PLEASE NOTE: Michael D's is currently in READ ONLY MODE. Anything submitted will simply not be written to the database.
Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
Profile of Shane Lord

Shane Lord

Site Reviewer

User Image


Vital Statistics

Age Group © MCMLXXIV
Video Likes It may sound strange, but I like films that actually fill the entire screen of my 16x9 television, as I get more of a feeling that I am in a cinema. Everything in a widescreen format must be 16x9 enhanced.
Video Dislikes Given the above, I also abhor any loss of the original image if the film is cut down from the correct theatrical aspect ratio. I despise grain, aliasing and poor MPEG compression resulting in artefacts.
Audio Likes Clear, decipherable dialogue synchronised with the on-screen action, constant yet natural ambient sounds, rich and dynamic musical scores that share the sound space with the rest of the soundtrack without dominating it, and clean, crisp usage of all of the discrete surround channels available, including use (but not overuse) of the subwoofer. DTS or Dolby Digital is fine, as long as it measures up.
Audio Dislikes The opposite of anything above.
Favourite DVDs Cliffhanger (just for the helicopter at the beginning), Gladiator (for an exemplary DTS soundtrack), Aliens, The Whole Nine Yards.
Least Favourite DVDs Demolition Man (Pizza Hut?), U.S. Marshals (where is my 5.1 mix?), Starship Troopers (because I hate flippers) and The Postman (possibly the worst film of all time).
Most Eagerly Awaited DVDs Back to the Future 1,2 and 3, True Lies, The Last of the Mohicans, The Indiana Jones films and of course Star Wars 1-6 (but I'd prefer 4,5 & 6 first thanks).

Opinions About Specific Movies and their DVDs

Titanic OK film with a limited replay factor (unless you are my wife!). Widescreen and no 16x9 enhancement = no DVD purchase (at least for this film).
The Matrix A thoroughly enjoyable film, just don't take it too seriously. Great DVD.
Terminator 2 Can't wait to get the T2:Ultimate Edition in Region 4 (until then I will live with the R1 version). Great music, great sound, groundbreaking special effects for its time. Landmark film.
Star Wars Like many others I grew up on these films. I think Mr. Lucas ruined the Special Edition Episode IV with the whole Han/Greedo thing, but I'll forgive him as long as he doesn't screw up Episode II. Can't wait for the DVDs.
Godzilla If there is a film that shouldn't be taken seriously, this is it (come on - it is a film about a giant lizard after all!). I enjoyed it as a summer popcorn flick but don't have the DVD yet (I'll keep looking in those bargain bins!).
Independence Day I think the R4 DVD's Director's Cut of this film helps to bring more substance to a lacking storyline. I can't stand the American flag-waving, but at the end of the day I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Equipment

DVD Player Pioneer DV-535 , using S-Video output
Display Loewe Xelos 5381ZW . Calibrated with Video Essentials/Ultimate DVD Platinum. This display device is 16x9 capable.
Audio Decoder Built in to amplifier/receiver . Calibrated with Video Essentials/Ultimate DVD Platinum.
Amplification Sony STR-DB1070
Speakers Energy eXL-16 left/right front speakers; Energy eXL-C centre speaker; Energy eXL-R left/right rear speakers; Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer

Top 10 DVDs

Cover Art
1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Cover Art
2. Gladiator: Deluxe Collector's Edition (2000)
Cover Art
3. The Matrix (1999)
Cover Art
4. Shrek (2001)
Cover Art
5. True Lies (1994)
Cover Art
6. The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Cover Art
7. Alien: Legacy (Box Set) (2000)
Cover Art
8. A Bug's Life (1998)
Cover Art
9. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within: Collector's Edition (2001)
Cover Art
10. Moulin Rouge: Special Edition (2001)

Email Shane L