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