The Joy of HD

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by blueerica

Hey, how do you guys feel about older movies being re-released in Blu-Ray/HD? Are they any better? I'm figuring unless it's a movie I love and they've added something amazing, there's no sense in replacing my DVD.

You're figuring correctly. Are you using a good upscaling DVD? Then really, there's no reason to re-purchase the films unless they've significantly added something....and for me personally, I only watch the special features once, so special features are NOT a reason to make a duplicate movie purchase, ever.

The way I'm figuring it right now, is if I want to buy a movie that I don't already own, I'll spend the extra $5 on the Bluray version.

Some older movies don't look THAT much better on Bluray (there's too many factors to go into on that subject as to why that is). For instance, "2001" looks FANTASTIC on Bluray, whereas "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" does not. Really, I would go online and read some reviews before making an "upgrade" purchase.

The only movies I would consider doing this for, personally, are the Lord of the Rings movies, which I already own in extend-o-fabulous versions. They look great on a 50" set with a DVD upscaler, but the HD would give it more oomph, for sure. I haven't heard any announcements for this set though (yet).

[blueerica]

Though I'm not 100% sure on our Blu-Ray player, I believe it is upscaling. If it isn't, I know our other DVD player does upscale to 1080p.

I have to say, a month after living here, and I wish I could make love to the TV. Don't watch it often, but wow, what a difference. Now if only Utah would get more Wii systems in stock. I wonder if there's a list I can get on that would give me a heads up.

Oh, and in other Utah randomness, I was told a while back that Utah has the highest DVD consumption per person in the country. I wouldn't be surprised.. Lot of families, not a lot of places to burn your money, so you get toys.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've found myself watching entirely boring programs on Discovery HD. A show about some Irish castle. A freaking sunrise, in real time.

Preeetty.

I'm anxious for baseball season to start. It's still unclear whether I'll be able to see most of the HD broadcast Dodger games or not. I've learned that Time Warner, while not carrying Fox Sports Primeticket HD outright, has some weird deal where they do broadcast some of their HD content on Time Warner's special events HD channel. But I get the feeling that where I am, it's going to be mostly Angels games, not Dodgers. That will make me unhappy.

[Gemini Cricket]

Chernabog turned me on to the song "Tears Dry on their Own." It's wonderful.
(And it's still in my head. Even post-Blast!)

[Not Afraid]

I guess USA doesn't broadcast in HD - at least for me.

Actually, I can't find USA at all and Westminster starts tonight.

[mousepod]

By the way, my favorite website for Blu-Ray to SD comparisons (and a ton of other good movie stuff) is dvdbeaver.

[blueerica]

Hrmm... site name cracks me up, mp.

I'll be crossing my fingers and toes in hopes that you'll get your Dodgers in HD, GD. I know I've been stoked to watch football in HD. Pretty grass.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by blueerica

Hey, how do you guys feel about older movies being re-released in Blu-Ray/HD? Are they any better? I'm figuring unless it's a movie I love and they've added something amazing, there's no sense in replacing my DVD.

I welcome older movies being re-released on Blu-Ray. Since most movies were shot on film, they generally start with a pretty decent image quality (film deterioration not withstanding). This is not a hard and fast rule, but a decent rule of thumb.

Originally Posted by blueerica

Though I'm not 100% sure on our Blu-Ray player, I believe it is upscaling. If it isn't, I know our other DVD player does upscale to 1080p.

Not all upscaling is the same - it depends on the engine being used. There is a quality difference, albeit slight. The Faroudja engine is a standout in that crowd, but I am not sure which brands use this one. I know the Oppo does (which MousePod turned me on to)

Originally Posted by blueerica

Now if only Utah would get more Wii systems in stock. I wonder if there's a list I can get on that would give me a heads up.

Why not just order it from Amazon, or some other online retailer? Or eBay (just make sure you buy from someone reputable!)

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I guess USA doesn't broadcast in HD - at least for me.

USA DOES have an HD channel, but I can't seem to locate information on it right now (I saw a reference to it on Wikipedia). That is one of the channels that I really want to see in HD.

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Actually, I can't find USA at all and Westminster starts tonight.

I think you are on Time Warner (strictly a guess: I think I remember seeing a TWC box in the Thurston photos). If this is correct, you should have it. For us, it is 103 and another channel in the "under 100 range."

[Not Afraid]

I found USA in reg broadcast (we're on Verizon Fios now) but I see no HD. How am I going to see all the little individuals hairs on the puggies?

We recorded Lawrence of Arabia in HD and I too a sneak peak at it. SOOOO PRETTY!!!!!

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Why not just order it from Amazon, or some other online retailer?

Because they are asking $379 for a $250 system.