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. |
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. |
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 |
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. | 2. Matrix, The (Blu-ray) (1999) Reference quality when first released on DVD, and just as good in HD | 3. Star Trek: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (2009) Great reboot that doesn't take itself too seriously. HD A/V is awesome | 4. Transformers: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (2007) Big, loud, and dumb, but just pure fun in HD. | 5. Alien: Anthology (Blu-ray) (1979) Reference quality set for many years to come. |
6. Avatar (Blu-ray) (2009) Collector's Edition is the best HD I've seen. | 7. Toy Story: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (1995) HD will blow you away, even after the DVD did the same a few years back! | 8. Gladiator: Extended Definitive Edition (Blu-ray) (2000) New remaster makes a huge difference! | 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 | 10. Fight Club: 10th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) (1999) HD upgrade from DVD is well worth it - picture looks amazing. |