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Profile of Daniel O'Donoghue

Daniel O'Donoghue

Site Reviewer

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Vital Statistics

Age Group Approaching the big 4-0.
Video Likes Sharp images with vibrant colour and good shadow depth.
Video Dislikes Poor shadow detail, heavy aliasing.
Audio Likes Immersive surround. Deep bass in action scenes. Clear dialogue.
Audio Dislikes Mono. Muffled dialogue. Deafening music which drowns out the dialogue.
Favourite DVDs The Sopranos, Lord of the Rings, Reservoir Dogs, The Talented Mister Ripley, Kill Bill Volume I.
Least Favourite DVDs Anything featuring Adam Sandler (except maybe Happy Gilmore ;-P)
Most Eagerly Awaited DVDs Used to be Fargo SE...now the Seinfeld seasons ;-)

Opinions About Specific Movies and their DVDs

Titanic Longer than Thumbtanic.
The Matrix An outstanding DVD. This one probably sold more DVD players in Australia than any other of it's time. Great story, great effects and Keanu seems to be able to act.
Terminator 2 Good Movie. I'm not quite sure why everyone raves about it so much...The Region 1 Extreme picture quality is exceptionally good, but the soundstage a little disappointing.
Star Wars Yes, well... Episode 4 was groundbreaking. Episodes 1 and 2 were pretty awful. Not too fussed either way.
Godzilla Never seen it. I must hire it one day to see why it has attracted such derision.
Independence Day Fun "popcorn" movie. A triumph of style over substance. Not one I have chosen to add to my collection.

Equipment

DVD Player Momitsu V880 upconverting DVI player , using DVI output
Display Sanyo PLV-Z2 WXGA projector . Calibrated with Video Essentials/Digital Video Essentials. This display device is 16x9 capable.
Audio Decoder Built in to amplifier/receiver . Calibrated with Video Essentials/Digital Video Essentials.
Amplification Onkyo TX-SR600 with DD-EX and DTS-ES
Speakers JensenSPX-9 fronts, Jensen SPX-13 Centre, Jensen SPX-5 surrounds, Jensen SPX-17 subwoofer

Top 10 DVDs

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1. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Special Extended Edition (2001)
A truly outstanding DVD experience. Breathtaking cinematography.
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2. The Sopranos-Season 3 (2001)
Any episode, any season. As good as TV gets.
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3. Reservoir Dogs: Collector's Edition (1992)
Violent, stylish, edgy and a true modern clasic.
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4. Fargo: Special Edition/Gold Edition (1995)
Classic stoytelling, Macy and McDormand's acting is outstanding. Buscemi is hilarious.
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5. Das Boot: The Director's Cut (Superbit) (1997)
Visceral. Stunning sound. Marvellous direction. Unforgettable.
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6. Shakespeare in Love (Superbit) (1998)
Perfect script, acting, cinematography. Wonderful ensemble cast.
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7. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
A sumptuous period piece with outstanding performances all round.
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8. Big Fish (2003)
This is an enchanting story. Sperb video, audio and acting.
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9. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The: 2 Disc Limited Collector's Edition (2003)
Scary. Gory. Better than the original.
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10. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Pixar never fail to deliver. This is one of the best family animations I have ever seen.

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