to follow HyperX on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: HyperX provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cloud II headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Editor’s Note: My nephew (the author/reviewer) liked these gaming headphones so much that it’s highly unlikely that I’ll ever see them in my home again.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC or Kingston Technology Corp.

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: Cloud II, gaming headphones, gaming headset, HyperX, Kingston 08/11/2018

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU Review

06/20/2016 By Zach Can

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU Review

Until recently, today’s high-end PC would consist of the following components: Two GTX970 cards, an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and a Maximus 8 motherboard. But what’s going to power all of those elements? That’s where the power supply unit (PSU) comes into play. Unfortunately so many first time PC builders buy a PSU last with whatever remains of their budget, and that’s a tremendous mistake. You just don’t want to buy a cheap PSU. By doing so, you take the risk of doing harm to your entire system. I’m talking about damaging the hard drives, graphics cards, RAM, CPU, and the motherboard. Building a high-end PC will empty your wallet. But you don’t have to buy the most expensive PSU on the market, to meet your high-end PC’s needs. Enermax has an economy version PSU. Don’t be fooled by word “Economy,” this power supply unit is a beast. Let’s take a closer look at this Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review.

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review

Read:   JAM Audio Xterior Max Speaker Review

Design

We all remember what Peter Parker’s (aka Spiderman) grandad said: “with great power, comes great responsibility.” Running two GTX970 cards will require a reliable, hardy PSU to handle that kind of responsibility and Enermax’s Triathlor ECO 1000W 80 Plus Bronze PSU packs the punch of what many high-end systems would need. Now this Bronze certified PSU doesn’t have a Titanium or Platinum rating, it did come close to earning a Silver certification when Ecova Plug Load Solutions tested it. The Bronze has 84-88% efficiency at 230 volts. Enermax went with a +12V single-rail design which yields 83 amps of current. This volume of amperage can easily power three top graphics cards in your high-end PC with plenty to spare. Go ahead and build that 3-way CrossFire/SLI setup with the Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU.

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review

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All this power the PSU holds and the fans are barely audible. They’re silent if you’ve got an average pair of headphones on.

The Triathlor ECO PSU is semi-modular due to some cables already hard-wired: main ATX, one PCIe, and two CPU cables. The PSU comes with eight additional modular cables all fitting nicely in the supplied pouch. On my system, I added two cables.

It can get messy if you have a small case. I had to Tetris the cables in due to my GTX970 card taking up almost my entire case. If you have a big case, you won’t have this cabling problem.

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review

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System Components

  • Intel Core i7-2600 CPU
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX970 Card
  • ASrock P67 Extreme6 Motherboard

Conclusion

If your wallet has already suffered an emptying blow due to pricey graphic cards, then the Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU packs on the power, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Currently on Newegg, the PSU sells for $125, and on Amazon, it sells for $133. The only other semi-modular, 1000W, Bronze-certified PSU’s around $100 are from Rosewill.

Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU review

Have you purchased and currently use the Enermax Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow Enermax on Facebook and YouTube as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook. And don’t hesitate to head over to the Enermax website to see their latest equipment.

The Triathlor ECO PSU come with a 3-year product exchange/repair warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer.

FTC Disclosure: Enermax, Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one Triathlor ECO 1000W PSU 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 2016.

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Filed Under: Hardware Tagged With: Enermax, PSU, Triathlor 10/03/2016

The Best Speck CandyShell iPhone 6/6s Cases of 2016

06/17/2016 By Elliott Hall

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

Introducing Speck CandyShell iPhone 6/6s Cases

It’s 2016 and Speck has rolled out the newest models and designs of their iconic CandyShell cases for the Apple iPhone 6/6s. In this post, we’re taking a look at Speck’s latest editions–CandyShell Clear, CandyShell Inked Luxury, and CandyShell Inked Jonathan Adler. We’ll even tell you where to get your very own Jonathan Adler iPhone 6/6s case for less than half list.

One hint–it’s the internet’s leading retailer.

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

CandyShell Case Design and Function

All of the Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case models fit like a glove on my recently purchased Apple iPhone.

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

I had to push the cases on my iPhone more forcefully than used to with Speck products. But once it was on, the snug fit assured me that my iPhone was well-protected. The outside of the case is hard plastic with a non-slip, rubber-lined interior. A raised bezel runs the perimeter on the front of the case to protect the screen from scratches when your iPhone is faced down. At a thickness of 0.16 inch, the case is slim enough not to feel overly bulky, yet thick enough to provide ample impact protection at military-grade drop standards.

The power and volume controls click naturally beneath the rubber buttons with no fuss. At the top left of the case, there is an opening for the mute function, allowing you to operate the switch at its natural state on the iPhone. At the base of the case are openings for the 3.5mm audio jack, the Lightning adapter and the speaker. Avoiding the common issue of an improperly sized 3.5mm plug, the CandyShell cases provide a larger opening to accommodate a variety of audio jacks.

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CandyShell Clear/Clear with Glitter for the iPhone 6/6s

  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

The new CandyShell Clear and Clear with Glitter designs for iPhone 6/6s are the perfect way to show off the factory finish of your new mobile phone. These dual-layer cases offer military-grade drop protection and are either completely clear or offer some shimmering glitter to display the new finish of your iPhone 6/6s. If this isn’t enough, the CandyShell Clear is resistant to ultraviolet light and many chemicals, and it resists yellowing.

CandyShell Inked Luxury for the iPhone 6/6s

  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

The CandyShell Inked Luxury Edition features over a dozen unique wraparound designs, printed with scratch-resistant and fade-resistant technology. This luxury series offers some truly eye-catching design and color combinations that make protecting your phone more stylish than ever.

According to Jenny Davis, Speck Colors, Materials, and Finishes Design Manager, “CandyShell Luxury Edition let us incorporate our unmatched protection with sophisticated designs so our customers never have to compromise on either. At Speck, protection is our first priority, and we never compromise on designing quality cases.”

CandyShell Inked Jonathan Adler for the iPhone 6/6s

  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case
  • Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 case

The CandyShell Inked Jonathan Adler Series offers eight “impeccable designs” from the world-renowned New Jersey-born designer. Coupled with all the same protective features; you will be inclined to put your iPhone face down, just to check out these unique designs.

According to Bryan Hynecek, VP of Design, “Consumers shouldn’t have to compromise on protection when they buy a designer case. With the new Jonathan Adler by Speck collection, they don’t have to.”

Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

Speckulations and Final Thoughts

All in all, these are excellent cases, which earn our highest recommendation. Speck continues to dominate with their CandyShell series’. List priced from $34.95-$49.95; these cases are a worthy purchase that will last you a long time. The hard plastic exterior and non-slip rubber interior provide a snug fit with MIL-STD-810G military-grade drop protection. The raised screen bezel ensures that your iPhone is shielded at all angles. There’s no compromise to the functionality of your iPhone 6/6s in any way. Moreover, the safety is significantly improved.

The CandyShell series has dozens of varieties and colors to find the perfect fit for your personality and lifestyle.

Speck’s CandyShell cases have a one-year limited warranty with a 30-day guarantee.

CandyShell Clear and Clear with Glitter are available at SpeckProducts, Amazon and other retailers with list pricing of $34.95 and $39.95, respectively.

CandyShell Inked Luxury Edition cases are available at SpeckProducts, Amazon and other retailers with list pricing of $49.95.

CandyShell Inked Jonathan Adler cases are available at SpeckProducts, Amazon and other retailers with list pricing of $49.95. Amazon currently has all eight designs between $12-18, which by our definition is a steal.

What do you think about Speck’s CandyShell case protection? Do you agree or disagree with any part of this post? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

FTC Disclosure: Speck provided Beantown LLC with four (4) Apple iPhone 6/6s case samples for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC and/or Speck Products/Samsonite IP Holdings.

Read:   The Evutec S Series Wood Phone Case: A Review

Filed Under: Case Protection Tagged With: iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, Speck 06/21/2016

The Huntsman Winter’s War DVD Release Date Announced for August

06/15/2016 By Hakan Can

The Huntsman Winters War DVD release date

The Huntsman Winter’s War DVD release date is set

Available on store shelves and online everywhere this August comes The Huntsman: Winter’s War from Universal Pictures. The Huntsman Winter’s War DVD release date is set for August 23, 2016. It’s available in a variety of versions: Stand-alone DVD, Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD w/Ultraviolet, and 4K Ultra HD™ + Blu-ray™ + Digital HD w/Ultraviolet. The Digital HD version is available August 2, 2016. All versions of the Huntsman: Winter’s War are an extended edition of the film.

The Huntsman Winter's War DVD release datePricing has been set at $17.96, $19.96 and $29.96, respectively for the DVD, Blu-ray™, and 4K Ultra HD™ extended edition versions. You can pre-order them now from Amazon.com (see highlighted links) or from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Per the Universal Pictures press release: “If it’s the Snow White tale you’re looking for, discover the story that came before… joined by Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, Chris Hemsworth and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron return to their roles in the epic action-adventure The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Theron stars as evil Queen Ravenna, who betrays her good sister Freya (Blunt) with an unforgiveable act, freezing Freya’s heart to love and unleashing in her an icy power she never knew she possessed. As war escalates between the two queens, Eric the Huntsman (Hemsworth), and his fellow warrior, Sara (Chastain), must help Freya vanquish her sister… or Ravenna’s wickedness will rule for eternity.”

Read:   Game of Thrones Season 6 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

GIVEAWAY (EXPIRED)

Like what you’ve read so far? It gets better. We’re running a giveaway now until 11 PM on August 22nd for one (1) copy of The Huntsman: Winter’s War on Blu-ray™, in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The Huntsman Winter's War DVD release dateCAST OF THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR:

  • Chris Hemsworth: The Huntsman / Eric
  • Charlize Theron: The Evil Queen Ravenna
  • Jessica Chastain: The Warrior / Sara
  • Emily Blunt: The Ice Queen Freya
  • Sam Claflin: William
  • Nick Frost: Nion
  • Rob Brydon: Gryff
  • Sheridan Smith: Mrs. Bromwyn
  • Alexandra Roach: Doreena
  • Sope Dirisu: Tull
  • Sam Hazeldine: Leifr
  • Sophie Cookson: Pippa

FILMMAKERS:The Huntsman Winter's War DVD release date

  • Director: Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
  • Writers: Evan Spiliotopoulos, Craig Mazin
  • Producers: Joe Roth
  • Executive Producers: Sarah Bradshaw, Palak Patel
  • Production Designer: Dominic Watkins
  • Director of Photography: Phedon Papamichael
  • Editor: Conrad Buff IV
  • Music Composor: James Newton Howard
  • Costume Designer: Colleen Atwood
Read:   X-Men Apocalypse Release Date Announced for Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, DVD

EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY™ / 4K ULTRA HD™ FEATURES:

  • Two Queens and Two Warriors – The true heart of The Huntsman: Winter’s War is found in its three powerful women, Ravenna, Freya, and Eric’s lost wife, Sara. Learn how the strength and complexity of the film’s female roles drew potent new star power in Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, as well as convincing Charlize Theron to reprise her role as Ravenna.
  • Meet the Dwarfs – Nick Frost’s Nion and Rob Brydon’s Gryff brought a sense of levity and fun to the adventure — especially once they met their female counterparts. Explore the importance of all four dwarf characters in the film and on set, where the actors who portrayed them earn a reputation for keeping the fun rolling, even when the cameras stopped.
  • Magic All Around – Rooted in history, but inhabited by magic, the world of The Huntsman: Winter’s War is a true visual spectacle. Follow along and see how the magic made it to the screen. From Freya’s icy freeze to the gold-laden goblins of the forest, explore the visual effects at work with an exclusive peek behind the curtain.
  • Winter’s Vista –The Making of The Huntsman: Winter’s War.

BLU-RAY™ / DVD BONUS FEATURES:

  • Feature Commentary by Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
  • Deleted Scenes with Commentary
  • Gag Reel
  • Dressed To Kill – Academy Award®-winning costumer Colleen Atwood returns to help reignite the splendor she brought to Snow White and The Huntsman. A visual feast, her costumes often border on the supernatural in their beauty while helping bring the characters to life.
  • Love Conquers All — From the infectious enthusiasm of director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan to the sisterly bond shared by Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron, the set of The Huntsman: Winter’s War was filled with laughter and life. Actors and artists came together to help create a fairy tale about the pure power of love — and had a blast along the way.
  • Theron_Huntsman-1
  • Blunt_Huntsman-1
  • Chastain_Huntsman-1
  • Hemsworth_Huntsman-1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD / BLU-RAY™ / 4K Ultra HD™

  • Street Date: August 23, 2016
  • Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Layers: Blu-ray™: BD-50 / Dual Layer; 4K Ultra HD™: BD-66
  • Aspect Ratio: DVD: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1; Blu-ray™ & 4K Ultra HD™: Widescreen 2:40:1
  • Rating: PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some sensuality
  • Languages/Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Canadian
  • Run Time: 1 Hour, 54 Minutes
  • DVD Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, French Canadian DTS Digital Surround 5.1, Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1
  • Blu-ray™ & 4K Ultra HD™ Audio: DTS:X Master Audio, DTS Headphone:X, DTS Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, French Canadian DTS Digital Surround 5.1, Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Read:   Silicon Valley Season 3 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

Enjoy this Deleted Scene from the Bonus Features: 

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Read:   American Horror Story: Hotel Release Date Announced for Blu-ray and DVD

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, The Huntsman, Winter's War 08/27/2016

Petzi Treat Cam Review

06/13/2016 By Elliott Hall

Petzi Treat Cam review

Introducing The Petzi Treat Cam from Petzila

Pets are like our children. When you are away from your animal, you feel responsible for their loneliness. People often joke, “I wish my dog had a cell phone.”

Well, we have good news for all you animal lovers.

For the past few months, there’s been a new product on the market–the Petzi Treat Cam. It’s an interactive, WiFi camera that allows you to send audio messages, stream live video, and toss out treats to your pet while you’re away. The Petzi Treat Cam is operated through a free app for iOS and Android that doubles as a remote controller and social platform. Let’s take a closer look in this Petzi Treat Cam review.

Petzi Treat Cam review

Pros:

  • Simple Software & Easy Operation
  • Interactive Jingle Summons Pets
  • Send Audio Messages
  • Live Stream Video
  • Pets Love It

Cons:

  • Low Quality Audio/Video
  • Large, Inelegant Product Design
  • Very Small Treats Only
  • One-Way Audio/Video
  • Price
Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

Giveaway

Like what you’ve read so far? It just got better. In partnership with Petzila, we’re running a giveaway from Noon September 3rd until 11 AM September 12th for the very Petzi Treat Cam we reviewed here. Enter the Petzi Treat Cam giveaway by clicking this link. Good luck.

Set Up & Design

As you unbox the Petzi Treat Cam, you might realize that this is not a piece of furniture you want on your mantel. The tall, white, plastic design is far from elegant. As you pull off the front cover, you reveal the treat compartment at the top and the AC adapter at the rear. Pour in some of the included treats, plug it in and find an ideal spot to place the device. The four-foot power cord makes finding proper placement slightly difficult. Once you find an appropriate place for your treat cam, use the included screws or Velcro to secure it. You will not want to leave the Petzi free standing, as your pet will very likely knock it down. 

Petzi Treat Cam review
Petzi Treat Cam review

Now you are ready to set up the WiFi connection. The treat cam easily integrates with your home network. First, download the iOS or Android app and connect to the “Petzi_XXXX” network via your mobile phone’s wireless settings. Next, return to the app and enter your home network password and securely integrate the Petzi with your WiFi connection. In my experience, this process worked seamlessly on the first try.

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Remote Controller & Social App

Now that all your devices are connected, you can use your smartphone as a remote for the Petzi.

The free Petzi app will allow you to stream live video, take pictures, send audio messages and of course, launch treats. These functions work fairly well. The live video stream has a delay of a few seconds, so what you see on your phone is not exactly real time. Additionally, when you send audio messages, there are several seconds of delay before it is output by the camera. However, the delay is of little consequence, since your pet cannot see you and you cannot hear your pet – this is not Skype, after all. The picture function works consistently well, so you can snap candid photos of your unaccompanied pets as they await their treat.

  • Petzi iOS App Image 1 322×572
  • Petzi iOS App Image 2 322×572
  • Petzi iOS App Image 3 322×572
  • Petzi iOS App Image 4 322×572

The primary issue with the camera is that the Petzi does not always output the 720P HD quality that it boasts (though, this could be due to other factors such as your WiFi connection strength and speed). However, when the camera is outputting full quality video, you can get a great shot of your pet to share online or through the Petzi social app.

Aside from acting as a remote controller, your Petzi app allows you to set up a public profile for your pet. Similar to a dating or social media app, you input your pet’s name, age, species, a favorite treat, and more alongside a profile picture and description. Through your pet’s profile, you can post the images you take with your Petzi cam or images stored on your camera roll. Additionally, you can browse the app’s social feed featuring dogs and cats from all over the Petzi world.

Petzi Treat Cam review
Petzi Treat Cam review
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Overall Performance

The Petzi Treat Cam has its strengths and weaknesses. As a camera, it falls a bit short. The video and audio qualities are less than satisfactory in an age of high definition, and there is a sizable delay in transmission. There is also the issue of the price. At a retail price of $170 this unit should perform better in aspects of design and media quality.

However, the primary function of this device is a treat dispenser and at that task, it performs fairly well. Aside from the occasional jamming of the treat dispenser, the Petzi Treat Cam has performed well for many people. It is an excellent way to connect with your pet while you are away from home. Animals love to interact with the Treat Cam, and its mild projectile launch allows your pet to have some fun and exercise in you absence.

[Tweet “It is an excellent way to connect with your pet while you are away from home. @Petzila”]

Overall, if you are looking for a remote treat dispenser, the Petzi Treat Cam is the best option, but if your focus is on the audio/video surveillance of your pet, then you are better off with a camera-centric device.

Have you tried the Petzi Treat Cam? 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 Petzi website. Feel free to check out their Blog, Support Page, and Treat Shop.

The Petzi Treat Cam comes with a 1-year limited warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. Should you have questions about the product, feel free to contact their customer service department at (855)-738-9452.

FTC Disclosure: Petzila Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Petzi Treat Cam 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. The video is the copyrighted property of Petzila Inc.

Read:   JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Filed Under: For the Home Tagged With: camera, Petzi 09/06/2016

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review – SonicPro Headphones

06/10/2016 By Elliott Hall

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review

Audio-Technica Introduces Us To High-Resolution Audio

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review

Priced at around $250, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is easily the most affordable pair of headphones for producing high-resolution audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with Audio-Technica’s 45mm ‘True Motion Drivers’, which are designed to deliver the most detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively in the home and studio setting, I can confidently say that they are some of the best headphones I have ever heard from Audio-Technica and a high-value investment for any audio purist. Let’s take a look in this Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review

Pros:

  • Incredibly Precise Sound
  • High-Resolution Audio
  • Beautiful Design
  • 3 Interchangeable Cable Options

Cons:

  • Tight Fit
  • Mild Low End
  • No In-Line Volume Control
  • Headband/Cuffs Aren’t Leather

Audio-Technica Design

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 reviewAvailable in Black and Gun Metal Gray, the ATH-MSR7 headphones look beautiful. We tested out the Gun Metal Gray, which features light brown ear and head cushions. The leather and metal portions are blended seamlessly throughout the headphones, giving them a very elegant and professional appearance.

The overall construction is extremely well executed and assures high quality. The headphones include three different 3.5mm cables; one standard, one extended and one with an inline microphone control. Also included is a soft cloth carrying bag.

The ear pads and headband are made with soft, ultra-comfortable memory foam that holds snugly on your head. While the snug fit ensured these headphones would stay in place during my daily commute, I found them to be a little too tight after wearing them for a couple of hours in a studio-type situation.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review
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SonicPro® Performance

Now, on to the most important element of these headphones: the sound.

Personally, I loved the clarity of the MSR7’s audio profile. If you are a bass-head, then these are not the headphones for you; the bass is present but not overwhelming. The balanced EQ produced by the 45 mm True Motion Drivers make these headphones ideal for studio work and anyone who wants to hear audio in its most unaltered form. From my Tidal account, I streamed Hi-Res Audio through these ‘bad boys.’ The precision and clarity of the sound were outstanding. Acoustic guitars, orchestras, and highly articulate music paired best with these headphones, as they output sharp detail.

The only issue with this intense clarity is that at high volumes, the headphones can produce excessive highs that are sharp to the ear. However, at moderately high volumes the clarity is maintained without any notable distortion. The MSR7’s produce sound so accurately that even the most minute peak or dip in a poorly produced audio file will be highly evident – but that could be argued as a strong suit. I would suggest any producer check their recording on these headphones before release.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review
Read:   JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Final Thoughts on the ATH-MSR7 Sonic Pro® Headphones

All in all, these headphones get our strongest recommendation. They work wonderfully as a casual over-ear headphone for the daily commuter and work equally as well for any precision-minded producer who wants to catch every detail in their mix. At $250, ATH-MSR7’s are the most affordable high-resolution audio headphones on the market – coupled with the eye-catching design and detailed sound; you cannot go wrong with Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7.[Tweet “At $250, the ATH-MSR7’s are the most affordable high-resolution headphones on the market @USAudioTechnica”]

Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 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 recently introduced 2016 Hi-Res Audio product lineup, particularly the ATH-MSR7NC SonicPro® headphones.

The ATH-MSR7 headphones come with a 2-year limited end-user warranty when purchased from an authorized Audio-Technica dealer (A.T.U.S.)

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one ATH-MSR7 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. The video is the copyrighted property of Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ATH-MSR7, Audio-Technica, headphones, high res audio 06/20/2016

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

06/08/2016 By Jonathan Dery

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Versatility Running Through Your Ears: JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

The main ubiquitous problem with sport headphones mirrors one of the main reasons for refusing to go to the gym: they’re a hassle. The short, knotty wiring, the prone-to-dislodging earbuds, the limited functions available on the mid-strip remote (if there even is one); these culminating irritations nearly persuade users to forego their headphones when heading out to the gym, or worse, make staying home and further indenting their couch cushions sound much more appealing. JAM Audio’s new sport earbuds seek to alleviate all these discouraging irritations, as well as providing functions that are designed for exercise. The question remains, do the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Wireless Earbuds rise above and beyond the couch of their mediocre peers, or do they make a bag of chips sound more appealing than the music they play? Let’s take a look in this JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Aesthetic

Right from the start, the user will be delighted to see that they don’t need to use their aggressive hands, teeth, a pair of scissors, nor the sharpest steak knife to access these headphones. JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds reside intricately coiled inside a standard BPA-free sport water bottle showcasing both the 3-dimensional look of the headphones, as well as the secondary intent of this particular JAM Wireless Audio product: fitness.

Further than the exercise purpose of these headphones, the look embodies the qualities of fitness. Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. There are two ear grip accessories with small, medium, and large sizes for each. One that fits in the inner ear canal as well as another that rounds the rim of the whole ear.[Tweet “Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. @JamSpeaker”]

Additionally, these earbuds are practically wireless; the only wire is a one-foot long reflective chord, coiled around a small curved plastic plate in the middle, that connects the two earbuds to each other. This wiring is ultimately extremely useful. The length provided enough space to add an attached basic remote: two volume buttons and a play-pause button, and be just long enough that in the case of the headphones dislodging from the user’s ears, they should hang around the back of the user’s neck. This feature can be a life-savor, especially when using JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds during exercise.

However, the short length of the wiring can make it difficult for the user to move their head freely without the headphones falling out. This short length is most likely the secondary reason for the addition of the multiple ear-grip styles and sizes, though the standard small-medium-large format will require the user to try each size and style to ultimately determine which suits them best. This requirement can be both an inconvenient expense of the user’s time and result in the user still ending up unsatisfied with their most compatible headphone accessory arrangement. The amount of trial and error necessary to construct a viable set up not only detracts from the headphone’s appeal but is ultimately indicative of the design error on Jam’s side.

These sport earbuds are available in 3 color patterns. If the blue/black combination doesn’t suit you, there are a green/black and pink/black color combos as well.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

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Wireless Functionality

Despite the few nonessential design errors, the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are the Swiss army knife of consumer-centered functions.

The Bluetooth functionality is exceptionally competent and stable. It only takes a second to link a device to the headphones, and the connection rarely disrupts or disconnects. However, the connection disrupts most frequently when the user moves at faster speeds.

The Bluetooth is activated by holding the play-pause button on the mid-wire remote panel. On the remote panel are the increase and decrease volume buttons as well. JAM Audio elevates the functionality of these buttons by engineering them to be multi-functional. While playing music, if the increase volume button is held, the playlist will skip to the next song; if the decrease volume button is held, the playlist will skip back one song. If the headphones are connected to a phone, the play-pause button can be pressed to answer an incoming call or held to reject the call. Despite these implementations seeming like common sense and rudimentary additions, they are rarely included, though welcome add-ons. Especially considering how the aim for these headphones is to be used during exercise, these buttons are incredibly convenient and useful.

A thoughtful bonus innovation is the music cancellation button found on the left earbud. In any case, the user would like to hear their environment clearly while still listening to music (i.e. running on a road), they can press this button and stop the music in their left ear while it resumes in their right. Small extra, substantial increase in potential safety.

The one nearly detrimental caveat is that the user must recharge the headphones. The JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds have a 10-hour battery life. Understandably, this is the one way the headphones can be wireless, however, if the user is working out in the gym, running in open terrain, or too far from their home without the charger, they are hopeless. Even if the user did carry the charger and had outlets at their disposal, they would still need to remove the headphones and let them charge for at least thirty minutes. This inconvenience can be the deciding factor between purchasing these headphones or going with a wired or more expensive wireless pair of headphones.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

Wireless Sound Quality

These earbuds are designed for exercise use and multi-functionality. While the list price of these buds is $79.99, the Amazon selling price is closer to $50. Though being the fundamental purpose of headphones, the sound quality must be evaluated respectively. Wrong. Correct, yes, yet unnecessary with the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. The sound quality on these headphones not only match that of SkullCandy’s Smokin Buds 2 (which are designed primarily for sound quality) but ultimately surpass them pertaining to particular elements. Both the heaviness of the bass and the distinction between sounds are superior on the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. This statement holds true across genres. From the elaborate Hip Hop/R&B hit “Monster” by Kanye West to the elegantly robust concertos of Felix Mendelssohn, the earbuds’ fidelity and power are unwavering.

It would take months to truly test this or any other comparison, however, after an adequate number of trials, it is clear that this product does not just stack up to the competition; it is above the rest. Ultimately, the Jam Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are a top contender; it wasn’t until I heard new lyrics and sounds from songs I have heard numerous times that I discovered the earbuds’ exceptional heights. The same outcome was found with my fellow evaluators, as well.

Read:   SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review

Verdict

Though these headphones may not be qualified to compete against the sound quality of Dr. Dre’s Beats and the likes, they provide an exceptional plethora of convenient functions and dominate top selling headphone brands designed purely for outstanding sound. It would be a mistake not to purchase these headphones built for any consumer in practically any terrain (though, I recommend having a spare wired set of headphones if the juice runs out). JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds don’t just emerge from their couched competitors; they exceed so far until the rest might as well fall by the wayside. They even provide a water bottle – how refreshing.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds kick it up a few notches for each feature. They have established themselves as a formidable competitor.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. We’d be eager to hear your thoughts.

FTC Disclosure: JAM Audio Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Transit Micro Sport Buds 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 2016.

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Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Earbuds, JAM Audio, Sport Earbuds, Transit Micro 06/12/2016

A Bleak Inheritance: Netflix Original Bloodline Season 2 Review

06/06/2016 By Jonathan Dery

Netflix Bloodline Season 2

Netflix Bloodline Season 2 – Episodes 1-3 Review

The Netflix Original Bloodline began in critical condition. The first season elicited skepticism and waning curiosity over genuine emotional investment. Through the viewers’ eyes, they cast their finger on the show’s pulse and felt its erratic behavior. It would accelerate, then taper, and, at its worst points, flat-line. The only solid reason to continue watching the show was to unlock the mysteries of the story’s repressed past and grim future. Now all previous questions have been answered, and from these answers arose new questions. However, there is only one vital mystery that remains: does Bloodline Season 2 resurrect the show and improve it? The answers may not be so promising.

Netflix Bloodline Season 2

The Imagery

Everything beyond the camera is exceptional. The lighting and color are superb. Both seem practical and look professional. However, the content and the visual design are rarely complemented by the camera work.

It’s almost as if the cinematographer and camera operator slapped a long lens on the camera, framed each shot, disregarded appropriateness to content, put the camera in a box, and shook it throughout each scene. Sure, the circumstances of the story and the state of the characters are immediate, imperative, and unstable. However, these qualities do not hold true in every scene. Ultimately, the consistent close-ups and shakiness dilute the effect; in many scenes, both seem employed as a crutch to compensate for poor framing.

Netflix Bloodline Season 2

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The Content

Superficial. The narrative and plot have a shell of thrilling drama though Bloodline frequently feels hollow. The writers and filmmakers (Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler, and Daniel Zelman) seem to have followed a drama instruction manual and assumed all the thrills would land. Sometimes they do. Only sometimes. More often than not, Bloodline appears to possess all the key actions and scenarios that reap intense drama, though they are difficult to believe and harder to care about. The recipe was followed tremendously; the product just didn’t rise.

The dialogue is intense, though often redundant. The flashbacks are informative, though often stall the narrative. The set-up is dynamic, though often falls flat. Nearly every element has its hamartia. The potential is so clear that its failed fruition is agonizing. In Bloodline, Danny is the problem child. He can ruin everyone and everything. It seems the fabric of the show has its own Danny. And he must be mad.

The Rayburn Family

Speaking of Danny, his prominence as the best character and performance remains resolute. For the actor behind the character, Ben Mendelsohn, this is great news. For the second season of Bloodline, now that he only appears in flashbacks or to haunt John Rayburn, not so much.

Netflix Bloodline Season 2All other factors aside, this is where the catastrophe lies. Bloodline is built off its characters and their dynamic. They are the pillars and the motivation. They are what keep viewers watching and what constitute the show. They are everything, and yet, they are liquid. Rather than having a solid integrity, they take the form most suitable to the show’s circumstances and contrived progression. Each character contradicts how they felt and who they are in an instant. It is almost as if each character is a false alibi told by a child; there is no consistency, and the narrative is fundamentally broken. Either the writers knew where to start and where they wanted to end, then made it up as they went along, or they are delusional. None of the characters are people. Nor are they characters. Nor are they caricatures. Each is simply a mishmash of contradictory traits assigned a name. The result is vital to the shows failings and fatal to its success: the characters are unconvincing. Therefore, it is impossible to care. For any production, that’s bad. For one centered on the emotional turmoil of an intimate family, it’s unforgivable.

Ironically enough, Danny was the shining example despite being the most wicked character. He was the show’s redemption. Now killed off, his reappearances seem like desperate attempts to raise quality and acquire care from the audience. Or rather, vain attempts.

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End of the Line

Bloodline is a step. The first step for Netflix in the drama category and another to be tread over in the general genre.

Maybe the show will return and attempt to make amends. Or maybe it will fall back into the same self-destructive cycle of its past.

Bloodline Season 2 is better than its predecessor, though still has a long way to go. If it does not fill its characters and story with substance and integrity, then it will drown with the family members that have and the reputation of the Rayburn name.

Danny stood out because of his mediocrity. Hopefully, the show will not continue in his image.

Perhaps the show can be better. Who knows; the Rayburn’s are never quite what they seem.

Our Rating: 6/10

Have you watched Bloodline Season 2? What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

All photographs are the courtesy and copyrighted property of Netflix.

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Filed Under: Streaming Services Tagged With: Bloodline, Netflix 06/06/2016

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