[RedDevil85]

Originally Posted by Jim Di Griz

How come Shutter Island never seems to go under a tenner? Been waiting ages now.

Shutter Island (Blu-ray) £8.99 - FREE Delivery - Bee.com

50p more than Bee but still under a tenner at HMV, Amazon and Play aswell

Great film and cracking Blu ray as well

[rawdonwhite]

i got it for 8 quid from asda instore. bought it a few months ago though. wasn't advertised, just saw it and had to have it

9 at bee - see reddevil's link

[KBD1]

Last nights viewing was Transformers 3.
PQ: 8/10
AQ: 9/10
FQ:6/10
Did it not drag on?

[JoshuaKaitlyn]

The A Team (BD)
Not too bad, wasn't expecting anything great, although my player seemed to struggle playing it at first

[Todd Tomorrow]

Ben Hur, which filled a gap in my film history knowledge. On the whole I'm not a huge fan of Christian epics, with the exception of the fantastically camp and lurid Quo Vadis, which I liked as a kid because it was exceptionally gruesome for its time. I have only ever seen parts of Ben Hur on the telly and never sat down to watch the whole film, so it got muddled up with other religious epics in my mind. It's a great film, much more sober and much less kitschy, and histrionic than these type of films often are (even if the prologue still looks like a Christmas postcard). It looks spectacular on Blu-ray too.

[Revaan]

Ben-hur for me last night too... 1st time I'd ever seen it even though my mum is a huge fan. I love epics and this is indeed one. Charlton Heston puts in a brilliant performance and the chariot race is outstanding. Looks/sounds awesome in HD.

Btw, I highly recommend watching bits of the 1925 version straight after. You will be shocked at how good the production values are as well as the chariot race which is almost as good as the Heston version.
There's also a scene when a building crumbles during an earth quake - it took my breath away knowing full well a computer went nowhere near creating the scene.

[Robert S]

Manhunter - first viewing (US MGM BD). Loved it. Expressionistic, endlessly cool, and really an exercise in pure cinema. Probably the best Michael Mann film that I've seen so far - I expect this will become a favourite.

Not sure why Studio Canal decided to blitz the grain from the extant HD master, because this MGM transfer is hardly a grain feast (just very slightly accentuated due to mild EE). Generally, it looks very good. The 5.1 track is a little on the thin side, sadly. Would have much preferred the inclusion of the original mix.

[pRot3us]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

Ben Hur, which filled a gap in my film history knowledge. On the whole I'm not a huge fan of Christian epics, with the exception of the fantastically camp and lurid Quo Vadis, which I liked as a kid because it was exceptionally gruesome for its time. I have only ever seen parts of Ben Hur on the telly and never sat down to watch the whole film, so it got muddled up with other religious epics in my mind. It's a great film, much more sober and much less kitschy, and histrionic than these type of films often are (even if the prologue still looks like a Christmas postcard). It looks spectacular on Blu-ray too.

I just watched this on Saturday and agree, a great film that looks and sounds stunning.I too thought I had seen the whole film on tv before, but hadn't and though it a lesser work than it actually is. For instance I had never actually picked up on Judah Ben-Hur's subtly acted personal revelations of seeing or finding good in people that he meets along the way (not just the obvious Christ encounters). I can now honestly say it's the first time I've actually watched the film.

Hurrah for Blu ray

I'll definitely give the 1925 version a watch at some point Revaan

[raduv1]

I'm watching JCs The Thing again sorry but I do love this film £8.30 ish from Amazon and the best I've ever seen my old friend.

[irascian]

Finally got to see Green Lantern. Was expecting something as vapid as "Skyline" and "Battle:Los Angeles" given all the terrible reviews, so was pleasantly surprised. Not a great super-hero movie, and the CGI work was shockingly bad, but more enjoyable than Green Hornet, Pirates of the Caribbean and other pap. It suffers from them trying to put too much back-story and narrative strands into it, but better that than endless, mindless battle scenes where you haven't got a clue what is happening.

Next up was Quatermass and the Pit. The Blu-ray is excellent. Really impressed with the quality of this and enjoyed the story again, although I've probably watched the DVD too many times already. Really hoping we get to see some other Quatermass stories on Blu.

[tele1962]

Originally Posted by irascian

Finally got to see Green Lantern. Was expecting something as vapid as "Skyline" and "Battle:Los Angeles" given all the terrible reviews, so was pleasantly surprised. Not a great super-hero movie, and the CGI work was shockingly bad, but more enjoyable than Green Hornet, Pirates of the Caribbean and other pap. It suffers from them trying to put too much back-story and narrative strands into it, but better that than endless, mindless battle scenes where you haven't got a clue what is happening.

Next up was Quatermass and the Pit. The Blu-ray is excellent. Really impressed with the quality of this and enjoyed the story again, although I've probably watched the DVD too many times already. Really hoping we get to see some other Quatermass stories on Blu.

Vapid, Battle Los Angeles you say never in a million years say's i.

[rawdonwhite]

last night :

Buried - quite enjoyed this. excellent performance from ryan reynolds. need to watch it in the dark with the sound up, movie 8/10, PQ 7/10, AQ 8/10

today :

Quatermass and the Pit - never seen this before and really enjoyed, do enjoy a classic 50's and 60's sci-fi and this fit the bill - would love to see the original journey to the centre of the earth on blu - movie 8/10, PQ 8/10 (was concerned with the first scene but it improved dramatically within a couple of minutes), AQ 7/10

[lucasisking]

The Fighter

I was totally glued to this. Brilliant, brilliant acting throughout and a boxing movie where most of the interesting stuff takes place outside the ring. It had a really authentic-looking feel (due in part to it being filmed in location in Lowell and with real-life characters present on and off screen), and the actors do a great job of pulling off that distinctive Massachussets accent. It reminds me of the scene in Jaws where Brody tries to imitate Bostonian: “their in the yaad, not to faa from the caa”. Everyone is spot on but the stand outs for me are Melissa Leo as Alice and especially Christian Bale’s Dicky. Absolutely amazing. Gonna watch it again for the commentary before sending it back. A future buy for sure.

FQ: 9.5
PQ: 8
AQ: 8.5

[Mo Better Blues]

Last night was...

The Blues Brothers

My review will be very biased but I love this film.

FQ: 10
PQ: 7.5
AQ: 8

We seemed to have a couple of contrast issues in several places where the contrast would suddenly increase, it didn't spoil the film but it was very noticeable

I don't think films come any better than this, total escapism, mad characters, insane plot, glorifying and deriding religion at the same time, wonderful music, and very very funny

I can't wait until I watch it yet again

[RedDevil85]

Originally Posted by lucasisking

The Fighter

I was totally glued to this. Brilliant, brilliant acting throughout and a boxing movie where most of the interesting stuff takes place outside the ring. It had a really authentic-looking feel (due in part to it being filmed in location in Lowell and with real-life characters present on and off screen), and the actors do a great job of pulling off that distinctive Massachussets accent. It reminds me of the scene in Jaws where Brody tries to imitate Bostonian: “their in the yaad, not to faa from the caa”. Everyone is spot on but the stand outs for me are Melissa Leo as Alice and especially Christian Bale’s Dicky. Absolutely amazing. Gonna watch it again for the commentary before sending it back. A future buy for sure.

FQ: 9.5
PQ: 8
AQ: 8.5

Despite reading alot of good reviews about this i've still been put off because i'm really not into boxing films at all but i think once it hits a cheaper price i'll give it a go especially as you say most of the interesting stuff takes place outside the ring. As Wahlberg and Bale are also two of my favourite actors it's looking promising i'll enjoy it.

[lucasisking]

Originally Posted by RedDevil85

Despite reading alot of good reviews about this i've still been put off because i'm really not into boxing films at all but i think once it hits a cheaper price i'll give it a go especially as you say most of the interesting stuff takes place outside the ring. As Wahlberg and Bale are also two of my favourite actors it's looking promising i'll enjoy it.

Dont get me wrong the fights are extremely powerful and expertly done. But they are only a small part of the drama. Its more Raging Bull than Rocky in that aspect.

And its the kind of film that is enjoyable whether you enjoy boxing or not. Much of it is about working class family struggles and torn loyalties. And its an acting masterclass across the board. I didn't mention earlier how good Amy Adams is in it also- particularly given her sugar-sweet personas in Enchanted and Night at the Museum. I was stunned.

[simonblue]

Last night & tonight

The Long Kiss Goodnight,very good thiller,well worth the upgrade from dvd

pq sq very good

The Last Airbender, what can i say,a bit silly,but watchble just

pq sq very good

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by lucasisking

Dont get me wrong the fights are extremely powerful and expertly done. But they are only a small part of the drama. Its more Raging Bull than Rocky in that aspect.

And its the kind of film that is enjoyable whether you enjoy boxing or not. Much of it is about working class family struggles and torn loyalties. And its an acting masterclass across the board. I didn't mention earlier how good Amy Adams is in it also- particularly given her sugar-sweet personas in Enchanted and Night at the Museum. I was stunned.

I agree. I have no interest in boxing but enjoyed The Fighter because it was mainly an excellent drama about a really screwed up family.

[Jim Di Griz]

Pulp Fiction

Iconic. Not too many films in the last 20 or so years can say that but this one can. When it originally came out it was a genuine event film - one that was everyone was talking about and everyone had to see. How many other films in the last 20 years can we say that about? Avatar? Titanic? How many 18-rated films can we say that about?

I havent seen it for a good few years so I was kind of interested if it still grabbed me the way it used to. It does. Its 2 hours 40 minutes long but I was mesmerised the whole way. For me, its still Tarantino's best closely followed by Jackie Brown. PQ was better than I had been lead to believe from some reviews - but we all know that no matter how good something is, someone on the internet will disagree. Its nowhere near the best on blu but I was happy with it and noticed lots of little things I hadnt noticed before. AQ was excellent, not sure Ive heard much better. Loads of extras which I havent had a chance to look at yet. Steelbook case was nice too (I will go for these when its either a good price or a great film).

Film 10/10
PQ 8/10
AQ 10/10

Spotting Joe Pilato as 'Dean Martin' takes some doing! For some reason, Id forgotten Steve Buscemi playing Mia and Vincent's waiter

[tele1962]

Originally Posted by Jim Di Griz

Pulp Fiction

Iconic. Not too many films in the last 20 or so years can say that but this one can. When it originally came out it was a genuine event film - one that was everyone was talking about and everyone had to see. How many other films in the last 20 years can we say that about? Avatar? Titanic? How many 18-rated films can we say that about?

I havent seen it for a good few years so I was kind of interested if it still grabbed me the way it used to. It does. Its 2 hours 40 minutes long but I was mesmerised the whole way. For me, its still Tarantino's best closely followed by Jackie Brown. PQ was better than I had been lead to believe from some reviews - but we all know that no matter how good something is, someone on the internet will disagree. Its nowhere near the best on blu but I was happy with it and noticed lots of little things I hadnt noticed before. AQ was excellent, not sure Ive heard much better. Loads of extras which I havent had a chance to look at yet. Steelbook case was nice too (I will go for these when its either a good price or a great film).

Film 10/10
PQ 8/10
AQ 10/10

Spotting Joe Pilato as 'Dean Martin' takes some doing! For some reason, Id forgotten Steve Buscemi playing Mia and Vincent's waiter

Just ordered it from Play.

[featherhall]

Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. Just awesome film.
colours and location show up incredibly on blu.
Film - 10/10
PQ - 9/10
SQ - 9/10
This film reminds me of why i collect blu rays. Certain films on tap for certain moods. Fantastic film

[Jim Di Griz]

Originally Posted by tele1962

Just ordered it from Play.

The steelbook is worth having for a great film like this in my opinion. Id buy a steelbook of Jackie Brown too if there was one. I dont think Tarantino will ever beat these two.

[rebel_scum]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

I agree. I have no interest in boxing but enjoyed The Fighter because it was mainly an excellent drama about a really screwed up family.

Same here, the sport takes a back seat to the drama.

[bosque]

Guns of Navarone, after seeing a lot of hand-wringing on Another Board over whether the PQ would be any good I was very pleased to see how good it turned out. Well done to Sony for the restoration job on this. (Film's pretty good as well ).

[pRot3us]

Last night's film : Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

I've seen this film many times in various incarnations ; dvd, Criterion dvd, HD DVD and this time around the Criterion blu.

People have griped over the file size/compression of this transfer, but I have to say it looks by far the best I've seen it. Aside from any of the gripes (minor imo) colour timing, contrast and black levels are far better this time around.

I wish we'd get a blu release of the earlier Where the Buffalo Roam. While not a great film, as a fan of Hunter S. Thompson I really enjoy it, plus Bill Murray puts in a better performance as Hunter.

[rebel_scum]

I think the Criterion Fear & Loathing disc looks great, considering the materials that Universal more than likely supplied.

Far less 'edgier' looking that the Uni disc.

[golfmck1980]

Fear & loathing in Vegas best scene in that film by far is del toro in the bath and depp comes in & throws a melon at his head. God I laughed so much

[The SMF]

just finished of the predator trilogy with Predators

didn't quite know what to expect with this film, tho i did enjoy it

quite a nice fast paced film and nice to see it having some roots from the original film tho it did kinda feel a bit like a remake due to this

overall a good evenings viewing

7/10

[rebel_scum]

Green Lantern

Dire.

Not really Ryan Reynolds' fault.
He's doing his best, but drowning in this sludge of a movie around him.

Plodding, dull, tedious, woeful CGI and a villain that looks like Harry Knowles.
I feel dirty, after watching this.

Rubbish transfer as well, IMO.

Black crush,(worse than that), and other digital nastiness. Nice...

I also put it the forum member that suggested that anyone finding the PQ dark, or too green,(hello, the two primary colours, are green and yellow), needs a calibration, that it's he that needs the calibration.

[irascian]

Originally Posted by bosque

Guns of Navarone, after seeing a lot of hand-wringing on Another Board over whether the PQ would be any good I was very pleased to see how good it turned out. Well done to Sony for the restoration job on this. (Film's pretty good as well ).

Thought it was OK, but nothing to get excited about. Didn't seem like much effort or money had been put into restoring it.