neolego Posted June 1, 2007 Author Share Posted June 1, 2007 Wow, we can't keep this poor thread afloat to save our lives . I actually have a question for you guys out there, along the lines of DVD. I pride myself on being 2 things. 1, being a tech savy guy. I have a Wii, Xbox 360, I use Meda Center to publish all shows and movies to my home theater. I was the 1st person I knew to own a Surround Sound system and the 1st person I knew to own a Plasma TV. That's just the way I am. Number 2, being a Movie Buff. I currently own over 400 movies on DVD, that are retail, not to mentioned the countless number of movies/shows I have of disks or hard drives. Now, with all of that said, I have yet to enter the world of HD Movies. There are several reasons why, the main two are cost and my already impressive DVD library. However, the more I read about the format the more I'm intrigued. With Father's day fast approaching my wife mentioned the Xbox HD-DVD add on as a gift (she knows how I think ). Honestly, I am hesitant because I can't see the difference. When I walk through Best Buy I can clearly look at a Plasma TV and see the kind of picture I'm going to get. But, but HD-DVD, I can't sit through a whole movie or compare movies until I spend the high dollars to buy the player. So, I'm left between a rock and hard place. So, I guess my question for guys are, is HD Movies worth it? I'm sure there has to be a few people out there with either a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray Player. What would your advice be to someone looking to get into the Next Gen? Again, I'm a movie buff, but if I'm going to make the leap I want it to be worth it. I want to to be an Xbox to Xbox 360 jump.....not a GameCube to Wii jump. So, any advice? neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jad Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 My advice would be to wait another year. By then, maybe we'll know which format will be dominant (HD-DVD or Blu-Ray), and player prices will have dropped. The DVD format will be around for years and years. The average consumer loves the familiarity, the ease of use, and the low cost. You can pick up last summer's blockbusters for ten bucks today. Instead of upgrading your equipment in the middle of a format war, save that money for the future, or take your family on a memorable vacation! Then use your existing equipment to show your vacation pics on your big screen. Just my thoughts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jad Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 ... then again, if you're dying to jump in to High-Def, I'd go with Blu-Ray. http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/soa...soap060107.html I've been reading thedigitalbits.com for years and have found them to be very reliable. I believe Blu-Ray will win the war. I'm still waiting at least a year for prices to drop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Donster Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Yeah, I'll echo SB's comments and say hold off Neo. This is very reminiscent of the VCR-Betamax Wars back in the 80's to me :rollseyes: Not to mention the cost of the dvd's, sorry, but I'm a cheap bastard when it comes to picking up things. My wife and I are actually considering moving from cable to dish once we get our new flatscreen, since we aren't going to notice a difference with our 10 year old tv's to enjoy the digital signal. Hell, my stereo system is 15 years old Back on point, wait another year and see who wins the war. My feeling is no one is going to win in the end, which personally is my wish. There's no reason these dvd's need to be that high, since the average viewer isn't going to notice a difference at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vash Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 i have netflix.. i watched a scifi mini series over the weekend called The Lost Room very very well done series.. i sat and watched the whole thing in one afternoon.. blew me away... other than that.. movies ive seen as of late that rocked.. Hard Candy, Night Watch, Down in the Valley, OldBoy, and Scum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Jet Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I'm with you there, Vash, I too thought the "The Lost Room" was pretty amazing. I went into it with zero expectations and as each hour passed it got better and better. I love how the objects didn't all provide instant superpowers, like the Talismans on the old "Jackie Chan Adventures" cartoon, which is what I thought they'd do before I saw it. Some appeared completely useless except in really obscure circumstances, while others didn't appear to have any powers at all. I want me the Scissors, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Donster Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 Has anyone picked up the new extended FF movie? My jaw nearly dropped seeing this on the shelves and was wondering what was put back in the movie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted June 6, 2007 Author Share Posted June 6, 2007 I haven't picked it up yet, but I'm going to this weekend. However, to answer your question I would advise you to check out IGN. They have a great review of the Double Dip DVD which they've given a 10 (Masterful) score. You can check it out: HERE neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 Well, again the DVD thread suffers. Just wanted to chat again, it's been a while. I have recently picked up 300, TMNT, and the new Doctor Strange Movie. 300 is one of the best movies ever made, easily. The art direction and action is almost unmatched. Very much recommend this movie to anyone. If you are leary about watching it because of the look of the film or extreme violence, I sugguest you give it a rent. It's actually a very good movie. I watched TMNT for the first time a few days ago. I didn't get a chance to see it in the theater. However, after watching it, I wish I did. The movie was very good....maybe not great, but VERY good. My few complaints come from the over use of Monsters and the continuation from the film franchise. I would have liked to see a completely new start to the TMNT series on the big screen, but that being said they do pay nice homage to the former movies. In the end though, I'd watch the movie for the Leo vs. Ralph fight anyday. It's one of my favorite scenes in any movie......ever. It was so classic, the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. When Leo said, "I'm better than you..." I don't think I've been that excited about a single fight since the Neo vs. Agent Smith fight in The Matrix. They handled it well and the Animation was awesome. If I had to nitpick at all it would be: Leo should have won the fight. I know Ralph had to win for the story's sake, but Leo should be the best.....but that's just MHO. I haven't watched Doctor Strange yet, but I intend to this weekend. To be honest, I'm quite looking forward to it. I've never followed the charater before, so it will be nice to get a good look at his origin and backstory. I also picked up the DVD from Target which came with an exclusive issue of Illuminate (SP?) on DVD. That is one book that I've never read, so it was a nice extra to get. So, anyone counting down the days until Heroes: S1 is released next week . neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted August 20, 2007 Author Share Posted August 20, 2007 Just a quick note to start the week. I picked up a Xbox HD DVD Drive this weekend. I can honestly say I was blown away. I wasn't really looking for that much of a difference, but when I put in King Kong Saturday night I was astonished - IT IS THAT GOOD. So, I've watched King Kong twice in HD over the last few days. Today, I'm going to get some new movies. Here are the ones I'm picking up this week: -TMNT -300 -The Matrix Trilogy That should be enough to get me started. I also have 5 HD DVDs coming for free in the mail. So, for any HD DVD owners, are there are titles that you would recommend to pick up that really showcase HD? Any picks I will consider. neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted August 20, 2007 Author Share Posted August 20, 2007 Sorry to Double Post, but a Megabomb was just dropped! Today, Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures have announced HD DVD exclusitivity. That's right, as of next week with the release of "Blades of Glory", all Paramount and Dreamworks Movies will be released exclusivly in the HD DVD Format. What does this mean for the casual viewer? Well, both Transformers and Shiek 3 (2 of the top 5 movies of the year) are from Dreamwork ro Paramount respectively. Which means, if you are wanting the purchase the ultimate, Next-Gen version of one of the greatest visual movies of the recent years, you are going to need to "transform" your Blu Ray player in an HD DVD player . Wow, this announcement made my purchase of the Xbox HD DVD drive this weekend just that much sweeter. Now, the only thing missing from the HD DVD bandwagon is Disney...........but that's a BIG gap that needs to be filled. Come on Disney, give HD DVD a chance . neo Source: dvd.ign.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handsomedevil Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 So, anyone counting down the days until Heroes: S1 is released next week . neo I am. Heroes quickly became my favorite current TV show! I can't wait to get it on DVD... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punisher Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 Sorry to Double Post, but a Megabomb was just dropped! Today, Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures have announced HD DVD exclusitivity. That's right, as of next week with the release of "Blades of Glory", all Paramount and Dreamworks Movies will be released exclusivly in the HD DVD Format. What does this mean for the casual viewer? Well, both Transformers and Shiek 3 (2 of the top 5 movies of the year) are from Dreamwork ro Paramount respectively. Which means, if you are wanting the purchase the ultimate, Next-Gen version of one of the greatest visual movies of the recent years, you are going to need to "transform" your Blu Ray player in an HD DVD player . Wow, this announcement made my purchase of the Xbox HD DVD drive this weekend just that much sweeter. Now, the only thing missing from the HD DVD bandwagon is Disney...........but that's a BIG gap that needs to be filled. Come on Disney, give HD DVD a chance . neo Source: dvd.ign.com so they wont come out on regular dvd? or just not blu ray? as for heroes, that is my favorite tv show..ever, but i cant really afford 50 bucks, sooo i just might as well wait for christmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vash Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 new dvds for the week for me... Robocop 20th aniversary and Serenity Special Edition... ill let you know how they are later on this week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jad Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 ... so they wont come out on regular dvd? or just not blu ray? ... All upcoming high-def releases will also be available on standard DVD, almost always released on the exact same day. I recommend thedigitalbits.com for keeping up with current & future releases. As for the Paramount HD-DVD announcement, it sure has kicked up a lot of strong opinions on the internet. I certainly don't want to get into a fight with anyone about this issue, but it is important to note that the deal stipulates that Paramount and Dreamworks will be exclusively HD-DVD for 18 months, after which they can choose to stay on HD-DVD, or switch to Blu-Ray, or support both formats. Paramount/Dreamworks received (cue Dr. Evil voice) $150 meeeelion dollars in 'promotional incentives' from Microsoft to go with HD-DVD for the next year and a half. What this announcement has done is to guarantee that this wasteful and frustrating format war will continue on for another year or longer. It's in everyone's best interests for one format to become the industry standard, and until that happens, the consumer will increasingly become wary of adopting a whole new player & discs. The next big thing after high-def discs will be high-def downloads. Some have speculated that Microsoft is intentionally keeping the format war going so that it's XBox Live download service can gain market share against iTunes, which will eventually also offer high-def downloads. Personally, I don't care which format ends up on top, as they are both excellent high-def technologies. Before this announcement, Blu-Ray looked like the clear winner of the format war, due to their discs consistently outselling HD-DVD discs. Now, I still think Blu-Ray will be the eventual winner, but it's going to be a messy and frustrating time in the HD-arena until that happens. This may even end up like the high-def audio format war (SACD vs. DVD-Audio), where neither gains much traction, and the average consumer just skips it entirely and goes for the convenience of direct download. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted August 23, 2007 Author Share Posted August 23, 2007 While I agree this is just delaying the obvious, I do not believe that Blu Ray is the clear front runner anymore. There are a few nails that could be driven. Disney is obviously supporting Blu Ray exclusively, but only for current movies. If they were to release their classic collection on Blu Ray this war would be over. Disney wants to suck money from the DVD market for a few more years before sucking the same money from the HD market. However, with Paramount on Board and the vast following that Microsoft has, with the cheaper production rates, I still think that HD-DVD stands just as much of a chance as Blu Ray. I think with the Paramount Deal (pun intended), both formats are once again even. Blockbuster is getting behind Blu Ray, but Walmart is moving toward HD-DVD only. Walmart represents Middle Class America (which is the majority) and once HD-DVD players become affordable they will begin flying off Walmart shevles, thus shooting HD-DVD way ahead. Again, I'm not claiming one will win over the other right now, because they both have a fighting chance, but I will say that we will know better after Black Friday. If Walmart shoots a cheap HD-DVD player off the shelf for this holiday season, we may see a huge turning of the tide. neo **Edit**I also forgot to throw out the the TV HD-DVDs. With Heroes next week, Smallville in a few weeks, and BSG Season 1 in December. Those exclusives will also drive the market, especially when them come down in price. Already have Heroes and Smallville Pre-ordered in HD too....by the way . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marquis de Carabas Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 (neolego @ Aug 16 2007, 02:21 PM)So, anyone counting down the days until Heroes: S1 is released next week I am =) POWERPUFF GIRLS SEASON ONE The Show: most of everyone knows who the ppg are and where they came from. but here is some back story for those who don't: professor utonium was trying to create the perfect little girl, but while stirring the cauldren they were apparently being created in, he accidently broke a beaker, and added CHEMICAL X by mistake. thus, the powerpuff girls were born! now they fight crime and such. OK! now that that's all taken care of, here's my input. the ppg was a show I enjoyed when I was younger, and the past few years I haven't been able to watch it anymore, due to cartoon network removing it from their regular schedule. so when the dvd hit stores, I HAD to pick it up. and upon watching it, I found that it was still great! the episodes are as classic as ever, each episode (in the first season) boasting a new villian. and I was pleasantly suprised to find the jokes I got when I was a kid were still there. that being said, I have noticed alot of new stuff too, such as the occasional joke directed right towards adults (for example: in one episode, professor is going on a date and the girls are helping him get ready. they are naming the stuff he needs to do to get ready as well as things he needs to bring along (wallet, breath spray, etc). well at one point it shows buttercup slip an unseen object into the professor's coat pocket and she says "don't forget to bring some of these!" which I believe to be... well, you get it) another thing i've noticed is the strong blood/violence present in the show. it's all in good fun though, and wrapped in a cute little package. The DVD: it appears they remastered the entire thing. two discs, awesome packaging, great price. The Extras: I was very pleased with the special features. it included all of their "what a cartoon show" appearances, which is something I was REALLY hoping they would. they also included the original concept cartoon for ppg entitled "the whoop ass girls", in which the professor accidentally knocks a can of whoop ass into the concoction. it was pretty great Overall (not an average): :) :) Recommendation: if you are a fan of the show, and/or buying the set even briefly crossed your mind, I strongly recommend you to pick it up, target has it for only $20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Donster Posted August 25, 2007 Share Posted August 25, 2007 I was wondering what the verdict was on the new Serenity dvd? I'll most likely get it, but I was just wondering if fans were happy with this version, compared to the earlier version? Something that was a bit frustrating, as this is truly a underrated movie and series, is that there was little to no advertisement in my area or on Attack of the Show on Tuesday. I didn't stumble across it until like Wednesday when I was on a lunch break. Also, has anyone heard anything about a new and improved Casino Royale and 300 dvd's(more extras, etc)? I haven't picked these up yet and wanted to make sure it was a safe bet they'll release something with more stuff down the pike. I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm tired of getting something and something that should have been released the first time is on the shelves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted August 27, 2007 Author Share Posted August 27, 2007 I agree Donster and for that I would recommend 300 on HD-DVD. It not only has the best picture of any movie I've ever see, but also has some awesome extras. As far as Casino Royal is concerned, I haven't heard of a new version coming out. On to another topic, tomorrow is the day. Heroes finally comes out on DVD and HD DVD. I am still on the fence as of today (and probably will be until I get to the checkout counter tomorrow) about whether to get the DVD or HD DVD. From what I understand by the reviews that I've read, the picture is better in HD but not by much. They claim the is one of the best looking DVD transfers for a TV series to date. Now, my only hang up is the HD DVD comes with more features and I love features, however it also carries a price tag that is $50 more dollars. I just don't know that I can justify spending $100 just on one season set. It's something that I'm struggling. As of right now I feel like I'm leaning more toward the DVD set due to price........but I really like my HD DVD player.......like I said, I will probably carry both to the checkout with me tomorrow and make my final decision then . neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NINTENDOwii Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 HD DVD FTW! :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vash Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 hey don.. i liked the special features and extras on the SE Serenity discs... but the deleted scenes/extended scenes i would have appreciated more if.. say there was a way to watch them in the movie.. or on the second disc have the movie with extended scenes.. other than that.. its the same fantastic Serenity as for Robocop 20th Anny ... picture quality is the same you got on the critereon<sp???> edition back in.. uh.. 94.. the sound though was greatly improved and the special features include some great interviews with Kurtwood Smith and the other villians from the movie as well as a great making of the ED209... the extended cut of the movie on the second disc is great (bloodier and theres like a minute and a half of extra footage) but this movie still is a fantastic watch and the 20th anny is a great version to own if you dont own it.. plus a cool metal case!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Donster Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 Neo, I'm still waiting to get that new tv that I feel like I've been talking about for like forever Not to mention seeing who wins this round of the video wars and if they'll go down in price eventually. I'd also like a few more bells and whistles with both of the movies I was talking about Thanks for getting back to me on the dvd's Vash, I think I'll wait and see what happens down the pike on these sets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vash Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 Neo, I'm still waiting to get that new tv that I feel like I've been talking about for like forever Not to mention seeing who wins this round of the video wars and if they'll go down in price eventually. I'd also like a few more bells and whistles with both of the movies I was talking about Thanks for getting back to me on the dvd's Vash, I think I'll wait and see what happens down the pike on these sets. yeah im hoping for HD versions of both.. but i didnt have a version of either so it was worth the pick up for me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neolego Posted October 16, 2007 Author Share Posted October 16, 2007 Well, it's Transformer Day. There were several editions/versions of the movie and several free swag from different stores. Blockbluster has a free MP3 player, Target has a Transforming DVD Case, Walmart has an Animated Comic, Circuit City gave a Free Hat. There was the standard edition, a 2 disc collector's edition, a standard edition packaged with the Animated comic at Wal Mart, etc. So, who picked it up and what did you get? I picked up the HD DVD version - how could you not!?!?! The only problem right now is that the HD versions of movies are getting left in the dark. It will probably be another year before we starting seeing some HD dominace. So, if you want any of the free stuff, you have to stick with the standard def DVDs. I prefer the greatest picture quality of any home movie of ALL TIME. That's right, you have to see (and hear) this thing in HD to believe it. I recently picked up 300 and Troy: Director's Cut and thought I had seen the next generation, but they don't hold a candle to Transforms. I was honestly speechless for a second. I had to call my wife into the room to check it out......she couldn't believe how good it looked either...........then she rolled her eyes and walked out of the room . Poor thing, she's going to have to watch that thing at least 3 times this week (1 for the movie, 1 for the PIP, and 1 for the commentary), but she's a trooper. So, what about you guys, anyone pick up Transformers? neo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karamazov80 Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 So, what about you guys, anyone pick up Transformers? neo I know that I'm an outlier in the online community today for saying this, but I'm not buying Transformers today, or probably any day for that matter. However, I'm actually kind of interested in the Director's Cut of Hollow Man coming out today. Though the original was flawed, I enjoyed it for what it was, and I have heard that the original cut by Verhoeven was something worth seeing. Anyone planning on seeing this one, or has anyone heard anything about it: good, bad, or indifferent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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