Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems The one of MANY HD-DVD threads (No bashing Blu-Ray)

I am pleasantly surprised by how much software has been released. Yet, I still think the basic analogy to DVD-A/SACD holds. Every analogy has its problems- none is perfect- but in this case you have a new format that is greeted by the mass market with apathy.

The good news is that where the early adopters could not carry DVD-A/SACD; it does appear that we early adopters might be enough to carry these video formats. IMHO the best thing they could do is sort out the managed copy stuff along with integration for portable devices like the video iPod.

Btw- even though it is slow, and sometimes a little buggy, the quality out of that XA1 that Mark was kind enough to send me is fantastic and Im not replacing it anytime soon. I truly thank you Mark because HD is truly needed with the larger projection that I am now running. Whats interesting, and sad though, is I show this to many people and they can all see the difference the best HD makes but most of them think the DVD looks completely fine. I really think it comes from expectations and what you are used to. I think that article, when the author says something like "to most people, DVD is HD" - he has it right. These formats have got to offer something the mass market finds compelling more resolution is not it- though clearly its become compelling to me.

Manus,
I completely agree with your points and this is why I am very distrustful of the blogs. They might be interesting reading and sometimes they offer insights but I find many are simply self justification.

best regards,
Jerry

Jerry, you're welcome. It makes me smile each time I see you, Ken or Joel posting positive experiences with your XA1's.

I just watched the Matrix 2 and 3 today (my partner and son are out for the day so time to indulge my mistress, cinema!)

Both these films were very much cleaner with regards EE. 2's image was softer than the best HD we see, while 3 was sharper than 2. I also felt that 2's sound (TrueHD core) was slightly muted, whereas 3 was much clearer. No lipsync issues with either on the TrueHD soundtracks.

Mark

I wouldn't be as eager as I am to get into all these HD format shenanigans were it not for my surprise regarding the growing variety of films on offer. Granted Warner are the key players in reaching far back into their vast catalogue to deliver some true cinematic gems as there`s still a lot of whiz bang type movies being spat out by the Blu studios, but with it looking as if Sony will debut Lawrence of Arabia at the end of the year I know I`ll be able to stand no more.

Paramount is gradually dipping further back into their library. Funnily enough I think Trading Places and Coming to America are their oldest releases on sale at the moment, with The Untouchables also due soon, but they`re reaching back into the 70s after the summer with Saturday Night Fever and there were rumours of The Godfather by the year`s end (day and date with a remastered DVD re-issue). I think The Warriors is actually their first title from the 1970s to go HD as that's due in July. I think of all American studios Paramount boasted some of, if not, the finest American films of that decade.

" I am pleasantly surprised by how much software has been released "

Absolutely agree , Jerry .

If they had agreed on 1 format and we could buy Casablanca , The Searchers ,
The Matrix movies ,King Kong , Batman Begins , Pirates of the Caribbean , Mutiny on the Bounty , The Hulk and Kingdom of Heaven , World Trade Centre and 500 others I would've been filled with optimism for its longterm survival , even as a niche product .

Hopefully some more good announcements for Q4 will follow ?

~M~

Lets hope- in the mean time, should the formats thrive- great. If they dont- I have some nice players and some nice movies to watch them on.

Mark- thanks for the info on the Matrix- I watched the "Ill handle them" + car chase scene from reloaded the other day- wowow- probably the loudest Ive ever played anything back. Looked good to me.

so I will leave you all with this note for Fathers Day- Happy Fathers day and I noticed over the past week HBO HD has been playing the star wars movies in HD--- I know they were on cinemax a few weeks ago also- but maybe we will finally someday get them in HD- and maybe we could get the version where Han shoots first!

best regards and Happy Fathers Day to all the M Dads out there! may your day be jitter free and may the MHR AND MRC Forces be with you

Jerry

There are some back catalog gems coming out and are already enough titles out there now for my purchases to be grouped into four(!) categories.

1) Classics I've never seen.
2) Classics I've never seen on a big screen.
3) Favourites I already own on DVD.
4) Old favourites seen on TV that I'd long forgotten.

I've just received my copy of Midnight Run (Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin) which is IMO a wonderful film. Falls into category 4.

" I've just received my copy of Midnight Run "

For some reason I've never fully understood , one of my all-time favourite movies . I think its because De Niro was making Raging Bull , The Mission
and The Untouchables and Goodfellas and in the middle of them all he takes on a tough yet comedic role that fits no category properly . And Charles Grodin was sublime . And some great music too !

And it almost out F's Goodfellas while not being even slightly offensive

~M~

Are any of you getting Sneakers on HD DVD? I'd love to know how the mastering is on that one as I think it's an absolute gem of a film.

Daniel,
I have sneakers and I will give it a spin in the next week and report back to you. One of my favorites, as is midnight run.

best regards,
Jerry

I think that it's a genuinely well crafted, funny, and human film. It's very easy to connect to and very easy to watch. The performances are excellent (including the supporting cast) and the unfolding relationship between the two leading characters is very well handled.

Mine has shipped. I don't have a rating recorded for this on IMDb and I don't recall seeing it, so one to look forward to.

Mark

Sneakers on the way here too , as is Born on the fourth of july ; not a big Tom Cruise fan but Oliver Stone(d ) always manages to keep me interested .

The Untouchables is coming too ...

~M~

P.S. What do people think of this news that Blockbuster will only stock Bluray only in 1450 stores from July ??

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...r_to_Go_Blu-ray_Only_in_1400+_Stores/707

I dont rent myself so I dont care but its not good for HD-DVD side .