Topic: I'm Amazed

[Achim]

I am in utter agreement...

I still buy DVDs though, quite regularly. Most TV series as well as some smaller movies do not require to be on Blu. I do, however, upgrade some of my favorite films, even though the film itself would not require to be on Blu, if that makes sense.

[RossRoy]

At the risk of sounding like the cavemen who doesn't want to move forward ...

I was at my sister's the other day and they just completed building their "home theater" - 50"-ish screen with 7.1 surround sound + PS3 as Blu ray player. I helped them to calibrate it (along with the store's pseudo-specialist - ah!) ... anyways.

We ended up watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (coincidence?)

While I do admit the picture and sound quality are impressive - with all the little background details and everything - I still don't think it is worth the surcharge and all the equipment replacement needed to take advantage of it.

For someone who has to buy the equipment anyway? Of course, go for it! But for someone like me who already has a TV and Sound system and who's happy with what he has? Not worth it IMO.

[Dragonfire]

I do have Up on Blu-ray - another of the Blu-ray/DVD combo things that I got.  I'm thinking that will be the next one I watch, probably later tonight. 

The tv the Blu-ray is hooked up to is a 47 inch 1080i..and that's all the specs I know for it.

[DJ Doena]

I still buy DVDs though, quite regularly. Most TV series as well as some smaller movies do not require to be on Blu. I do, however, upgrade some of my favorite films, even though the film itself would not require to be on Blu, if that makes sense.

That's my policy as well. This goes especially for movies I'm certain to watch only once or twice. The additional charge for BR isn't worth it in this cases.

[Najemikon]

I've recommended this site before, but always worth a mention: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/

They do very good comparisons though sometimes it's easer to Google "Beaver [name of film] dvd blu" because their own site design is a bloody maze!

It's worth double-checking every potential upgrade. I bought Speed on an impulse buy and it's dreadful quality. The high detail is there, but you can tell it's just a DVD transfer.

Sebastien, did you calibrate it properly?  Some of the comparisons I've made have literally made DVDs unwatchable in some cases. Latest is 2001. I bunged the DVD in after a glimpse at the Blu and it was as if someone had covered my TV is wet tissue paper. Really, really bad.

To be fair, on a good set-up, I wouldn't expect to see mind blowing results on modern movies (they still are, but the DVD makes a good enough stab). It's the older stuff where it's at.

I'm not exclusive to Blu, but anything with a depth to the photography is a must. Still aren't going mad for upgrades though. Silence of the Lambs looks superb on my MGM Ultimate DVD.

[Antares]

I've recommended this site before, but always worth a mention: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/

I used to visit Gary's site quite often, but over the last couple of years, he's become a Sony shill and always sides in favor of the Blu-Ray release, even if there is no discernible difference. But then again, Gary has always been in it for the cash and whatever perks he can get.

They do very good comparisons though sometimes it's easer to Google "Beaver [name of film] dvd blu" because their own site design is a bloody maze!

I wish Gary would spend just 10% of his effort organizing the site. You're right it's a mess. But if you're looking for a faster way to see if he's reviewed something, just type the film's name here...

http://www.moviereviewindex.com/

If he's reviewed it, it will be listed in the results.

[Najemikon]

That's handy, but doesn't lead me to Beavers compares...

[quickly tests the index]

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Zulu-Blu-ray-Review/1594/

You can click the pics on that one and certainly get the idea, but...

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare/zulu.htm

Seeing them side-by-side with the DVD versions is what blew my mind and put Zulu near the top of my wishlist.

[Antares]

I have to admit, that this is the first time I've seen a Blu comparison that is leaps and bounds above the SD.

Now, I may be inclined to buy a Blu player. Zulu is one of my all time favorite films.

[Najemikon]

 

Zulu is one of the best, if not the best, I've seen yet. But I looked at the comparison page for The Searchers and the weird thing is, it doesn't have the "you must buy this!", yet it seriously deserves your consideration. It isn't at all shabby, though there's some discussion about the legitimacy of some transfer choices.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews38/the-searchers_blu-ray.htm

[RossRoy]

Sebastien, did you calibrate it properly?  Some of the comparisons I've made have literally made DVDs unwatchable in some cases. Latest is 2001. I bunged the DVD in after a glimpse at the Blu and it was as if someone had covered my TV is wet tissue paper. Really, really bad.

To be fair, on a good set-up, I wouldn't expect to see mind blowing results on modern movies (they still are, but the DVD makes a good enough stab). It's the older stuff where it's at.

I'm pretty sure I did calibrated it properly - but I in no way imply that I'm an expert, so it may not be perfect. I'll say this though: it looked much better than what the supposed "store guy expert" did.

And like I said, yes the picture is that good, just not some K$-worth good

[Najemikon]

I never really doubted you! 

I have to say that it is pretty affordable here in the UK though. £90 gets you a player, £150 gets you a better one. Discs are coming down all the time and all you need then is a HD telly. £400 will see you right if you haven't already got one.

[Dragonfire]

The Sony Blu-ray I got was $108.  I think there is a newer model, but this one works for me.

[RossRoy]

It's not so much the reader and discs, as much as the TV, but especially the sound system..

But then, after saying all that, I can assure I am much closer to jumping Blu than I ever was ... just not now

[snowcat]

As much as I have enjoyed the Blu-ray's I have watched and I have a large HD Collection, I have to admit that I still love DVDs.... its like the way some people buy vinyl and refuse to move to CD 

[Achim]

I've recommended this site before, but always worth a mention: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/

They do very good comparisons though sometimes it's easer to Google "Beaver [name of film] dvd blu" because their own site design is a bloody maze!

It's worth double-checking every potential upgrade.

I usually investigate upgrades, but mostly forget about Beaver Thanks for the reminder, I have now bookmarked it n a more convenient spot.