2100 replies to this topic

[709er]

JULIE AND JULIA - US Release (region free)- 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

What a nice, feel good job this is. Covering two time zones - the 2000's where  a 30 year old wannabe writer (Amy Adams), living in Queens, takes on the personal challenge of cooking every meal from a Julia Childs cookbook over the course of a year and blogging her thoughts and results. The 50's zone focuses on Julia Childs (Meryl Streep), her marriage to soul mate and diplomat husband Paul (played with real warmth by Stanley Tucci) and her beginnings as a world famous cook. There were many moments of real honesty and sincerity that carried the film.
The PQ was very good, especially the French settings which were beautifully reproduced with accurate, natural colour and great period detail.
Obviously not what you'd call a guy's flick and definitely not a demo for the SubMersives (   ), but a worthwhile telling of a true story with excellent PQ and a fine dialogue driven (and whimsical) MA soundtrack.

FILM: 4/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

Edited by 709er, 13 May 2010 - 06:35 PM.

[yorac]

Neil Diamond - Hot August Night/NYC- 1.78:1 - Dolby True HD/PCM stereo

Region ABC

PQ: 4.5/5 - Visually very nice, some crowd shot contain noise as you would expect but a very solid transfer.... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 4.25/5 - Pretty good audio here as well, plenty of quality in the mix and creates a lovely sound stage without too much trouble at all ....

The Concert: If you're a fan you will certainly enjoy it, given he's closing on 70 the voice is still pretty damned good, the man is an entertainer and he does it well, highly recommended .....

Well worth a rent or buy if you're into him then buy it......


Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

[yorac]

Updated 493 reviews, thanks to all.......

[709er]

K19 THE WIDOWMAKER - US release - Region Free - Dolby True HD 5:1 -  2.35:1

A gruelling story of a Russian nuclear sub disaster.

The PQ was a mixed bag. Very sharp and detailed in the outdoor sequences and as expected, grainy and softer in the "inside sub" shots. Very satisfactory IMO with more detail within the grain than "first meets the eye"!
The AQ was impressive with many moments of real punch and aggression. Very nice orchestral score by Klaus Badelt.

FILM: 3.7/5
PQ:  3.7/5
AQ: 4.2/5

Definitely worth a watch on blu. I picked this up at around $US 18, but I think it has increased since it's release  

[minty]

Paul Rodgers live in Glasgow

16.9 AR and hired from bigpond movies so region B.
PCM Stereo and DTS HD MA
PQ 4.5/5
AQ 4.75/5
Concert 5/5

This concert just kicks ass. Paul Rodgers (ex Bad Company frontman among other bands he has fronted) vocals are just brilliant. You wouldn't need to have heard him before to appreciate that this guy can sing. Anyone that likes bluesey rock is in for a treat and fans of Bad Company would be stoked. The concert is superbly paced and towards the middle and end when some well known hits get played you almost need to climb out of your chair and rock on.
A nice interview with Paul in the special features section gives a good insight into the mans music for the uninitiated.

Final Word - A must buy for fans and fans of blues based rock.

[SDL]

Sherlock Holmes (Australian Release)

Didn't watch this at the movie as worried about what they had done to a classic, but in fact the movie IMO was a fun watch and whilst not a standard SH type movie had enough of the elements to make it a worthwhile view while still being a bit of a popcorn flick.
Movie: 4/5

Audio: This was difficult to score IMO. While the score sounded great, there were some brilliant LFE moments, and also this track had some of the best use of surrounds I have heard in a while, including right at the start where the horse and cart rumble right over the top of you and a great scene around a ship in dry dock, some of the dialogue was not so perfect. Was it the sound or Downey Jr? I am not sure, but I will give it 4/5 but could be swayed higher if I sat and just listened again. But definately one that really has some nice effects and coming from a non sci fi or animation I found this one to be great.

Video: The scenes around London looked great and while it was all done to look a bit grey some great dark scenes where the picture looked great. I wouldn't say it is perfect with some scenes that looked better than others, but really just being picky having watched Avatar recently, but 4/5 as it was generally very good.

Having as I said, avoided this, I hope they make some more of these if they can keep the cast together and keep them relevant (lots of material to draw on), they definately, like all movies these days, left the opening there.

[dhammika]

Return To Forever Returns - Live at Montreux 2008  - Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola and Lenny White

The Concert  4.7/5 -  This is my first ever review Hope I am good at how to judge these things but I must say this is one hell of a BR especially if you are a Jazz/Blues fan. If you liked The Legends Live at Montreux  then this an even better jamming session. These guys are on their own class and not shy to try out  adventures music. It is definitely a show to watch when you come home after a hard day at work,  which will definitely chill-out/relax (chillax) you. I haven't given full marks as I think it would have been great if they had invited a good jazz singer for one or two vocal pieces in the show.

PQ - 4.8/5 - Recorded in HD 1080i AR 16:9

AQ - 5/5 - LPCM Stereo, DD 5.1 and DTS HD MA 5.1 -  My preference is DTS HD MA as it fills whole room and make you feel you are in the concert hall. Reference quality audio.

This is a keeper for me

[709er]

THE KARATE KID - US Region Free - DTS HDMA - 1.85:1

Can't recommend this film enough for a family viewing.
Loved this when it came out and I was 26 - and still love it.
The PQ started off with slightly dodgy results, but quickly improved and though soft scenes popped up here and there, they in no way detracted from the overall presentation. Bright solid colours, good black levels and moments of great detail. Standout scenes include the beach soccer scene at the start (with the Beachboys playing on the soundtrack), the scenes with Daniel and Miyagi training on the lake and the ocean training scene.
I found the audio really good for a 26 old film and there were some great soundtrack numbers to add some audio punch. One particular scene toward the end when Miyagi prepares to "work his magic" on Daniel's leg really boomed and was genuinely exciting.
Great family stuff!

FILM: 4.3/5
PQ:  4/5
AQ:  4/5

[huggy]

709er, on May 13 2010, 05:00 PM, said:

JULIE AND JULIA - US Release (region free)- 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA


Obviously not what you'd call a guy's flick and definitely not a demo for the SubMersives (   ), but a worthwhile telling of a true story with excellent PQ and a fine dialogue driven (and whimsical) MA soundtrack.

FILM: 4/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

Well.......ahem..........I actually loved this and would say one of the better movies I've watched all year.


Not a guy flick?   You've got me worried now.......is this my feminine side coming out?..........heck no...........BEEFCAKE.........BEEFCAKE!!!!!!!

[matthewa]

sejanus, on May 9 2010, 05:13 PM, said:

Not meaning to sound obnoxious but do you have decent sound gear for this? I found the dts-hd track to be superb, crystal clear with great vocals, guitar work and crowd ambience really well done on the surrounds It's just as good technically as the roy orbison bluray as a idea - at least to my ears

I wouldn't say it is at the same level as The Big O Concert audio wise, but very good, and was like a snapshot of the 80's (especially the fashion). Poor video as many have mentioned, but I still enjoyed the concert and will be holding onto it

[petetherock]

Wiener Philharmoniker/New Year's Concert 2009 [Blu-ray] [2009]


http://www.amazon.co...ref=oss_product

After one too many movies with just bass, explosions and lots of killing, a change was needed. Something to show off the finer qualities of the home theatre system, and its musical qualities. I chanced across this disc whilst getting a few more of the usual action fare off Amazon UK. This was a blind buy after reading some reviews.

The Vienna New Year Concert is an annual affair and this comes in the Blu Ray format, and is recorded in lossless DTS-MA 5.1 or stereo LPCM. The 5.1 is more immersive and you won’t find your subwoofer going to sleep either. The sound quality is truly fabulous and you can feel part of the audience, and yet you have no difficulty picking out individual instruments but the soundscape is immersive and smooth.

The picture quality is equally breath-taking, even though it is 1080i “only”. Check out the grain on the instrument stands and the floor boards. The colors are vibrant and you will also test the full range of colors of your display. It is only focussed on the performers in the wonderful opera house, you may feel bored, but the well filmed video also includes views of the Austrian landscape and you really want to hop on board a plane right away and fly there. The 16:9 presentation fills your display nicely.

But the icing on the cake is in the bonus section. There is a segment, almost 25 minutes long, called Linz 2009. Linz is one of the 3 big cities in Austria and there is a segment which showcases the city with music from Hayden. The picture quality is even better than the main show and the beauty of the city and its surroundings is really solid! But around the 10th min, there is the icing on the cake. The percussion section of the Vienna Orchestra perform in a steelmill and this is truly stunning. It starts first with a fireworks display which will give your surrounds and subwoofer a serious workout and goes right into a performance quite unlike what you think of most Philharmonc Orchestras and the surround demonstration is on par if not better than the typical Eagles “Hotel California” demo.

This disc comes highly recommended. Not a movie perhaps, but excellant demo material, especially the Linz segment.

PQ: 4.5/5

SQ 4.5/5

A worthy buy.

[Ryan]

Quote

THE KARATE KID - US Region Free - DTS HDMA - 1.85:1

Can't recommend this film enough for a family viewing.
Loved this when it came out and I was 26 - and still love it.
The PQ started off with slightly dodgy results, but quickly improved and though soft scenes popped up here and there, they in no way detracted from the overall presentation. Bright solid colours, good black levels and moments of great detail. Standout scenes include the beach soccer scene at the start (with the Beachboys playing on the soundtrack), the scenes with Daniel and Miyagi training on the lake and the ocean training scene.
I found the audio really good for a 26 old film and there were some great soundtrack numbers to add some audio punch. One particular scene toward the end when Miyagi prepares to "work his magic" on Daniel's leg really boomed and was genuinely exciting.
Great family stuff!

FILM: 4.3/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

I just received my Karate Kid 1 and 2 box set and would totaly concur with the above

I popped in my dvd version and BD at the same time and was doing a direct comparison and the BD is a really nice upgrade over the dvd so yeah am really happy and cant wait to revisit this gem.

I love his costume at the party,the shower,always wanted to do that lol

Cheers Ryan

Edited by Ryan, 26 May 2010 - 12:07 PM.

[buzzliteyear]

cooksta, on May 9 2010, 10:03 AM, said:

The Lovely Bones DTS HD MA 5.1

Picture 5/5 This movie as absolute eye candy. Superb picture from the finest detail to glorious landscapes. Lots of CGI but very well done. Demo material to demonstrate bluray at its finest imo.

Audio 4.25/5 A mostly dialogue driven soundtrack. However where appropriate LFE and surround effects are well utilised. Highlight for me were some of the golden oldie songs used through the film. Clear and precise audio throughout.

Movie Somewhat different to what I expected, held my interest throughout; suspect its a love it or hate it movie. Some obvious holes in the plot. To sum up at least rent this to check out the picture quality.

The movie started well but as soon as she dies it drags itself along and in the end you feel frustrated and disappointed that more wasn't done.  In reading the blurb on the back cover I thought it would be a Sixth Sense style movie but it wasn't.  However, kudos to the actor for the excellent portrayal of a majorly creepy psycho.  Sorry but I'm not leaning towards loving this movie.

[Dork(original)]

Baraka...a magnificent movie screened in 70mm.
And now on BD.
This has been remastered/scanned at 8K ultra high resolution from65/5p film elements.
Not really sure what that all means but it is jaw dropping.
I have seen this in 70mm and it is fantastic.
This Bluray at its best.
This is well worth buying.
Paul.

[Jutta]

Paul_, on May 26 2010, 08:10 PM, said:

Baraka...a magnificent movie screened in 70mm.
And now on BD.
This has been remastered/scanned at 8K ultra high resolution from65/5p film elements.
Not really sure what that all means but it is jaw dropping.
I have seen this in 70mm and it is fantastic.
This Bluray at its best.
This is well worth buying.
Paul.

It's been out a couple of years now on Bluray but yes your right, it does look pretty darn good

[achjimmy]

SDL, on May 17 2010, 09:42 PM, said:

Sherlock Holmes (Australian Release)

Didn't watch this at the movie as worried about what they had done to a classic, but in fact the movie IMO was a fun watch and whilst not a standard SH type movie had enough of the elements to make it a worthwhile view while still being a bit of a popcorn flick.
Movie: 4/5

Audio: This was difficult to score IMO. While the score sounded great, there were some brilliant LFE moments, and also this track had some of the best use of surrounds I have heard in a while, including right at the start where the horse and cart rumble right over the top of you and a great scene around a ship in dry dock, some of the dialogue was not so perfect. Was it the sound or Downey Jr? I am not sure, but I will give it 4/5 but could be swayed higher if I sat and just listened again. But definately one that really has some nice effects and coming from a non sci fi or animation I found this one to be great.

Video: The scenes around London looked great and while it was all done to look a bit grey some great dark scenes where the picture looked great. I wouldn't say it is perfect with some scenes that looked better than others, but really just being picky having watched Avatar recently, but 4/5 as it was generally very good.

Having as I said, avoided this, I hope they make some more of these if they can keep the cast together and keep them relevant (lots of material to draw on), they definately, like all movies these days, left the opening there.

Watched this the other week as well but didnt post as i had a doze 15-30mins in. I can totaly agree with SQ, the use of surround was fantastic (wish more did the same) and there is no cobwebs left in the sub either. I struggled a bit with the story no doubt due to my nana nap but would like to watch it again, and hope also that we get more of the franchise.

[minty]

buzzliteyear, on May 26 2010, 05:34 PM, said:

The movie started well but as soon as she dies it drags itself along and in the end you feel frustrated and disappointed that more wasn't done.

Prob same frustration and disappointment i feel when people dont use spoiler warnings

[yorac]

Godzilla - 2:40.1 - DTS-HD MA

Region ABC

PQ: 3.9/5 - Well a hard one to review here, when I seen some of the opening shots I thought this is going to be very good and it's not a bad transfer, interior shots in the main are excellent and some are demo unfortunately many of the exterior shots (rain aside) are pretty ordinary imo, not enough to take away from the overall presentation but ordinary just the same.... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 4.75/5 - Great soundtrack here and just falls short of reference for mine, really enjoyed the audio here....

The Movie: An interesting watch and I found it enjoyable enough, like most of the Emmerich brothers movies it's there to be enjoyed and not to be taken all too seriously.....

Not available or slated for Oz release but worth a buy from the US if you're into it as it's region free......


Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

Edited by yorac, 31 May 2010 - 08:07 PM.

[yorac]

Rocky - 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

Region A - locked

PQ: 3/5 - Guess the transfer here is by most BR standards and average transfer, it's not a bad transfer but there is not anything to really get excited about either.... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 2.75/5 - This is a movie that is highly dialogue driven, as such you don't get anything more or less than expected given it's age .....

The Movie: A great story and still stands up today imo, little slow at the beginning but finds it's way and highly enjoyable

if you liked it on SD and thinking of an upgrade it is worth it IMO.......



Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

[yorac]

Rocky II - 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

Region A - locked

PQ: 2.9/5 - I actually thought the transfer on this was below the standard of Rocky, for a large part of the movie there is a lot of noise and softness that detracts from the AVC encode.... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 3/5 - Dialogue driven again the audio here is better and easier to hear .....

The Movie: Starts where Rocky finishes and takes you along for a ride of ups and downs after Rocky's success in the first movie, a worthy sequel imo....

if you liked it on SD and thinking of an upgrade it is worth it IMO.......



Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

[Ralfi]

Ahh the Rocky films. Classics. Love the last one too. Stallone has directed a few gems in his time eh, Yorac.

mfedley, on Mar 5 2009, 05:50 PM, said:

The Aviator

Movie Itself: All I can say is that Howard Hughes had an interesting life. It also proves that some of the most famous people are famous because their brains are wired to take big risks blindly. As you can probably tell, I found this movie reasonably enjoyable. It was decently written, interesting and included some decent acting. Actual Score: 3.75/5

PQ: The PQ was the main thing to smile about in this movie, as we get a slightly above average transfer for a catalogue title (or at least I think it was). Picture detail is reasonable and blacks are stable. Colours can be described as a bit strange, but this is most likely due to the directors intention (such as when Howard & Katherine Hepburn are playing golf. Notice the strange feel for colour in this scene. Actual Score: 4.25/5

AQ: I am really getting annoyed Warner releasing DD 5.1 tracks. Is it too much to ask for at least DD+?? As such, the AQ is acceptable but nothing fancy. Actual Score: 3.25/5

Pretty much spot on, mcfedly. I'd give the film a solid 3.5 as I found it dragged near the end.

The audio needed to be turned right up fyi (-5 on the Yamaha). Damn compressed audio tracks...

Edited by Ralfi, 31 May 2010 - 10:30 PM.

[yorac]

Ralfi, on May 31 2010, 10:29 PM, said:

Ahh the Rocky films. Classics. Love the last one too. Stallone has directed a few gems in his time eh, Yorac.

Mate I think the last one is easily the equal of the original in that it returns to the type of story telling that made Rocky itself such a success, a real sleeper and when you think about Rambo First Blood it was Stallone again that was really first in bringing a film about how vet's were treated back home to the forefront of public knowledge, so though he has some ordinary efforts (so does M Bay) I reckon he's highly under rated and if anyone wants to see if he can act they need to see Copland because he more than holds his own against the A listers in that one......

[yorac]

Rocky III - 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

Region A - locked

PQ: 3/5 - Well we start to see some better picture here but still well short of anything to rave about, it's good moments PQ wise outnumber the bad but the bad are fairly ordinary noise wise.... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 2.75/5 - Lots of talk again here and found it difficult to hear at times at -12 so the audio is yet to impress on any of the first 3 .....

The Movie: This is Rocky fast food style much shorter than the first two but certainly still entertaining with a good storyline, if you found the first two a bit long this one will remedy that for you.....

if you liked it on SD and thinking of an upgrade it is worth it IMO.......



Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

[yorac]

Rocky IV - 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

Region A - locked

PQ: 3.3/5 - Well again we start to see some better picture here and very little problems with the PQ at all, a little noise here and there but nothing to complain about really... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 3/5 - The SQ here starts to find some range and though not highly dynamic better than it's predecessors but only marginally .....

The Movie: Another quick movie in the franchise, a lot of people bagged this when it came out but I thought it played out okay (cold war theme) and has some good moments.....

if you liked it on SD and thinking of an upgrade it is worth it IMO.......



Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......

[yorac]

Rocky V - 1.85:1 - DTS HD MA

Region A - locked

PQ: 3.7/5 - The picture on this one finally gets some life and though nowhere near demo stuff it's a nice looking transfer... *See Disclaimer*

AQ: 3.5/5 - Like the PQ the SQ here gets some life in it and is a good lively surround track where and when it needs to be .....

The Movie: A reasonable story here, Rocky is told he can't fight anymore for medical reasons and finds himself with a young protege after being forced to go back to his beginnings, a fair story but I wanted to punch the promoter out several times myself.......

if you liked it on SD and thinking of an upgrade it is worth it IMO.......



Disclaimer: I am watching all movies currently projected on to a wall and as one would imagine a dedicated screen would enhance the PQ.......