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Profile of Chanh-Khai Ly

Chanh-Khai Ly

Site Reviewer

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Vital Statistics

Age Group 20-30
Video Likes Correct aspect ratios, minimal edge enhancement, minimal aliasing, minimal film artefacts (ie. the best transfer possible for the film).
Video Dislikes The opposite of the above. I loathe Pan&Scan transfers, and non 16x9 enhanced DVDs. A presentation in the original aspect ratio enhanced for widescreen viewing should be standard.
Audio Likes Clear dialogue not overshadowed by other audio effects, intelligent use of discrete surround and LFE channels.
Audio Dislikes No DTS track provided when one is available in other regions.
Favourite DVDs See the Top 10 below (not in any particular order).
Least Favourite DVDs The DVD release of Oklahoma! is an absolute disgrace and is a slap in the face to the original cast and crew, and to all Region 4 consumers.
Most Eagerly Awaited DVDs Waiting for HD-DVD or Blu-Ray to be released just to see the quality improvements over standard DVD.

Opinions About Specific Movies and their DVDs

Titanic An OK movie, not really deserving of the repeat business that it received at the box office. Bad DVD.
The Matrix Great movie on a great DVD.
Terminator 2 Great movie on a great DVD. A classic of the sci-fi action genre.
Star Wars Love the originals, but the new trilogy is purely a money grabbing exercise. Nevertheless, will get all on DVD when they are released.
Godzilla Bad over-hyped movie. I hate Devlin/Emmerich movies.
Independence Day Bad over-hyped movie. I hate Devlin/Emmerich movies.

Equipment

DVD Player Onkyo DV-SP500 , using Component output
Display RK-32HDP81 HDTV . Calibrated with Digital Video Essentials (PAL). This display device is 16x9 capable.
Audio Decoder Onkyo TX-SR600 with DD/DD-EX/DTS/DTS-ES matrix and discrete . Calibrated with Digital Video Essentials (PAL).
Amplification Onkyo TX-SR600
Speakers Kef KHT 2005 5.1 Home Theatre System

Top 10 DVDs

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1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Ed (Blu-ray) (1977)
Example of how classic catalogue titles should be released and celebrated in HD.
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2. Matrix, The (Blu-ray) (1999)
Reference quality when first released on DVD, and just as good in HD
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3. Star Trek: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (2009)
Great reboot that doesn't take itself too seriously. HD A/V is awesome
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4. Transformers: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (2007)
Big, loud, and dumb, but just pure fun in HD.
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5. Alien: Anthology (Blu-ray) (1979)
Reference quality set for many years to come.
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6. Avatar (Blu-ray) (2009)
Collector's Edition is the best HD I've seen.
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7. Toy Story: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (1995)
HD will blow you away, even after the DVD did the same a few years back!
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8. Gladiator: Extended Definitive Edition (Blu-ray) (2000)
New remaster makes a huge difference!
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9. Beauty and the Beast: Diamond Edition (Blu-ray) (1991)
Hopefully all Disney classic releases are of this quality - now just waiting for the others during that period
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10. Fight Club: 10th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) (1999)
HD upgrade from DVD is well worth it - picture looks amazing.

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