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Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 11, 2009 11:07:18 GMT -5
The Opera-See thoughts in Movie Genre thread.
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Post by Termination on Jan 11, 2009 11:58:14 GMT -5
The Invincible Iron Man (2007) (Blu-Ray) HD Video - 10/10 HD Audio dts-HDMA - Reference Good stuff here. I actually enjoyed this over the live action film. LOL. Marine Aquarium (2008) (Blu-Ray) HD Video - Reference HD Audio dts-HDHR - 9/10 Demonstration video of 3 different areas of fishes. Kinda like turn ya TV into an aquarium with a small exception. This was the first real film shot at 4k resolution. Blu-ray x 4. No matter where I took a look at my screen I couldn't detect a single flaw. Usually with projection tvs, the closer you are to the set (beyond normal viewing distances), the more likely you'll see noise or grain. Notta here, & I would have liked to have seen a bit on a LCD flat panel to compare. The image is so sharp with clarity.. ahh ya get the point.  The High-res dts audio @ 3.8mbps ain't bad but of the 3 fishy selections, 1 has a poppin sound throughout which is why no perfect 10.
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Post by ZapRowsdower on Jan 11, 2009 16:31:35 GMT -5
I've been busy catching up with my Birthday/Christmas DVDs (I got quite a few)
A Beautiful Mind (2001, Ron Howard) - 9/10
A Bug's Life (1998, John Lasseter; Andrew Stanton) - 9/10
Across the Universe (2007, Julie Taymor) - 7/10
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, George Roy Hill) - 10/10
Eagle Eye (2008, D.J. Caruso) - 8/10
The English Patient (1996, Anthony Minghella) - 9/10
High School Musical (2006, Kenny Ortega) - Yes, THAT one. Yes, I somehow got pulled into it. It might be my thing for musicals, but I actually enjoyed these. This is a phenomenon widely known as "guilty pleasure". Sorry to disappoint. 8/10
High School Musical 2 (2007, Kenny Ortega) - Same as above. Only bought these because I most definitely want to own the third one, which in my opinion was fantastic. Again, sorry to disappoint. 8/10
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005, Shane Black) - 9/10
Lost in Translation (2003, Sofia Coppola) - 9/10
Mamma Mia! (2008, Phyllida Lloyd) - Phyllida Lloyd directed this film rather poorly, but luckily a seasoned actress like Meryl Streep can direct herself. The music is catchy enough to keep the movie on its feet, and Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried are simply amazing. Streep, Seyfried, and ABBA seem to do a decent job at carrying the movie, which to me, gives it an 8/10. Although I offer none of that credit to its director, who by all means should stick to the stage.
North by Northwest (1959, Alfred Hitchcock) - 10/10
Rear Window (1954, Alfred Hitchcock) - 10/10
Shakespeare in Love (1998, John Madden) - 9/10
Also received Unforgiven, The Wizard of Oz and Yojimbo. Waiting on South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut to arrive in the mail as well.
Seeing as though I work at a movie theater, I also can't expect you to believe I haven't been watching movies on the big screen either. Here are some of my recent ventures:
Milk (Gus Van Sant) - Somewhere in my top 5 for 2008. Perfect in every way, and actually very poignant to what's going on today with that Prop 8 fiasco. Sean Penn for best actor! 9/10 (likely candidate for 10.)
Doubt (John Patrick Shanley) - A showcase for acting. Meryl Streep deserves the Oscar for her performance (although I'm holding off on my certainty until I see Revolutionary Road - I'm hearing wonderful things about Winslet). The translation from the stage is rather obvious, but I thought it was done well. 9/10
Frost/Nixon (Ron Howard) - A bold, different movie for Ron Howard. But very, very impressive. Frank Langella is simply phenomenal. 9/10
Now, how about a movie I didn't like, eh?
The Unborn (David S. Goyer) - Ripe for the Rifftrax treatment. It's so incredibly awful it comes right back around to being good again. As a Horror movie, it's terrible. But my friends and I found it hilarious. What gets to me is that the premise could have made a genuinely terrifying film. But instead, they made this crap. For an idea on how bad David S. Goyer missed the mark on this one, consider this: the ghost kid's name is "Jumby". That's right. Jumby. Another movie with dialogue that tries real hard to sound like it would come from young people - but they all talk like old people trying to sound young. It's just one gigantic misfire. Only watch if you, like me, love watching bad movies for their comedic value. 1/10
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Post by Heineken Skywalker on Jan 12, 2009 9:32:25 GMT -5
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008)
Brad Pitt stars as Benjamin Button who, in his own words, "...was born under unusual circumstances.". His extraordinary life story, not the least of which is, being born as an old man and aging backwards, is recounted in flashbacks as his diary is read aloud.
Pitt gives a really good, touching, performance in his third pairing with Director David Fincher (SEVEN, FIGHT CLUB). Cate Blanchett and the rest of the cast are fine as well.
But what's really amazing about the film is the aging makeup and special effects that transformed Pitt into an 80-something old man and then later make him look younger than he actually is. It really is a stunning achievement and I'm still trying to figure out how they did some of that.
Good story, a little long, amazing effects.
8.5/10
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Post by ZapRowsdower on Jan 12, 2009 12:09:10 GMT -5
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008) Brad Pitt stars as Benjamin Button who, in his own words, "...was born under unusual circumstances.". His extraordinary life story, not the least of which is, being born as an old man and aging backwards, is recounted in flashbacks as his diary is read aloud. Pitt gives a really good, touching, performance in his third pairing with Director David Fincher ( SEVEN, FIGHT CLUB). Cate Blanchett and the rest of the cast are fine as well. But what's really amazing about the film is the aging makeup and special effects that transformed Pitt into an 80-something old man and then later make him look younger than he actually is. It really is a stunning achievement and I'm still trying to figure out how they did some of that. Good story, a little long, amazing effects. 8.5/10 Agreed. Great film. Revolutionary Road (2009, Sam Mendes) The long-anticipated reunion of Titanic co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. After seeing this, I will never look at Titanic the same way again. Their relationship in this film is the exact opposite of their relationship in Titanic. The movie is cynical and filled with angst, and you don't even realize how much each scene draws you in until the scene is over and you're allowed to catch your breath again. Brilliant work from everyone involved. One of the best movies this year. 9/10 |
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Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 13, 2009 11:08:04 GMT -5
High School Musical (2006, Kenny Ortega) - Yes, THAT one. Yes, I somehow got pulled into it. It might be my thing for musicals, but I actually enjoyed these. This is a phenomenon widely known as "guilty pleasure". Sorry to disappoint. 8/10 High School Musical 2 (2007, Kenny Ortega) - Same as above. Only bought these because I most definitely want to own the third one, which in my opinion was fantastic. Again, sorry to disappoint. 8/10 You won't see me complain about those, as (time to let a cat out of the bag) I've seen those and liked them as well. I've seen a ton of stuff from the Disney Channel recently since I've been stuck home babysitting my sister and her friends until they go back to school (they started yesterday, so I should be back into my regular routine) and during last year I saw a lot of them as well. Those were actually watchable, though I think the first one is the better of the two. The songs came a much faster clip. |
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Post by Heineken Skywalker on Jan 13, 2009 17:32:04 GMT -5
Also, if it was a made-for-tv movie or miniseries, and not a theatrical release, please go to the "Where's the Remote" section and tell us about it in the similar thread over there, "Just watched on tv". Hey heineken, is thread reserved for theatrical releases only? My next to watch title is "The Invincible Iron Man" which is a movie but a toon. If so I can skip my thoughts on it & transfer rating & just post titles I've watched which are movies "only" Sorry Term, I somehow missed this post before. Yeah, I think the original intent of this thread was for theatrical releases, but I think when something is made as a "direct to video" feature, it can probably fit comfortably either here or in the "Just Watched on TV" thread. Wherever you prefer. If something you're watching on dvd or Blu-Ray originally aired on tv, like a made for tv movie or miniseries, then the "Just Watched on TV" thread is probably more appropriate. |
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Post by Termination on Jan 13, 2009 18:14:02 GMT -5
Sorry Term, I somehow missed this post before. Yeah, I think the original intent of this thread was for theatrical releases, but I think when something is made as a "direct to video" feature, it can probably fit comfortably either here or in the "Just Watched on TV" thread. Wherever you prefer. If something you're watching on dvd or Blu-Ray originally aired on tv, like a made for tv movie or miniseries, then the "Just Watched on TV" thread is probably more appropriate. Cool, no prob. Most of the BDs I have which are not theatrical releases are spread across "all" genres of content. I probably could have passed up Marine Aquarium sinse that is a perfect example of many BD titles that are out. I'll continue with theater films & stuff like Movie toons here & leave Tv on BD stuff out of this thread. Thanks. Married Life (2007) (Blu-Ray) Film - 7/10 HD Video - 9/10 HD Audio Dolby TrueHD - 9/10 Great performance by Chris Cooper who plays Harry, a not so devoted husband sinse he believes he has found true happiness with another women played by Rachel McAdams. Long time friend Richard (Pierce Brosnan) who is a swinger decides to help Harry out with his marriage but not before Harry gets the idea that murder is easier to escape a marriage than break-up. I felt more character development could have seen more attention but the film has a good pace to it which never left me bored. Overall its a nice short drama piece mixed with moments of suspense & comedy that doesn't exceed its runtime & gets to the point rather quickly. Worth a rental in my opinion. Sony Pictures presents Married Life with a AVC 1.85:1 transfer. The picture is quite consistent throughout. Some scenes suffer from minor noise & grain while there is noticeable edge enhancement during high contrast or lit scenes. Skin tones for the most part are dead on but I spotted frequently a processed look to them with strong yellow & red highlights. This lossless TrueHD track is for the most part front heavy. Dialog is sharp with no distortion. Sinse the film is all talk, I found little to be desired with surround usage or brief LFE moments. |
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Post by Heineken Skywalker on Jan 13, 2009 18:31:57 GMT -5
TENEBRE (1982)
Dario Argento thriller about a horror novel writer being stalked by a serial killer who is using his latest novel as the inspiration for his murders.
Some good suspense (that dog chase!) some gratuitous nudity, lots of blood, and the story kept me guessing about the killer's identity. A good example of the Giallo genre and one of the better Argento films I've seen.
7/10
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Post by Termination on Jan 16, 2009 3:02:58 GMT -5
Tropic Thunder (2008) (Blu-Ray)
Film - 9/10
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby TrueHD - 10/10
Ben Stiller directs & stars in probably his best picture of his career. Full of laugh out loud scenes which spoof the "war" genre but also has a story behind the humor. Some surprise cameo's as well.
The HD transfer is near perfection. I detected a small amount of Edge Enhancement with intentional grain. DNR is in check as well though there are close-up shots which have an overblown contrast resulting in un-natural skin tones at times but overall this is a solid video presentation. The TrueHD track was a nice surprise to my ears. Everything from vocals, surrounds & channel placement is excellent. During loud action scenes or musical numbers no channel gets washed away leaving every channel crystal clear & loud. Great stuff.
Eagle Eye (2008) (Blu-Ray)
Film - 9/10
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby TrueHD - 9/10
Think Enemy of the State film on coke & ya get the idea behind the plot of this film with the exception that the enemy is smarter than a few computer chips. I really enjoyed this film because my expectations were not high & maybe even if they were I still would have enjoyed it to some degree as there is a lot of action & suspense. Once you get into the story, your hooked for the rest of the film.
The HD transfer suffers a bit of jaggies during fast action scenes such as nighttime car chases. There is some intentional grain but nothing that distracts you from the video quality. Close-up shots reveal a more processed look to skin tones but for the most part this transfer is sharp with rare scenes which appear soft. The TrueHD track is very active. Kinda a mixed bag. While dialog is crisp & clear, dynamic range during loud action isn't mixed as good as I thought it could be. The 360 wow factor isn't here either leaving a Dolby ping-pong effect with the surrounds. Still most of my complaints are rather nitpicks & this is a near 10 audio track.
Disaster Movie (2008) (Blu-Ray)
Film - 3/10
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio dts-HDMA - 9/10
3 words, Ha ha ha. err wait I only had maybe 2 chuckles.. Um nope just 1. Kidding of course.
Pineapple Express (2008) (Blu-Ray)
Film - 8/10
HD Video - 10/10
HD Audio Dolby TrueHD - 8/10
I expected something a bit more dumb but found this movie to be good in its own right. Seth Rogan takes a turn from his previous reincarnation film roles & stars as a Mary-j smoker who finds himself in a world of hurt once he witnesses something he should not have. The bizarre humor mixed with violence actually worked, not in a Quentin Tarintino way though, more like a Dumb & Dumber way. Thats actually a compliment & I rather enjoyed the senseless acts of Seth & James Franco throughout.
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Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 17, 2009 11:13:23 GMT -5
Airheads-See thoughts in Movie Genre thread.
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raina
Junior Member
Posts: 77
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Post by raina on Jan 18, 2009 13:07:25 GMT -5
Michael Clayton (2007)
A solid, well acted legal thriller. It didn't just blow me away, but it certainly kept me watching.
7/10
Burn After Reading (2008)
Well acted (GREAT cast) and a smart story about very stupid people. Its often very funny, though sometimes it missed the mark for me. Overall, a fine effort from the Coen brothers.
8/10
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raina
Junior Member
Posts: 77
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Post by raina on Jan 18, 2009 18:55:11 GMT -5
There Will Be Blood (2007)
I'm totally disgusted with myself that I waited so long to watch this. An outstanding character driven drama, Daniel Day-Lewis is just amazing. My only two problems with the film: it was maybe just a tad too long, and I wasn't always so crazy about the score. Otherwise, an absolutely intriguing and riveting film.
9/10
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Post by Heineken Skywalker on Jan 19, 2009 8:00:11 GMT -5
THE VISITOR (2007)
Really good drama about a widowed middle-aged college professor who is in New York for a conference and finds a young couple, who are illegal immigrants, living in his apartment.
He offers to let them stay until they can find another place, but ends up getting involved in their lives. Richard Jenkins, mostly known as a character actor in supporting roles, shines here in the lead role.
From director Thomas McCarthy, who also directed the even more entertaining and thought-provoking THE STATION AGENT.
8/10
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Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 19, 2009 11:08:08 GMT -5
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The High-res dts audio @ 3.8mbps ain't bad but of the 3 fishy selections, 1 has a poppin sound throughout which is why no perfect 10. 
