In honor of my newest weekly article, I thought I’d give some of the best films Blu-Ray has to offer for this week’s Weekend Movie Homework. Enjoy!
Avatar
Of course this has to go on the list. It’s been called FernGully in space, but there is no denying that this is the best film, currently, that is available on Blu-Ray. The detail, the sound, all makes it feel like I’m back in the theater experiencing it for the first time. The Blu-Ray may not have any special features, so I recommend a rent since there are reports that the “ultimate” version is coming out next year that includes a ton of special features and 3D for those 3D TVs. Though, I don’t know a single person with a 3D TV. If you do, you’ll soon have a new movie to watch; so you can put away your copy of Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs.
District 9
In what was my favorite film of 2009, and sure enough, was nominated for Best Picture by the Academy Awards, it’s also one of the best looking films to date. Shot with the amazing digital RED cameras, you’ll see the amazing detail the slums of District 9 has to offer. The film tells the story of an alien ship that lands on Johannesburg 30 years ago and stays there. The government then relocates them to a terrible part of Johannesburg, now known as District 9. Part faux documentary, part sci-fi action thriller, you’ll have an amazing ride that will make you think a little. Where this film is extraordinary is in the sound. It features a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack. That means to you that you’ll get this clearest guns shot sounds this side of Public Enemies. Amazing detail, amazing sound, every home theater should have this film in their collection
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Based on the upcoming tour before his unfortunate passing, it features concert rehearsal footage. It features both HD and SD footage. The SD footage obviously doesn’t look that great, but the amount of detail in the HD footage is superb. The pyro, the lights, MJ’s clothes, all show amazing detail. Since it’s in an arena there are lots of black, and I’m happy to report that you’ll have no problem with black levels. Where this film really shines is in the audio department. A DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack is equally mesmerizing as MJ’s music. The thumping bass, the riffing guitars, and the clarity of Michael’s voice all come through your speakers with clarity that you’ll really feel that you’re at MJ’s last concert. When you hear “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” you will love your speakers! AMAZING!
The Dark Knight
I’m sure you’re tired of me referencing The Dark Knight over and over again, but it’s just that damn good! You know the story, Batman is after the sinister Joker that has to nothing lose. Select scenes were shot with IMAX cameras that, if you were lucky enough to watch it in an IMAX theater, you were blessed with a full screen with amazing detail. That detail is brought to Blu-Ray in a big way. You’ll know when the IMAX scenes hit when the aspect ratio changes from 2.4:1 to 1.78:1. So for the uninitiated, it goes from black bars at the top and bottom, to a full wide screen. A lot of people complain that this ruins the experience of the film, but I honestly feel in enhances the film. It makes you marvel at those IMAX scenes and unleashes the power of your HDTV. The amazing detail of the Joker’s face in the beginning of the film is worth the price alone. If you don’t have this film in your collection by now, /yourself!
Don’t forget the popcorn
Author: Dave
