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- Review count25
- Helpfulness votes13
- First reviewApril 13, 2013
- Last reviewAugust 4, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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Customer Rating
5
A classic film on a great blu-ray.
on January 7, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Amazingly enough, I had never seen Lawrence of Arabia before the blu-ray; one of the very few classics that I missed growing up. It's easy to see why it's a classic though, as it's an incredible experience from beginning to end.
The video, showcasing that wonderful footage, is almost perfect only with some very rare, faint blue vertical lines intruding and those are almost certainly a source issue and not a problem with the encode. Equally impressive, the audio is phenomenal with the iconic score soaring through. The only problem here is the obvious dubbing in of lines in one scene for which the original source material was lost. Again, an extremely minor nitpick that has nothing to do with the quality of the disc. There are many behind the scenes featureless to round out the package.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Eveyrthing.
What's not so great: Not much.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Cell [Blu-ray] [2000]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Customer Rating
3
A decent film with some extraordinary visuals
on January 6, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Tarsem Singh has a made a career with some visually dazzling films. The first here, The Cell, is not nearly as good as his followup, The Fall, but is still interesting enough that it doesn't have to totally rely on those wonderful visuals. Basically two films at once, a detective story hunting down a serial killer and the other, a decent into the disturbing mind of that killer. The acting from some of the stars, Jennifer Lopez, and in particular, Vince Vaughn, often leaves a lot to be desired. However, Vincent D'Onofrio's terrifying villain picks up some of the slack.
Most of these Canadian Alliance releases are sub-par, but thankfully, this disc isn't nearly as bad as most of the them. The video and audio could certainly be better, but both are still pretty good, and unlike some of their releases, this has the correct aspect ratio of 2:40:1. Extras, however, are non-existent.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Cinematography, costume design, and art design are phenonamal
What's not so great: Acting can be pretty rough at times.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Ed Wood [Blu-ray] [1994]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4403be9c-7d0c-453a-b629-93be06bf53b5.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Tim Burton's best film.
on January 6, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Devoid of the usual fantasy elements of Tim Burton's films, Ed Wood is, never the less, his best film. A loving tribute to the titular filmmaker, to freaks in general, and to films (good or bad), the movie is a crazy ride of an, to say the least, eclectic bunch of characters. One of Johnny's Depp's best roles, the film starts with the wide-eyed man trying to get his terrible films made (while dealing with his secret cross-dressing). A chance encounter introduces Martin Landau's Bela Lugosi who steals every scene he's in with an Oscar-winning performance. Bill Murray, as one of Wood's many hangers-on, is a man constantly talking about a gender change operation that is obviously never going to happen. And the list of wonderful weirdos just continues to grow after that as Wood tries to get financing for his silly, little monster movies.
Shot in grainy black and white (as is fitting for the subject matter), the blu-ray was never going to look spectacular, but the transfer is quite remarkable with only the occasional noise ruining an otherwise very film-like presentation. Front-heavy, the audio is never very immersive, but the dialogue is always clear. The included deleted scenes are worth checking out.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: A loving tribute to a misfit by a misfit
What's not so great: Nothing.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
Highly entertaining popcorn flick
on January 6, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Pacific Rim is a stupid movie, but the difference is, it doesn't make me feel stupid for enjoying it unlike say, the Transformers films. It is fully aware of what it is, and fully aware that we know what it is, and as such, it doesn't ever waste out time with nonsense. Its runtime is jammed-pack with spectacle, but never feels rushed. More importantly, though the actions sequences can be long, they are so inventive, and choreographed with such care, that the film never devolves into feeling like a never-ending slog which is something this type of genre piece can so easily become. Del Toro clearly loves the film's many inspirations, and that love shines through the work.
The blu-ray is perfect. Colors burst off the screen in a dazzling array. The audio is demo material throughout the entire film as the bass on display bests anything I've ever heard. You will not believe the 3D is a conversion as it looks better than some natively shot films. All-around, a disc cannot get any better than this.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Giant robots punching giant monsters
What's not so great: It's not exactly what you would call "challenging."
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
Another solid entry in the Marvel universe
on January 6, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
The Wolverine is another solid entry in the Marvel film universe. Mostly a side story, the plot has no real bearing on the rest of that universe, but is certainly entertaining on its own. The Japanese setting offers the creators a rich source to mine elements from with Yakuza, ninjas and even a mech making appearances. The mostly low-key affair may not satisfy the hardcore action junkie, but for most people, it will be a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Not surprisingly, the blu-ray for a recent special effects film offers a spectacular audio/visual feast. The 7.1 audio defines the word "immersion." Much like most recent 3D conversions, it is a very solid effort with some great dimensionality and depth. Rest assured, the cardboard cut-out syndrome of years past is, when it comes to big films like this, dead and buried.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: A clever side story with some intrigue
What's not so great: Nothing is really that bad, but nothing approaches exceptional either.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get ready for edge-of-your-seat thrills in INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Indy (Harrison Ford) and his feisty ex-flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) dodge booby-traps, fight Nazis and stare down snakes in their incredible worldwide quest for the mystical Ark of the Covenant. Experience one exciting cliffhanger after another when you discover adventure with the one and only Indiana Jones.
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Raiders of the Lost Ark is quite possibly the best adventure film ever made. The now iconic character, the brainchild of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, is a wonderful amalgamation of your classic dashing, tough, and yet, intellectual hero. Practically every character is dripping with...well, character. Dialogue is sharp and witty. Action sequences are thrilling with incredibly inventive choreography. The film just never seems to have an off-beat throughout its runtime. Simply put, adventure films just can't get any better.
The blu-ray's audio/visual presentation are certainly in keeping with the film's quality. At times, you would almost believe this is a film shot today as the color and clarity are that spectacular. The audio is no slouch either delivering some surprising bass for a film of its age and John William's score absolutely shines.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Globe-hopping plot, fun characters, exciting action sequences.
What's not so great: Nothing.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom [Blu-ray] [1984]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2d69ef6a-9647-4e13-80fc-c385c3a37859.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
A good movie trapped behind a classic
on January 6, 2014
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Temple of Doom was the go-to whipping boy for the Indiana Jones films until Crystal Skull; an unfair label as it's actually a very good film. True, it doesn't live up to the classic that is its predecessor, but it's still one of the best for its genre. The film takes many chances (even opening with a song and dance number). Whether you consider those chances a plus or minus, you have to respect the decision not to produce a carbon copy of Raiders. Weighing down the film, Kate Capshaw's, shrill, one-dimensional character and an equally under-developed villain. However, the banter is still a lot of fun and the various chase sequences, from the opening in Shanghai to the mine carts, are inventive and exciting.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Highly entertaining chase sequences and humorous banter
What's not so great: Can't compare to Raiders of the Lost Ark
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Shot in breathtaking 70mm in 24 countries on six continents, Baraka is a transcendent global tour that explores the sights and sounds of the human condition like nothing you ve ever seen or felt before. These are the wonders of a world without words, viewed through man and nature's own prisms of symmetry, savagery, harmony and chaos. Baraka has now been fully restored from it's original camera negative via state-of-the-art 8K UltraDigital mastering to create the most visually stunning DVD ever made. Includes over 80 minutes of all new Bonus Features.
Customer Rating
5
A stunning cinematic achievement.
on August 23, 2013
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Verified Purchase:Yes
Putting "Excellent" for plot and acting is kind of cheating since there isn't any plot or acting. That is likely the biggest hurdle most people will have to get over to enjoy this stunning film. Shot in 70mm, there is no dialogue, not even a narrator; the film is entirely comprised of just the audio and video of what was shot. But oh, what incredible wonders the camera did capture. And despite there not being a traditional story, there are certainly many themes touched upon throughout the film's runtime.
The blu-ray's audio/visual quality is impeccable. It is truly a demo-worthy disc.
My Best Buy number: 0967325208
My Best Buy number: 0967325208
What's great about it: Beautiful in every way.
What's not so great: It is definitely not for everyone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Zero Dark Thirty [Blu-ray/DVD] [2012]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/0630c8a2-d0f7-4b42-ac2b-36d08eb1fb23.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Intense chronicle of the hunt for Usama bin Laden
on June 13, 2013
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Full disclosure, though I liked it, I didn't think Kathryn Bigelow's previous film, The Hurt Locker, was quite as incredible as the reviews suggested it would be, but I was thoroughly impressed with its follow-up here. Chronicling the hunt for for Usama bin Laden, the film takes on the pseudo-documentary feel that's becoming more and more common-place, but in this particularly instance, it's very appropriate. And, despite what pundits on either side of the political spectrum would have you believe, the film doesn't really worry too much about the politics involved. It tries to adhere to the facts as much as possible, and sometimes those facts are a little ugly and the morality at play is thoroughly in a murky, gray area, but the film itself doesn't want to take sides. The writing and acting are top-notch and the climactic infiltration of the compound at the end, though a little long, is extremely intense.
The audio/visual presentation of the blu-ray is outstanding, but extras are a little lacking.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: An all-around expertly-made film.
What's not so great: People's politics surrounding the film.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
An excellent drama about poker.
on June 1, 2013
Posted by: varmintx
from Covington, KY
Poker has been used in a number of very good movies, but Rounders is probably the best of them. Matt Damon turns an excellent performance with Martin Landau and John Malkovich supplying strong supporting roles. But, it's Edward Norton that steals every scene he's in. It's hard to believe that he is so convincing as a scrawny hustler in this film the same year he was a terrifying, muscular skinhead in American History X.
The blu-ray's picture quality is pretty good for a catalog release though it seems pretty obvious the contrast was boosted a little too much. Audio quality is front-heavy as you would expect from a mostly dialogue-driven film, but you never have any trouble understanding anyone including Malkovich through his thick Russian accent.
My Best Buy number: 967325208
What's great about it: Acting and writing are great.
What's not so great: Not much of anything.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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