TroyInt
 
 
TroyInt's Stats
 
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    17
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    39
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    February 15, 2014
  • Last Review
    June 1, 2016
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    4
 
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    February 15, 2015
  • Last Answer
    February 15, 2015
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TroyInt's Reviews
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 The Jetsons: The Complete First Season [4 Discs]
The Jetsons: The Complete First Season [4 Discs]
The Jetsons: The Complete First Season is a delightful four-disc set that pays full and loving tribute to the William Hanna-Joseph Barbera prime-time ABC animated series about a middle-class space-age family. Ideally, the producers might have gotten a real animation expert to discuss the production of the show, but Janet Waldo -- the voice of Judy Jetson, among other characters -- is so beguiling in her enthusiasm that it's impossible to criticize her shortcomings; she knows a great deal about the other voice actors and what the two producers were like, but nothing about the artists or writers. Waldo does commentary over two episodes, "Rosie the Robot" and "A Date With Jet Screamer." One of the most delightful characteristics she recalls about Joseph Barbera was his ability to do all of the voices while pitching and presenting a script, and he even once showed Paul Lynde what a Paul Lynde voice should sound like. Barbera also tried to pattern the relationship between George Jetson and his wife, Jane, after Dagwood Bumstead and his wife, Blondie, from the "Blondie" movies starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake, which was one reason he got Singleton to voice Jane Jetson. Waldo's thoughts are sometimes a bit disorganized, but viewers will come away knowing a good deal about the personalities behind the voices and the production. She speaks in loving admiration of Singleton, Jean van der Pyl, Daws Butler, George O'Hanlon, Don Messick, and Howard Morris, all of whom contributed mightily to the voices here (and on numerous other Hanna-Barbera series). The major bonus features beyond Waldo's commentary are on disc four, principally in the form of featurettes on the series and its producers. "The Jetsons: The Family of the Future" is a modern documentary using old and new interview clips. Waldo appears on-camera (looking beautiful) and her recollections are intercut with clips from the series and interviews with the producers. It's all a lot of fun, the two of them quietly delighting in their mix of 1950s Americana and futuristic technology, especially where they anticipated some development in modern living that has come to pass. The "Nuclear Family Album" is a series of video portraits of the characters from The Jetsons, and "Space Age Gadgets" demonstrates some of the devices in the world of the Jetsons, including a bed that functions like a pop-up toaster in getting its occupant up for work. Rosie the Robotic Maid gets her own supplementary section of the same name all to herself. The transfers of the episodes themselves are delightful in their detail and richness of color -- the star-field that opens the credits looks almost 3-D, and the images, both in the foreground and background, look brighter and richer than they ever did on broadcast television. There are seven half-hour shows on the first three discs and three on the fourth disc, which is filled out by the special features. Each opens automatically to a simple menu that is easy to use and maneuver around (and which plays the Jetsons theme music). The audio is mastered a little low, even compared to the menus' theme music, but has a lot of body when given a boost in volume on the playback end. Each episode gets a single chapter, which is not a problem given the standard 25-minute running time and the relatively simple story structures and gag layouts.
 
The show we loved is still lovable.
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on June 1, 2016
It's still the show we loved as kids. And it's interesting to revisit the world of the future as imagined in the 60s, compared to how we already have re-(pre)conceived it.
The pacing might be a little slow for the new generation, and the animation a little inanimate, but the charm is all there. It's sad that the show probably won't click with the Pixar generation (and I do love Pixar) but it's still wonderfully nostalgic for us older fans.
The video and audio are fine for an older cartoon on DVD.
I subtracted one star because of the paucity of special features. One would think they would include some nice making-of material for this landmark series. But there is only one informative bonus feature which is only a few minutes long and consists mostly of still shots. Very little about the conception or the artistry. We do get two commentaries from the woman who played Judy, and they're actually quite nice to listen to. She still sounds young and is very positive about the show and her experience on it. The rest consists of promos and trivia. I would really have liked to see more bonus material.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 In the Cards [CD]
In the Cards [CD]
 
Brilliant Dance/Techno
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on June 1, 2016
Robert Delong's second album is a brilliant collection of super-catchy electronic dance music. Unlike most albums of this genre, every song here is unique with a memorable melody. His vocals are strong throughout. It's one of very few recent albums from anyone to really make a mark. I can't believe he isn't better known.
I had a chance to see him live recently. A bravura performance! Most of the music was prerecorded but he jumped from one instrument to the other playing the tops of various songs, with a lot of electronic gadgetry for support. He can really sing live too! He was the opening act, but the audience was totally blown away.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Paper Gods [Deluxe Edition] [CD]
Paper Gods [Deluxe Edition] [CD]
 
A surprising, mostly satisfying, successful album.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on October 17, 2015
I liked most of PG immediately and I think it will only grow on me. Fortunately I had already heard that it's a synth and dance heavy album or I would have been quite surprised. But I do think I would prefer to be surprised by DD than to just get what I expected. I wish even in this direction it had more Pet Shop Boys depth (who I LOVE) and less Lady Gaga. I think PG is very much an in-the-mood album. When you're in the mood for it, it's satisfying.
I must comment on the engineering (or is it production?) throughout. Everything sounds crisp and clear, and the vocals are never buried, nothing is ever muddled.
I honestly believe album art inadvertently affects how you hear it, and this might have the ugliest cover I've ever seen. I do know that they were going for an 80s sticker kitsch, but still. And not listing the tracks on the back is annoying. And not including lyrics is even worse. I know we can google them (with varying success) but we bought an album, not the mp3s.
The breakdown:
1. Paper Gods: Liked it immediately, and it's growing. I think the chant is just fine, and a clever misdirection from everything else on the album. It's a catchy song and the lyrics are great.
2. City: Worst song on the album. Sorry, I know a lot of fans love it. I had a strange reaction to this one in that I started out thinking it 's just okay and my opinion declines every time I hear it. Songs for me usually grow or stay the same. It's like they went to a vending machine that dispenses bland radio-desperate tunes and this is what tumbled out. Awful lyrics too. Very boy band.
3. Silence: Love it! It's weird and innovative, instantly catchy, great lyrics, great vocals. It's probably the best marriage of familiar DD and the new direction. It reminds me of other underrated, delightfully atonal gems like "Love Voodoo".
4. Pressure Off: It's mostly very good. I even think Nile Rodger's usual apply-as-needed guitar work serves a purpose here. A good choice for a first single. It's radio friendly enough without "City's" adolescence. I hate most of the lyrics. "Everybody everywhere", "Feel it in the air", "it's up to you now". All very cheerleader-esque. But it's still a good song.
5. Face for Today: I wasn't sure at first, but I do like it. Simon's amazing vocals deliver it. Actually he sounds amazing throughout this album. His voice is as good as ever if not better.
6. Danceophobia: I know there is a determination out there that we must hate this. But I loved it instantly! The chorus is insanely catchy. It's just a good, fun song. Sure the lyrics are silly, but they are supposed to be. It's meant to be just a fun song and it works!
7. Chances: Hello DD! LOVE THIS! Currently think it's the best song on the album, and not only because it's the most Duranesque. As soon as the vocals kick in you realize it's a great melody. It's simply a beautiful song, incredibly well produced, great lyrics, amazing vocals. It's at least as good as "Save a Prayer".
8. Sunset Garage: The album begins an unfortunate decline here, but this is still better than the tracks that follow. The song is carried almost entirely by the bouncy, buoyant rhythm. Not much else happening here, but it is growing on me.
9 & 10. Sorry to lump these together, but they are kind of indistinct and forgettable to me, at least so far.
11. Dreams: This took a while to grow on me, but it's quite a decent song, again with noticeably great vocals.
12. Universe Alone: Love it! Again, sounds closer to familiar DD. It's a weird, grand, wonderful epic. The lyrics are downright unsettling. I wish Simon had not sung it so high - it almost ruins it. But there is so much going on here it's simply amazing. I wish more of the album had this maturity.
Bonus Tracks: You've GOT to get the deluxe edition as the bonus tracks are at least as good as anything on the album. "Planet Roaring" is actually not so hot, and should barely make a B-Side. But "Valentine Stones" is AMAZING and should have been on the main album! "Northern Lights" is phenomenal and strange too. Maybe they're both a little dark for the upbeat theme on the main album, but they really deserve attention.
I'm so happy Duran Duran are back with a surprising, mostly satisfying, successful album.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
 Drones [CD & DVD]
Drones [CD & DVD]
 
Disappointing release from an otherwise great band
Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on September 15, 2015
I really like Muse (especially live - Wow!) so it pains me to say this release was quite disappointing. Especially following the previous album which was quite good.
Only a few songs are at all memorable. The spoken word segments (which almost never work anywhere) are really laughably bad. As are the lyrics on some songs. It feels very strained and rushed and uninspired. They seem to have been trying too hard.
Muse's lyrics are often about wild conspiracies but this album takes paranoia over the top into farce. It's all too serious to be taken as comedy and too funny to be taken seriously.
I would recommend it only to the fans who have to have everything Muse, but for casual fans this should be the last of their albums you buy.
I have the deluxe edition but have not found the interest to watch the DVD for this album. I suppose that says something.
The packaging is mostly nice and simple, with complete lyrics. I don't think the cover art is as silly as most have commented actually. Oddly it's a little out of shape of the other deluxe albums in this series.
I debated giving this album 3 stars because even sub-par Muse is better than most of what's out there, but settled for 2 because I'm gauging this against their previous work. So if you're a Muse fan, you'll find enough to like it. If you're not, get a previous album.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Hair Clipper
Hair Clipper
Get professional results at home with this Wahl Chrome Pro hair clipper kit. Its high-carbon steel blades deliver a smooth cut, and its PowerDrive technology helps prevent snagging. This Wahl Chrome Pro hair clipper kit has adjustable taper control that lets you customize the comb length to achieve your desired style.
 
Inexpensive, simple, powerful.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on September 15, 2015
This Wahl trimmer is all you would ever need for a very simple haircut. I am balding and simply buzz what's left down to little more than stubble, slightly longer on top. This device and its abundance of attachments (most of which are unnecessary) is all you'll need. If you have longer hair and like to style it you might have a hard time unless you're quite proficient. It's really quite sturdy and powerful, surprisingly so for its cost.
I imagine this would be super easy if you're cutting someone else's hair. If you're cutting your own, the cord kind of gets in your way as you twist and turn in front of a mirror. But the cordless models are about three times as expensive, and I can accept the bother instead. Try to keep as much of the cord coiled up in the twisty tie, because it drops into the sink and gets hair all over it.
There are only a couple of minor drawbacks: Without an attachment the head can become hot enough to become uncomfortable, and it left a permanent mark on the plastic toilet lid. So don't put it down on anything plastic, or just finish quickly. I do wonder if this heating might cause some damage after a few cuts.
Another drawback is the ridiculously thin plastic hinges on the already flimsy plastic case. It almost comes apart under its own weight when empty. This is not a big deal, if it does come apart just get any small container from a dollar store.
I didn't know anything about cutting what's left of my hair, and found this a quick and easy alternative to a barber. Be prepared for the inevitable cleanup afterwards.
I do wish it was waterproof, but again this is an inexpensive model. It does what it is meant to, which is cut hair well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
 
 Ear and Nose Trimmer
Ear and Nose Trimmer
Take grooming to the next level with this Panasonic nose, ear and hair trimmer. Its dual-edged stainless steel blades clip eyebrows and mustaches neatly, and it's completely immersible for use in the shower or at the sink. This portable Panasonic nose, ear and hair trimmer is battery-powered, so it's great for travel.
 
Simple, Cheap, Efficient, Recommended
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on September 15, 2015
I got this nose hair trimmer for only $9.99. It works very well! It does not hurt at all. In fact you barely feel anything. It works very quickly, and eliminates hairs down to the skin on contact.
It works off of one AA battery which should last years. It comes apart quickly for cleaning, and is only 3 parts. And it's waterproof! I just rinse it under a faucet. It captures most of the hair, so the little shavings don't go up your nose for the most part. You can also run it along your ear for the little fuzz.
If you hold up a tight comb to your eyebrows, you can also use this against the comb to trim those.
The only drawback, which might just be my unit, is that when you open the battery compartment there is a disburbingly powerful fish smell! I assume (and hope) it's an oil they use to keep it smooth. You only smell it when it's open.
It's very cheap and easy to use and clean. Highly recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
 
 VIZIO - 2.0-Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth and Deep Bass Technology
VIZIO - 2.0-Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth and Deep Bass Technology
Designed to complement 47" class or larger TVs, this VIZIO S4220W-E4 soundbar can be installed easily with its single-cable setup. Bluetooth technology enables music streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, computers or music players.
 
Decent Sound for the Price
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on March 5, 2015
I bought this sounbar on sale for $99.00. I have had it for about 3 months, but I use it too infrequently to comment on its longevity or endurance. I have used it once or twice a week for a couple of hours for concert DVDs. I have never used its Bluetooth feature.
So far everything works just fine. I have not had any of the issues reported on other reviews regarding remote control problems, etc.
It's loud enough for me, and I have not yet pushed it very far at all as it fills a smallish room quite well.
While the sound is decent, you do get the kind of distant and "tinny" (as in metallic) sound associated with cheaper speakers. It is worth $99 but I don't think it's probably worth its original price of $170. It is definitely better than a flatscreen TV's speakers, and I didn't realize just how much until I started watching concerts on it.
Just a couple of issues: There is a very slight, barely detectable lag between audio and video. If you don't look for it you probably won't notice it, but once you're aware of it, it's a bit annoying. This may simply be a setting on my TV that I am unaware of which should compensate for it.
My only other frustration is the user interface which consists entirely of a single line of tiny lights. Very hard to discern how they relate to the remote's functions.
So overall I would recommend it, but for no more than $99, and if you need a cheap, simple fix for an average size room.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
 The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Seventh Season [3 Discs] [DVD]
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Seventh Season [3 Discs] [DVD]
This release includes all 24 episodes of the brainy sitcom The Big Bang Theory, following the romantic and practical misadventures of two genius physicists, who are at the top of their fields in science, but at the bottom of the totem in playing the field. The two continually attempt to bring their social skills into par with their laboratory skills, and living across the hall from a charming blonde actress gives them plenty of motivation.
 
Still good - nice features.
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on February 15, 2015
I'm only halfway through watching this season. It's the same quality as previous seasons so far. The show is not showing any signs of age just yet.
The humor has always been a little forced and often just contrived and hammy, so while that's present, it's not a new issue. Still the cast and most of the plots are enough to make it very entertaining. It's like visiting a nice old friend who's company you enjoy, but who drops a lot of eye-rolling puns.
There are quite a few nice behind-the-scenes features which make it worth it. Way too much of the cast fawning over each other, but it's schmaltzy to begin with.
I'm always a year behind on this show so I watch it on DVD, which is always on super sale on Black Fridays at Best Buy. I don't think I would pay full price for it though.
So if you haven't seen it and can get it on sale, do it. But if you've already seen it, and you don't care for features or you don't mind catching up via reruns, then it's probably not worth the purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures [5 Discs] [Blu-ray]
Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures [5 Discs] [Blu-ray]
This box set serves up the first four Indiana Jones films, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, as well as a wealth of behind-the-scenes and making of footage for each of them.
 
Amazing Movies - Lacking Features
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on February 15, 2015
The Indiana Jones movies are phenomenal, so I won't go too much into the movies themselves. My review is based on this package and its features.
It's very confusing trying to figure out which features have carried over and which have not. Lucas/Spielberg are VERY greedy when it comes to multiple releases, and not carrying over features.
When the movies originally came out as a box set, all features (which were very well done!) were on a fourth disk. All of those features have carried over here, the long 3-part making of, and the featurettes which focused on specific topics.
Then in 2008 the movies were released individually with some brief new features on each. Some of those have carried over, but none of the three nice little introductions by cast and crew are on the blu-rays. Why do that to fans? Just so we don't sell our old ones and pad the used market. (There was really no reason besides double-dipping for the blu-rays to not be released in 2008 as well.) That fourth disk with the great features was nowhere to be found in these releases.
The 2 disk edition of Crystal Skull had two very nice featurettes on the first disck, which are NOT on the blu-rays. And the second disk with an exhaustive and thorough making-of documentary has been whittled down to about 1/3 of its original content. Again no reason to do this except to make fans hesitate to sell their old ones.
What I did was get the special editions and then found the fourth disk of extras used online by itself.
So what's new? A 50 minute "on the set" documentary that consists entirely of vintage interviews and glimpses of the filming from different angles from the set of Raiders. This one is actually very well assembled, but it is just an assembly. There are even some glimpses of deleted scenes.
There is also a 45 minute made-for-TV vintage documentary from 1981, which although well made for its day, ends up looking like a lesser reflection of the previous assembly.
As far as image and audio quality, all the movies look and sound phenomenal, even for blu-ray.
Still no comprehensive deleted scenes or commentaries. Spielberg says he hates doing both, and thus never will. This is total BS! He's holding back for the Special-Collector's-Signature-Diamond-Uber edition that will inevitably come, just to squeeze a little more out of us. By then everything will be streaming anyway.
Do what I did, get these from the library for the new special features and maybe try them out for image quality once. But at this price, it's not worth tossing away my satisfying DVDs unless the blu-rays were more inclusive.
In conclusion, if you don't already own these in some format - yes get the blu-rays! If you have the special edition individual movies and can get the fourth disk from the original set, then don't bother.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
 
 Songs of Innocence [Deluxe Edition] [CD]
Songs of Innocence [Deluxe Edition] [CD]
 
Decent but Ultimately Forgettable
Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: TroyInt
from Troy, MI
on November 22, 2014
After a long absence U2 return. And a rather forgettable return for me. Having been a fan since the early days I have found each of the last 4 albums to be mostly bland and boring. But at least I could find a couple of tracks on each that would instantly stand out. I even quite liked Pop, which a lot of fans still hate. I think that was the last time U2 made a really fresh album. Everything since has sounded like a series of bland B-sides that are carefully designed to sound like they are supposed to.
As is the case with this new album "Songs of Innocence". Where the previous album "Horizon" was dreadfully boring, at least it had Magnificent and maybe one other track to recommend it. "Songs" is entirely background music at best. It is by all accounts a very intimate and personal album, not meant to be anthemic, and that's fine. But it is also plodding. If the tunes don't stand out I won't be induced to reading the lyrics anyway.
I will say "Songs" is very well produced and engineered, although Bono's delivery is only competent. It is at least better than the dismal "Horizon" as a whole.
I actually would prefer to be wrong, and to have this one grow on me. There is some potential. But after 3 listens I still can't recall a single tune and don't feel any desire to try again for a while.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 2799111141
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
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TroyInt's Answers
 
 NETGEAR - RangeMax N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router - Black
NETGEAR - RangeMax N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router - Black
Choose this NETGEAR router and receive high level wireless security, the ability to share photos, music and more, and a way to keep track of your kids’ activity online. Plus, with easy installation for tablets, smartphones and computers, you’ll be able to start enjoying Wi-Fi throughout your home right away.
 

This router has quit on me...

Have there been any reliability issues with this router? I purchased October 2014 and now this router doesn't perform. I continually have to power off and then power on router to get it to send wireless signal to my devices. Usually works for a while then I will have to do the same thing in an hour. Now, it doesn't do anything no matter if I power it off and then back on. It is attached to a modem. No problems with modem, as I am typing this while hard wired from the modem.
Would netgear offer an equivalent replacement? This is an $80 router that hasn't lived up to expectations. Thanks, Jeffrey Young
We have had this router going for about 16 months now with no problems at all. I think we had to turn it off and on maybe twice in all that time. In fact it's a dream compared to the abysmal Comcast router we had before.

Perhaps there are some environmental issues interfering with your signal, like other transmitters, or perhaps its setting might be a factor. Or possibly you just have a defective one. Maybe either Best Buy or more likely Netgear will replace it.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TroyInt
 from
Troy, MI