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"I love DVD!"

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Sun 10/06/01 at 00:37
Regular
Posts: 787
I love watching films, they can make you cry, laugh, get angry, go insane, but most importantly they entertain. That was not supposed to rhyme, please excuse me! I have an Encore Dv450, which is a nice multi region machine, it's sleek, silver and has a superb range of features, excellent sound and wonderful clarity on the picture so combining this with a 'dodgy' (as in faulty, but the fault that is apparent, Empire Direct cannot accept responsibility for, grrr) Hitachi 24inch wide screen (not bragging, just setting the scene) with 3DS surround sound, I am able to watch DVD movies at a high quality, which is how they should be viewed.

I suppose I have about 15 DVD movies, but for me, the extras, the film trailers and special features aren't really the reason I prefer DVD to VHS, and in many cases I haven't bothered looking at them because somehow it might spoil the film for me, but I can understand why this does add appeal. I want to recapture the cinema experience, with that good old 'Universal Studios' or 'Spyglass' start up sequence on my TV with perfect sound all around me, it's superb. So far my top five DVD movies (of all time, can I say of all time?) are the following.

At number 5: Alien.

I'm far too young to remember when Alien was released and how it turned into a classic, but with the following 3 making it a superb series, and the prolonged endearment that people have to this film I am old enough to realise how such a film could be considered the greatest Science Fiction film of all time, and I was able to watch and think 'yeah, not bad at all'! The suspense is incredible - the silences in the film, the whole atmosphere is something that I have never witnessed before, and although it's a very long film, it manages to captivate the audience throughout. A perfect film that still entertains today, sparking off one of the greatest ever sequels (games firms take note) in the supreme 'Aliens'. I really should see that film again now I have it on DVD - it's not in my top 5, because Alien, in my view was more groundbreaking and a better film in general. Most will disagree. Sigourney Weaver and the rest were impeccable, with some real moments that made me shudder and jump! Superb film. I'd recommend to anyone.

At number 4: Toy Story 2.

I was quite pleased to win film a day for the first time about two months ago, actually, I was delighted with winning (jumping up and down and dancing round the room - in mind at least) and so I thought I'd get Toy Story 2 after seeing the original and being totally amazed! At first viewing I didn't think the storyline was as good as the first, but after many times watching it I have to say that it excels and is possibly a better film, especially after watching the hilarious and informative special features - the end of the movie 'the retakes' or something were funnier than the actual film, but overall it was, as Tom Hanks nicely puts it 'optical poptitude'! The 'effects' are astounding, with everything completely computer generated, but the voice acting really makes Toy Story 2 come alive. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Kelsey Grammer and more, keeping it an all-star cast. An enchanting movie, with great music, acting and lovable characters, so yet again a brilliant DVD encounter!

At the bronze medal spot:

The Exorcist. Oh my word. 28 years on and this is still something of a 5 star quality movie. At just £14.99 you can't really go wrong, no matter how much of the film was made up, the fact remains it can shock, disturb, but also make you think about life in a new, more positive light - it really can, and has done. Which is nice! If you want to read my full review on the film then:

http://special.reserve.co.uk/reviews/review.php?custid=10273

The quality is very impressive, great engrossing story and something that can make you think - especially after the film. Some classic lines in the movie, that I just had to note down...

“Turn down the lights, turn up the sound & enjoy the digitally re-mastered version of The Exorcist’!

“The attack is psychological & powerful – do not listen, do not listen!” “Have you ever heard of exorcism?” I noted these down for some reason, so they must be significant in the film, and the process, although at times does get a bit tiresome, will definitely stir you up big time.

Best music in a film without a doubt. Tubular Bells. Brilliant.

Number 2: Blade. Ah yes. Wesley Snipes and Steven Dorff in their element. One of the most action filled thrillers you'll ever see, and something that you simply must watch again and again. Blade is a film that turns the ridiculous into something sublime. Vampires. Half Vampire, half human. All sounds daft doesn't it? Well, forget Buffy, Blade is everything and more. Astounding special effects, from blood and gore to lightning and so forth... I shan't go into too much, but it's an edge of your seat roller coaster of a ride that has the best opening to a film I have seen, and definitely the best ending. Roll on Blade 2!

Number 1:

Gladiator. The best film I have ever seen, and the most impressive picture quality yet from a DVD. The movie is packaged in a 2 disc edition set, 1 with the film, and one with the extra features, however I haven't yet watched those as this is one film that I don't want to know about how they made it! It's a wonderful production, deservedly winning many awards and high critical acclaim. I didn't manage to watch it at the big screen, but mine's big enough to appreciate how amazing it really is. RUSSELL CROWE, JOAQUIN PHOENIX, OLIVER REED, RICHARD HARRIS, DEREK JACOBI, CONNIE NIELSEN, DAVID SCHOFIELD, TOMAS ARANA are all superb and a real delight to watch, excellent acting. Really moving performances, with characters that you'll love and hate.

RIDLEY SCOTT, a superb director (Also brilliant for Hannibal) making it a flawless movie. It's just so well done, with incredible costumes and with special effects that enrich, not hinder, the brilliant storyline
Sun 10/06/01 at 14:51
Posts: 0
They think it's all Over is far more my scene. League Of Gentlemen, in my view is just weird and twisted, but it's won many awards for originality, so it must be good, just not for me.
Sun 10/06/01 at 14:39
Posts: 0
I love 'League of Gentlemen'! It's one of those shows that gets better with each viewing. I'm hoping that they release DVDs of Series 2, the live show and the Christmas Special.

I suppose Gladiator is OK, it just isn't the kind of film that interests me. I didn't think the plot worked that well but it did have some spectacular fight scenes. I thought Russell Crow was great in Romper Stomper but not in this.
Sun 10/06/01 at 12:55
Posts: 0
Can't believe you rate Gladiator so poorly, I thought it was wonderful, but still, opinions differ.

Anyone heard when Terminator 3 is coming out?
Sun 10/06/01 at 12:53
Posts: 0
Nice reply - great post actually - and we all have different opinions:

"5. Bride of Chucky
4. Audition (R3)
3. Texas Chain Saw Massacre
2. Ring
1. League of Gentlemen "

League of Gentlemen? Surely that isn't that atrocious television 'comedy'? Please say it's something different, because that has to be the weirdest thing I know!

Anyway, well done I like your post abour DVD.
Sun 10/06/01 at 08:27
Posts: 0
I would really watch those extra features if I was you. They increase your enjoyment in a film rather than ruining it.
Sun 10/06/01 at 08:23
Posts: 0
As well as the obvious things such as better picture, better sound and extra features, here are some more reasons to love DVD:

*DVD is for life not just for Christmas! I've always loathed buying videos because you know that they have a limited shelf life. The quality seems to go pretty quickly -my most watched videos such as Fawlty Towers are terrible quality now. DVD on the other hand will, unless they get scratched, look great forever. It is reassuring to know that the films I love now should still be looking great when I am on my death bed!

*The technology in videos has changed relativey little since the early days. DVD on the other hand is evolving rapidly. With Dolby 6.1 just coming into use you know that DVD will keep developing continuously.

*You don't have to rewind!

*DVD beathes new life into old films: With all the extra features you now get, you can look at your favourite films in a new light. It also gives you a good excuse to replace those knackered ten year old video cassettes.

*DVD means that you are no longer limited in your choice of movies. All you need is a multi region machine and you can get DVDs from anywhere in the world. Just recently I have become hooked on Japanese horror movies (they are much more intelligent than American ones) and I've been importing films such as the Ring trilogy, Tomie, Audition and Bio-Zombie. If it wasn't for DVD I would never have heard of these films, let alone seen them. And because subtitles come as standard with most DVDs, I am able to actually understand what is going on!

*DVD can make bad films good: I think this is more of a benefit to the studios than consumers, but I thought I'd still mention it. Even a terrible film such as Battlefield Earth or John Carpenter's Vampires (IMO) can potentially be made watchable and worth buying on DVD. If the extras, and in particular, the Director's Commentary acknowledge that the film is flawed then it can be useful to see where the film went wrong and hear why the Director believes it messed up.

*Unlike video which loses it's value pretty much as soon as you watch it, DVD is bound to have a strong collectors market. As films are released by new distributors and as special editions go out of print, these DVDs will shoot up in value (if the film has a large number of devoted fans, ie. Star Wars, Evil Dead, Halloween, etc). It's nice to know that your prized collection is actually worth something.

*DVDs take up less space and look better than videos do. A large collection of videos makes you look like a nerd whereas DVDs make you look technologically advanced!

*Finally, DVD lets the audience learn about the film making process. Gone are the early days of Hollywood when directors could get away with any nonsense because of the novelty and 'magic' of film. A modern audience knows about the production process and understands that what they are seeing is constructed to give meaning. This means we are able to understand a film's message better and can be amazed by the complexity of the film making business.

Does anyone else have anymore reasons to love DVD?
Sun 10/06/01 at 08:23
Posts: 0
My Current Top 5:

5. Bride of Chucky
4. Audition (R3)
3. Texas Chain Saw Massacre
2. Ring
1. League of Gentlemen

It always amazes me that people rate Gladiator so highly. I just thought it was a bad, boring film. Russel Crowe's character is a typical action movie cliche. I don't think they did anything original here -just another big budget Hollywood movie.
As for your other choices -I love Alien (the best out of the Alien movies by far). Toy Story 2 was OK (I prefer Japanese animation -far more original). I think the Exorcist is overlong and predictable, It just didn't scare me whatsoever (The Shining is a far, far scarier film IMO). Finally, I thought Blade had it's moments (ie. The Blood Bath Rave in the slaughter house) but was otherwise fairly dull.
Sun 10/06/01 at 02:15
Posts: 0
No, actually, I don't really use the multi-region capabilities, in that region 2 DVDs are all I own, so sorry, but I have heard about that version. I'm sure I'll get a USA or JAP DVD someday.
Sun 10/06/01 at 01:42
Regular
"Back For Good"
Posts: 3,673
Just out of interest since you've got a multi regional player,did you get the full director's cut called the version you've never seen.

It was only released in America and has that buzzing spider walk in it.
Sun 10/06/01 at 00:37
Posts: 0
I love watching films, they can make you cry, laugh, get angry, go insane, but most importantly they entertain. That was not supposed to rhyme, please excuse me! I have an Encore Dv450, which is a nice multi region machine, it's sleek, silver and has a superb range of features, excellent sound and wonderful clarity on the picture so combining this with a 'dodgy' (as in faulty, but the fault that is apparent, Empire Direct cannot accept responsibility for, grrr) Hitachi 24inch wide screen (not bragging, just setting the scene) with 3DS surround sound, I am able to watch DVD movies at a high quality, which is how they should be viewed.

I suppose I have about 15 DVD movies, but for me, the extras, the film trailers and special features aren't really the reason I prefer DVD to VHS, and in many cases I haven't bothered looking at them because somehow it might spoil the film for me, but I can understand why this does add appeal. I want to recapture the cinema experience, with that good old 'Universal Studios' or 'Spyglass' start up sequence on my TV with perfect sound all around me, it's superb. So far my top five DVD movies (of all time, can I say of all time?) are the following.

At number 5: Alien.

I'm far too young to remember when Alien was released and how it turned into a classic, but with the following 3 making it a superb series, and the prolonged endearment that people have to this film I am old enough to realise how such a film could be considered the greatest Science Fiction film of all time, and I was able to watch and think 'yeah, not bad at all'! The suspense is incredible - the silences in the film, the whole atmosphere is something that I have never witnessed before, and although it's a very long film, it manages to captivate the audience throughout. A perfect film that still entertains today, sparking off one of the greatest ever sequels (games firms take note) in the supreme 'Aliens'. I really should see that film again now I have it on DVD - it's not in my top 5, because Alien, in my view was more groundbreaking and a better film in general. Most will disagree. Sigourney Weaver and the rest were impeccable, with some real moments that made me shudder and jump! Superb film. I'd recommend to anyone.

At number 4: Toy Story 2.

I was quite pleased to win film a day for the first time about two months ago, actually, I was delighted with winning (jumping up and down and dancing round the room - in mind at least) and so I thought I'd get Toy Story 2 after seeing the original and being totally amazed! At first viewing I didn't think the storyline was as good as the first, but after many times watching it I have to say that it excels and is possibly a better film, especially after watching the hilarious and informative special features - the end of the movie 'the retakes' or something were funnier than the actual film, but overall it was, as Tom Hanks nicely puts it 'optical poptitude'! The 'effects' are astounding, with everything completely computer generated, but the voice acting really makes Toy Story 2 come alive. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Kelsey Grammer and more, keeping it an all-star cast. An enchanting movie, with great music, acting and lovable characters, so yet again a brilliant DVD encounter!

At the bronze medal spot:

The Exorcist. Oh my word. 28 years on and this is still something of a 5 star quality movie. At just £14.99 you can't really go wrong, no matter how much of the film was made up, the fact remains it can shock, disturb, but also make you think about life in a new, more positive light - it really can, and has done. Which is nice! If you want to read my full review on the film then:

http://special.reserve.co.uk/reviews/review.php?custid=10273

The quality is very impressive, great engrossing story and something that can make you think - especially after the film. Some classic lines in the movie, that I just had to note down...

“Turn down the lights, turn up the sound & enjoy the digitally re-mastered version of The Exorcist’!

“The attack is psychological & powerful – do not listen, do not listen!” “Have you ever heard of exorcism?” I noted these down for some reason, so they must be significant in the film, and the process, although at times does get a bit tiresome, will definitely stir you up big time.

Best music in a film without a doubt. Tubular Bells. Brilliant.

Number 2: Blade. Ah yes. Wesley Snipes and Steven Dorff in their element. One of the most action filled thrillers you'll ever see, and something that you simply must watch again and again. Blade is a film that turns the ridiculous into something sublime. Vampires. Half Vampire, half human. All sounds daft doesn't it? Well, forget Buffy, Blade is everything and more. Astounding special effects, from blood and gore to lightning and so forth... I shan't go into too much, but it's an edge of your seat roller coaster of a ride that has the best opening to a film I have seen, and definitely the best ending. Roll on Blade 2!

Number 1:

Gladiator. The best film I have ever seen, and the most impressive picture quality yet from a DVD. The movie is packaged in a 2 disc edition set, 1 with the film, and one with the extra features, however I haven't yet watched those as this is one film that I don't want to know about how they made it! It's a wonderful production, deservedly winning many awards and high critical acclaim. I didn't manage to watch it at the big screen, but mine's big enough to appreciate how amazing it really is. RUSSELL CROWE, JOAQUIN PHOENIX, OLIVER REED, RICHARD HARRIS, DEREK JACOBI, CONNIE NIELSEN, DAVID SCHOFIELD, TOMAS ARANA are all superb and a real delight to watch, excellent acting. Really moving performances, with characters that you'll love and hate.

RIDLEY SCOTT, a superb director (Also brilliant for Hannibal) making it a flawless movie. It's just so well done, with incredible costumes and with special effects that enrich, not hinder, the brilliant storyline

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