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- Review count45
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- First reviewNovember 10, 2018
- Last reviewMay 29, 2023
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- Average rating4.2
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- First answerDecember 31, 2021
- Last answerDecember 31, 2021
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![Eternals - 4K Blu-Ray [Standard] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4ce30019-ff4a-4e7d-bab8-dd63afe4259e.jpg)
Seven millennia ago, beings from space placed them among us... and their names passed into legend as they safeguarded mankind from the genetic offshoot Deviants. A triggering event has given the long-dormant Deviants the means toward global destruction-and incentive for Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ajak (Salma Hayek) and the rest of their cosmic-powered clan to step forward after centuries. Chloe Zhao's visually stunning take on Jack Kirby's Marvel mythos co-stars Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani. 157 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English. Two-disc set
Customer Rating
4
Ambitious but Messy
on March 29, 2022
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
This review is for the 4K/BD version of this movie.
The marvel formula works well for the super hero genre: outcast gains awesome powers, goes through challenges with some quips and saves he day while winning the girl. There are cosmetic changes to that (maybe the hero will get the boy now) but the formula is pretty standard.
Eternals is trying to be something different from that basic comic book origin story and your level of enjoyment of it might depend on how much latitude you are willing to grant it because it's trying to be different and break the mold.
Keep in mind - it doesn't SUCCEED. Not completely, but the question is would you rather see consistent and polished or ambitious and messy?
Eternals acts as a palate cleanser of sorts but it is caught between the marvel fans (gimmie that formula and don't you dare deviate from the comics) and the casual viewer (I've seen this marvel movie already with different superpowers). In trying to appease both audiences, it ends up not doing a great job of satisfying either.
But...it DOES try.
First, the technical stuff. Picture quality of the 4k and the BD discs included are pretty top notch. This is a modern movie and it's basicaly an animated cartoon with a few shots of actors here and there...and it looks amazing. Sharp detail, colors pop, etc. A note, you do need the proper equipment (high end 4K player, high end 4K tv) to display the amazing 4K disc properly (and if you don't have that it tends to look really bad). No worries if you don't have 10 grand to shell out on that 4K equipment. The BD included in the combo pack has a knock your socks off picture also. It's way better than what you will stream on D+ so that's great.
The audio is...eh...muted. If you turn it up, it sounds great. If you don't, it sounds soft. This isn't isolated to this disc but every Disney produced disc from the last 10 years or so. It is what it is.
Special features are your usual run of the mill EPK stuff. People congratulating each other on an amazing working experience because everyone is so creative and visionary. Must be nice.
Slipcover on the 4K version. That's really nice. The only way to get a slipcover on your BD version is to buy it through the Disney Movie Club, so the slipcover on the 4K is reeeeeeallly nice.
Now back to the movie. Spoilers ahead...fair warning...
Storytelling trick #1: In a visual medium, show, don't tell. Eternals is SUPER talky...it barely shows anything...it tells us stuff and we then (later) get to see a bit of it. Flip that script...figure out interactions, scenes and story points so that whatever it is that your characters are saying during the numerous exposition dumps can be experienced by the audience. It's almost like there isn't enough time to experience everything that this story needs because...
Storytelling Trick #2: Don't waste time in your storytelling because you're "deviating" from what the plot needs. heh heh...see what I did there? Yeah...Deviants...the "enemy." The bad guy that...wasn't necessary or effective. Literally you could cut out all the deviant scenes and nothing changes. I know, the Eternals were supposedly the solution to resolve the Deviant issue but why not just make the Eternals the go to team to prime the planet for the Celestial Birth? Because you can't forget
Storytelling Trick #3: remember your protagonist has to have a problem that needs resolving and that the dissonance and discord between the protagonist and the antagonist is what engages the audience. So...who has the problem here? Ajax? Sersi? Icarus? The Deviants? Faustus? Athena? There's so much going on and none of it is given any time to develop, mature or get resolved effectively.
The story here is someone growing beyond their programming told through the lens of a multi-generational celebration of life. The characters aren't relatable on the surface but their experiences are...and that's where this story could really soar. The climax with Icarus works and works really well. The lead up to it...not so much because it's distracted and messy and there's just too much time wasted on the Deviants.
When Faustus turns his back on the whole of humanity because he provides his gifts to a single family, his...that's quite a powerful moment. When Icarus realizes the cost of his actions and acknowledges that accountability must follow...that's another powerful moment.
The moment the celestials arrive at modern day earth to celebrate the end of the planet and the birth of one of theirs is a very powerful moment that is just...wasted with a big fight and a cliffhanger ending ("ending" is too strong a word...the film just stops).
This movie seems almost at odds with itself, is it a marvel movie or is it an independent film celebrating humanity as seen through the eyes of immortals with superpowers. It tries to be both and doesn't achieve greatness with either but it DOES try.
And it is refreshing in what it tries, even if it isn't successful. It's a mild recommendation. The potential for what it COULD have been is awesome. The reality of what exists is simply...another marvel movie, and a lower tier one at that.
Oh well.
Length of ownership: 34
Mobile Submission: False
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![Batman Begins - 4K Blu-Ray [Standard] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8c6ca202-bf82-4847-a7a3-7000e694bc5a.jpg)
Batman Begins [ULTRA HD] 4K Mastering Released 2017 product/publication from Warner Home Video
Customer Rating
5
One of the strongest live action Bats!
on January 5, 2022
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
Hindsight makes for 20/20...Batman Begins was considered to be saving the Bat franchise in 2005 when it came out because Batman and Robin in 1997 had killed it with its psychedelic camp, weird product placement (bat credit card), and really boring story.
The Bat franchise makes its fans experience whiplash as it flips back and forth between trend setting dynamics (Batman 66, Batman 89) and horror inducing output (B&R 97).
Batman Begins was a trendsetter in its own way, although it wasn't overly recognized for that until its sequel, the Dark Knight, came out. BB had to escape the long shadow of B&R, which it did.
Not everything is perfect. Bale's Batman Voice still produces more humor effect at times than intimidation ("wheeeeeere are the druuuuuuugs" lol) and the fight choreography is...bad...and poorly filmed...but the innovation to make Batman exist in the "real world" really set off a trend that had movie studios putting their own IP through a "...Begins" process (ahem, James Bond with Casino Royale for example)
It isn't perfect (what movie is) and it collapses a bit under itself toward the end (and Batman doesn't stand by and let people kill themselves or contribute to their death...but ok) but still one of the best live action Batman films ever.
If you want a good batman film, the animated ones are usually much stronger contenders but this is absolutely worth your time.
The 4K upgrade is pretty impressive as well. Extras are just imported over from the previous blu ray, but if you have a 4K set up (or find this at a decent price) it's worth your time to "begin" the bat trilogy over again.
Length of ownership: 51
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Transformers: The Movie (35th Anniversary Limited Edition) (Steelbook) - 4K Blu-Ray [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/bbe73250-5e1b-464a-9247-7f515454cb6c.jpg)
In the year 2005, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches it's pinnacle as they vie for control of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, the one thing in the universe that can stop the giant planet-devouring robot Unicron's reign of destruction. 'Til all are one! Feature-length animated actioner includes the voices of Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack, Eric Idle, Lionel Stander, and Orson Welles (in his final role). 84 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English; Subtitles English, Spanish; storyboards; featurettes' documentary; audio commentary; TV spots; theatrical trailers. Two-disc set.
Customer Rating
4
Till All Are One! Best Version of an 86 Classic
on January 5, 2022
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
Four stars?? For The Transformers: The Movie? Seriously? Can you believe it? Well...
The four stars are for this edition of the movie, not just the movie itself. This particular edition is the 35th Anniversary Limited Edition 4K UHD / Blu Ray Steelbook. Quite a mouthful but for a franchise killing bomb turned cult classic fan favorite, this movie sure has gotten *a lot* of different editions on home video in the US.
There was the FHE VHS (Blue Box), Avid VHS (Red Box), the Rhino DVD, the 20th Anniversary DVD (with lenticular slipcover), the 30th Anniversary Blu Ray, the 30th Anniversary Blu Ray Steelbook, the 35th Anniversary 4K and the 35th Anniversary 4K Steelbook...
Phew. And that's just the US...Japan had a laserdisc also :)
But back to the 4K Steelbook edition. First, the steelbook itself. Really nicely done with an iconic moment of the movie on the cover and some subtle holographic effects acceting the awakening of the matrix in the autobots' darkest hour.
What do you get that's new? Well, you get a 4K restoration of the movie which fixes some of the 30th Anniversary video issues while also reinforcing that Hot Rod is NOT all red like the VHS and early DVD versions showed him to be. He has pink on him...and that's how it was in 1986 (yep...saw the film IN THEATERS). It was also that way on the Panini Sticker Book for this movie and yes...had that also.
Anyway, the 4K restoration showcases the art for this film in a way that has never been seen before. It's the original uncut film with all of the swearing (all two words) intact. The infamous US "superman style" opening credits are intact rather than the UK's star wars style text crawl, which has sometimes shown up in US video edits. In short, this is the unedited film with awesome popping colors, (mostly) razor sharp images and great sound (like eighties rock music? This is like a very good sounding music video with its nearly credit to credit non-stop soundtrack).
There is ONE thing about the 4K version, though...and it doesn't negate anything I said earlier. It's in Widescreen. So, you say...widescreen is how we like things in 4K. The caveat is that this was animated in a 4:3 ratio (since it was basically season 2.5 of the TV Show bridging between S2 and S3) and since it had such a short theatrical life, MOST people have seen it on VHS or on TV...in 4:3. The movie was hard matted for theaters so you do actually lose the top and bottom of the image for the widescreen framing. It can look like less picture (it is) but this IS how it was featured in theaters...so OAR is a bit of a murky subject here.
The Blu Ray gives it to you in Full Frame (1.33:1) so there is that.
The Blu Ray is a newly pressed disc that uses the 4K master and isn't just a recycle of the 30th anniversary Blu Ray.
Special features (all on the Blu Ray) are MOSTLY the same recycled content (hence 4 stars in stead of 5) although there are a few new features including seeing the entire movie's audio set to the original storyboards and Stan Bush performing his two songs.
The movie itself is a classic that is still a product of its time. That being...throw some money at a film featuring popular toy characters with a bigger, longer storyline that fits into the narrative of the existing show (everyone was doing it...my little pony, care bears, rainbow brite...) but still use the thing to sell more toys. In the case of Transformers, the idea was to roll out a whole new product line using the movie as...well...a big ad. How do you get the kids to give up their existing toys and want new ones? Why...kill off all of the existing ones on screen.
The legends surrounding the first 30 minutes of this film where most of the original G1 characters are violently destroyed on screen are legendary. The stories around how kids reacted to Optimus Prime's deaths are...well known. Again, I saw this movie in the theaters. It was a shame that Optimus died on screen but...I didn't lock myself in a room in trauma for a week either. Whether that really happened or is just a legend...who knows? And c'mon kids...the ads on TV (during the show) were SCREAMING the hook "Does Optimus Prime Die??" There's no way anyone went into this film not aware it could be on the table :)
Anyway, how do we look at The Transformers: The Movie 35 years later? It's a decent flick, if you're into the brand. It tells a story that is MUCH bigger than its tv episodes were, so it's never accused of being just another episode of the show (X-Files, I want to believe..looking at you). It has a FANTASTIC soundtrack (Weird Al?? heck yea!), an amazing voice cast (Robert Stack? Judd Nelson? Eric Idle?? Leonard Nemoy? ORSON WELLS??) and it has a decent coming of age storyline while being amusing and having some detailed characters and arcs. The Grimlock / Kup / Hot Rod exchanges are pretty funny in and of themselves. And just a word about Orson Wells. At the end of his life, he recorded lines to be a robotic planet that eats other planets (yes, death star meets galactus)...pretty unbelievable for someone of his stature in hollywood. But still cool.
The first act is just bonkers crazy good - much much better than it had any right to be, although the autobot and decepticon slaughter really elevates the stakes here culminating in the best autobot-decepticon extended battle ever put to screen at (ahem) autobot city. Any fan of the show was thrilled - even with the deaths - at this part.
The second act is...sloggy. The new characters can't quite overcome the shock of losing the older ones and the movie gets lost in its "explore the galaxy" phase while relying way too much on all the life in the universe being robotic. There is some unsubtle world building going on in act 2 that slows the plot down due to its inorganic exposition dumps (of which there are many).
The third act picks up again, but never quite achieves the highs of the first act. The new prime that arises at the end is a hallmark of the third act, but it all feels a bit rushed as well as a bit anticlimatic. That "anything goes" urgency of the first act is not present in the third and there never seems to be any question that Unicron won't eat Cybertron and Galvatron WILL be defeated.
The animation, while amazing compared to the show (6million budget vs 300-400k for an episode), is ok...there are some noticeable off model sequences and animation errors. The flashes of laser fire and constant camera rotations are cool at first but can be a bit tiring for older eyes after a while. Still...for the time...this is impressive and very, very kinetic (so different than anything disney or universal were doing at the time). Robotech is credited with the arrival of Anime in the US, but Transformers the Movie should receive some of that credit. It's definatly influenced by anime staging, pacing, etc. There are some early examples of integrating computer animation into the film also that should be mentioned, most notably when Unicron transformers the mortally wounded Decepticons into their new form (sometimes called the Unicrons, but never in the movie...)
So, is this product a winner? Sure is! If you love the movie, than this is a no-brainer purchase. Great restoration, awesome steelbook, new features plus many of the old ones carried forward...what's not to love?
If you're a Beast Wars fan, or you were introduced to the brand via the Michael Bay movies, than you may not quite get what has made this movie the enduring classic that it has become but I would encourage you to try it out. Till All Are one!
Length of ownership: 154
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Superman the Movie: Extended Cut and Special Edition - 2-Film Collection [Blu-ray] [1978]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/558eca7d-f7a6-407d-a777-ddf9d9402b29.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A film that soars…in a NEWLY available TV edit.
on December 31, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is it - the one that started it all. Fitting, after all the character started the superhero genre in comics back in 1938 and so it makes sense that he would continue to lead his brethren through various media including radio (where “up up and away as well as the flying powers came from), animation, live action TV, stage musicals (well, that wasn’t so great but it is there…) and finally…the big silver screen.
Superman the Movie in 1978 gets a wee bit overlooked in history since it came after Jaws (first blockbuster), Star Wars and before Indiana Jones and ET. But Superman was every bit the powerhouse that all of those were and it was a HUGE hit christmas 1978.
For the first time, audiences were treated to (and embraced) the storytelling of comic books on a big screen with honestly, integrity and verisimilitude (if that is not a known term for you, make sure to watch the excellent making of documentary on this set’s special edition disc). This wasn’t a comic book, it was real (as real as the movies get anyway) and the acting, special effects, action, excitement and heart of the film soared (yes, Superman pun) and swept up audiences with it.
A sidebar…if you want to know just how impactful this movie was, google the news stories about Christover Reeve’s tragic accident, and the reaction to it…then the reaction to how heroic he chose to live the remainder of his life and then his final passing…the emotion with people who knew him as Superman demonstrates the effect that this movie had…)
Ok, back to this set. The theatrical edition of Superman the Movie is not here. If that’s what you want, seek out the excellent 4K disc. But what is here is just as important. This contains two separate cuts of the movie. The first cut is the special edition, which was released in 2000. This ISN’T the travesty that purists will say even though…yes, there are new audio effects. Yes, there are new special effects. Yes, it’s a “special edition” following the Star Wars special editions in 1997 (anything that makes money) but unlike Star Wars, Superman IS available in its original form as well. So this version can comfortably exist (and it’s the first time that Superman’s green suit was color corrected to blue…a sidebar issue from the blue screen processes used in the special effect creation).
This special edition, and it’s special features, have been available on DVD and Blu Ray previously. They are no different than what appeared before in the anthology or dvd sets.
The REAL gem of this set, though, is the second cut of the movie included…the three hour ABC tv cut. Is this this best version of the movie…depends on how you evaluate it. For many, this may be the first version they saw. There’s love of nostalgia at play. For others, more is always going to equate to better…and this version has more. From a storytelling in a visual medium perspective, this may not be the best version as some scenes are not as tightly edited, some effects drag down the more realistic tone of the film (kryptonian sentries, looking at you) and some scenes are just downright silly (sorry giant alligators in the sewers…lol).
That said, a restored TV cut of a beloved film on blu ray that has never before been available outside of its early eighties broadcasts? Oh please…if you are a comic book loving moviegoing fan than you know you want this.
Like other films that have restored the extended TV edits (most recently, Kong 76), Superman The Movie: Extended Cut is a true gem and its availability is a gift to casual and collecting movie fans alike. The restoration is quite good considering the age of the film and technology used to create it. In this era of comic book films dominating the box office, revisiting the original film that started it all in a brand new, nearly never seen version is something exciting.
Turn on those large high definition screens, gather friends or family (safely, pandemic times still persist) and pop up a large tub of popcorn (preferably buttery and not healthy…lol) and head back to a time before CGI moviemaking to once again believe…a man CAN fly.
Highest possible recommendation Miss Tessmacher!
Length of ownership: 33
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Ghostbusters [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1984]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/57034c0e-0596-4608-aee1-e67bfe54d1cc.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Great Classic Movie, Nicely Done HD Restoration
on December 31, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
A franchise without a franchise…lol. Ghostbusters was a hit the moment it landed back in 1984. The theme was everywhere (I remember being at a football game where the marching band was playing the theme during halftime) and the catchphrase “who you gonna call” blasted its way into pop culture hard and fast.
The funny thing about ghostbusters is that it hasn’t been something that’s has been repeatable throughout the years. Ghostbusters 2 was an ok follow-up except it wasn’t funny. There have been a few ghostbusters cartoon shows but their appeal is…limited. Ghostbusters answer the call wasn’t funny and it wasn’t engaging and having the original cast in cameos playing different parts - while a minimal element of the new film - didn’t play well with the masses. Ghostbusters Afterlife is something that stands alone and respects the past but didn’t set the world (or the franchise) on fire.
Maybe Ghostbusters isn’t a franchise after all? Maybe being a one and done isn’t a bad thing?
Regardless, being a one and done when your one is as successful as this film has been is quite the feather in the cap.
This is an impressive HD presentation, especially considering the state of how special effects were created and rendered in the early eighties. Is there film grain? Yes. Is the picture inconsistent? Yea…in a sfx heavy film like this, you better believe it. Is it worth the upgrade? If you can find the film on sale (like over Black Friday…$9.99, thanks BEsst Buy for some Best pricing!) than yea…the film LOOKS better than it ever has in 4k and it SOUNDS better.
Reference quality? Nah…but that’s the problem with upgrading older movies to a technology that far exceeds what existed when the film was created. You don’t want Ghostbusters to look or sound like it came out in 2021 and - thankfully - this 4K / BD package doesn’t.
GHostbusters was a true comedy, action, horror mashup classic. In a simpler time (as far as media diffusion goes, anyway) everyone experienced it and thanks to this UHD upgrade, everyone can experience it again.
When younger folks enjoy GHostbusters AFterlife and want to experience what was referenced in that film, show them this version. It’s cleaned up enough visually and audio wise to appeal to them and once it works its magic, there’s no looking back.
Special features on the Blu Ray have appeared in other versions and - at this point - there’s very little unknown about how the movie came about, the issues it experienced in production and other interesting stories that came out of its creation. Seeing a bit more on the extensive rewrites after Belushi was replaced by Murray due to the former’s untimely death would always be nice to compare the changes but the film on its own withstands the test of time.
If you want a great movie with an impressive restoration than you don’t need to call anyone else…ghostbusters is what you want!
Length of ownership: 45
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Hunt for Red October - 4K Blu-Ray [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/49526856-02aa-404e-9a64-7d16aa709bb8.jpg)
The world's largest and deadliest submarine, an undetectable Soviet craft codenamed Red October, is hijacked by commander Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) and heading for America, and a race against time begins as both superpowers seek to capture the sub or destroy it. Hit InchEnd of the Cold WarInch thriller based on Tom Clancy's book also stars Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, Sam Neill. 135 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, DVS, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital mono, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles English (SDH), Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Cantonese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Slovak, Swedish, Thai; audio commentary; theatrical trailers; more. Two-disc set.
Customer Rating
4
Amazing Movie…Mediocre Audio (at times)on Transfer
on December 31, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
The Jack Ryan films (and now TV show) are more of a collection of “spy movies” that are loosely tied together by the lead character (named Jack Ryan…lol), his background (marine accident leads him to traction and the CIA) and his need to save the world. Outside of that, we have different interpretations, different plots, different villains and - now - a reboot nearly every other iteration.
But…before that…before Jack Ryan became a leading character name…we had the Hunt for Red October.
Jack Ryan is here and it’s the movie that introduced us to both the character and (except for those who saw Working Girl or some SNL) Alec Baldwin.
Yep, a very young Alec Baldwin is here but is overshadowed by the submarines and by Sean Connery in a commanding performance.
Hunt for Red October is a 33 year old film. It splashed onto the scene with a Cold War story a few years after the Berlin Wall fell (which - by and large - symbolized the end of the Cold War). At the time, it felt a bit dated in its story, but captivated with its tense direction, editing and well-acted roles between Connery, Baldwin and Scott Glenn as the American Naval captain of the Dallas (los angeles class submarine). In time, though, the film has become more relevant in its message about how difficult it is to trust while retaining its tense drama and impressive visuals (and - of course - commanding acting).
A word about the direction…it’s an amazingly directed film taking a small claustrophobic and dimly lit space and squeezing nail biting, chair grabbing drama out of it. The director, John McTiernan, was coming off of the one-two punch of Predator in 1987 and Die Hard in 1988…he capped off his “action trilogy” with Hunt for Red October.
So that’s the film…a classic standout that - if you haven’t seen - you should. It really is that good (especially if you like submarine movies).
Now, the 4K transfer. It’s pretty good…but there are some challenges. It isn’t that there are scenes of alternating softness and sharpness. There are, but you have to take into consideration the age of the film and how it was shot AND how it has been preserved over the years. Sometimes, especially effect shots that were created through pre-digital means (like optical printing) just haven’t held up over the years. This leads the visual quality to fluctuate quite a bit…some scenes are razor sharp and astounding to see. Others…look as soft as they did on VHS (I have the VHS and did a comparison to see..).
The issue, though, is with some of the sloppiness of the restoration which appears somewhat in some scenes visually but mostly in the audio. At times, the audio booms, pings and zooms around the sound space. At times it is crystal clear with dialogue coming through the main channel. At others…it is not. There are a handful of scenes where it looked like the dialogue got encoded to the wrong channel because you just can’t hear them saying anything…Lips are moving (and if you know the film, you know what they are saying) but sound is drowned out by the effects. The most apparent is near the end where Tim Curry is talking on the hull of Red October as the crew (spoiler) abandons ship. His dialogue got encoded to some channel other than the main dialogue channel and is just washed out. There are other instances throughout as well where this happens.
That’s not a restoration issue - that’s a sloppy mastering issue.
It’s a shame…because this film really deserves perfection and is that good.
Quick note…this is the THIRD time that Red October has been issued on 4K. The first was part of a 5 movie 4K set (all Jack Ryan films). The second was on a steel book. This is the first time it’s in a regular amray black case with an o-ring. The extras and transfer, though, are the same as those other releases. The blu ray included in the set is the same blu ray that has been available throughout the years.
So…is it worth the upgrade? Depends…1) do you HAVE a 4k set? If no, than don’t bother. If yes, yea…if you love the film and 2) have you ever seen the film? If not…run, don’t walk. Pick it up.
Length of ownership: 45
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![First Blood - 4K Blu-Ray [Standard] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/33069538-5f85-45b5-812f-c937092eaad8.jpg)
John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is an ex-Green Beret haunted by his memories of Vietnam. Harassed and jailed by the locals in a Northwest town, he makes a daring escape and travels to the mountains, where he stages a one-man guerrilla war against the antagonistic sheriff (Brian Dennehy) and his men. But when Rambo's former colonel (Richard Crenna) arrives, can tragedy be averted? With Bill McKinney, Jack Starrett. AKA InchRambo First Blood.Inch 96 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English. Two-disc set.
Customer Rating
5
First Blood in 4k…no brainer!
on December 31, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
Ok, so the name “Rambo” is a part of the english lexicon and - for most of us - it means super tough guy taking out bad guys with grit, muscles and some BIG weapons. Yeah, later films may hint that Rambo has a past and it weighs on him but it’s mostly about getting into the action. Rambo has become synonymous with those qualities and is often parodied with modifications of the name (Rexbo is a dog that takes out the Mailman in the Far Side, Bambo is tough reindeer that goes around shouting “Yo Christmas,” etc.)
But before First Blood Part 2 happened (Which is where the notion of Rambo being an unstoppable human tank comes from), there was First Blood. Based upon a novel which it has some similarities with (and some differences), First Blood gives us a different Rambo that, if you encountered the character some other way first, is completely shocking.
Rambo is a returning Vietnam vet who has been emotionally impacted by his experiences during his tour overseas. He is a drifter and comes to a small town looking for a quiet meal in the local diner. He’s met by local law enforcement and the population with racial bias, hostility and pursued like a dangerous animal. It’s shocking and horrifying to see…
Rambo uses his military training to use his environment to fight off his attacking pursuers but makes a point NOT to kill them (a change that Stallone insisted on…). Speaking of Stallone, if you think he can’t act due to his “tough guy action movie” rep, think again. The character he creates and portrays here is simply amazing. Rambo is equally tragic and heroic. You are horrified at what he does but endorse and cheer for him nonetheless. There are no easy answers or happy resolution at the end and the core issues that put John Rambo in the situation of the film remain unresolved by its end. It’s a stark, depressing and sad portrayal of how war changes a person and how we have not done enough as a society to provide help to those who return.
Vietnam is long in our rear view mirror and the scars it inflicted upon society have long faded from view, both here and abroad (yep, there are McDonald’s in Vietnam now). But we have vets returning home from other devastating conflicts…and First Blood is a timeless, if tragic and disturbing, classic that remains relevant today. What drives people to collide and interact in this manner? What could be done to prevent such awful interactions? Do we really support those who sacrifice to maintain our way of life?
Yeah, THAT is the Rambo in First Blood. Long before he was a blockbuster comic book character (and I’m not criticizing THAT…those sequels are a lot of fun), Rambo made us ask some difficult questions and shine some hard light into dark places.
First Blood is not a happy movie. But it is an amazing one and it needs to be watched.
Oh yeah…the 4K / Blu Ray combo offers great picture and sound. The 4K version is a LITTLE soft but this WAS a lower budgeted film from 40 years ago…cut it some slack. Does it look or sound as good as today’s digitally processed and produced films? Nope. Eyes wide open - this is not the reference 4K disc you show your friends or family when they come to check out your new home theater. This is the best the movie has ever looked or sounded though, and it is one of the best movies about vets and the societal issues that exist among returning vets looking to integrate into society. Can’t recommend it enough…
Length of ownership: 41
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 4K Blu-Ray [Standard] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/588f0bc5-5242-469c-af13-c0cbb70bb55e.jpg)
The mind-blowing, Oscar-winning blend of Raymond Chandler and Tex Avery stars Bob Hoskins as a seedy private eye in a '40s Hollywood populated by humans and animated InchtoonsInch who must clear cartoon star Roger Rabbit of a murder charge. With Christopher Lloyd, and the voices of Charles Fleischer and Kathleen Turner; cameos by Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Donald Duck, and others. 104 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack English. Two-disc set.
Customer Rating
5
The BEST version of an ABSOLUTE classic
on December 31, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
What can be said about Who Framed Roger Rabbit that hasn’t already been said? It is a modern classic and largely the film that should be credited with catalyzing interest in animation at Disney among its new executive team in the mid 1980s leading to favorite films like Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King and Aladdin. But that is the legacy of this film…and this review is of this film and - specifically the 4K.
So, is this version worth it, especially since many probably already own it or have access to it on Disney +? The answer is an unequivocally yes!
Forget the sheer quality, creativity and unique vision of the film. This new version features a brand new transfer that not only was used to produce the 4K disc (obviously an amazing experience if you have the hardware to play and display the movie in that manner) but ALSO the blu ray. THis is NOT the same blu- ray transfer as the BD/DVD combo from a few years ago (which I *ahem* have) and its certainly different from the 2 disc DVD collectors set from even more than a few years ago (which I *ahem* also own) and it’s a HUGE increase from the original VHS release of the film (which I *ahem* still own…love those foil hearts on the box). This is the best the film has ever looked (and that includes in theaters in 1988…yes, I saw it three times back then).
So yea…classic film that holds up in its plot, its characters, its special effects and its humor over the nearly 35 years since it was created…check. Integrated animation (via CGI) is common place today, but it wasn’t back in 1988. Who Framed Roger Rabbit uses hand drawn animation in a way that had never been done. Sure, animation live action hybrids exist all the way back to the Alice comedies of a century ago and Disney’s Song of the South, Mary Poppins, and Pete’s Dragon utilized the integrated techniques well. But if you watch those films (at least two, since Song of the South isn’t available) you may notice that when the animated characters are on screen the camera doesn’t move in three dimensional space. It pans up or down and left or right. That’s because moving a hand drawn image in three dimensional space via traditional animation is technically difficult. Roger Rabbit was filmed as a regular movie with camera sweeps, pans and 3d movement. It’s animation moves as well and is truly astounding from a technical level.
New Transfer showcasing the film like never before? Check. The film looks gorgeous and if it was just made.
Extras plentiful and insightful…sorta check. They ARE but if you own this film on Blu Ray or that 2 disc DVD edition, you already have seen these extras.
So final verdict? Highly recommended for the film itself and for the new technical aspects of the transfer. Roger Rabbit holds up as a true all ages classic that takes well defined and relatable characters and puts them in a noir style ish murder mystery plot that reinvents the golden age of animation in such a way that it seems like the WB and Disney and Fleischer characters always existed within this context.
If you’ve seen Roger Rabbit, treat yourself to this version all over again. If you’ve never seen it…go see it. Right now.
As Roger said, a laugh is a very powerful thing. Even if you’re not into animation or comedies, who couldn’t use a laugh as we close out 2021 and head into an uncertain 2022? Thanks for nearly 35 years of laughs Roger and I’m happy to have this new version to generate another 35 years of them…
Length of ownership: 14
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![First Cow [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2020]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8913fb51-86a6-4d15-9292-71e5f1d189db.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A wonderfully subtle american western
on January 6, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
First Cow is many things - but first and foremost it is a work of art in a visual medium. It uses visuals, sound, performances and all the tools of the medium on its canvas, and it does it very well. It makes you think, it makes you reflect and it stays with you long after the end credits finish their roll.
The story is simple. It is how we see ourselves in the story where the genius of this film comes to light. We all would want a partner in life to build life around, so we can relate to things. Many are romanticized by the notion of the quintessential "American dream" which recommends squeezing every last drop out of every opportunity to incur success and wealth. We can relate to the main characters' journey in this way. Heck, even the titular cow gets to be a metaphor in that sometimes we are so alone and sad due to loss that we get involved with others who don't have our own best interests at heart.
But mostly what makes this film so magical is it leaves its world up to your own imagination through it's subtlety and suggestion. It rarely provides more than hints at context, with large skips in narrative flow that could be disastrous in other films. If First Cow was a Marvel Movie than we could expect "fill in" shows on Disney Plus for 90% of what we see. As it is, how wonderful is it for a film to challenge its audience to "fill in the blanks" with how you want to complete the world it introduces you to.
It is best to experience this film with little preconceived notions other than to be prepared to think and think some more about this western parable about american capitalism and the socio-philosophical and economic aspects of the american west. ALl in a movie about pilfered milk and biscuts. Quite the accomplishment!
First Cow is a masterpiece and largely deserving of its "one of the best movies of 2019" accolades. That said, if you like quick humor, quick cuts, big sweeping orchestral scores or action and chases and gunfights...this movie is not for you. The titular cow (played by a bovine named Evie) does not have any action scenes and isn't really even a main character. Oh, and if you like endings where everything is neatly wrapped up...you won't be satisfied. The ending is left open, although the fates of the characters are hinted at (you'll need to remember the opening scene of the film to better understand the ending) and - just like the rest of the film - can be left open to interpretation.
Any movie fan should watch First Cow and anyone who has more than a passing interest in the American Western genre should get a copy of this film right now. It's that good!
Length of ownership: 18
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Mary Poppins Returns [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2018]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Customer Rating
3
Mary Poppins Returns Practically Perfect
on January 2, 2021
Posted by: MovieGuy
Verified Purchase:Yes
So, should one pick this up? Well, the TECHNICAL aspects of the Blu ray are excellent. Sharp clear picture with eye-popping colors, especially when the animated segments take over and we leave drab London for a more magical perspective on life. The sound is amazing as well, the music and sound effects roll through the sound field with crisp fidelity.
This felt like a "by the numbers" production and even though the specific story elements were not the same, the thematic purpose was. So if you've seen the original (and, c'mon, if you're seeing this you HAVE seen the original) than you'll know what happens before it happens. And yea, future prediction is kinda cool but is a double edged sword. You do risk reducing your enjoyment of this happy and nice picture - whose only goal is to entertain you - because you will know what happens BEFORE it happens. Every time. Because it feels like what would happen if 1960s Mary Poppins was made in the 2010s. Which is basically what happened.
As a result, the emotional impact of the film has diluted highs and lows and THAT is a problem with all of these remakes.
So is all lost? Is it a complete miss? Nope...and here's why. If you're a fan of the books or the movies, than this is more Mary Poppins done well and that can be better than being surprised. So bottom line? If you're a fan, than you'll love this movie.
Length of ownership: 53
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Superman: The Movie [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1978]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/43acfbf1-bb73-4486-9b04-a01295bf1093.jpg)
Is the blu ray that comes with this the theatrical cut ?
No, there are two blu rays in this set. One is the EXTENDED cut of Superman the Movie, which is the 3 hour ABC tv edit that aired over two nights in 1982. The second is the SPECIAL EDITION of Superman the Movie. This was created in 2000 in response to a trend in Hollywood at the time attempting to replicate the success of the Star Wars Special Edition edits from 1997. Richard Donner did work with the production team for this, although it isn’t what appeared theatrically in 1978. Audio and visual effects are added and/or updated. There is also new footage added.
4 years, 5 months ago
by
MovieGuy
Does the 4K movie come with the digital code?
The 4K version of Superman the Movie is the theatrical cut and comes with a digital code (if slipcover is on the product…WB is known to remove digital codes on subsequent releases where the slipcover is not issued, which is why WB product only shows digital codes on the outside o ring and not on the case artwork itself). Superman the Movie was a catalog title, so still available with its o ring. One more caveat…the digital code did have an expiration of 12/31/20 so it may or may not be active still…
4 years, 5 months ago
by
MovieGuy