Blu-ray is Sony's way of keeping us buying disks forever ?

[Golgatha]

It's more to keep you buying players.
Don't think for one minute that the manufactures will offer an extended period of firmware updates for their players. Many players now only have 3 years of updates. If you have a player where the manufacturer has ceased support, then basically, it can now only play old discs, or be relegated to doorstop use.

Get a PS3 or PS4. Problem solved. They update those suckers constantly because Sony Pictures has a vested interest in making sure their games division has the latest and greatest copy protection available.

 

[Golgatha]

Ultraviolet is an online steaming/DL service. They have various affiliate sites that link to your library there like VUDU and FLIXSTER. If you buy a DVD copy of a movie with UV, then it unlocks an SD copy of that movie in the library. A Blu movie with UV unlocks an HD copy. You can also allow guest pass access to a select few to your online library, too, which is pretty cool. VUDU offers you 5 free movies just for signing up, but the selection is limited.

I hope that helps.

AnyDVD HD. Make your own HD copy for LAN streaming. Less apps that way. Just don't use a PS3 or PS4. Cinavia and all that rubbish.

 

[Ichinisan]

some of us have the theater experience at home

(yes i know it's not imax though heh).

Watched IMAX 3D, then 35mm 2D, then 35mm 3D, then IMAX 3D again.

The 35mm experience sucked in 2D and 3D. Everyone else that saw this movie in IMAX said it wouldn't be the same in any other format.

 

[rockyct]

I'm not really sure if this movie would be any good without the theater experience. Sorry you missed out on IMAX 3D

Yeah, I hope this movie doesn't turn into a "bad" movie collectively now that it's out of theaters. The movie absolutely requires the viewer to be immersed in the movie. If you can't, you will find it boring and stupid. I don't think they should sell it on DVD or as VOD. I could see 80% of the people who rent it from Redbox will not like it. Avatar is kind of like it although that was pretty graphics distracting you from a crappy story. Gravity uses the effects to make you feel like you're in space.

 

[destrekor]

Yeah, I hope this movie doesn't turn into a "bad" movie collectively now that it's out of theaters. The movie absolutely requires the viewer to be immersed in the movie. If you can't, you will find it boring and stupid. I don't think they should sell it on DVD or as VOD. I could see 80% of the people who rent it from Redbox will not like it. Avatar is kind of like it although that was pretty graphics distracting you from a crappy story. Gravity uses the effects to make you feel like you're in space.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/10593/gravity_3d.html


It sounds like, while they agree it is ultimately a movie MADE to be experienced a large format, it still ends up becoming THE reference for 3D picture.

It sounds exactly like what I had hoped - the 3D treatment would be ONLY about the surreal added depth, not the allure of pop-out effects. Like looking out a window - which is why I want 3D to succeed as a format/feature because when done correctly, it adds so much.

And in 3D, most shades do help naturally block out ambient surroundings, so with a good sound system and large screen, it will help with the total immersion.

Granted, I will be annoyed, a little, by having *only* a 50" plasma, but the P50ST60 should at least give it enough of a good treatment to leave me impressed. I can get very immersed with that set, mostly because my eyes got so used to utilizing a 32" 720p display for the 8 years prior to picking this display up at the end of this past summer.


I so wanted to see it in IMAX, and didn't want to see it in anything BUT IMAX 3D (to include skipping regular 3D theaters), but our nearest IMAX is roughly an hour away, and I pretty much couldn't even get buddies interested even if it was local. I'm not much of a solo theater goer, so I really had no chance. I tried to sell the movie, show all the positive opinions, but they only saw what must be a slow and boring movie with the whole plot essentially already known.
My friends aren't really cinephiles, don't appreciate good filmmaking and a good journey.

The moment I knew the director and the intent of the cinematography, I was completely sold. Sadly, I was the only one of mostly everyone I know.

 

[destrekor]

I won't pay the premium for IMAX locally, would rather watch in 2D. Only thing worth paying extra for is HFR.

Eeww.

Well, to be fair, I've never seen HFR without extra frames, and haven't seen true theater HFR. 48fps would require 3:2 to be shown on 120hz displays, for one thing - and I've only ever seen what displays can do, which is probably why there was no 48fps/HFR version of The Hobbit released on BD.

If I could watch at the native framerate, I could give it a try. I wouldn't want to go out of my way though.


I'd forever and always pay a premium for movies in IMAX, even IMAX 2D. I could never turn down an IMAX 3D, even if it cost more than what I've paid before (at least, for a movie that deserved it).
But alas, I don't have one local, so I don't even get a choice. Which actually pisses me off, so many movies deserve the extra visual fidelity.

 

[destrekor]

You also can't get ATMOS at home.


The Imax craze, with "3D" is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. How many of these showings are truly IMAX? Most of these are housed by standard, soulless multiplex, and is just a larger screen. Not real IMAX-spec theaters.

You have to go to a Discovery Center/Science Museum type place for a real IMAX theater.

damnitall, I hate marketers!

Yeah there is a lot of LieMAX around here. It is very annoying since you are still paying a premium!

KT

Wait, what?

Are you talking about IMAX Domes? That's not the only kind of IMAX.

IMAX can vary in size (the projection screen), but IMAX still requires many specs to be met before they can use the name, and more importantly, use the projection equipment.

Even on a screen the same size as a standard large-capacity screen, the image quality would get a massive boost. And I'm pretty sure there are strict basic requirements for the audio system, though yes, Dolby Atmos is in an extremely limited number of theaters.


Yes, some theaters retrofit a basic auditorium into an IMAX auditorium, though there is usually still some concessions made.
Regarding the worst offenders: They usually drop the number of seats (not always), change out the screen to one that curves slightly, change the projection equipment, and change the audio system (or not, if it already meets minimum requirements).

The better IMAX theaters still usually retrofit a previously used auditorium, but they typically throw in a much larger (sometimes quite a bit larger than the minimum spec) screen, drop the number of seats, and just improve everywhere.


Suffice it to say, if it says IMAX 3D, the auditorium meets the real IMAX 3D requirements (or there will be a lot of litigation - quite ballsy to outright lie, which if it's not spec'd, they won't have the projection equipment or the film/media delivery required for true IMAX).
I'm not saying all IMAX 3D theaters are equal, but even the "worst" one will be a superior step up from the standard theater, unless that theater already has some of the best "standard" systems. Which, again, some multiplexes do utilize larger screens, better audio, and superior projection equipment. I've seen one or two super auditoriums advertised that sound like they might just give some of the "lesser" IMAX theaters a run for their money.


edit:
Found it:

has anyone been to any auditorium branded "Xtreme" ? I think they are all still Rave-branded cineplexes, but now under Cinemark ownership.
All of our theaters locally went from National Amusements (well, some AMC prior to National Amusements gobbling up what AMC properties were here), to Rave, and all are now under Cinemark.

We only have one "Xtreme" theater locally, and I haven't been to that one. Rave expressed interest it only converting theaters to that format, it's own house-brand approach, instead of going the IMAX route.
I have no idea Cinemark's long-term intent, but I foresee no chance of ever seeing a local IMAX.

The local Xtreme is supposed to have a wall-to-wall curved screen, a better projector, and superior sound - but how improved? No idea.

 

[rockyct]

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/10593/gravity_3d.html


It sounds like, while they agree it is ultimately a movie MADE to be experienced a large format, it still ends up becoming THE reference for 3D picture.

It sounds exactly like what I had hoped - the 3D treatment would be ONLY about the surreal added depth, not the allure of pop-out effects. Like looking out a window - which is why I want 3D to succeed as a format/feature because when done correctly, it adds so much.

And in 3D, most shades do help naturally block out ambient surroundings, so with a good sound system and large screen, it will help with the total immersion.

Granted, I will be annoyed, a little, by having *only* a 50" plasma, but the P50ST60 should at least give it enough of a good treatment to leave me impressed. I can get very immersed with that set, mostly because my eyes got so used to utilizing a 32" 720p display for the 8 years prior to picking this display up at the end of this past summer.


I so wanted to see it in IMAX, and didn't want to see it in anything BUT IMAX 3D (to include skipping regular 3D theaters), but our nearest IMAX is roughly an hour away, and I pretty much couldn't even get buddies interested even if it was local. I'm not much of a solo theater goer, so I really had no chance. I tried to sell the movie, show all the positive opinions, but they only saw what must be a slow and boring movie with the whole plot essentially already known.
My friends aren't really cinephiles, don't appreciate good filmmaking and a good journey.

The moment I knew the director and the intent of the cinematography, I was completely sold. Sadly, I was the only one of mostly everyone I know.

Even just RealD would be a decent way to be immersed in the movie. I think you'll be ok with a 50" plasma as long as you don't have other distractions. That's another reason why a theater is typically better. I don't touch my phone in a theater, but it's much harder to put it down at home when I'm watching a movie. I do love the director and he's why I saw the movie on opening night. Children of Men is one of my favorite movies.

 

[Ichinisan]

Got my JP BDs. Thanks, SlickSnake. Registered the digital copies on iTunes.

 

[SlickSnake]

Got my JP BDs. Thanks, SlickSnake. Registered the digital copies on iTunes.

Glad to help out with the Jurassic Park tip Ichinisan!

BTW, Best Buy still has not fixed their Ted listing for the Ted 8" plush bear and Blu-ray Disc for $6.99. The listing and in the cart and in the order after checkout all lists a Blu-Ray Disc. They just sent me the cheap assed $2 Ted bear both times. So avoid that offer like the plague.

And they were offering this same package deal for $8.99 a few months ago, so all they did was drop the price $2 without even bothering to fix the deceptive listing. The mangy $2 Ted bear belongs in TOYS if that's all they plan on shipping. Stupid Best Buy.

 

[destrekor]

Glad to help out with the Jurassic Park tip Ichinisan!

BTW, Best Buy still has not fixed their Ted listing for the Ted 8" plush bear and Blu-ray Disc for $6.99. The listing and in the cart and in the order after checkout all lists a Blu-Ray Disc. They just sent me the cheap assed $2 Ted bear both times. So avoid that offer like the plague.

And they were offering this same package deal for $8.99 a few months ago, so all they did was drop the price $2 without even bothering to fix the deceptive listing. The mangy $2 Ted bear belongs in TOYS if that's all they plan on shipping. Stupid Best Buy.

That sounds like something that would be easily fixed by contacting Customer Service. Might have to put on your Bitchy Customer hat for a moment, but getting what's listed is usually the customer's right... if they try hard enough.

 

[SlickSnake]

That sounds like something that would be easily fixed by contacting Customer Service. Might have to put on your Bitchy Customer hat for a moment, but getting what's listed is usually the customer's right... if they try hard enough.

First time I called them, and was nice about it. She admitted the listing included the Blu-ray Disc, but had no way of either fixing it or confirming the problem with the warehouse. All she could do was send it again, with the same results. This time, I sent an email. We will see how they respond tomorrow I guess.