High Definition Discussion Thread - Blu-Ray, HDTV, etc...

[JaylisJayP]

Exactly... when both sides have barely sold 500k each, neither is exactly burning up the video sales charts.

Both formats will remain in play until HVD destroys them both with its 1440p movies. :D

yeah....can't wait to pay $20K for a TV.

[PrimeBane]

Hey, plasmas were around 20k 7 years ago... tech always comes down in price eventually. :)

[Guilty]

I'll wait for full-negative resolution videos.

[Chugga]

I still can't find the Usual Suspects or Reign of Fire anywhere. Pretty disappointing....lets hope this coming week nets me more luck.

Also on an unrelated note I was checking up on the upcoming releases and whats up with March? Blu-Ray completely skips a week in March and HD DVD basically skips the entire freakin month. They don't have a damn thing scheduled between February 27th and March 27th. Who was the brains at work when that happened? Throw them at least 1 bone a week and people are going to be tempted to buy it just because it's the ONLY thing out.

[Chugga]

I got lazy and haven't posted this in a while.....

Releases for February 20th 2007


Blu-Ray

Babel
Destiny's Child: Live in Atlanta
The Prestige
Vertical Limit

HD DVD

Babel




Pretty slow week. Babel and The Prestige are on my pickup list.

[grif32]

I thought Happy Feet was coming out in March for HD?

Chris

[grif32]

Dang, you are sold on the HD-DVD format.:D

I would have cut & run if I had the opportunity.;)

LOL yeah because PS3 and Blu Ray is selling so well right now :confused:

Now worries I will be buying a BR player very soon.

No matter if HD DVD dies in a year or two I still can watch the movies I bought in HD. Its not like the player or movies wont play anymore.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

Happy feet should be out March 27th

[grif32]

Happy feet should be out March 27th

Sweet

chris

[JaylisJayP]

I still can't find the Usual Suspects or Reign of Fire anywhere. Pretty disappointing....lets hope this coming week nets me more luck.

Also on an unrelated note I was checking up on the upcoming releases and whats up with March? Blu-Ray completely skips a week in March and HD DVD basically skips the entire freakin month. They don't have a damn thing scheduled between February 27th and March 27th. Who was the brains at work when that happened? Throw them at least 1 bone a week and people are going to be tempted to buy it just because it's the ONLY thing out.

I can't find Reign of Fire anywhere, either.

Usual Suspects I bought on Amazon. I saw it at Circuit City for 34.99 I think, and at FYE for a whopping 39.99. Pretty ******ed.

Chugga...do you prefer not to buy from Amazon? They're pretty good, imo. That's where I've gotten many of my recent discs.

[JaylisJayP]

I watched The Mummy Returns last night. I agree the picture quality is a little up and down. Pretty flat at times but spectacular at others.

Fun movie, nonetheless, glad I added it to my collection.

[grif32]

I watched The Mummy Returns last night. I agree the picture quality is a little up and down. Pretty flat at times but spectacular at others.

Fun movie, nonetheless, glad I added it to my collection.

I agree I am glad I added it to my collection as well..

Chris

[dayday6]

Fry's has Little Man & Usual Suspects on Blu-ray for $24.99.

I know I will get Little Man.

[Chugga]

I can't find Reign of Fire anywhere, either.

Usual Suspects I bought on Amazon. I saw it at Circuit City for 34.99 I think, and at FYE for a whopping 39.99. Pretty ******ed.

Chugga...do you prefer not to buy from Amazon? They're pretty good, imo. That's where I've gotten many of my recent discs.

I don't buy movies online....I either get them in person or don't get them at all. The absolute only time I'd ever buy online is if something crazy were to go on sale at a place like Circuit City (something I don't have in my area) and the sale actually applied online also. But then again I'd probably just take the hour or so drive to go to a circuit city instead....so yeah I guess I'd never buy online.

[JaylisJayP]

How come?

[Chugga]

Lack of self control. If I had the entire world wide web at my disposal to find movies I'd go crazy....fringe titles that had even the slightest stupid 5% off I'd be like "what a deal". It's why my stint as a worker at Gamestop failed so miserably. They give you 20% off and immediately it was like "hey wait if I buy 5 games I'm going to get my 6th game free". So instead of buying 1 game here and there I bought 5 games here and there to reap the benefits of my % off. I'm a sucker for a deal, but luckily around here we don't actually get all of the titles in, and when we do get them in they certainly don't have deals. Hell I bought that piece of crap "Into the Blue" and the less then impressive "Click" just because there was a buy 1 get 1 free sale.

I mean I'm so bad that if I walked into Walmart tomorrow and saw The Covenant for $15.99 I'd be like "hmm wait a minute....I probably like this movie...wait, of course I like this movie, it's probably my favorite movie of all time I just haven't watched it yet...and look theres a sweet deal on it, I should buy it...I mean it would be a crime if I didn't buy it." How do you think I have "Stealth" in my collection, because of targets damn $15 deal and something in the back of my head saying "wow awesome deal, buy it"....but my common sense never speaks up, it's like he's off on spring break whenever I see a deal.

So you see if I have those absolutely horrible tendencies in real life what will I do in the biggest market on the web. I buy what I see and I leave it at that. Look at it this way, the week of February 13th I bought one movie because it was the only movie I actually liked that I came across. With the internet at my disposal and all those sweet amazon deals I likely would have picked up I'm going to say 5-6 movies online.

[JaylisJayP]

Lack of self control. If I had the entire world wide web at my disposal to find movies I'd go crazy....fringe titles that had even the slightest stupid 5% off I'd be like "what a deal". It's why my stint as a worker at Gamestop failed so miserably. They give you 20% off and immediately it was like "hey wait if I buy 5 games I'm going to get my 6th game free". So instead of buying 1 game here and there I bought 5 games here and there to reap the benefits of my % off. I'm a sucker for a deal, but luckily around here we don't actually get all of the titles in, and when we do get them in they certainly don't have deals. Hell I bought that piece of crap "Into the Blue" and the less then impressive "Click" just because there was a buy 1 get 1 free sale.

I mean I'm so bad that if I walked into Walmart tomorrow and saw The Covenant for $15.99 I'd be like "hmm wait a minute....I probably like this movie...wait, of course I like this movie, it's probably my favorite movie of all time I just haven't watched it yet...and look theres a sweet deal on it, I should buy it...I mean it would be a crime if I didn't buy it." How do you think I have "Stealth" in my collection, because of targets damn $15 deal and something in the back of my head saying "wow awesome deal, buy it"....but my common sense never speaks up, it's like he's off on spring break whenever I see a deal.

So you see if I have those absolutely horrible tendencies in real life what will I do in the biggest market on the web. I buy what I see and I leave it at that. Look at it this way, the week of February 13th I bought one movie because it was the only movie I actually liked that I came across. With the internet at my disposal and all those sweet amazon deals I likely would have picked up I'm going to say 5-6 movies online.

I see so much of myself in this explanation. It goes back and forth from sportspicks to video games to movies, but there's always something I "need" to add to one of my collections. I also collect airline bottles of alcohol...so everytime we have a party or something and I got to a liquor store, I think to myself "well it won't hurt anybody to pick up 10 more little bottles."

[HollandX]

Thats what high def companies are trying to do they are trying to fill up those displays and look dominant when in reality more then half the titles are crap.

You just can't take everything for face value here...everyone is fighting for position in every way they can. These crap HD releases are no different, just space fillers.


lol which are the crap titles?

i want to make sure i don't buy them!

[PrimeBane]

Just take a look at the last few Tuesdays of BD releases and many of the older BD and HD DVD releases... there's a few gems, but it's mostly junk. Hell, just about anything left on the racks theses days is the filler crap no one wants.

[HollandX]

oh you mean crappy movies... i thought he meant crappy PQ

[PrimeBane]

Well, there are crappy PQ movies out there as well... generally the earliest releases.

[Chugga]

I see so much of myself in this explanation. It goes back and forth from sportspicks to video games to movies, but there's always something I "need" to add to one of my collections. I also collect airline bottles of alcohol...so everytime we have a party or something and I got to a liquor store, I think to myself "well it won't hurt anybody to pick up 10 more little bottles."

Yeah thats basically how I am with sportspicks and movies....I used to collect shoes but I saw the stupidity in just after amassing a collection of 100 of them. There were certain pairs I didn't even bother wearing because I didn't want to scuff them up. Imagine paying $150 for a pair of Jordans only to refuse to wear them because a puddle might screw over their awesomeness. Right now I just set limits on myself. When it comes to shoes I simply don't buy them anymore....I've got plenty to choose from on any given day, new ones aren't needed. With sportspicks I only collect NFL figures, no errors (yeah I used to do that crap too), just regulars, chases, and suprises. And with movies I simply can't shop online. With all those checks and balances I don't find myself making nearly as many bad decisions anymore.

In unrelated news I found The Prestige at Walmart today for $24.99 and Babel at Best Buy for $29.99. I'm still kinda pissed over Walmart not having Babel but what can you do.

[dayday6]

I picked up Little Man at Fry's today $24.99.

[PrimeBane]

Has anyone seen Babel? Is it any good?

$29.99 Us... ouch... it's listed at $29.99 CDN at one store here. :(

[Chugga]

lol which are the crap titles?

i want to make sure i don't buy them!

I didn't necessarily mean picture quality, I meant more just crappy movies. Studios are just releasing anything like they are darts and just hoping they hit any sort of target. Thats not to say my definition of a bad movie is another persons definition....hell I'm sure The Covenant has plenty of fans and movie-goers who went out to pick up it's BD release. But in my opinion that movie is a space filler. Much like alot of the catalog titles that we are being fed that weren't popular in the late 80s/early 90s and certainly aren't popular in 2007. But they help make the shelves look a little more full and diverse and thats always a really good thing.

[Chugga]

Has anyone seen Babel? Is it any good?

$29.99 Us... ouch... it's listed at $29.99 CDN at one store here. :(

I've never seen it before.....but I like movies like Babel. I'm a huge fan of the whole 4-5 storylines with nothing to do with each other all of a sudden depending on each other.

From that alone I was going to buy it, then I heard it was alot like "Crash" (a movie I'm a huge fan of) but better....so I was sold.

[JaylisJayP]

I'm going to rent Babel first I think.

I'm also watching Reign of Fire on DVD right now as a rental. It's decent, not sure I'd want to buy it unless it really picks up in the last hour.

[PrimeBane]

The ending is kinda cool (certainly no surprises)... it's a good popcorn movie IMO, especially if you like dragons. :)

[PrimeBane]

For HD DVD owners

Bestbuy sale


February 25th through March 5th

Batman Begins: $24.99
Van Helsing: $24.99
Serenity: $29.99
Babel: $29.99
You, Me & Dupree: 29.99
REDS: 25th Anniversary Edition: $29.99
Poseidon: $29.99
Superman Returns: $29.99
Nine Inch Nails: Beside You In Time: $16.99 Online Only

Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD/DVD Player: $499.99*

*Get 4 Free HD-DVD Movies instantly when you purchase the Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player // Must be purchased on the same receipt

Save $20 when you purchase any 3 HD-DVD titles // Save $10 when you purchase any 2 HD-DVD titles // Must be purchased on the same receipt

[Preditor74]

Thats not a bad deal and I may take advantage of that for their $24.99 titles. Basically $55 for three movies or $18.33 a disc...which is about a dollar more than Amazon.

In other related news...

In a pair of Blu-ray firsts for Disney, the studio will unleash their premiere two-disc and BD-Java-enhanced titles when it brings the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films to the format this spring.

(http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/Disney/Pixar/Disney_Sets_Pirates,_Cars_Blu-ray_Dates/448)
As first announced late last month (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disc_Announcements/Disney/Pixar/Disney_Sets_Pirates,_Cars_Blu-ray_Dates/448), the studio is set to debut 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/piratesofthecaribbeancurse.html)' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/piratesofthecaribbeandeadmanschest.html)' on Blu-ray on May 22, just in time for the theatrical premiere of the third film in the series, 'At World's End.'
http://ads.highdefdigest.com/adlog.php?bannerid=28&clientid=4&zoneid=7&source=&block=0&capping=0&cb=43a307fa00153f769f02eadeb7cf6e96
http://ads.highdefdigest.com/adview.php?what=zone:7&n=ab77dd6a (http://ads.highdefdigest.com/adclick.php?n=ab77dd6a)
With expectations high for both releases to be a "trojan horse" for Blu-ray -- meaning the kind of huge A-list titles that will entice new consumers to finally dive into the format -- Disney appears to be pulling out all the stops to ensure that fans will not be disappointed.

Each title will be a "75GB" release, aka a BD-50 dual-layer disc for the movie, and an extra BD-25 single-layer disc with additional extras.
Tech specs include the usual 1080p video transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks. Extras will replicate the existing, feature-packed standard-def DVD versions.

And exclusive to the Blu-ray releases will be two BD-Java bonuses. 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' will include "Scoundrels of the Sea," an interactive in-movie feature that presents facts on-screen about the legends and lore of pirates. 'Dead Man's Chest' will include an "exciting" new Java feature called "Liar's Dice," a single-player game shot in live-action HD video.



Theres rumor of a $500 Bluray player coming...if that happens I will have to jump. Although a PS3 still sounds enticing just because I could play a bunch of PS2 games (never had a PS2) that I wanted to play plus all my old PS1 games.

Either way I will probably have one or the other by May :D

[PrimeBane]

Isn't the PS3 20GB already at or around hte $500 mark?

When BD players go below $400 I'll bite the bullet.

[grif32]

For HD DVD owners

Bestbuy sale

You get a better deal buying he HD A2 on amazon and buy 4 movies and you are still getting a better buy.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

Digital Video Essentials has been pushed back AGAIN :(

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DVD_International/Disc_Announcements/Digital_Video_Essentials_Delayed..._Again/484

[Chugga]

In news that likely dwarves mostly everything we've said in the last 10 pages.....Dirty Dancing has been announced for Blu-Ray. And yes for all of you sitting on the fence at home it's an exclusive.

Nobody puts Blu-Ray in the corner

[JaylisJayP]

In news that likely dwarves mostly everything we've said in the last 10 pages.....Dirty Dancing has been announced for Blu-Ray. And yes for all of you sitting on the fence at home it's an exclusive.

Nobody puts Blu-Ray in the corner

Nice...

[HollandX]

Nobody puts Blu-Ray in the corner


LMAO

[Chugga]

Well good news is Dreamworks is finally going to do something.

I'm not huge on that studio but theres definately a few movies I'd pick up. Defnately Deep Impact, War of the Worlds, Gladiator, Anchorman, Saving Private Ryan, Old School....thats about all I can think of that they make.

They are owned by Paramount....so you can put 2 + 2 together on the whole format neutrality thing.

[PrimeBane]

Don't forget Shrek :D

[PrimeBane]

Finally a small Warner release

Scanner Darkly and Dog Day Afternoon on both formats
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Warner_Brings_Scanner_Darkly,_Dog_Day_Afternoon_to_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD/486

[PrimeBane]

So the Academy Awards are this Sunday... is it safe to speculate that there could be some big HD announcements after?

Back to Dreamworks, I didn't realize that Paramount owned them... someone needs to give Paramount a kick in the butt to release more HD content.

[Preditor74]

Isn't the PS3 20GB already at or around hte $500 mark?

When BD players go below $400 I'll bite the bullet.

Yeah but the 20gb is darn near impossible to find. Also if given the choice, Id probably go for the 60GB anyways just for the Wifi alone.

The thing that is keeping me on the fence between a stand alone and a PS3 is the upconversion of SD-DVDs. Everyone keeps saying that the March 23rd update for the PS3 will include upconversion...and if thats the case...a PS3 will be mine. But if it continues to be overlooked...I may wait for a good standalone.

[JaylisJayP]

Well, everyone I've asked who's seen The Prestige said it was "OK" or "decent"....I saw it today for 29.99 at Sears but can't bring myself to blind buy a movie for that much money without a massive ringing endorsement behind it.

[civictyperboy]

I just finished watching the prestige, pretty good movie and it stayed around 30mbps for video throughout, pretty slow movie though through the first 30 or so minutes but pretty much picked up after that, it is a movie I am going to watch again though...

[freezerfuel]

No not all Walmarts are like that....all 4 of my Walmarts carry both formats but tend to endorse just 1 of them. The Walmart I go to the most (super walmart) has about 12 Blu-Ray movies (not a lack of movies just they get in 1 shipment and with the great prices they sell out real quick and then never restock) and about 4 HD-DVD movies. They never get ANY new HD-DVD movies in unless it's a huge release....they got in King Kong, Superman, and now The Departed but anything outside of that and they don't carry it. All my other 3 Walmarts are alot more of the same thing. If I had to say it I honestly believe Walmart is at least partially biased.

As for selling my original DVD collection I haven't done that yet. Right now I'm just replacing 1 by 1 (on titles I deem worthy of replacing). I picked up Crash on Blu-Ray and the next day traded in Crash on DVD at Gamestop...same for a few more titles like Pearl Harbor, Lethal Weapon, etc. And no I haven't looked back or regretted it one bit...I'm kinda hooked on the whole HD era, my TV is finally living up to it's expectations and I love it.


Makes sense, I doubt anyone would sell them all so early in the game, and if they did I doubt they would admit it.

In other useless news I asked a salesman at Best Buy which format is selling better and he said both are about the same. He also said customers shouldn't think of this so called war as one being an eventual winner and one as a loser, but both formats will co-exist together. Personally I don't see that happening but you never know.

[JaylisJayP]

Makes sense, I doubt anyone would sell them all so early in the game, and if they did I doubt they would admit it.

In other useless news I asked a salesman at Best Buy which format is selling better and he said both are about the same. He also said customers shouldn't think of this so called war as one being an eventual winner and one as a loser, but both formats will co-exist together. Personally I don't see that happening but you never know.

They could exist together, you never know....sounds eerily like a best buy employee somewhat knew what he was talking about for once.

[JaylisJayP]

OK, I finished up Reign of Fire last night and found it to be an incredible dud of a movie. No focus, decent acting....horrible execution of a decent concept. And I usually love movies like this.

I have no inclination to ever watch this movie again, and am glad I rented it. My advice to those who are thinking of blind buying this for 25-30 bucks on blu-ray...absolutely rent it first.

[PrimeBane]

In other useless news I asked a salesman at Best Buy which format is selling better and he said both are about the same. He also said customers shouldn't think of this so called war as one being an eventual winner and one as a loser, but both formats will co-exist together. Personally I don't see that happening but you never know.

That seems to be the response I hear more and more... but it is dependant on the store and area. Perhaps it's to keep both sides happy.

But I do agree... the same titles in both formats released at the same time seem to sell equally well. Until one format WAY outsells the other with the same movie on the same release date both will continue to exist.

[JaylisJayP]

Heads up for Blu-Ray owners...give this a try. Babel for $5 dlvd.

Might not go through, but I bought one and got an order #, so who knows. You can access it through their main page, so if anything it's an error, not a scam.

http://www.gameznflix.com/default.a...ail&id=11591385

[Chugga]

Watched "The Departed" last night. Pretty solid movie....one of my favorite Blu-Ray purchases to date. It's one of those movies where you could honestly care less about picture/sound quality because the story is so great, then the pq/sq turn out the to be amazing anyways so it's just one huge bonus.

But anyways I got to thinking we should do somewhat of a Spawn list in this thread, kinda like Avsforum but a little more formal and loose to ratings. I'd like to hear what everyones "must buy" movies are for their respective format...something like the top 5. This isn't about what movie shows off the most facial hair or who can see pores in their lead characters faces from 15 feet away. This is about the total package....what movie delivers story, acting, picture quality, sound quality, everything.

[PrimeBane]

Good idea Chugga :)

It might be wise to post HT gear as well.

tv: Panasonic TH42PX60U plasma tv (42")
player: XBox 360 w/ HD DVD addon
connection: component
receiver: none at this time
speakers: none at this time

My top 5 HD DVD must owns as of Feb 23, 2003
1. Batman Begins
2. The Departed
3. V for Vendetta
4. Serenity
5. King Kong (until I find a better movie to replace it with)

[Chugga]

Yeah I'm always walking through Best Buy wondering if theres a good movie out there I haven't seen yet but I never really know whats good and whats not. So maybe I'm missing something thats in someone elses top 5

[meatgoat]

I only own maybe 5 HD movies total but here's my list anyways.

TV: Samsung 56" DLP 5687W I think
HD sources: XBox 360 w/ HD DVD add on and a PS3
Connection: component on the 360, HDMI on the PS3
Receiver: B&K Reference 30
Amp: B&K 5x200
Speakers: B&W Nautilus 805's with matching center and Definitive Tech bipolar surrounds

My top 5 HD DVD/Blu Ray must owns as of Feb 23, 2007

1. Batman Begins
2. Serenity
3. X-men 3
4. Superman Returns
5. King Kong

[Chugga]

TV: Samsung HL-S7178W
Player: Playstation 3
Connection: HDMI
Receiver: Yamaha HTR-6090
Speakers: Yamaha NS-777, NS-333, NS-C444, YS-something

My top 5 Blu-Ray must owns as of Feb 23, 2003
1. The Departed
2. Memento
3. The Guardian
4. Monster House
5. Crank

Honorable Mentions: Kingdom of Heaven, Training Day

[JaylisJayP]

But anyways I got to thinking we should do somewhat of a Spawn list in this thread, kinda like Avsforum but a little more formal and loose to ratings. I'd like to hear what everyones "must buy" movies are for their respective format...something like the top 5. This isn't about what movie shows off the most facial hair or who can see pores in their lead characters faces from 15 feet away. This is about the total package....what movie delivers story, acting, picture quality, sound quality, everything.

This is a great idea.

I can ammend the 1st post to include everyone's listings or do a general consensus list of the top ones so it can be in the same place for everyone to view....or we can do full rankings of either format. What do you all think?

[JaylisJayP]

Saw The Italian Job HD DVD finally. Lousy transfer, not a great movie, crappy acting. I'd avoid buying it.

[Chugga]

I wouldn't write the list up just yet....I haven't seen the Prestige or Babel and I honestly believe they both have very strong shots at cracking my top 5. The guardian is really only there because it was a suprise title. I picked up a movie with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher on the cover....to put it nicely my expectations were about as low as they could possibly be. But the story from the movie was actually really really good and the HD scenes of the ocean and it's fury were pretty impressive.

[HollandX]

player: XBox 350 w/ HD DVD addon

damn canadian conversions, eh?

[Chugga]

hahahah yeah no kidding he probably should have listed his favorite 4.5 movies.

[PrimeBane]

It's a Chinese knockoff... is it my fault you guys paid full price for the 360? :p

[grif32]

Saw The Italian Job HD DVD finally. Lousy transfer, not a great movie, crappy acting. I'd avoid buying it.

Didnt see it in HD but its a great movie. Plus Mrs Theron (sp?) was HOT :eek:

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Didnt see it in HD but its a great movie. Plus Mrs Theron (sp?) was HOT :eek:

Chris

Yeah, Theron is Theron, but I just kinda felt it was missing something big. It was entertaining, but I wouldn't want to own it.

tv: Toshiba 62" DLP
player: XBox 360 w/ HD DVD addon, PS3
connection: component, HDMI
receiver: Onkyo
speakers: Polk 5.1 surround sound


My Top movies:

HD DVD

1. Sahara
2. Running Scared - German Import
3. Four Brothers
4. V for Vendetta
5. Batman Begins

Blu Ray

1. Crank
2. The Departed
3. The Guardian
4. X-Men 3
5. Kingdom of Heaven

[JaylisJayP]

Chugga, is Memento a strong PQ movie?

[supertim]

TV: Sony 32" WEGA 720p/1080i
Player: XBOX 360 HD-DVD Add-On
Connection: Component
Receiver: Yamaha
Speakers: Yamaha YSP-800 w/Definitive Technology down-firing subwoofer

Top 5 Must Own HD-DVDs as of 2/23/2007

1. Superman Returns
2. The Departed
3. V For Vendetta
4. Mission Impossible Trilogy
5. Batman Begins

Honorable Mention: Sahara (entertaining buddy movie, outstanding HD transfer)

[JaylisJayP]

I forgot about Sahara....man the top 5 is tought, i might have to split it up into top 5 of each format.

[Chugga]

Chugga, is Memento a strong PQ movie?

I'd say PQ at it's best is easily high/mid tier 1 and at it's worse is high end tier 2. The movie goes up and down a bit in terms of PQ...theres some brightly lit scenes outside of the main characters hotel room or even in his hotel room that just look amazing. when the movie gets darker and it is on occassion a dark movie it goes a little soft...the main thing the movie has going for it is it's amazing contrast and when you suck the light out of it, not all that impressive. It's hard for me to give it a nice picture rating after watching Crank, The Departed, The Guardian, etc....you gotta look at Memento from where it came from. It was for the most part a Blu-Ray launch window title, it was out all the way back in August...at the time it was one of the "oh my god blu-ray can actually compete" movies. Now with the whole been there done that attitude it's certainly not up to par. But thats not to say it's still holding on like a champ to a tier 1 rating.

But with that being said Memento didn't make my top 5 for anything even relating to picture/audio quality. It's all about the story....it's a movie that I saw first on blu-ray (never watched it on tv, or dvd) and I was pleasently suprised with how good it was. I think I'm being a little harsh on the PQ but it's been well over a month since I actually saw it so the memory is a little hazy and last thing I want to do is say "awesome PQ" then have it be subpar when you buy it.

[JaylisJayP]

I'd say PQ at it's best is easily high/mid tier 1 and at it's worse is high end tier 2. The movie goes up and down a bit in terms of PQ...theres some brightly lit scenes outside of the main characters hotel room or even in his hotel room that just look amazing. when the movie gets darker and it is on occassion a dark movie it goes a little soft...the main thing the movie has going for it is it's amazing contrast and when you suck the light out of it, not all that impressive. It's hard for me to give it a nice picture rating after watching Crank, The Departed, The Guardian, etc....you gotta look at Memento from where it came from. It was for the most part a Blu-Ray launch window title, it was out all the way back in August...at the time it was one of the "oh my god blu-ray can actually compete" movies. Now with the whole been there done that attitude it's certainly not up to par. But thats not to say it's still holding on like a champ to a tier 1 rating.

But with that being said Memento didn't make my top 5 for anything even relating to picture/audio quality. It's all about the story....it's a movie that I saw first on blu-ray (never watched it on tv, or dvd) and I was pleasently suprised with how good it was. I think I'm being a little harsh on the PQ but it's been well over a month since I actually saw it so the memory is a little hazy and last thing I want to do is say "awesome PQ" then have it be subpar when you buy it.

yeah it's a great movie. I owned it on DVD and have seen it at least 3 or 4 times. Might be one I pick up just because I haven't seen it in a while.

[grif32]

Saw The Italian Job HD DVD finally. Lousy transfer, not a great movie, crappy acting. I'd avoid buying it.

Forgto to ask. Did you see spiderman in the movie? People laugh and think I am crazy but spiderman shows up in this movie for a brief moment.

I had to rewind and pause it for my GF because she thought I lost my mind. Pretty funny

chris

[JaylisJayP]

Forgto to ask. Did you see spiderman in the movie? People laugh and think I am crazy but spiderman shows up in this movie for a brief moment.

I had to rewind and pause it for my GF because she thought I lost my mind. Pretty funny

chris

I don't remember seeing him. Maybe if I went into it looking for him I would've.

[grif32]

I don't remember seeing him. Maybe if I went into it looking for him I would've.

Thats the funny thing I dont think anyone went into the movie looking for him, he just appeared.

I was shocked when i noticed him. Too funny

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Heading out to Best Buy right now. I guess they have a deal going on.

Buy 2 HD DVD or Blu-Ray movies, save 10 bucks, buy 3 and save $20. Basically brings everything down to a little below Amazon prices....we'll see what they have. I think I want to pick up at least Fear and Loathing.

[JaylisJayP]

Picked up 3 flicks at Best Buy today for an amazing deal. After their deal and a $25 gift card I got there for buying an iPod open box (same warranty, return policy), I ended up with Fear and Loathing HD DVD, Tears of the Sun Blu-Ray and The Guardian Blu-Ray (on Chugga's recommendation, of course) for $35 bucks.

[Chugga]

DON'T READ THE DVD CASE OF THE GUARDIAN. Entire movie is given away on the back....just don't read it. After you've finished the movie then you can read it and laugh at how idiotic the people who made the packaging art are.

[civictyperboy]

Ha Alternate ending...that was funny

[JaylisJayP]

Well, my wife and I watched The Guardian last night after the Oscars and absolutely loved it. So much so that I'm adding it to my Top 5 blu-ray movies for overall experience. Awesome PQ, very engaging story, pretty good acting, but I just liked the overall feel of the movie.

Chugga, not sure what gives it away on the back of the case, though.

[freezerfuel]

Edit sorry fellas, wrong thread. Losing my marbles. :D

Thanks JaylisJayP.

[JaylisJayP]

Been on a DVD binge the last couple weeks, getting the one's that have been missing from my collection for far too long. Some quick reviews...

Ghost Ship 7/10

Universal Soldier - Man, was it always this bad? I remembered it being a little better at least. Lundgren puts in a good performance but good god does Van Damn suck in this movie. I think the only movie he made I like is Hard Target and even that isn't too great. 5/10

Reservoir Dogs - Replaced my older version with the new gascan version with DTS. Awesome, what else can I say. And I love the new tin case and matchbook DVD holder. 9.5/10

You have the wrong thread, friend...there is a thread to talk about the recent movies you've seen by Lord Narf, this thread is about HD DVD or Blu-Ray movies.

[Smbdyfnkillme]

Speaking of Reservoir Dogs, why does this movie have "classic" status? I watched it this weekend on Blu-Ray and it was okay. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't see anything special that would make me watch it over and over. It's not even a movie that you think about after it ends (except for wondering if Mr. Pink actually escapes). It seemed very paint by numbers to me. 6/10

[JaylisJayP]

Speaking of Reservoir Dogs, why does this movie have "classic" status? I watched it this weekend on Blu-Ray and it was okay. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't see anything special that would make me watch it over and over. It's not even a movie that you think about after it ends (except for wondering if Mr. Pink actually escapes). It seemed very paint by numbers to me. 6/10

Some people would call it a classic. I think it's good and unique, and I really like all the characters and the acting. Not a perfect movie by any means, though. I'd go more with an 8/10.

[HollandX]

it's just a movie you have to see before you receive your man card. it's tarantino's first. just a movie you gotta keep in your vault.

[Chugga]

Well, my wife and I watched The Guardian last night after the Oscars and absolutely loved it. So much so that I'm adding it to my Top 5 blu-ray movies for overall experience. Awesome PQ, very engaging story, pretty good acting, but I just liked the overall feel of the movie.

Chugga, not sure what gives it away on the back of the case, though.

Glad you liked it...I was a huge fan of the movie. Like I was saying my expectations were so low that the movie just absolutely blew me away.

As for the back cover look for the features portion of the back cover. It should say all the tech specs, making of, deleted scenes, etc etc. Then all of a sudden is says "Alternate Ending - ***** *******". If I replace those asteriks with what it actually says the entire movie is ruined.

[supertim]

Heading out to Best Buy right now. I guess they have a deal going on.

Buy 2 HD DVD or Blu-Ray movies, save 10 bucks, buy 3 and save $20. Basically brings everything down to a little below Amazon prices....we'll see what they have. I think I want to pick up at least Fear and Loathing.


Is that sale still going on? I hope it is...:(

[supertim]

How are these (PQ/SQ or Movie Itself) on HD-DVD?

Constantine
Eagles Live from Melbourne
Lucky Number Slevin
Mummy/Mummy Returns
T3
Will Wonka (original)

Haven't seen Slevin, but it looks interesting.


Thanks for the help:)

[Xx-SportsFanatic-xX]

Here is my story,

So I went to Best Buy this weekend to buy the movie "The Departed" which was sold out on regular DVD so I walked over to the XBOX 360 section to see if they had Crackdown in, also sold out. So I looked around and saw the HD-DVD player attachment for the 360 and convinced myself I needed it. So I picked up a copy of The Departed on HD-DVD also. The HD-DVD player came with a copy of King Kong.

Long story short, I went home and hooked up the HD-DVD player and popped in King Kong to see the difference. WOW!!!! I wound up watching the whole movie. No lie HD-DVDs are amazing. I have a 61in Samsung 1080p TV. Anyways thought I would share my story. Here is a old pic of my TV pre HD-DVD player

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/truecollector/Picture012.jpg

[supertim]

Nice setup, bro:)

[PrimeBane]

Very nice... Those HD DVDs must look pretty damn sweet on that tv. :)

Which reminds me, I really need to take some pics of mine one of these nights.

[Xx-SportsFanatic-xX]

Very nice... Those HD DVDs must look pretty damn sweet on that tv. :)

Which reminds me, I really need to take some pics of mine one of these nights.

Thanks guys, I bought it for sports and gaming but now it looks like I am going to be re-watching a lot of movies. I am going to Best Buy after work today to pick up a few more movies. This thread is great!!! I got a lot of info on HD movies from it.

[HollandX]

how far do you sit from your 61" tv?

i'm going to be sitting about 8 feet from my new tv and can't figure out if i should get the 56" or 61"....

[grif32]

Thanks guys, I bought it for sports and gaming but now it looks like I am going to be re-watching a lot of movies. I am going to Best Buy after work today to pick up a few more movies. This thread is great!!! I got a lot of info on HD movies from it.

Wish I knew you were looking to get the HD addon would have sold you mine for a great price. Getting the toshiba a2 or even the a20 soon and wont need the add-on anymore.

Sweet set-up and enjoy HD

Chris

[grif32]

How are these (PQ/SQ or Movie Itself) on HD-DVD?

Constantine
Eagles Live from Melbourne
Lucky Number Slevin
Mummy/Mummy Returns
T3
Will Wonka (original)

Haven't seen Slevin, but it looks interesting.


Thanks for the help:)

Only seen Mummy Returns on that list. The beg of Mummy Returns sucks as far as PQ but the 2nd half of the movie will blow you away. I have t3 but havent watched it yet.

Chris

[imaginegrafix]

Picked up the HD-DVD addon for the 360 a few weeks ago - amazin is all I can say, inspired me to upgrade my dish to HD and now I'm finding it hard to watch anything in SD....... Great thread going here - wish I would have noticed it sooner!

[JaylisJayP]

Is that sale still going on? I hope it is...:(

yes, it's all week.

[JaylisJayP]

How are these (PQ/SQ or Movie Itself) on HD-DVD?

Constantine -- Quite good PQ, pretty sharp, not the best ever, though.
Eagles Live from Melbourne -- Haven't seen it
Lucky Number Slevin -- Good, crisp picture, colorful, upper tier (decent movie, but not one of my favorites)
Mummy/Mummy Returns -- Both about the same, great at times, flat at times
T3
Will Wonka (original)

Haven't seen Slevin, but it looks interesting.


Thanks for the help:)

answers above

[JaylisJayP]

Thanks guys, I bought it for sports and gaming but now it looks like I am going to be re-watching a lot of movies. I am going to Best Buy after work today to pick up a few more movies. This thread is great!!! I got a lot of info on HD movies from it.

It's a whole different world from DVDs, isn't it?

[JaylisJayP]

how far do you sit from your 61" tv?

i'm going to be sitting about 8 feet from my new tv and can't figure out if i should get the 56" or 61"....

I sit about 10 feet away from my 62" TV....and it still feels like I'm too close.

[imaginegrafix]

Picked up a few movies from Best Buy tonight (Thanks to this thread for the info on the sale):
Aeon Flux
Lucky Slevin
MI3

Is Aeon Flux any good? Was looking for a 3rd movie to grab for the sale and wanted something I hadn't seen before.....

[JaylisJayP]

Glad you liked it...I was a huge fan of the movie. Like I was saying my expectations were so low that the movie just absolutely blew me away.

As for the back cover look for the features portion of the back cover. It should say all the tech specs, making of, deleted scenes, etc etc. Then all of a sudden is says "Alternate Ending - ***** *******". If I replace those asteriks with what it actually says the entire movie is ruined.

OK, yeah I just read that part on the case. That is pretty funny.

[JaylisJayP]

Picked up a few movies from Best Buy tonight (Thanks to this thread for the info on the sale):
Aeon Flux
Lucky Slevin
MI3

Is Aeon Flux any good? Was looking for a 3rd movie to grab for the sale and wanted something I hadn't seen before.....

Not sure about the movie itself, but I've heard the picture quality is up there with the best of them.

[Chugga]

Ok I was completely and horribly wrong about Babel possibly taking a spot in my top 5. The picture while impressive was grainy as all hell. Colors were great, details were amazing but when it comes to grain I've got catalog titles from the 80's that have less grain then Babel. But it's not all about PQ for me....with that being said I don't know the movie just didn't mesh for me. I think this is one of those times that I went into a movie with expectations through the roof and when the movie was finished it didn't even come close.

******SPOILERS*******

I mean one of the storylines in the movie doesn't even make sense what-so-ever in the grand picture. One of the 5 or 6 stories they follow is of a mute/deaf Japanese teenager who wants to lose her virginity. The main storyline deals with how 1 bullet can change the course of many peoples lives. She has absolutely nothing to do with the bullet or anything really that the movie covered. She just sat there and would randomly take her clothes off. Theres an entire freakin storyline based around this just weird teenage girl who spends 75% of the movie naked and then at the very last minute before the film ends they are like "oh she's related to the bullet like this"....it was basically like they hired her to get naked every once and a while to keep peoples attention and then all of a sudden was like "oh man theres just a naked chick in our movie that really isn't doing anything, lets make her relative have a part in this tragedy and we can justify her flashing her bush like a dozen times."

The mexican storyline is just as bad....a person who sacrifices herself daily for her employer, seemingly makes all the right decisions all of a sudden decides to hop into a car with a drunk driver in an effort to cross into united states borders illegally....oh and thats not it, she then leaves two 5-6 year old kids in the desert to fend for themselves in an effort to "help them".

Sure 1 bullet may change many peoples lives but good god at least make their lives change in ways that could actually happen....all of the characters being struck ******ed the minute this bullet hits isn't very realistic.

[PrimeBane]

Glad I didn't buy Babel... but now there's a pretty significant HD DVD dry spell until March 27th. :(

As for Aeon Flux, it ok if you like sci-fi. Definately a great looking movie.

[Preditor74]

Sony just announced a $600 BluRay player that will feautre all the features from the $1,000 model as well as the ability to play CDs. The player will be available early summer.

[dayday6]

Sony just announced a $600 BluRay player that will feautre all the features from the $1,000 model as well as the ability to play CDs. The player will be available early summer.


Even at that price the PS3 seems a better deal than a stand alone player.

[grif32]

Even at that price the PS3 seems a better deal than a stand alone player.

I agree. Wonder why sony is coming out with this so soon.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

Probably because not everyone wants a PS3 at their BD player.

The plus I see with the standalone player is there could actually be some decent sales on it in time... if I can pick one up for $400ish (most likely when they blow the model out), I'll be ALL over it.

[HollandX]

Probably because not everyone wants a PS3 at their BD player.


lol if my parents wanted a bd player, they aren't going to buy a ps3.

[grif32]

Probably because not everyone wants a PS3 at their BD player.

The plus I see with the standalone player is there could actually be some decent sales on it in time... if I can pick one up for $400ish (most likely when they blow the model out), I'll be ALL over it.

I agree but why Sony? I can see another company making a cheap Blu Ray but I thought that was what the Ps3 was for?

Chris

[grif32]

Probably because not everyone wants a PS3 at their BD player.

The plus I see with the standalone player is there could actually be some decent sales on it in time... if I can pick one up for $400ish (most likely when they blow the model out), I'll be ALL over it.

You will see Toshiba units drop as well. A20 is coming out soon and maybe it will drop in price. The A2 can be found for $365 or even lower.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

It's been rumored tha the A2 or similar player will be $250 or $200 by Christmas...

[grif32]

It's been rumored tha the A2 or similar player will be $250 or $200 by Christmas...

Yeah I hear the samething. That would be a killer price for people wanting to get in the HD war.

chris

[Chugga]

Releases for February 27th 2007



Blu-Ray

Bullitt
The Getaway (1972)
Nine Inch Nails Live
Stranger than Fiction

HD DVD

Bullitt
The Getaway (1972)
Nine Inch Nails Live





Another slow week....I picked up Stranger than Fiction and called it a day.

[JaylisJayP]

I won't be buying any of those....no matter anyway since I bought like 5 movies last week. My wallet needs a week off.

[civictyperboy]

No movies for me as well until the 13th, when Casino Royale shows up

[civictyperboy]

No movies for me as well until the 13th, when Casino Royale shows up

[JaylisJayP]

yeah I'll definitely be getting that one, too. Probably through Amazon.com.

[Chugga]

The 13th and 20th are big weeks for me so I went slow this week and only bought 1. The 13th I could definately see myself picking up 3 movies and the 20th I probably wouldn't be overshooting if I said theres a possibility that I get 4 movies on that day.

Within that 2 week period there are just a ton of movies that I really really like. Big Fish headlining that tour of impressive movies.

Luckily April seems to be pretty slow....alot of movies are coming out but nothing I'm too thrilled about.

[JaylisJayP]

The 13th and 20th are big weeks for me so I went slow this week and only bought 1. The 13th I could definately see myself picking up 3 movies and the 20th I probably wouldn't be overshooting if I said theres a possibility that I get 4 movies on that day.

Within that 2 week period there are just a ton of movies that I really really like. Big Fish headlining that tour of impressive movies.

Luckily April seems to be pretty slow....alot of movies are coming out but nothing I'm too thrilled about.

The Game on HD DVD comes out in April. I'm targeting that one only if the PQ is a big step up, since I own it on DVD already. Or maybe that's one of the ones I traded in, I can't remember anymore.

[Chugga]

Deja Vu comes out in April so thats the only must buy of the month for me.

Although I gotta admit theres alot of "hmm maybe" titles.

[JaylisJayP]

Deja Vu comes out in April so thats the only must buy of the month for me.

Although I gotta admit theres alot of "hmm maybe" titles.

heh, if I was counting all the "hmm, maybe" titles I wanted to buy I wouldn't eat for a while.

[HollandX]

Donnie Brasco extended cut comes out in May for DVD and BD.

They released the cover art today.

are you KIDDING me!?!?!?!?

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/donnie-brasco2.html

[JaylisJayP]

Donnie Brasco extended cut comes out in May for DVD and BD.

They released the cover art today.

are you KIDDING me!?!?!?!?

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/donnie-brasco2.html


what's wrong with the cover?

[JaylisJayP]

Got memento in the mail yesterday, gonna watch that one tonight.

[supertim]

Donnie Brasco extended cut comes out in May for DVD and BD.

They released the cover art today.

are you KIDDING me!?!?!?!?

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/donnie-brasco2.html

what's wrong with the cover?



Yeah, what's wrong with the cover art?

[Hanky Panky]

Yeah, what's wrong with the cover art?

It looks a little bootleg to me with that posterizing effect behind them. Not the most flattering pose for the two main characters either.

[PrimeBane]

Good news for HD DVD fans if you don't mind importing disks from Europe, the following titles are available this month:

Alexander
Arizona Dream
Brotherhood of the Wolf
The Chorus
La Grande Vadrouille
Enemy at the Gates
The Graduate
Leaving Las Vegas
Mulholland Drive
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Ran
Serpico
The Shadow Army
Sky Fighters
Three Days of the Condor
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Two Brothers

I'm debating whether to get Enemny at the Gates and T2 :)

[PrimeBane]

And more HD DVD goodies coming down the pipe from Universal... dates TBA

April - The Good Shepherd, Smokin' Aces, The Game, The Jerk, The Hitcher, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Nutty Professor

May - Alpha Dog, The 40-Year-Old Virgin: Unrated, Smokey and the Bandit, Hurricane, Skeleton Key, The River, Midnight Run, The Frighteners, The Big Lebowski, Dragonheart, Lost in Translation

June - Breach, Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, Sneakers, Born on the 4th of July, Scent of a Women, Daylight, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Meet Joe Black, Mallrats, Being John Malkovich, Mystery Men, American Me, The Watcher, Bulletproof

July - Billy Madison, The War, The Wedding Date, Dante's Peak, Cat in the Hat, Dead Silence, The Bourne Identity, The Nutty Professor 2, In Good Company, Streets of Fire, Hot Fuzz, Sea of Love, Darkman, Shaun of the Dead, Deliver Us from Eva

August - Heroes: Season One

September - The Last Starfighter, Legend, Battlestar Galactica: Season One, For the Love of the Game, Knocked Up, Evening, The Getaway: Unrated, Patch Adams, Cat People

[Chugga]

Man they aren't releasing "Cool as Ice"....talk about a disappointment. Everything else just kinda pales in comparison to that.

Then again it's probably just smart planning, hold off a hit like that until the holiday season when it will be a must buy title. I think thats what Blu-Ray is doing with Dude Wheres My Car.

[JaylisJayP]

And more HD DVD goodies coming down the pipe from Universal... dates TBA

April - The Good Shepherd, Smokin' Aces, The Game, The Jerk, The Hitcher, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Nutty Professor

May - Alpha Dog, The 40-Year-Old Virgin: Unrated, Smokey and the Bandit, Hurricane, Skeleton Key, The River, Midnight Run, The Frighteners, The Big Lebowski, Dragonheart, Lost in Translation

June - Breach, Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, Sneakers, Born on the 4th of July, Scent of a Women, Daylight, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Meet Joe Black, Mallrats, Being John Malkovich, Mystery Men, American Me, The Watcher, Bulletproof

July - Billy Madison, The War, The Wedding Date, Dante's Peak, Cat in the Hat, Dead Silence, The Bourne Identity, The Nutty Professor 2, In Good Company, Streets of Fire, Hot Fuzz, Sea of Love, Darkman, Shaun of the Dead, Deliver Us from Eva

August - Heroes: Season One

September - The Last Starfighter, Legend, Battlestar Galactica: Season One, For the Love of the Game, Knocked Up, Evening, The Getaway: Unrated, Patch Adams, Cat People


Holy crap, Sneakers is like my favorite movie. I will absolutely be buying that one in June.

[PrimeBane]

Sneakers is a one I'll definately take a look at pending PQ... such a great and underrated flick.

"And give him #### whenever he wants." :D

[JaylisJayP]

And more HD DVD goodies coming down the pipe from Universal... dates TBA

April - The Good Shepherd, Smokin' Aces, The Game, The Jerk, The Hitcher, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Nutty Professor

May - Alpha Dog, The 40-Year-Old Virgin: Unrated, Smokey and the Bandit, Hurricane, Skeleton Key, The River, Midnight Run, The Frighteners, The Big Lebowski, Dragonheart, Lost in Translation

June - Breach, Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, Sneakers, Born on the 4th of July, Scent of a Women, Daylight, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Meet Joe Black, Mallrats, Being John Malkovich, Mystery Men, American Me, The Watcher, Bulletproof

July - Billy Madison, The War, The Wedding Date, Dante's Peak, Cat in the Hat, Dead Silence, The Bourne Identity, The Nutty Professor 2, In Good Company, Streets of Fire, Hot Fuzz, Sea of Love, Darkman, Shaun of the Dead, Deliver Us from Eva

August - Heroes: Season One

September - The Last Starfighter, Legend, Battlestar Galactica: Season One, For the Love of the Game, Knocked Up, Evening, The Getaway: Unrated, Patch Adams, Cat People

Definitely getting these:

The Game
Smoke 'n Aces
Sneakers
Lebowski (we want the money Lebowski)

[JaylisJayP]

Good news for HD DVD fans if you don't mind importing disks from Europe, the following titles are available this month:

Alexander
Arizona Dream
Brotherhood of the Wolf
The Chorus
La Grande Vadrouille
Enemy at the Gates
The Graduate
Leaving Las Vegas
Mulholland Drive
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Ran
Serpico
The Shadow Army
Sky Fighters
Three Days of the Condor
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Two Brothers

I'm debating whether to get Enemny at the Gates and T2 :)


Nothing that jumps out and says "I'm worth 40-50 bucks" with the exception of T2 if the transfer is astonishing.

[JaylisJayP]

Sneakers is a one I'll definately take a look at pending PQ... such a great and underrated flick.

"And give him #### whenever he wants." :D

It's one believe it or not I never owned on DVD because I had it on VHS. So I'd imagine the step from VHS to HD DVD would be somewhat noticeable. :)

[grif32]

Toshiba is offering 5 free HD-DVDs with a purchase of a Toshiba HD DVD player.

Not bad.. Time to get my A2..

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Toshiba is offering 5 free HD-DVDs with a purchase of a Toshiba HD DVD player.

Not bad.. Time to get my A2..

Chris


Wow, 5 now? First it was 3, then 4....now 5. That's like 100 bucks in free media. Well worth it.

[grif32]

Wow, 5 now? First it was 3, then 4....now 5. That's like 100 bucks in free media. Well worth it.

Yeap 5 free HD DVD's. Right now I think Amazon has the A2 for $373.00 dlvd..

So not bad.

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

Just a note for HD DVD or Blu-Ray, I was at Best Buy this evening and they had Nine-Inch-Nails concert samplers for free on the shelf. They also had the full concert at least in Blu-Ray for 16.99.

I picked up the blu-ray sampler. All you have to do is have them ring it up in the system and it comes up 0.00. It has 5 songs on it, gonna pop it in tonight.

[PrimeBane]

If you do buy the A2 Grif, be prepared to wait a while for your free HD DVDs... I've read many complaints that they are slow as hell.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I cant wait for the Goonies, I will have to get the UK version

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I have these HD and BD movies for sale

BD Titles

Young Guns - $15 + S
Stir of Echos - $15 + S
Talladega Nights - $10 + S

HD titles

Tomb Raider - $15 + S
Swordfish - $15 + S
Italian Job - $15 + S

[JaylisJayP]

good prices.

[WingNut 25]

Some great releases for HD this year. Gotta grab season 1 of Heroes for sure. I'll be getting a lot off that list in addition to that.

[supertim]

And more HD DVD goodies coming down the pipe from Universal... dates TBA

April - The Good Shepherd, Smokin' Aces

May - The 40-Year-Old Virgin: Unrated

June - Breach, Sneakers, Scent of a Woman, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.

July - Hot Fuzz,Shaun of the Dead

August - Heroes: Season One

September - Legend

I'll probably rent the Good Shepherd before buying it, especially on HD. Smokin' Aces should be fantastic on HD, though.

40YOV is up in the air...the only benefit to upgrade would be seeing toys in HD:)

Want to see Breach in the theater, so that's an iffy purchase at this point. Sneakers was underrated like another boardie said, hopefully it'll shine on HD.

I know Hot Fuzz isn't in the US yet, but I'd buy it blind like I did Shaun of the Dead - I know this'll be a good one.

Heroes - haven't seen an episode yet, but figured I'd wait for it to come out on DVD. Now I have an excuse to get it:) A couple of friends of mine love the show, and actually made fun of me because I hadn't seen it yet, since I like superheroes so much. My wife even chimed in:cool:

Legend will depend on the transfer.

Good news for HD DVD fans if you don't mind importing disks from Europe, the following titles are available this month:


Terminator 2: Judgement Day

I'm only going to get T2 if the transfer makes it worthwhile. Because it's out on HD overseas, does that mean it'll be over here eventually? Also, if it's imported, does that mean the disc is region free? Never done the import thing before.





I picked up HD-DVD copies of T3, Lucky Number Slevin, and Mummy Returns at Best Buy last night for $58.41:eek: with the $20 off promo for 3 titles ($10 off for 2 titles) - I may go back today, but I'd probably get movies I didn't really care about, therefore wasting $$$. I passed on Last Samurai, The Mummy, and Constantine yesterday, as well.

Are there any movies that really stand out in HD that a person may not think would do so? That's why I got the movies I did last night, because I figured they would be killer in HD. Besides, Mummy 2 & T3 are just mindless fun flicks, and I have good feeling about Slevin.

[JaylisJayP]

I'll probably rent the Good Shepherd before buying it, especially on HD. Smokin' Aces should be fantastic on HD, though.

40YOV is up in the air...the only benefit to upgrade would be seeing toys in HD:)

Want to see Breach in the theater, so that's an iffy purchase at this point. Sneakers was underrated like another boardie said, hopefully it'll shine on HD.

I know Hot Fuzz isn't in the US yet, but I'd buy it blind like I did Shaun of the Dead - I know this'll be a good one.

Heroes - haven't seen an episode yet, but figured I'd wait for it to come out on DVD. Now I have an excuse to get it:) A couple of friends of mine love the show, and actually made fun of me because I hadn't seen it yet, since I like superheroes so much. My wife even chimed in:cool:

Legend will depend on the transfer.



I'm only going to get T2 if the transfer makes it worthwhile. Because it's out on HD overseas, does that mean it'll be over here eventually? Also, if it's imported, does that mean the disc is region free? Never done the import thing before.





I picked up HD-DVD copies of T3, Lucky Number Slevin, and Mummy Returns at Best Buy last night for $58.41:eek: with the $20 off promo for 3 titles ($10 off for 2 titles) - I may go back today, but I'd probably get movies I didn't really care about, therefore wasting $$$. I passed on Last Samurai, The Mummy, and Constantine yesterday, as well.

Are there any movies that really stand out in HD that a person may not think would do so? That's why I got the movies I did last night, because I figured they would be killer in HD. Besides, Mummy 2 & T3 are just mindless fun flicks, and I have good feeling about Slevin.


Serenity if you don't already have it.

[PrimeBane]

Hulk is supposed to have a new flawless transfer, but I disliked the movie so much I can't force myself to buy it.

Corpse Bride looks just stunning, but the story just isn't there.

T2 won't be out in HD DVD here unless Lionsgate goes neutral...

[PrimeBane]

For those that order from Amazon.com Children of Men is finally available for pre-order :D

http://www.amazon.com/Children-Men-Clive-Owen/dp/B000N6TX22/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-6062481-2547811?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1172876674&sr=8-4

[grif32]

I have these HD and BD movies for sale

BD Titles

Young Guns - $15 + S
Stir of Echos - $15 + S
Talladega Nights - $10 + S

HD titles

Tomb Raider - $15 + S
Swordfish - $15 + S
Italian Job - $15 + S

PM I will take Tomb Raider.

PLMK

Thanks
Chris

[imaginegrafix]

Picked up a few more movies at the best buy sale:
Unforgiven (have never seen it)
World Trade Center (have never seen it)
Hulk (saw it, didn't like it much but wanted to grab a 3rd movie for the discount and see how good the pq was)

Only $38 and some change as I had a gift card:D

[supertim]

Serenity if you don't already have it.


I liked the FireFly tv show (short lived as it was), but the movie (saw it on regular DVD with a friend) didn't really do it for me.




This summer looks good for HD-DVD, though.

[JaylisJayP]

Just watched Covenant on Blu-Ray. OK movie, above average picture. Although I was watching it during the day with the sun and all.

Worth a rental if you like mainstream horror-ish flicks.

[PrimeBane]

I think that's the first positive thing I've heard about Covenant...

[JaylisJayP]

I think that's the first positive thing I've heard about Covenant...

I'm pretty lenient on the genre, though, so take it with a grain of salt.

[JaylisJayP]

Watched Fear and Loathing on HD DVD today. Forgot how awesome the movie was. PQ was pretty good, I'd rate it an 85.

[MPCanes]

Is the sale for 10 off 2, 20 off 3 still going on? I went to best buy today to grab an HD-DVD, but they moved them and asking for help at this best buy is completely useless so I'll just go back later in the week when I have more time.

[JaylisJayP]

I don't think so....I think it ran all last week and ended Saturday. But it was the third HD DVD or Blu-Ray sale for Best Buy since the new year...I would guess there'll be another one around the corner.

[WingNut 25]

Good to see them giving sales on the HD formats. Still not enough movies out on HD-DVD to make me want to bite on one of the sales.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I have these HD and BD movies for sale

BD Titles

Young Guns - $15 + S
Stir of Echos - $15 + S
Talladega Nights - $10 + S

HD titles

Tomb Raider - $15 + S
Swordfish - $15 + S
Italian Job - $15 + S

Bump

[JaylisJayP]

Good to see them giving sales on the HD formats. Still not enough movies out on HD-DVD to make me want to bite on one of the sales.


Dude, there's like 250 HD DVDs out. My Best Buy must carry at least 100 of them.

[grif32]

Good to see them giving sales on the HD formats. Still not enough movies out on HD-DVD to make me want to bite on one of the sales.

If you buy a Toshiba HD DVD player now you get 5 free HD DVD's.

BestBuy had a deal where if you bought the Toshiba HD DVD player they gave you 4 free movies right on the spot plus you could have sent in for the 5 free one's. So you would have gotten 9 free HD DVD's :eek: .. I dont have a bestbuy so I missed that deal which ended yesterday I believe and some had the A2 marked down to $375.00..

But the 5 free one's from a certain list is pretty good deal.

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

I think this week's pretty dead for releases (Borat on Blu-Ray!)

Next week, though, Casino Royale!!!!! Awww, yeah.

[grif32]

I think this week's pretty dead for releases (Borat on Blu-Ray!)

Next week, though, Casino Royale!!!!! Awww, yeah.

I think the review out gave it a 8. PQ I think was a 9 or 10 audio was high but features was only a 6. But who cares abour features? I sure dont.

chris

[JaylisJayP]

I think the review out gave it a 8. PQ I think was a 9 or 10 audio was high but features was only a 6. But who cares abour features? I sure dont.

chris

I had sort of a mini-rant about this over at Avsforum.

They gave the movie an 8, the PQ a 9, and the AQ a 10....then give extras a 6 and average it down to an 8, which is beyond ******ed.

I know there are people that live and die by the extras, but to give them the same weight as the other categories (especially since they're usually all in standard def right now) is just ridiculous.

Blu Ray and HD-DVD are about the high definition experience - which for 95% of the people who have adapted to those mediums already is PQ and AQ.

Extras shouldn't even factor into the rating, it should just be a side category like Easter Eggs, etc...

But for the most part, I've honestly found that the reviewers are horrible on these things. I personally haven't seen Army of Darkness on HD DVD yet (one of my favorite movies), but I avoided it because one of the prominent sites gave it a 4/10 on PQ. Then I read on a thread on avs yesterday that some longtime avsforum veteran watched it and said it was amazing PQ, and many more agreed.

Just goes to show, these guys who review these things are no smarter than the average informed viewer, and for some reason in many cases they're worse.

[PrimeBane]

Personally, I could care less about extras... but to most early adopters it can be a big deal.

I totally agree with your accessment Jaylis... these next gen disks are about PQ and to a lesser extent AQ.

[WingNut 25]

The Best Buys near me don't carry anywhere near that 250 number. I think 30-40 is a safer number and that's no joke. The selection is awful.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

anyone want the BD movies im getting rid of before I take them to the bay? Chris Im holding the other 2 HD movies for you

[grif32]

anyone want the BD movies im getting rid of before I take them to the bay? Chris Im holding the other 2 HD movies for you

Sweet thanks

chris

[HollandX]

I think this week's pretty dead for releases (Borat on Blu-Ray!)

Next week, though, Casino Royale!!!!! Awww, yeah.

Hey, do you know when Borat comes out on BD?

[WingNut 25]

Doesn't it come out tomorrow?

[JaylisJayP]

yeah, Tuesday.

[imaginegrafix]

johnnyknoxsvill - PM to you on HD DVD movies.

I caught army of darkness on the Monster HD channel over the weekend (I think it was the monster channel) and was really surprised on how nice it looked - Love that movie!

[HollandX]

Hey, do you know when Borat comes out on BD?

Doesn't it come out tomorrow?

yeah, Tuesday.

Do you have a link? I want to buy it, but I can't find it.

Thanks. :)

[JaylisJayP]

for some reason amazon.com doesn't have it up for blu-ray. that's weird.

[Chugga]

As far as I knew NOTHING came out for Blu-Ray tomorrow...if Borat is coming out though that would be amazing as I still haven't seen that movie yet (waiting for it to come out in high def/hate movie theatres).

As for the whole features debate theres 2 things I like in my DVDs....the movie itself, and trailers for upcoming stuff. I can't imagine sitting through an entire movie listening to some director or actor talking over the majority of it, I can't imagine watch "the making of" or any of that crap. To me I LOVE these new high def disks where they are basically completely void of all features. It's quick and simple....you put in the disk, you get your previews, the movie starts. If it were up to me features wouldn't exsist in movies and I wouldn't have to pay that extra $2 that they probably add on for commentaries.

[HollandX]

for some reason amazon.com doesn't have it up for blu-ray. that's weird.

:( all the commercials on tv had me looking forward to seeing it again.

[PrimeBane]

Sorry boys, no Borat on BD...

[civictyperboy]

I had it (borat) ordered on BD however I canceled the order when nothing was announced saying it was coming out...some people were posting that the UMD of Borat being shipped from amazon

[grif32]

The commerical last night said Borat coming on DVD and Blu Ray... Strange.

Chris

[grif32]

As far as I knew NOTHING came out for Blu-Ray tomorrow...if Borat is coming out though that would be amazing as I still haven't seen that movie yet (waiting for it to come out in high def/hate movie theatres).

As for the whole features debate theres 2 things I like in my DVDs....the movie itself, and trailers for upcoming stuff. I can't imagine sitting through an entire movie listening to some director or actor talking over the majority of it, I can't imagine watch "the making of" or any of that crap. To me I LOVE these new high def disks where they are basically completely void of all features. It's quick and simple....you put in the disk, you get your previews, the movie starts. If it were up to me features wouldn't exsist in movies and I wouldn't have to pay that extra $2 that they probably add on for commentaries.

I agree 100% I could care less about features.

Chris

[grif32]

Someone said that Blu Ray titles are more then HD.. Check out his amazing Blu Ray sale:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=xs_gb_email_BestDeals_8033?ie=UTF8&docId=1000062781

[JaylisJayP]

That's a decent sale for some of those titles...the 14.99 ones. Many of the others already are typically priced around 20-25 dollars. I think you save about 5 bucks on each disc.

[civictyperboy]

I got a shipment email for Borat, I canceled it like a month ago, but somehow it got shipped, and nothing is showing up on my amazon order page, so we'll see what I end up with, if it's the DVD that's fine because I wanted it anyway

[WingNut 25]

Let's hope Amazon does an HD-DVD sale next.

[PrimeBane]

I'll second that :D

50% off plus 10% off... damn that could be an expensive bill...

[grif32]

That's a decent sale for some of those titles...the 14.99 ones. Many of the others already are typically priced around 20-25 dollars. I think you save about 5 bucks on each disc.

Dont forget you still get the 10% off as well if you bought the HD titles last year deal they had.

Chris

[HollandX]

Sorry boys, no Borat on BD...


Argh.

[JaylisJayP]

That's crazy...all the commercials advertise it on Blu-Ray, and even show the blu-ray case.

[PrimeBane]

I know... I've seen the same.

But the title was never announced and it's not showing up on any site. If you go to the Borat movie website only the DVD is listed.

[PrimeBane]

mmmm... Flags of our Fathers May 22nd in both formats :D

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/new2disceditionofflagsofourfathers/4342

[supertim]

mmmm... Flags of our Fathers May 22nd in both formats :D

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/new2disceditionofflagsofourfathers/4342

Sweet! That was a wonderful movie, and it definitely deserves the HD treatment. I imagine Letters From Iwo Jima won't be too far behind.

[HollandX]

is this old news?

top amazon next gen sellers, updated every 10 mins

http://www.hdgamedb.com/amazon/versus.aspx

[Chugga]

is this old news?

top amazon next gen sellers, updated every 10 mins

http://www.hdgamedb.com/amazon/versus.aspx

Looks like that sale is going to skew ALOT of data. Just recently Blu-Ray was lucky to get a couple maybe 2-3 movies in the top 100 at any given time. Now the entire top 10 is in the top 100.

I don't see why everyone is going crazy ordering though, the discount is on the MSRP and half of the MSRP's are absolutely ridiculous (like 38.99, 39.99, etc). $20 for a sub par movie isn't really a deal

$15 for Black Hawk Down, Memento, Kung Fu Hustle, Tears of the Sun, are really the only good titles I see worth picking up. But I unfortunately spent alot more on all 4 of those already.

[PrimeBane]

Yeah, I wouldn't put a lot into the current amazon rankings... interesting timing though considering it's March and there's no new BD releases.

[grif32]

Yeah, I wouldn't put a lot into the current amazon rankings... interesting timing though considering it's March and there's no new BD releases.

Yeah nothing new for Blu Ray so why not have a sale... Great prices and some decent movies to pick up for cheap

Just look at the #'s from this sale and what they have done for Blu Ray sales. Unreal!!!!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=815823

I guess the war is paying off....

Chris

[supertim]

Read this morning on Yahoo! that Blu-Ray sales have been ahead of HD-DVD since the beginning of 2007. I wish HD-DVD would get their act together. Regardless, I'll be getting the combo player at the beginning of next year, but from my own perspective, HD-DVD looks jjust a little bit better than Blu-Ray. It doesn't make sense to me. Theh HD-DVD players are more affordable - I know Blu-Ray players are dropping in price later in the year, but come on. Still, it's too early to declare a winner. Maybe this will be a bad quarter for HD-DVD.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20070307/tc_cmp/197800664

[JaylisJayP]

Read this morning on Yahoo! that Blu-Ray sales have been ahead of HD-DVD since the beginning of 2007. I wish HD-DVD would get their act together. Regardless, I'll be getting the combo player at the beginning of next year, but from my own perspective, HD-DVD looks jjust a little bit better than Blu-Ray. It doesn't make sense to me. Theh HD-DVD players are more affordable - I know Blu-Ray players are dropping in price later in the year, but come on. Still, it's too early to declare a winner. Maybe this will be a bad quarter for HD-DVD.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20070307/tc_cmp/197800664


I don't think you'll ever see HD DVD sales ahead of Blu-Ray again...but that said, so what? There's always an industry leader in something. Blu-Ray will continue to put out a lot of titles because of all the studios. But for me, Universal also has come through with some great titles for the year ahead, and is finally starting to offer up some announcements in that regard. So I say just enjoy whichever you have (or both!) since movies have never looked better.

[PrimeBane]

BD sales should be ahead since the beginning of 07... they've put out WAY more titles.

Considering there's close to 2 million BD drives in homes and about 250,000 HD DVD drives in homes HD DVD is doing pretty good. :)

[grif32]

BD sales should be ahead since the beginning of 07... they've put out WAY more titles.

Considering there's close to 2 million BD drives in homes and about 250,000 HD DVD drives in homes HD DVD is doing pretty good. :)

Are you counting the PS3 in that 2 Million BD drives? Because according to some you cant since the PS3 isnt a movie player. Well you know how I feel about that. It has a Blu Ray player so you count it. Sony does...

Even after this great sale BD might lead by 3:1 but considering HD-DVD does not do sales like the 2:1 and the 50% off sale they are holding strong. Crazy!!

I wish HD would do some type of deal right now. Maybe soon they will..

Lets hope.

Chris

[grif32]

I don't think you'll ever see HD DVD sales ahead of Blu-Ray again...but that said, so what? There's always an industry leader in something. Blu-Ray will continue to put out a lot of titles because of all the studios. But for me, Universal also has come through with some great titles for the year ahead, and is finally starting to offer up some announcements in that regard. So I say just enjoy whichever you have (or both!) since movies have never looked better.

I agree both will be around for 2 - 3 years probably longer but one will be more dominate then the other.

Standalone players prices are dropping like a rock so soon people will be able to afford both.. Yeah you can thank the war for this.

Chris

[dayday6]

Read this morning on Yahoo! that Blu-Ray sales have been ahead of HD-DVD since the beginning of 2007. I wish HD-DVD would get their act together. Regardless, I'll be getting the combo player at the beginning of next year, but from my own perspective, HD-DVD looks jjust a little bit better than Blu-Ray. It doesn't make sense to me. Theh HD-DVD players are more affordable - I know Blu-Ray players are dropping in price later in the year, but come on. Still, it's too early to declare a winner. Maybe this will be a bad quarter for HD-DVD.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20070307/tc_cmp/197800664

The combo player that is out right now is not a true HD-DVD player, if you look it doesn't have the logo on it. The combo player only plays the movies it doesn't have the other features that HD-DVD camp requires so they didn't endorse the combo player.

[PrimeBane]

I think you have to count the PS3 as a BD player whether people are using it or not.

[dayday6]

I think you have to count the PS3 as a BD player whether people are using it or not.


You have to count it, but no one knows what % are being used as BD players.

There are some PS3 owners who don't even have a HDTV, so I doubt they are buying BDs.

I know 7 people with PS3s, 2 including me are buying BDs, 4 are not buying them yet, the other I don't know if he bought any yet.

[grif32]

You have to count it, but no one knows what % are being used as BD players.

There are some PS3 owners who don't even have a HDTV, so I doubt they are buying BDs.

I know 7 people with PS3s, 2 including me are buying BDs, 4 are not buying them yet, the other I don't know if he bought any yet.

Yeah its way to hard to know who is buying movies for the PS3..

Either way I think its a great time for us HD folk..

chris

[grif32]

I think you have to count the PS3 as a BD player whether people are using it or not.


I agree...

Chris

[johnnyknoxsvill]

What happend with Borat on BD ? I got my order for it from Amazon today but it was a PSP movie, so thats being returned

[grif32]

What happend with Borat on BD ? I got my order for it from Amazon today but it was a PSP movie, so thats being returned

I believe they are going to release it at another date but who knows. Big screw up.

Chris

[moviemaniac4]

Who has right now more movie titles out? HD DVD or Blu-Ray?

[johnnyknoxsvill]

id say BD right now

[JaylisJayP]

yeah blu-ray pulled ahead at the beginning of the year i think.

[grif32]

Who has right now more movie titles out? HD DVD or Blu-Ray?

I think the real question is who has the best quality moives out. Qty means nothing to me for HD.

And I am not saying HD DVD has better quality movies out either so please do not think that.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

224 BD
195 HD DVD

In North America only.

If you include Europe and Japan (a number of BD titles are on HD DVD) I think the numbers are pretty even.

[JaylisJayP]

I think the real question is who has the best quality moives out. Qty means nothing to me for HD.

And I am not saying HD DVD has better quality movies out either so please do not think that.

Chris

IMO, and I own both formats, Blu-Ray has far more garbage titles out. But DVD has all sorts of garbage titles out, and people still seem to buy them.

[grif32]

IMO, and I own both formats, Blu-Ray has far more garbage titles out. But DVD has all sorts of garbage titles out, and people still seem to buy them.

I agree. I wont re-buy HD DVD titles if I have them on DVD.

Chris

[moviemaniac4]

I wonder what is the equivalent resolution for film. Someday a format will have to be as close or better than that.....

[PrimeBane]

According to wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_resolution

The resolution of film is about 3 to 4 times that of 1080p

[moviemaniac4]

According to wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_resolution

The resolution of film is about 3 to 4 times that of 1080p

Whoa !!!

I gues we will have to wait for UHDVD (Ultra High DVD) :D by that time we will talk 3D.....

[PrimeBane]

Well, when you look at the size of most theatre screens the film has to have that kind of resolution to give a decent picture.

So unless people all start installing full size movie screens in their homes, 1080p will do just fine, even on a 100" projector. :)

Although 1440p could come out in the near future...

[JaylisJayP]

It gets to a point where your eye can only distinguish so much detail.

[JaylisJayP]

Watched Invincible on Blu-Ray last night...very good movie. PQ was amazing, as well. The flick ended kind abruptly for me, but I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Chugga]

I watched the Prestige....it's moved into my top 5 movies now. I thought Invincible was a really good movie though too....but much like the Titanic the movie can only be so good because I know exactly whats going to happen. I know he makes the team, I know he gets to play in the NFL, I know all that stuff. The whole "will he or will he not make it" is kinda ruined but still a really good movie.

[JaylisJayP]

Well, I'll personally chalk 300 up as one movie I will NEVER buy on HD. So much grain, such a horrible presentation. I don't care what the director was going for in mood or whatever, it was distracting and poor.

Plus, and I'm sure many will flame me, I thought the movie was awful. Went in with such high hopes in all areas, and it was a total dud. And the first hour was insanely boring.

[WingNut 25]

The Prestige is one great movie. Love it. If I get a Blu Ray player, that will be my first purchase.

[Chugga]

The Prestige is one great movie. Love it. If I get a Blu Ray player, that will be my first purchase.

Yeah I hadn't seen it up until yesterday....the movie itself is absolutely amazing. The 5 star PQ was just top notch icing on the cake.

[WingNut 25]

Glad you enjoyed it Chugga. That's one movie I have been telling people they have to see. I saw it in the theaters and bought it as soon as it came out. I ended up grabbing it at a WalMart in Tennessee when I was on my now annual Red Wings vs Predators trip. I told my buddy he had to grab it too. It's one of those movies that is certainly worth purchasing.

Good to hear the PQ is solid on it as well. I'm guessing all Disney's releases on Blu Ray are going to be top-notch.

[Chugga]

Yeah I have a friend alot like you, telling me literally every time I see him see the movie, see the movie, see the movie. I finally shut him up and was like "if it ever comes out on Blu-Ray I'll buy it, other then that leave me alone". But I'm really happy I gave it a shot. It's a very 'different' movie. I like how it's always making you think trying to jump to conclusions then just when you do they pull the carpet out from underneath you. Those are some of my favorite movies, which is why I'm such a big fan of the Prestige now.

As for Disney they've definately gotten their act together. Anything prior to December was a huge case of "hit or miss". You were either getting 4 stars or 2 stars. Mainly 2. I can't really speak for Universal or Weinstein but as of right now I don't think theres a company out that is doing a better job in this whole high def thing. They are releasing strong titles with absolutely amazing picture quality. I think them and Warner are doing the best job....I'd love Warner even more if they'd finally get Batman Begins and V for Vendetta out.

[PrimeBane]

FINALLY watched 12 Monkeys last night.

PQ was pretty middle of the road. Some scenes looked pretty amazing while others pretty soft. Not a must buy as an HD disk, but still a great movie.

I also downloaded and watched the free South Park episode available on Live. It looked pretty fantastic I have to say. :)

[JaylisJayP]

FINALLY watched 12 Monkeys last night.

PQ was pretty middle of the road. Some scenes looked pretty amazing while others pretty soft. Not a must buy as an HD disk, but still a great movie.

I also downloaded and watched the free South Park episode available on Live. It looked pretty fantastic I have to say. :)

yeah that South Park episode was interesting...I didn't exactly know what to expect out of HD cartoon, but it was more vibrant colors if nothing else.

[MPCanes]

Well, I'll personally chalk 300 up as one movie I will NEVER buy on HD. So much grain, such a horrible presentation. I don't care what the director was going for in mood or whatever, it was distracting and poor.

Plus, and I'm sure many will flame me, I thought the movie was awful. Went in with such high hopes in all areas, and it was a total dud. And the first hour was insanely boring.

Just goes to show different strokes - I absolutely loved the grain structure of the film. I agree the first probably 3rd of the movie was just horrendous, but once it got moving, I couldn't stop watching. Some of the acting did suck, and I'm not going to be like one of the complete fanboy losers on here who won't **** about how incredible it was, but it was certainly a solid movie and will be a must buy for HD for me.

[Guilding]

it really depends on distribution and how long ago it actually came out. from wut i've seen any old movie can be re-mastered and re-formatted into pretty much anything. look at nightmare on elm street, all digitally re-mastered and perfectly re-formatted. now talking about some-in from say 1940, an original copy, depending on condition, could most likely b re-formatted to DVD. the obssessive collecters want the original tapes though, and so many movies from those comic book times like marvel, king kong, all those arent re-formatted, but re-made in later years.

...Twiztid ninja...

[JaylisJayP]

Just goes to show different strokes - I absolutely loved the grain structure of the film. I agree the first probably 3rd of the movie was just horrendous, but once it got moving, I couldn't stop watching. Some of the acting did suck, and I'm not going to be like one of the complete fanboy losers on here who won't **** about how incredible it was, but it was certainly a solid movie and will be a must buy for HD for me.

I agree for the later parts of the movie there was a very high entertainment value. And some cool moments....but the grain killed me. And it'll only be worse on HD DVD or Blu-Ray or whatever it's coming out on. Grain in anything distracts the hell out of me, it's not just 300.

[JaylisJayP]

Has anyone seen the sci-fi movie Immortal? It's from a small studio called NewLook, but it was an amazing movie imo, and by the style would look so unbelievable in HD. Here's hoping someday it makes it to one of these formats.

[JaylisJayP]

Big day today....who else is getting Casino Royale?

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Well, I'll personally chalk 300 up as one movie I will NEVER buy on HD. So much grain, such a horrible presentation. I don't care what the director was going for in mood or whatever, it was distracting and poor.

Plus, and I'm sure many will flame me, I thought the movie was awful. Went in with such high hopes in all areas, and it was a total dud. And the first hour was insanely boring.

Same director as Sin City...he must like that grainy look...I also hated the presentation.

[SBrooks1]

Same director as Sin City...he must like that grainy look...I also hated the presentation.

Frank Miller didn't direct 300; Zack Snyder did. Miller and Robert Rodriguez both directed Sin City.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

was it the same creator? I watched "Just trailors" on HDTV and they said something about Sin City...I thought it was from the same director...maybe it was the same creator?

[SBrooks1]

was it the same creator? I watched "Just trailors" on HDTV and they said something about Sin City...I thought it was from the same director...maybe it was the same creator?

Frank Miller created both Sin City and 300 graphic novels, yes. But the movies had different directors.

[supertim]

Does the XBOX 360 HD add-on upconvert standard DVDs to 1080i?

[grif32]

Does the XBOX 360 HD add-on upconvert standard DVDs to 1080i?

The xbox 360 itself does you dont need the add on but you need a VGA connection to do it.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

Big day today....who else is getting Casino Royale?

Even if I had a BD player, I wouldn't buy it... I'm just not a Bond fan.

But it will most likely be the best selling HD disk movie to date... hell, it's already #9 on the DVD best seller's list on Amazon.com (that's the first HD disk to break the top 10).

[grif32]

I bought it but on DVD not BR. I didnt want to spend $29.99 for it only paid $13.99 for DVD. I dont like bond but he GF does I couldnt justify the extra $16.00 for it when my Toshiba Xa1 upconverts really really nice

chris

[JaylisJayP]

Man even my upconverted DVDs look like crap compared to Blu-Ray. If I were buying any new movie without previously owning it, I wouldn't even consider the standard DVD version. I got mine for 27 dlvd through amazon prime. But to each his own.

[grif32]

Man even my upconverted DVDs look like crap compared to Blu-Ray. If I were buying any new movie without previously owning it, I wouldn't even consider the standard DVD version. I got mine for 27 dlvd through amazon prime. But to each his own.

LOL what type of upconvert DVD player do you own? If its not a toshiba HD DVD player I can understand why. Or one of the Oppo's

The upcovert pic that the Toshiba puts out is pretty sick.

The Toshiba AX2 is as close to HD as you can get with upconvert.

Like I said I dont like bond so for the extra $$ its not worth spending it on.

Chris

[PrimeBane]

Supposedly upconversion is coming for the PS3... the hardware capability is there, just not enabled.

[JaylisJayP]

LOL what type of upconvert DVD player do you own? If its not a toshiba HD DVD player I can understand why. Or one of the Oppo's

The upcovert pic that the Toshiba puts out is pretty sick.

The Toshiba AX2 is as close to HD as you can get with upconvert.

Like I said I dont like bond so for the extra $$ its not worth spending it on.

Chris

I had a Toshiba, which I hated, but it must not have been the model you're referring to here. Now I have a $100 Samsung upconvert player i got before the two HD formats came out, which I like just fine, but for as large of a step up over DVD that it is, it's just another step up to Blu-Ray or HD DVD.

[grif32]

Supposedly upconversion is coming for the PS3... the hardware capability is there, just not enabled.

Yeah i heard March but nothing so far. We will see.

chris

[grif32]

I had a Toshiba, which I hated, but it must not have been the model you're referring to here. Now I have a $100 Samsung upconvert player i got before the two HD formats came out, which I like just fine, but for as large of a step up over DVD that it is, it's just another step up to Blu-Ray or HD DVD.

I wouldnt buy a reg DVD upcovert player unless its an OPPO. the rest are pretty much crap.

I have the toshiba HD DVD player which upconverts VERY VERY well.. I was shocked.

Either way the $29.99 price tag for a BR movie I will never watch or just watch once (Casino Royale) its not worth it to me. My GR wanted it so I saved $16 - $18 and bought the Reg DVD..

chris

[Chugga]

Big day today....who else is getting Casino Royale?

I'm about to leave my house right now. Mission is to find Casino Royale and Layer Cake....we'll see how well this mission goes.

[grif32]

Hey guys I bought this about 4 - 6 weeks ago and it works flawless. PQ is stunning.

I am selling it because my TV doesnt have the VGA connection to upconvert the pic so I bought the Toshiba HD DVD with HDMI connection so I am all set. I dont need two HD DVD players.

Looking to sell the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on with King Kong HD DVD, papers, original box, remote, cables. Everything for $160.00 dlvd OBO... MINT Condition. Zero problems with it. Works awesome. Any interest please PM me or post here.

Thanks Chris

[Chugga]

I had a Toshiba, which I hated, but it must not have been the model you're referring to here. Now I have a $100 Samsung upconvert player i got before the two HD formats came out, which I like just fine, but for as large of a step up over DVD that it is, it's just another step up to Blu-Ray or HD DVD.

I think my cousin has the same player you do or maybe a model or so above it (depending on when you bought it). The second he went out to get an HDTV he was looking all over the place for things to compliment it....directv, videogame systems, etc. He stumbled across a Samsung model for I believe it was like $175 or something like that and he bought it immediately. I won't lie, I saw Star Wars Episode 3 on it and it looked fairly impressive, Walking Tall was pretty cool too. But then a few months later HD DVD and Blu-Ray rolled out and it didn't take a videophile to see there was a giant difference. I think upconversion players serve a great purpose....they give you a pretty nice crisp picture for a dvd that you probably paid $15 for.

But speaking just for me personally right now I'm in the frame of mind that once you go high def you don't go back. I've had an HDTV laying around collecting dust for too long now for me to ignore it anymore. It's like having a Ferrari for 5+ years and only driving it up and down your driveway every day. To me an upconversion player is like driving the car around town....but Blu-Ray/HD DVD....thats a wide open highway.

[Chugga]

Oh by the way my trip to find movies today was a story of utter failure and amazing success. I went to Walmart only to find price tags for both Layer Cake and Casino Royale but they were sold out. The Holiday was there too....and my fanboyness of Jack Black almost had me pick it up but the smart consumer in me let it go. So that was utter failure. Best Buy had both Casino Royale and Layer Cake though. So today was a success. Lets hope next week is a success too, Big Fish is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[JaylisJayP]

But speaking just for me personally right now I'm in the frame of mind that once you go high def you don't go back.

My feeling exactly. High def even makes a movie like Underworld Evolution look good :D

[Chugga]

I'll definately get the movie one of these days. Last rumor I heard was Blu-Ray might run another promotion around April 10th-17th when theres a down time in releases. If it sucks though I'm going to pull a southpark and travel all the way down to your house just to get my $15 back.

[WingNut 25]

Big Fish is a fantastic movie.

Pretty disappointed that we haven't seen any good HD-DVD sales like we have w/ Blu-Ray.

[Chugga]

Yeah Big Fish is one of my favorite movies ever. I'll admit it, everytime I watch it theres always a 95% chance that I choke up at the end.

edit-scratch that/deal sucked

But anyways as for deals I wish I knew why HD DVD isn't doing what Blu-Ray is doing. They've got plenty of "greatest hits" or whatever you wanna call them. The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby, Apollo 13, Goodfellas, Phantom of the Opera, etc. All the launch/launch window titles they could likely get away with a buy 1 get 1. And all of those titles are a hell of alot better then 50 first dates, into the blue, and until I see it...Underworld2.