What Blu-Ray did you watch last night?

[Graham Ritchie]

Star Wars the other night on blu-ray, I must admit I am getting near the end of my interest in this film, It was great in its day when we went to the cinema to see it way back in 1977 and the Super 8 release from Ken films now sadly faded. Time marches on, but I did watch it last week without falling zzzzzz or switching the VP off half way through like I did the last time I tried to watch it.

Although its not the original edit, I think for $25 for the disc I can live with it, the picture quality of the blu-ray and sound is really excellent. I wonder what the 4K is like?

A couple of earlier screen shots, this blu-ray came in a nice steel box

PS By the way if you ever come across the Super 8 Pod Race from Phantom Menace its one Scope film I would recommend. It looks and sound great, an excellent addition to any Super 8 Scope reel, in my case I also added the Super 8 Scope trailer on the front of it. I will add a couple of Super 8 screen shots of the Pod Race below





Super 8 Scope

[Graham Ritchie]

Tonight it was this blu-ray, its an impressive movie, in particular Academy winning George C Scott. Its long but it does have an "Intermission" both picture and sound are excellent. Its not the first time I have watched "Patton" and it won't be the last. It really is a outstanding production in every way. I understand this speech did make its way to Super8 years ago, highly recommend it and if you have a VP to screen it even more.

[Graham Ritchie]

Well here is hoping, after watching tonight's news that the rain in NYC has eased up. Its the school holidays at the moment and we have had Connor over the last few nights. We always watch movies at night, but its always hard to find something different and not seen. We were going to run the 35mm film print of "ET" but never got around to it, but its on the grand plan to watch next time round As he is now at the grand old age of 14 yrs, I thought... mmmm... lets try "Close" and see how that goes down, as I think this one is important, regarding how events at school can cause a tragic chain of events. Anyway that one got his attention, certainly a different topic than what he is used to, and had no trouble reading the sub-titles. Last night again something different and a bit more light hearted and that was "Cloak and Dagger" made way back in 1984. We both enjoyed this one, and its a movie that is actually a lot better than I first thought when I got the blu-ray a while back. I had watched it before so this was the second time. Picture and sound are both very good and it does make for a good nights entertainment.

Might be time to return to "The Flight Of The Phoenix" tonight

[Graham Ritchie]

Lost track on the number of times I have watched this movie, tonight it was another screening both image and sound were great. I should add, that if like watching 3D movies, then "Jurassic Park" and the first "Jurassic World" are a must have to watch on blu-ray using a VP . I have yet to add 4K to our viewing experience, but coming across the 4K and blu-ray discs these days for only $15 dollars I will have to look into it.


Plus having a listen to the soundtrack the same night

[Graham Ritchie]

Ever since we watched it at the cinema I have always enjoyed watching this one, last night I thought why not,. One thing that really highlights this movie is Jerry Goldsmith brilliant score

[Ed Gordon]

For Bluray movie collectors. Kino Lorber is having a sale:

Link: https://kinolorber.com/collection/ki...fall-sale-2023

[Graham Ritchie]

Last night with this one again one thing I notice with films of that period is how well dressed everyone was when going somewhere. If you watch Steve Mc Queen "Bullitt" at the airport near the end, its the same all the extras look smart, how times have changed

[Graham Ritchie]

Who remembers going to the cinema when this film came out? we did and its been one of my favorite films ever since. Although I have the full feature on 16mm and it is a good print, you never really can get the full benefit of Vangelis music on optical 16mm. Step forward the blu-ray "da da" with its DTS-HD master audio 5:1, and now we are talking. Vangelis won an Oscar for it and at the time was a popular LP to buy.

As for the film I watched it just the other night on blu-ray using the Epson VP, both picture quality and sound is very good. I also like the way it been presented in this book form as shown below. "Chariots Of Fire" is a timeless film and its one I enjoy watching every so often.

[Graham Ritchie]

Well folks at long last this 1993 movie has finally made it to blu-ray released world wide this month by "Imprint" I have the DVD, bought many moons ago although OK its not a patch on the blu-ray in picture quality. When I heard "Imprint" were going to release it I put my name down for a copy which I picked up just last Friday. If you are interested in this title, then be quick as "Imprint" will only do so many before they move on to something else.

This release includes some very interesting "special features" which I also watched tonight, including interviews with cast members and Director, who just happens to bring up the name of Conrad Hall on his photography. All up with an excellent cast and based on a true story, projected tonight using the Epson VP. Its certainly one blu-ray I would highly recommend 10 out 10, well done "Imprint".

[Ed Gordon]

I see both names used, often together, i.e. "Phillips Kinoton FP20". Kinoton went bankrupt:

Kinoton GmbH is in liquidation since April 1, 2014. The Kinoton brand will live on as a new company, Kinoton Digital Solutions, which will focus on digital solutions.

[Brian Fretwell]

John says it is a Philips FP20 despite the Kinoton labels on it. Did Philips take over Kinoton?

[Ed Gordon]

... However as for all film projectors, as far as I am concerned a projection box to isolate projector noise is really the best way to go, I like to hear the sound coming from the speakers more than a projector itself... I had forgotten how much noise 35mm projectors can make not being in some sort of projection box,...

You might want to start a new post to get ideas/suggestions on isolating projector noise. Film buffs and gear-heads might like the humming projector, but your audience probably does not. They do make portable booths, or your could make your own. Even those padded partition walls you see in offices would be better than nothing.

[Graham Ritchie]

Yep definitely needs a platter I think though the mike might have amplified the projector more than it actually is, as in general the Kinoton is a quiet running 35mm projector. However as for all film projectors, as far as I am concerned a projection box to isolate projector noise is really the best way to go, I like to hear the sound coming from the speakers more than a projector itself. Working at the cinema I was always glad to switch everything off at the end of the night and go home. I always thought it was a bit creepy when everything went so quiet. Cinemas can be spooky places late at night, as only me or who ever was on the roster and the cashier stayed right to the end. We always left the place together, and I always made sure she got to her car safely before I drove off. Today I ran the "Westar" 35mm at Ferrymead Heritage Park, it did run great, but I had forgotten how much noise 35mm projectors can make not being in some sort of projection box, I think multiple head sets might be just the thing

[Ed Gordon]

There was no Intermission on this "The Towering Inferno" blu-ray which is a pity

Luckily, most Bluray releases of "roadshow" movies include the Overture, Intermission, Entr'acte, and Exit music. If they don't, I add them. I run most of my Blurays off a large NAS, so I can do a pretty good imitation of a the Cinema experience at home.

Speaking of home cinemas, after watching John Clancy's latest video showing his new cinema build and the Kinoton FP20 he acquired, I noticed your comment on the projector. It seemed kind of noisy to have right there in the auditorium section. He needs a platter system like you have at home! 😀

[Brian Fretwell]

Yes, he always said that he shold have kept the shot of the slow aproach of Omar Sharif in Laurence of Arabia on for longer, but was pursuaded to cut it. He knew what he was doing!!!