Welcome to HNGN's biweekly top picks, where we gather the best and brightest releases in music, fashion, beauty, tech and pop culture. Come back every other week for more of-the-moment goodness. - Edited by 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.]
MUSIC
By Michael Lello
Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams (Parlaphone/Atlantic)
Anthemic and emotional British rockers Coldplay have said that "A Head Full Of Dreams," the Chris Martin-fronted group's seventh studio album, will offer a sharp contrast from its predecessor, 2014's "Ghost Stories" thanks to a brighter, more uplifting sound. That's clear as day in the jubilant lead single, "Adventure Of A Lifetime," which borrows equally from African music and the dancefloor – and bears practically no resemblance to the band's more downcast early work. Hear for yourself below in the song's official video, which stars CGI gorillas.
Rihanna: Anti (Roc Nation)
Released initially via TIDAL on Black Friday, Rihanna's hotly anticipated eighth album, "Anti," will be available everywhere else starting Dec. 4. Her first album since 2012's "Unapologetic" - the longest gap between albums in her career - "Anti" promises to be worth the wait, and she'll support it with a tour announced last week that will also feature Travis Scott, The Weeknd and Big Sean.
Check out the video for "American Oxygen" below.
Bruce Springsteen: The Ties That Bind - The River Collection (Columbia)
In 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River," a transitional album featuring songs like the buoyant "Hungry Heart" alongside the brooding title track, an album that in recent years he called "a gateway to a lot of my future writing." Thirty-five years later, "The River" gets another look thanks to "The Ties That Bind," an expansive box set boasting 52 tracks, including a treasure trove of previously unreleased material. And that's just the audio; the DVD/Blu-ray component includes a new hour-long documentary about the making of the album, the 24-song, 2-hour-40-minute Nov. 5, 1980 concert at Arizona State University and 20 minutes of tour rehearsals.
Check out the trailer for the box set below:
MOVIES
By Cal Setar
Creed (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Rocky Balboa is back. Almost four decades removed from finding himself the underdog in the biggest fight of his boxing life against then-World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed, Balboa returns to the ring – only this time, he isn't the one ducking jabs as he circles his opponent. Instead, Balboa serves as trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of Balboa's late friend, Creed, and a man, like Balboa before him, searching for the fight of his life.
The Good Dinosaur (Disney-Pixar)
What if the asteroid that struck the planet millions of years ago and wiped the dinosaurs from the face of the Earth forever never passed through our universe? And what if man and dinosaur shared a world that we've only ever known as our own? Through the trials and travails of unlikely friends, Arlo the Apatosaurus and a young human boy, the answer to these questions are sought.
Krampus (Legendary)
Comedy, fantasy and horror collide in this contemporary take on the classic children's tale of the Christmas demon Krampus. Max's family dysfunction isn't new, but this year, he's had enough, just the same. The annual Christmas gathering is rife with the same sour candy canes and heated disputes as always, and Max, tired of the act, does his best to quash his own festive spirit in response. Only Max's sudden disdain for the holidays unleashes an evil of nearly unimaginable proportions, forcing him and his family to fight together as they struggle to survive.
Chi-Raq (Amazon Studios)
In Chicago's Southside, an ancient Greek play unfolds. Lysistrata – the titular character of a play written by Grecian playwright Aristophanes – and a group of women organize against the gang violence that permeates their city and their neighborhood after a child, struck by a stray bullet, dies. Together, the women create a movement that challenges what Chicago and the nation think they know about race, violence and sex.
PETS AND PET LOVERS
By Kimberly M. Aquilina
Ecotrition Snak Shak Edible Small Animal Activity Log ($8.29-11.99)
Holiday gift shopping is already in full swing in HNGN's Pets Happy Zone, and we don't forget the little guys! The Ecotrition Snak Shak Edible Small Animal Activity Log from PetSmart is the gerbil, rat and hamster version of a gingerbread house (minus the wicked witch). Sizes include small (hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats) or large (guinea pigs and rabbits). PetSmart customers – 114 of them – rated the edible habitat four-and-a-half out of five stars. Get yours shipped to your home or select free in-store pickup.
Hugs Pet Products Silicone Dog Treat Baking Pan ($12.99-15.69)
If you head to the organic fruit section at the grocery store, enjoy kamut and quinoa, and plan on feeding your children homemade baby food, why not pass some of that natural goodness to your fur-child? Making homemade dog treats is fun, easy and ensures your pup is getting a full range of nutrients. Step 1: Order the Hugs Pet Products Silicone Dog Treat Baking Pan from Amazon. Step 2: Check out some of the recipes at Gourmet Sleuth, Cesar's Way or other reputable sources while keeping in mind the list of toxic foods you should never feed your pet. Step 3: Bask in doggy kisses knowing you're probably the very best pet parent in town. The hardest part is deciding between the dog bone pan and the paw prints pan!
Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree ($14.43)
Buying a food puzzle for your cat serves a few purposes, but all your cat will care about are the treats that fall from the tree! Cats, as well as other animals, need stimulation to keep their minds and bodies healthy. Felines have a natural urge to stalk and hunt, and if those instincts aren't catered to, you could be the recipient of a sneak attack on your ankles while walking down the hallway or lying in bed. The Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree has a wide base so Fluffy can't cheat and knock the treats out and can be used at three different difficulty levels to keep things entertaining. And if Meowser needs to drop some weight or typically scarfs his food before vomiting on your dining room rug, a food puzzle is a great way to slow the feeding frenzy and avoid the call of the "disco cat" noise that means you need to get out the paper towels and rug cleaners. The food tree is usually $19.99, but is available from PetCo at a sale price of $14.43.
All Living Things Bamboo Activity Bird Perch ($8.99-11.99)
Our feathered friends are dear to us in the Pets Happy Zone, and we think they deserve some toys too - like the All Living Things Bamboo Activity Bird Perch. Perches are essential to a bird's safety and comfort by providing rest, access to food and water, a tool to clean or sharpen beaks and a play center, according to Drs. Foster and Smith. If you have multiple birds, perches are also where they go to hang out and socialize. The All Living Things Bamboo Activity Bird Perch is made of colorful shredded paper, bamboo and sisal, all of which offer your flying family member fun and entertainment. The playtime perch is available in 6-inch or 9-inch sizes from PetSmart.
FASHION & BEAUTY
By Gina Masilotti
Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette ($58)
Urban Decay is known for its gorgeous eyeshadow palettes, and its latest collaboration with Gwen Stefani, which came out just in time for the holidays, is no exception. As one of the biggest fashion and beauty icons in Hollywood, it was only a matter of time before Stefani came out with a handpicked palette so we could copy her one-of-a-kind and edgy style. The palette is made up of 15 shades, 13 of which are brand new and three of which are existing Urban Decay colors. The best part? They're each cleverly named after Stefani's songs. While the palette might have more neutrals than you'd expect it would, considering her typically bold style choices, Stefani explained to Totalbeauty.com that she only goes all-out when she has help. "I choose them because they're colors I wear," she said. "I can't really get away with [crazy colors]. I can if I have a makeup artist, photographer and lighting. But not in real life; I want to make stuff for real life." Get the palette while you can on Urbandecay.com, because it's already sold out once, and this second batch probably won't last too long.
Philosophy Snow Angel Duo ($27)
You know that magical winter moment when the first snow falls, everything is quiet and white, and there's that fresh, clean, indescribable scent in the air? Well, Philosophy has found a way to bring that perfect scent into your home so you never have to live without it. This cleansing and moisturizing Snow Angel Duo will leave your hair and skin smelling like the best part of winter all year long. "Relax and revel in the fragrance inspired by the wonder of freshly fallen snow," the description reads. "And find yourself transported, and your skin, silky soft and lightly scented." One bottle is a three-in-one shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath to cleanse from head to toe, while the other is a body lotion to nourish dry winter skin.
Birchbox Subscription ($10/month)
If you're looking for the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life that has everything, Birchbox is the answer. For just $10 a month, Birchbox will send subscribers a box filled with four to six decently sized personalized samples of top- of-the-line hair, makeup and beauty products so you can try them out without having to spend big bucks. Within each box comes a card that explains exactly what each product does and how to use it, and if you love it enough to want to buy a full-size amount, all you have to do is go to birchbox.com. For those who are never afraid to try something new or are still trying to find those staple products in their beauty regimen, Birchbox is the cheapest and most efficient way to do it. Plus, there's just something so exciting about getting that uniquely designed box in the mail each month. You never know what's going to be inside! And you may fall in love with a product you never would have tried otherwise.
DVD/BLU-RAY/STREAMING RELEASES
By Emily Morgan
DVD/Blu-ray
Ant-Man (Walt Disney Studios)
The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe came under the guise of a heist caper starring Paul Rudd as the shrinking superhero, Ant-Man.
Rudd stars as a con man, Scott Lang, who steals a special suit from Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) that can shrink a person down to ant size but give him super strength at the same time. Rudd and Pym join forces to protect the secret of the suit and plan a heist to save the world.
The film also stars Evangeline Lilly as Pym's daughter, Hope van Dyne, and Corey Stoll as Darren Cross, aka Yellow Jacket.
Special features on the Blu-ray DVD include audio commentary with director Peyton Reed and Rudd, deleted and extended scenes and the creation of the ant-sized world.
Minions (Universal Studios)
The "Despicable Me" breakout stars headline their own movie in this prequel story that finds Kevin, Stuart and Bob serving a new master.
The little yellow creatures have always served the most evil masters including T-Rex, an Egyptian pharaoh and Napoleon. In 1968, they are lacking a villainous leader until they find Scarlet Overkill, the world's first female supervillain, a Villain-Con, a convention for supervillains held in Orlando, Florida.
Special features on the Blu-ray DVD include a deleted scene, mini-movies and the Minions singing "Jingle Bells."
Fear the Walking Dead: Season 1 (Anchor Bay)
"The Walking Dead" prequel series travels back in time from the original AMC series to the onset of the zombie apocalypse.
Set in Los Angeles, the show follows high school guidance counselor Madison Clark (Kim Dickens), her boyfriend Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis), her over-achieving daughter, Alicia (Alycia Debnam-Carey), and heroin-addicted son, Nick (Frank Dillane) as they prepare for the end of civilization.
Special features on the DVD include a look at the series and character studies.
Other Movies and TV Shows Available on Blu-Ray and DVD include:
- The Transporter Refueled (20th Century Fox); Knock Knock (Lionsgate); Amy (Lionsgate); 90 Minutes in Heaven (Universal); Mistress America (20th Century Fox); Goodnight Mommy (Anchor Bay); Mississippi Grind (Lionsgate); Desert Dancer (20th Century Fox); Cooties (Lionsgate); Grace of Monaco (Anchor Bay); Lost in the Sun (Entertainment One); Momentum (Anchor Bay); Some Kind of Beautiful (Lionsgate); Walt Before Mickey (Vision Films); Yakuza Apocalypse (Entertainment One); Family Guy: Season 13 (20th Century Fox); Hannibal: Season 3 (Lionsgate); Under the Dome: Season 3 (Paramount);
Movies and TV Streaming Online
A Very Murray Christmas
Bill Murray wants nothing more than to ring in the holidays on his TV special with celebrity guests like George Clooney and Miley Cyrus. Unfortunately, a brutal snowstorm in New York City puts the show in doubt.
Murray reteams with his "Lost in Translation" director Sophia Coppola and "Scrooged" writer Mitch Glazer for the Christmas special.
Netflix will have the holiday special available for streaming on Dec. 4.
Ricki and the Flash
Meryl Streep rocks out as the struggling musician Ricki who abandoned her family to pursue her rock 'n' roll dreams. Years later, she returns home to make things right with her family and tries to find love again with her bandmate, played by Rick Springfield.
Academy Award-winner Jonathan Demme directs the film written by the Oscar-winning Diablo Cody.
iTunes has the film available for purchase.
Falling Skies: Season 5
The TNT sci-fi series wraps up after five seasons. The 2nd Mass coalition launches its final assault to bring down the Espheni and reclaim Earth.
Amazon has the fifth season available for streaming.
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.
iTunes
• Minions
• Goodnight Mommy
• Victoria
• The Second Mother
• Paternity Leave
• Ted 2
• Cooties
• Jenny's Wedding
• Halo: The Fall of Reach
• Some Kind of Beautiful
• The Look of Silence
• Grace of Monaco
• View from a Blue Moon
• Once I Was a Beehive
• Life
Amazon
• Kate and Leopold
• Top Five
• Something's Gotta Give
• Bedazzled
• Hoffa
• River of No Return
• Monkey Business
• The Details
• Falling Skies: Season 5
TECH
By John Nassivera
TomTom Spark Music + Cardio (Headphones Bundle)
TomTom is making its Spark Music + Cardio fitness watch available for anyone looking for an alternative to their phone for listening to the right workout music. Users will be able to track their activities all day, and the gadget comes with different modes, including running, biking, swimming, gym and treadmill. The device will show your heart rate, calories burned, time, distance, live stats and other important data. You can get the TomTom Spark Music + Cardio now at Amazon and other online retailers for $299.99.
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
Sony's Xperia Z5 Compact is here to provide a comfortable using experience due to its small size while keeping the same specs as the company's full-size smartphones. The device comes with a 4.6-inch screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 23-megapixel camera and fingerprint scanner. Sony also made the phone waterproof, and the battery will last throughout the day. The Xperia Z5 Compact is available now in the U.K. for £390, but it's not available in the U.S. yet.
Kensington MP230L Performance Mouse
Kensington's MP230L mouse is available now with a simple and comfortable design. The device is built to work on multiple surfaces and has a 2.4GHz wireless USB connection to provide more mobility. There are two buttons on the sides for extra navigation options. Plug & Play installation is also available for fast clicking, and the track-on-glass laser comes with a 1600 DPI high-definition sensor to provide the best control. You can get the MP230L Performance Mouse, which works with both Windows and Mac computers, at Amazon for $37.
