Welcome to HNGN's weekly top picks, where we recommend the best and brightest releases in music, TV and movies, fashion and beauty, tech and more. Come back each week for more of-the-moment goodness from Coveted.
MUSIC
By Michael Lello
Smashing Pumpkins: Monuments To An Elegy (BMG Rights Management)
Nineties alt-rock standouts Smashing Pumpkins are back with their ninth album, which is part of the band's multi-album "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope" concept.
Billy Corgan, the face, voice and mind of the Pumpkins, is the only remaining original member, but that matters little, as his vision for the group's music remains a singular force on songs like the epic album opener "Tiberius." "Monuments To An Elegy" might be the Pumpkins' best work since 1998's "Adore." Listen to "Tiberius" below.
J. Cole: 2014 Forest Hills Drive (Roc Nation/Columbia Records)
J. Cole, a renaissance man of sorts who graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. John's University and became the first artist to sign with Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, returns with his third studio album. On "2014 Forest Hills Drive," The North Carolina native spits out whip-smart rhymes over melodies and beats that borrow from soul and jazz more than anything on the current pop charts.
Dr. Who: The Day of the Doctor/The Time of the Doctor (Silva America)
Whovians rejoice! A new 2-CD soundtrack featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Crouch End Festival Chorus presents music from "Dr. Who's" 50th anniversary episode, "The Day of the Doctor" and the series' 2013 Christmas episode, "The Time of the Doctor."
Sinatra: London (CMG)
In June of 1962, Frank Sinatra went to the U.K. to record "Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain" – the only album he ever recorded outside of the U.S. Now, Sinatra's brief London legacy lives on with "Sinatra: LONDON," a new 3-CD/DVD package that boasts a re-mastered version of the original studio album as well as 50 previously unreleased tracks, including session material from the album, two BBC programs and a 1984 concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The DVD features two Royal Festival Hall concerts, one from 1962 and another from 1970. Watch the Chairman of the Board croon "A Foggy Day" at the 1970 show below.
MOVIES
By E.J. Webb
Exodus: Gods and Kings (Twentieth Century Fox)
Ridley Scott takes on the biblical story of Moses in this large-scale epic adventure. Christian Bale stars as Moses, the man who rises against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses and sets in motion his God’s plan to free his people. Watch the trailer below.
Top Five (Paramount Pictures)
Chris Rock directs and stars in this comedy about a standup comic who tries his hand at becoming a serious actor. The new career direction is complicated when his reality-TV star fiancée convinces him to allow their wedding to be televised on her show. Watch the trailer below.
Inherent Vice (Warner Bros)
Joaquin Phoenix and director Paul Thomas Anderson reunite for "Inherent Vice," a film that follows a sleazy drug-fueled detective in 1970s Los Angeles as he investigates the disappearance of one of his ex-girlfriends. Josh Brolin and Owen Wilson co-star in this dark-comic crime thriller. Watch the trailer below.
TECH
By John Nassivera
Samsung Gear VR Headset
Samsung has introduced the Innovator Edition of its Gear Virtual Reality. The device, which features software provided by Oculus Rift, gives users a 360-degree view of a virtual world. Virtual Reality fans can get the Gear VR now for $199.99.
Sony 20th Anniversary PlayStation 4
Sony is selling a limited-edition, grey version of its PlayStation 4 to celebrate the 20th birthday of the original Playstation. The new PS4 features an x86 processor, an enhanced PC CPU, 8GB of memory and an improved DualShock 4 controller. PlaysStation fans in the U.S. can get the grey PS4 for $499, in Japan for 49,800 yen and in Europe for 399 euros.
Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses
The Vuzix M100 headset is available now for those looking for smart glasses. The wearable device provides the same features found in a smartphone, and it can work with any Android device with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Internet connection is available thanks to wireless Wi-Fi connectivity. The Vuzix M100 smart glasses are available now on Amazon and other retailers, in grey and white, for $999.99.
DVD/BLU RAY RELEASES
By Emily Morgan
Guardians of the Galaxy (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)
Marvel Studios knocked it out of the park again and saved the 2014 summer box office with this blockbuster space opera. The 10th movie installment from Marvel introduced a new ragtag group led by Peter Quill a.k.a. Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt.
He joins forces with the assassin Gamora, a genetically engineered raccoon named Rocket, his sentient-tree pal Groot and the vengeful warrior Drax the Destroyer. They must work together to retrieve one of the coveted Infinity Stones and keep it away from the maniacal Kree, Ronan the Accuser.
Special features on the Blu-ray/DVD include audio commentary, deleted scenes with commentary by director James Gunn, a making of the movie and a behind-the-scenes featurette on the visual effects. It also includes a first look at the upcoming “Avengers: Age of Ulton,” in theaters on May 1, 2015.
Dolphin Tale 2 (Warner Home Video)
The entire cast of “Dolphin Tale,” highlighted by Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, reprised their roles in this sequel about the real-life dolphin named Winter, who received a prosthetic tail when she lost hers after becoming entangled in a crab trap.
The second film finds the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where Winter is housed, in search of a companion dolphin after Winter’s surrogate mother dies. If they can’t find a suitable replacement, another aquarium will take custody of Winter.
Special features on the Blu-Ray/DVD include a blooper reel, two music videos from songs in the movie and a featurette on the true story behind the films. Other features include a behind the scenes with cast members Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff and a special cameo by “Soul Surfer” star Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack.
Doctor Who: The Complete Eighth Series (BBC Home Entertainment)
Peter Capaldi became the 12th Doctor to star in the BBC series about the time-traveling humanoid-alien adventurer. He and his companion Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman, take on his arch-enemy, The Master, who poses as a mysterious woman named Missy.
Special features on the Blu-ray/DVD include audio commentary on four episodes, 12 behind-the-scenes featurettes, a tour of TARDIS, three exclusive “Doctor Who” specials, footage from the “Doctor Who” London premiere and more.
Other Movies and TV Shows Available on Blu-ray and DVD include:
• When the Game Stands Tall (TriStar Pictures)
• I Origins (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
• Frank (Magnolia Home Entertainment)
• Calvary (Fox Home Entertainment)
• Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead (Well Go USA Entertainment)
• Top Gear USA: Season 4 (BBC Home Entertainment)
• Under the Dome: Season 2 (Paramount)
Movies and TV Streaming Online
The Wolf of Wall Street (Paramount Pictures)
Leonardo DiCaprio teamed up with director Martin Scorsese, once again, to play the role of real life stockbroker Jordan Belfort who became a motivational speaker after pleading guilty to fraud and other stock market manipulation charges.
The film received five Oscar nominations and holds the record for the most times characters utter the word “f***” in a movie with 569.
Netflix and Amazon will have the film available for streaming on Dec. 11.
Marco Polo
The famed explorer travels through Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China in this Netflix exclusive. The show boasts storylines of greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry.
The series was filmed in Italy, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, and stars Italian actor Lorenzo Richelmy. British actor Benedict Wong plays the role of Kublai Khan.
Netflix releases all 10 episodes of the first season on Dec. 12.
Boyhood (IFC Films)
The Richard Linklater film accomplished an impressive feat by filming its main subject over 13 years from ages 5 to 18. The director and his actors Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and main character Ellar Coltrane reconvened once a year to show the growth of a young man.
The film has won numerous critics’ choice awards and has become a clear frontrunner in the Oscars’ best picture race.
iTunes has the film available for purchase.
Check out our complete list of movies available for streaming on Netflix this month and see below for more options on Amazon Prime and for purchase at iTunes.
Amazon Prime
• Locke (available Dec. 1)
iTunes
• Get on Up
• Dolphin Tale 2
FASHION & BEAUTY
By Oulimata Ba
Victoria, Victoria Beckham for Nails Inc. ($25)
British style icon Victoria Beckham (who will forever be "Posh Spice" to me) launched two chic nail lacquers in collaboration with Nails Inc. this month. Both colors, Bamboo White and Judo Red, are made with bamboo extract, which helps maintain nail health and stretches the lacquer to fit your nails.
The opaque bottles Beckham customized with Venetian glass are hand-frosted on the side to give you a peek of the color, according to Nail Inc.'s website.
Judo Red and Bamboo White are available now at Nail Inc.'s website for $25 and are expected to be released in stores in February.
Vince Camuto Hooded Funnel Neck Down Coat (starting at $139.99)
Heads will turn wherever you go in this sleek and svelte down-filled puffer coat with a waist-defining belt embellished with the Vince Camuto logo.
My knees went weak when I first saw it online. I also stopped a woman on the street once to compliment her on her coat, later realizing it was the same one. She wasn't even weirded out when I asked to feel the material. After she told me how warm it was (thanks, whoever you are), I bought the coat a week later. She wasn't lying.
The coat is available in black and navy blue and is on sale now at Vince Camuto's website for $139.99, a steep cut from the original $228. There'a also a more expensive version in white and black, with down and feather fill for colder weather, on sale now for $229.
Betsey Johnson Super Over The Knee Boots ($129)
The Vince Camuto coat would look killer with these over-the-knee suede boots from Betsey Johnson, who has been one of my favorite designers since high school.
The four-inch block heel makes the boots fancy enough for a holiday party if like me, you find yourself not wanting to brace the cold in a pair of sheer tights and pumps. They are available online for $129 at Designer Shoe Warehouse.
Bebe Sequin Overlay Dress ($159)
If you are willing to brave the cold on your way to a holiday soiree or two, this pink rose-colored Sequin Overlay Dress from Bebe is a perfect fit. It's a sequin dress partially covered with a sheer fabric that seems to float and softly whispers "come hither" as you walk across the room. Bebe's overlay dress is $159, which to me serves as a wardrobe investment because it can also be worn for a bit of summer night glamour.
SheaMoisture Body Lotions
I swear by this lotion. If you have chronic dry winter skin like I do, then you know what it's like to feel the skin crack on your back after a shower. The family-owned company offers a line of lotions that are mineral oil-free, sulfate-free and made with organic ingredients like shea butter, mango seed butter and coconut oil.
The key is the lotion's thickness, which gave my skin 24-hour moisture that other lotions don't understand the meaning of. I recommend SheaMoisture's lotion in African Black Soap, made with aloe, oats and vitamin E.
It's a bit pricey for lotion but worth every drop. It is available online for about $10 at Target and Walgreens, but to avoid unnecessary shipping fees it's best to buy it in stores.
ROOM RELAXING ESSENTIALS
By Amanda Bernocco
Snoogle Total Body Pillow (Leachco)
This body pillow was designed with the comfort of pregnant woman in mind but its curved shape makes it great for cuddling – and it doesn't snore.
Temperature Regulating Blanket (Sky Mall)
The cold weather is here and nothing will keep you cozier than a temperature-regulating blanket that uses technology developed and patented by NASA to regulare temperature around your body.
Temperature Regulating Sheet Set (Outlast)
Why stop at a temperature-regulating blanket when your sheets can do it too? Temperature-regulating technology helps most people sleep better at night because the bedding traps the heat and moisture that are often responsible for sleep disturbances.
Lap Desk (Winsome Wood)
This lap desk is perfect for those who do their best work while reclining in a comfy chair or stretched out in bed. The desk has foldable legs, a side draw for pens and the top flips up for additional storage.
Cedrus Room Aroma Rocks (Molton Brown)
There is nothing more relaxing than this blended scent of lavender and cedrus oil. Lavender scent helps with headaches and cedrus oil has been used for years to aid relaxation. Let the carefully balanced scent duo lull you to sleep.
Shiatsu Massage Pillow (HoMedics)
Why pay for a massage when you can get one at home? We love this 12-by-8-by-3 pillow equipped with four rotating nodes which offers a deep kneading shiatsu massage for neck, back and shoulders.
(Editing by Nicholas Parco and Michael Lello. Want to be considered for Coveted? Send your product information, with photos, to m.bullerdick@hngn.com or send product samples to Michael Q. Bullerdick HNGN/33 Universal, 33 Whitehall Street - 7th Floor, New York, NY 10004.)
