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Profile of Nick Jardine

Nick Jardine

Site Reviewer

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Vital Statistics

Age Group 24 - but I usually act closer to what it sums to.
Video Likes Clear, crisp transfers presented in the theatrical aspect ratio. 16x9 enhancement should be used whenever applicable.
Video Dislikes Grain. Grain is bad. I only like grain when it is in my breakfast.
Audio Likes Soundtracks that are clear of distortion and background noise. Surround channels need to be used to support the action on screen. Explosions and the like should be loud, but without booming.
Audio Dislikes Surround channels that call attention to themselves - either through non-action or pointless overuse. Background noise (hiss especially) is a pet hate.
Favourite DVDs From Hell: Limited Directors Edition (Region 1), The Mummy/Returns, Shrek
Least Favourite DVDs Falling Down (can you say Haaaazy?), Excalibur (great movie, needed more restoration work).
Most Eagerly Awaited DVDs Well...for R4: The Evil Dead series (it's comming, it's comming!), The Princess Bride, Dead Man On Campus, and of course Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Pretty much every thing I want is now available in R1 (well, except Indy).

Opinions About Specific Movies and their DVDs

Titanic Decent movie, bad DVD... I guess that's why I didn't buy it!
The Matrix A good, always re-watchable, sci-fi movie presented on a great DVD - I just don't think it is quite the "classic" that it is hyped as.
Terminator 2 This is a movie that has survived the passage of years (despite the silly hair-dos). More than your average sci-fi plot, amazing special effects (for the time) and great sound. The Ultimate Edition DVD is virtually an instruction booklet on how to make worthwhile DVD packages.
Star Wars We have Episode I...we'll shortly have Episode II...where are the rest?
Godzilla An A to Z of how to make a B movie. It comes on a great DVD with a soundtrack that will certainly keep the neighbours awake - what more could you ask for?
Independence Day The special effects are there - but the character isn't. This movie takes itself far too seriously - even once you get past the pointless American flag waving.

Equipment

DVD Player Pioneer DV-555K , using Component output
Display Loewe Xelos 5381ZW . Calibrated with Video Essentials. This display device is 16x9 capable.
Audio Decoder Built in to amplifier/receiver . Calibrated with Video Essentials.
Amplification Onkyo TX-DS787, THX Select
Speakers Rochester Audio Animato Series (2xSAF-02, SAC-02, 3xSAB-01) + 12" Sub (150WRMS)

Top 10 DVDs

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1. Shrek (2001)
Absolutely the best transfer on DVD. Bar none.
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2. The Mummy Returns: Collector's Edition (2001)
Not so great at the cinemas, this is a perfect example of how DVD can enhance a movie.
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3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A very good comedy, a very good Shakesperian adaption, a very good DVD.
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4. Blade II (2002)
A great sequel from a director passionate about horror. A great 2-disc set packed with extras.
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5. Road to Perdition (2002)
Visual film making at its best. Sam Mendes paints with vivid imagery, from the help of the late, great, Conrad L. Hall. This disc is a DVD image show-case.
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6. The Replacements (2000)
The perfect entertainment movie. Great fun, with excellent audio and video.
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7. Ghost Ship (2002)
The more I see them, the more I anticipate Dark Castle films. This is fun horror, with some inventive deaths – especially the opening scene – and a nice twist. The DVD looks and sounds great too.
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8. Ronin (1998)
I could watch this movie forever. I once watched it three times in two days. A rare chance to see two of the greats in action together.
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9. Final Destination (2000)
A great slasher movie, without a slasher. Backed up by a crisp transfer.
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10. The 13th Warrior (1999)
One of the great modern adventure movies, presented with brilliant video and audio.

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