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Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
Profile of Ryan Aston

Ryan Aston

Site Reviewer/Proofreader

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Vital Statistics

Age Group 28
Video Likes Correct aspect ratio and widescreen enhancement is a must, as is strong, clear detail.
Video Dislikes Bad interlacing and aliasing kill any great film or series - nothing quite pulls you out of the atmosphere than the image clearly breaking up before you.
Audio Likes Films that utilize the entire surround sound to draw you into the atmosphere, such as Open Range and the 24 sets, that powerfully use the rear speakers and subwoofer.
Audio Dislikes Mono mixes. No. Simply, no.
Favourite DVDs See below, in my Top 10!!
Least Favourite DVDs New York Minute. AVP. Then AVP again. Did I mention AVP?
Most Eagerly Awaited DVDs Daria, on DVD, finally, one of these days. Please?

Opinions About Specific Movies and their DVDs

Titanic Yes.
The Matrix Yes!
Terminator 2 YES!!!
Star Wars ... yes.
Godzilla No.
Independence Day OH GOD NO

Equipment

DVD Player Sony Playstation 3 (HDMI 1.3) with Upscaling , using Component output
Display Benq PE7700 . Calibrated with Digital Video Essentials (PAL).
Audio Decoder Logitech 5500 THX .
Amplification "Onkyo TS-656"
Speakers Logitech 5500 THX

Top 10 DVDs

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1. 24-Seasons 1-5 (Box Set) (2002)
24 is not the greatest TV series ever - it is the greatest THING ever. Any film fan should make an effort to see at least the first season - this amazingly successful experiment is like an amazing, impacting serialised 18 1/2 hour film. It is love.
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2. Fight Club: Special Edition (1999)
David Fincher's finest creation to date, based on the phenomenal cult novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is a wonderfully angry rumination on masculine detachment and the subsequent affect of playing on this to manipulate and change the world. DVD = Tops.
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3. Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo is a beautiful film about finding meaning through family, love and community over the overbearing agony of apathy and fear. A wonderful message for our times, and for all times, and an excellent DVD to go with.
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4. Adaptation. (2002)
Brilliant, angry, and heartfelt, Adaptation. is a film that is alive - any writer and human being will identify with Kaufman's own insecurity and eventual, hilarious breakdown into adaptation.
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5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer-The Complete DVD Collector's Edition: Seasons 1-7 (1996)
The actual greatest TV series ever, the highly underrated show about a teenage girl who fights vampires paved the way for today's more cinematic TV and changed the face of how powerful themes could be dealt with in popular media. The set is a must own.
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6. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
This wonderful story about an unsure, insecure, angry detached individual being freed from his own isolation through an unusual romance is one of the most beautiful films ever. Amazing.
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7. Firefly-Complete Season Collection (2002)
If I could hug Firefly, I would. And then I'd cuddle Serenity. Then feel sad because one of the greatest TV series' ever died long before it had a chance to grow.
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8. Freddy Got Fingered (2001)
I laugh. And then I laugh some more. Then I watch the 3-minute PG version of the film, and laugh. Then I watch the film again, and I laugh and laugh and laugh.
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9. Seven: Special Edition (1995)
It's brutal, unrelenting and thought-provoking as well as being compelling, disturbing and worth watching at least once a year. The SE is a great collective of features celebrating this masterpiece.
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10. Micallef in a Box
Scratch what I said before - THIS is the greatest TV series of all time. Attention, il est Myron!

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