2106 replies to this topic

[Quark]

I thought it's been one of the better releases so far this year.  A lot of the naysaying seems to have been driven by Disney's internal politics.

[yorac]

U.S Marshalls 1.85:1 - DTS HDMA 5.1

Region A - RF untested and no region markings.........

PQ: 3.7/5 - Looks better than it does on SD and does have some nice scenes, severely let down by the plane in the air scene but that would be my only criticism of it..........


AQ: 3.8/5 - Transfers well enough with the HD track and no problems with how it sounds, lots of talk rather than action but the plane crash scene lights it up a bit..................

The Movie: Many see this as the sequel to The Fugitive but it has nothing to do with it all other than spinning off Tommy Lee Jones and his team into another chase, well told story of a US agent set up by his own to take a fall by his own people, and a tight enough thriller from there as TLJ chases him, one of Snipes best roles for mine and a young Robert Downey along as well, a good support cast and certainly stands up as a good thriller......

if you haven't seen it and you like a good thriller definitely worth a rent............

[yorac]

Updated with 801 reviews................

thanks to all.................

Edited by yorac, 01 July 2012 - 09:21 PM.

[Autocrat]

The Artist (2011)

Region B Australian Release

PQ: 4/5 - This movie is 4:3, in black and white. The quality is nothing less than stunning throughout, however it probably won't pass the modernity test due to the aspect ratio.

AQ: 5/5 - DTS HD Master 5.1. While there is no dialogue - it's a silent movie in that regard - the score is brilliant, and sometimes it's like sitting in the front row of a concert hall. There are a  few occasions where there is sound other than the music, and these are suitably surprising.

Movie: 5/5 - A film made on 2011 that is silent, black and white and with a 4:3 aspect ratio would not be an obvious candidate for Best Picture in nearly every major film award, but that's what it achieved. It is the story of a rich and famous silent movie start who loses everything when he fails to see the potential in the new format, Talkies, and is left behind. I don't want to spoil the movie by telling everyone what happens, but by way of review a few comments. First, the acting is simply perfect considering the difficulty involved in the work. Second, the pacing of the movie is crafted to a nicety - you are never bored as in many movies, in fact the first hour seems to pass in no time at all. Being silent, you absolutely have to pay close attention to what's going on, otherwise you'll miss something, but it never seems dull or onerous. The score enhances the picture throughout, pulling you along the emotional ride, which is as it should be.

Overall: 5/5. This movie is quite possibly the best ever made in terms of sheer depth of narrative and the superlative craftsmanship of everyone involved. While it would be easy to think that a silent movie would be simplistic, The Artist uses the format to tell an intricate and profound story.

The dog is cute too.

Do not miss this movie.

Edited by Autocrat, 03 July 2012 - 10:07 AM.

[yorac]

The Fugitive 1.85:1 - DD

Region A - RF untested and no region markings.........

PQ: 3.4/5 - Looks fairly average at times but still better than SD, worth the upgrade if you're a fan..........


AQ: 3.5/5 - Nice and clear enough and only a couple of scenes that really have any oomph to them, would say that it must be DD 640kbps as the SQ was pretty good.................

The Movie: Good movie well cast and follows the story of a man wrongly committed of murdering his wife and once free after escaping he seeks to clear his name with the US Marshalls in close pursuit, I haven't seen this for quite a few years and thought it still stands up reasonably well......

definitely worth a rent............

[Highjinx]

Melancholia...............Amazing film

A must see........Duntz's performance is extraordinary..........this is a repeat view for me.......check it out.

http://twitchfilm.co...ia-review-1.php

[yorac]

JFK 2.4:1 - Dolby True-HD

Region A - no region markings on cover and a WB title so most likely RF.....

PQ: 4.2/5 - Outside of the archive footage used this is great to watch and has transferred across very well to hi def..............

AQ: 4/5 - The audio here is crisp and clear, no real action scenes to talk of and just a lot of talking in it, that said this is another very good audio transfer........

The Movie: I'm going to presume most here are aware of the JFK conspiracy theories and just say that this is Stone and Costner at the top of their games, brilliant supporting ensemble cast and extremely well told, certainly one of my favorite all time movies especially given the subject matter, if you're into this type of stuff then certainly a no brainer upgrade........

afaik not available locally but if it becomes available then definitely well worth a rent...............

NB: at 3.5 hours it's a long watch for those with little patience........

[709er]

SCHOOL OF ROCK - Aus Release - Region free - DTS HDMA 5:1 - 1.78:1

Really enjoyed watching this with the family.
Jack Black is a manic, super funny manboy and this film was infectious with great songs littered throughout.
The PQ was very nice. No blemishes, good natural colour and a consistent, film-like look.
The AQ, likewise was excellent. I was not particularly aware of much surround activity, but there were many rockin' numbers and plenty of meaty sound.
Nice dialogue levels too.

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

Picked this up from JBHF online for $16.

[Ralfi]

cooksta, on 20 November 2011 - 09:35 AM, said:

<b>Super 8</b>
<b>Dolby True HD 7.1</b>
<b>2.40:1</b>

<u>Story 4.5/5</u>
Steven Spielburg directs this movie about 6 friends making a movie using a super 8 camera.
Events happen early on which turn their world upside down. The young actors gel together well and the story works well and shows that Spielburg polish.
reminded me of an earlier spielburg classic with a much darker more serious slant.(trying not to give to much away). Not recommended for young children.

<u>Video 4.5/5</u>
Excellent transfer, fine detail, inky blacks, rich colours and film grain throughout.....just like being in the cinema. Some deliberate use of "flaring" throughout maybe the only downside.

<u>Audio 5/5</u>
Superb,demo material. 17 minutes in hold on to your hat; rivals "Master and Commander" for clout, detail and soundstage. Quality of audio never falters <u>a must listen</u>.

Highly recommended; I rented but will be adding to my collection.

Loved it. Great HD package (that single scene is one of the best I've heard on BD. Picture/Audio outstanding from start to finish), story (something new - wasn't put off by any cliches at all....surprising), acting (another surprise - young cast nailed it).

One to own for me.

Picture: 4.8/5
Audio: 5/5
Film: 4.5/5

[GaryCook]

Real Steel

Region Free

PQ: 4.5/5 – Good effects, nice transfer, solid colour and texture, I really was immersed in the action.  Particularly the “shadowing” sequences.  

AQ: 4/5 -.Big robots make the house shake, solid effects, not a huge amount of surround action, most of what occurs is front on.  Not quite reference but very enjoyable none the less, gives the sub and the L/C/R a real workout.


Movie: 3.5/5 – The story was inspired by a Richard Matheson written episode of The Twilight Zone. As is obvious from the trailers the story is set in the not-too-distant future where humans boxing has been outlawed.  It has been replaced by fighting robots, seriously big, mechanical robots controlled by handlers.  Think Rocky but using spare mechanical parts or maybe Rocky meets Transformers.  It’s a family film, the kids, especially the boys, will love it.

Special Features: 4/5 -
· Countdown to the fight
· Making of Metal Valley
· Building the Bots
· Sugar Ray Leonard
· Deleted and Extended Scenes
· Extended 'Meet Ambush'
· Deleted Butterfly Storyline
· Bloopers

Cheers
Gary

Edited by GaryCook, 24 July 2012 - 01:41 PM.

[709er]

STAR TREK - THE FINAL FRONTIER - UK  release - 2.35: 1 Dolby True HD 7:1

Apart from Star Trek The Original Motion Picture, this was the only Star Trek film that I hadn't purchased up until now.
My memory of viewing it 20 odd years ago, was foggy and all the reviews of the BD, marked it as "corny" and the "lesser" of the originals.
Well... I was pleasantly surprised (along with my Star Trek obsessed younger son), and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Purchased from Amazon.co.uk for under $15 landed!
The PQ was (IMHO) fantastic  - though mayybe not so consistent as one would like. The colour was natural and bold and the sequences involving Yellowstone National Park especially, were really detailed and vibrant.
The AQ was equally as good with Jerry Goldsmith's rousing score, checking all the boxes and bringing the (future) Next Generation score to new levels.
There were heaps of corny scenes, but I reckon they added to the proceedings and I was never "not entertained".

FILM: 3.8/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

[:)]

709er, on 09 March 2011 - 03:45 PM, said:

NEVER LET ME GO -  US release - Region Free - 2.35:1 - DTS HDMA 5:1

Wow. A futuristic science/medical concept film in a retro setting. Definitely a case where "less" - is more.
Absorbing, frightening, sad, believable and thought provoking. Can't get it out of my head.

The PQ was really good. Consistently stable and detailed with an almost surreal colour scape at times (especially at the ocean). The detail in the grounds at Hailsham school were incredible. The brick walls, iron gates. tiled interiors - even drab schoolclothes, all sparkling with clarity.
The AQ was understated with the orchestral score by Rachael Portman popping in at all the right moments and dialogue coming through crystal clear. There were many moments with no audio at all which only added to the weird feel and let the viewer's brain run amok with thought.

FILM: 4.5/5
PQ:  4.5/5
AQ : 4/5

The utter naivity of the 3 leads was spellbinding. Comparisons may be drawn to Ewan MacGregor and Scarlett Johansen's roles in The Island, but it outclasses it in every department.

we watched his last night. yes hard to get out the mind. very much a thinking movie. made just so well. stunning PQ. superb acting from all  becoming a huge fan of carey mulligan. she keeps popping up in so many movies am watching. great movie.

[:)]

Shame - Aus Release - 5.1 DTS Master Audio

Movie - 4/5 - This movie quite like nothing else have ever seen. Many I can imagine given the subject matter giving it a complete miss. The acting is simply superb with Michael Fassbender, 1st movie I've seen with him and Carey Mulligan who is also brilliant in her role here. It just seems so human. So well made.

PQ - 4.5/5 - cant fault the PQ which serves it role. done well to portray the often indoor scenes and low light indoors and out.

AQ - 4/5 - not really about the sound quality, which does the job it needs.

Overall -  4.5/5 -  I watched this without realising the subject matter, so was really caught unawares, its the acting that is just so good and way they portray their roles that is just so amazing. A movie am going to have trouble forgetting.

[:)]

A separation - UK Release - DTS Master Audio - Persian with english subtitles.

Movie - 5/5 - An iranian film. Extremely well made, simply superb acting all around. Spell binding simply.Story about family life in the midst of separation, and with added complications that arise.

PQ - 4.5/5 - irelevant but cant fault it.

AQ - 4/5 - not really about the sound quality, which does the job it needs.

Overall -  5/5 -  Watched start to end. another movie seen nothing like before. Just such good acting. Just so well narrated, just so well acted. Another movie will stay in my mind for a long time. Superb. Superb ! as a curiosity I checked rotten tomatoes on what its score might be an it turns out of is 99% ! http://www.rottentom...eparation_2011/

[:)]

Take Shelter - UK Release - 5.1 DTS Master Audio

Movie - 4.5/5 - Another movie I watched not knowing much about it from the outset. And as you watch it you slowly understand. Its beautifully photographed. Really well acted. And one very much enjoyed watching.

PQ - 5/5 - beautifully photographed both indoors and out. Stunning plenty of the scenes.

AQ - 5/5 - There are some storm scenes with just amazing rendition of surround field and sub bass which is jaw dropping !  

Overall -  5/5 -  Stunningly well made. Both in PQ and AQ but its the acting thats the standout. Michael Shannon is just so good as is Jessica Chastain (tree of life)

[:)]

709er, on 08 June 2011 - 04:40 PM, said:

HEREAFTER - US Release - Region Free - DTS HDMA 5:1 - 2.35:1

This has been sitting in the BD storage cupboard for ages. I'm so glad I pulled it out for a spin today.
It's slow, sure-paced and kinda manipulative - following the lives of 3 people (living in different countries), all connected by some level of experience with the "herafter".
After the opening scenes, you would think you're in for a big budget disaster movie, but that is where the SFX stop and the enveloping story takes over.

The PQ was extremely good at all levels only suffering mildly from the out of focus sections within a wider shot.
The AQ was also great, with dialogue clear and balanced. Although there was not a great deal of surround activity, when it did come, it came with real punch and attitude! There was very little music (except towards the end) - some of it composed by Mr Eastwood himself.

FILM: 4/5
PQ: 4.2/5
AQ: 4.2/5

I shed tears on more than one occasion during Hereafter. Not a chick flick at all, but it packs an emotional wallop.

we watched this last night, at the start wife wasnt sure she wanted to see it, as yes seemed like bit of a disaster sfx movie, but she was soon drawn in and we watched to the end really taken with it. the first time he connects we had the shock of our life. the LFE sub bass is pretty astounding and used to extra ordinary effect on each repeated ocassion. the initial scenes of the movie pretty amazingly done as well.

something we have had just sitting in the collection little while too, glad we watched it. another very excellent clint eastwood movie !

[709er]

:), on 04 August 2012 - 08:03 PM, said:

Take Shelter - UK Release - 5.1 DTS Master Audio

Movie - 4.5/5 - Another movie I watched not knowing much about it from the outset. And as you watch it you slowly understand. Its beautifully photographed. Really well acted. And one very much enjoyed watching.

PQ - 5/5 - beautifully photographed both indoors and out. Stunning plenty of the scenes.

AQ - 5/5 - There are some storm scenes with just amazing rendition of surround field and sub bass which is jaw dropping !  

Overall -  5/5 -  Stunningly well made. Both in PQ and AQ but its the acting thats the standout. Michael Shannon is just so good as is Jessica Chastain (tree of life)

Thanks for the review. Until now, this film has never come to my attention, but since reading your review, and doing a bit of research, I am now completely "hanging out" to see it. Just ordered it  from amazon.com.
It seems that the film and BD has rave reviews accross the board!

[709er]

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN - US release - 1.85:1 - DTS HDMA 5:1

Buy this for your lady (if you're not a lady).
It's the ideal, mature woman's chick flick and looks fabulous.
The picture is colorful, detailed and has wonderful contrast and black levels. The bulk of the film is set in Italy and the scenery is beatiful. Only a couple of soft shots, surprisingly - the worst being the costal scenes shot from the water..
The AQ was also a real surprise. The thunderstorm sequence was up there with the best. Fantastic surround - genuinely scary and real! Nice orchestral score for the rest.

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

[:)]

709er, on 07 August 2012 - 04:53 PM, said:

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN - US release - 1.85:1 - DTS HDMA 5:1

Buy this for your lady (if you're not a lady).
It's the ideal, mature woman's chick flick and looks fabulous.
The picture is colorful, detailed and has wonderful contrast and black levels. The bulk of the film is set in Italy and the scenery is beatiful. Only a couple of soft shots, surprisingly - the worst being the costal scenes shot from the water..
The AQ was also a real surprise. The thunderstorm sequence was up there with the best. Fantastic surround - genuinely scary and real! Nice orchestral score for the rest.

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

been looking out for this one, appears to be region A & B the us version ? is that something can confirm 709 ?

its a lovely movie 709, great feel to it. something wife and I have enjoyed watching in the past, be keen to get on blu-ray

[709er]

:), on 07 August 2012 - 10:20 PM, said:

been looking out for this one, appears to be region A & B the us version ? is that something can confirm 709 ?

its a lovely movie 709, great feel to it. something wife and I have enjoyed watching in the past, be keen to get on blu-ray

Region AB, so all "good to go" for import

[:)]

709er, on 08 August 2012 - 04:33 PM, said:

Region AB, so all "good to go" for import

fantastic ! thanks for confirming will grab off amazon

[yorac]

Battleship 2.40:1 - DTS HD-MA 5.1

Region B - region free

PQ: 4.8/5 - Certainly cannot fault this in any way, special effects laden and money well spent, definitely looks good as you would expect from a new release..............

AQ: 4.5/5 - Enjoyed this as it's a pretty good audio mix, they could have gone the bombastic path given the amount of explosions in it but looks like a bit of thought has gone into the sound presentation, that said it will give your sub some work to do.............

The Movie: Another movie that's been heavily bagged, end of the day it's a popcorn flick at best, thought Kitsch was better in this than usual but still don't think he is a big enough lead, Skarsgard was a waste of time and unconvincing imho, Liam doesn't get out of second gear, thought Rhianna held her own as did Brooklyn Decker.

Simple enough plot with NASA sending radio signals to an Earth like planet and unfortunately it backfires when the aliens from the planet decide to come here with not so good intentions (think ID4), entertaining enough but plot holes a plenty

Spoiler

(especially when Kitsch has somehow become a Lieutenant in that Navy given he's such a dick)

but as I said it's popcorn value.

Did enjoy the Missouri scenes...............

well worth a rent imo..............

bought locally from Big W (in a wrapper )..............

[yorac]

Neil Diamond Hot August Night/NYC 1.85:1 - Dolby TrueHD 5.1

Region ABC.........

PQ: 4.8/5 - Great looking PQ here..........


AQ: 4.25/5 - Very very nice audio mix here and seems to be a little on the quiet side so need to give it some juice, also only ambient noise from the centre channel, all vocals are heard from left. right and rears.................

The Movie: Got to say the man still knows how to entertain and he really get's the crowd involved (see Sweet Caroline), clearly the band is enjoying themselves and this for mine always adds value to the show, a really great concert and if you're a fan you need to get it...................

[Dork(original)]

This must be the place.
Sean Penn,Francis McDormand.
DTS 5.1.
This is a beautiful film.
Sean Penn goes beyond acting.
Thought provoking and may move you to tears.
Rent/buy it now.
Paul.

[com5984]

Finally got around to watching John Carter on a cold and rainy saturday afternoon, must say I really enjoyed it.

Edited by com5984, 13 August 2012 - 11:49 AM.