Wonderful 5 DVD movies (DVD Forum)

Member Name: D1A1

Product:	DVD Forum
Date:	10/06/01 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Alien, Blade, Toy Story 2, , Gladiator, The Exorcist

Disadvantages: None!

I love watching films, they can make you cry, laugh, get angry, go insane, but most importantly they entertain. That was not supposed to rhyme, please excuse me! I have an Encore Dv450, which is a nice multi region machine, it's sleek, silver and has a superb range of features, excellent sound and wonderful clarity on the picture so combining this with a 'dodgy' (as in faulty, but the fault that is apparent, Empire Direct cannot accept responsibility for, grrr) Hitachi 24inch wide screen (not bragging, just setting the scene) with 3DS surround sound, I am able to watch DVD movies at a high quality, which is how they should be viewed.

I suppose I have about 15 DVD movies, but for me, the extras, the film trailers and special features aren't really the reason I prefer DVD to VHS, and in many cases I haven't bothered looking at them because somehow it might spoil the film for me, but I can understand why this does add appeal. I want to recapture the cinema experience, with that good old 'Universal Studios' or 'Spyglass' start up sequence on my TV with perfect sound all around me, it's superb. So far my top five DVD movies (of all time, can I say of all time?) are the following.

At number 5: Alien.

At the time of release, I was too young to go and see Alien at the big screen but I know how it turned into a classic, and with the following 3 making it a superb series, and the prolonged endearment that people have to this film I’m able to realise how such a film could be considered the greatest Science Fiction film of all time, and I was able to watch and think 'yeah, not bad at all'! The suspense is incredible - the silences in the film, the whole atmosphere is something that I have never witnessed before, and although it's a very long film, it manages to captivate the audience throughout. A perfect film that still entertains today, sparking off one of the greatest ever sequels (games
firms take note) in the supreme 'Aliens'. I really should see that film again now I have it on DVD - it's not in my top 5, because Alien, in my view was more groundbreaking and a better film in general. Most will disagree. Sigourney Weaver and the rest were impeccable, with some real moments that made me shudder and jump! Superb film. I'd recommend to anyone.

At number 4: Toy Story 2.

I was quite pleased to win ‘a DVD of my choice’ in a competition about two months ago, actually, I was delighted with winning (jumping up and down and dancing round the room - in mind at least) and so I thought I'd get Toy Story 2 after seeing the original and being totally amazed! At first viewing I didn't think the storyline was as good as the first, but after many times watching it I have to say that it excels and is possibly a better film, especially after watching the hilarious and informative special features - the end of the movie 'the retakes' or something were funnier than the actual film, but overall it was, as Tom Hanks nicely puts it 'optical poptitude'! The 'effects' are astounding, with everything completely computer generated, but the voice acting really makes Toy Story 2 come alive. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Kelsey Grammer and more, keeping it an all-star cast. An enchanting movie, with great music, acting and lovable characters, so yet again a brilliant DVD encounter!

At the bronze medal spot:

The Exorcist. Oh my word. 28 years on and this is still something of a 5 star quality movie. At just £12.99 you can't really go wrong, no matter how much of the film was made up, the fact remains it can shock, disturb, but also make you think about life in a new, more positive light - it really can, and has done. Which is nice! If you want to read my full review on the film then just look around my profile pages – it still hasn’t got a crown despite other member’s
nominations!! The quality is very impressive, great engrossing story and something that can make you think - especially after the film. Some classic lines in the movie, that I just had to note down...

“Turn down the lights, turn up the sound & enjoy the digitally re-mastered version of The Exorcist’!

“The attack is psychological & powerful – do not listen, do not listen!” “Have you ever heard of exorcism?” I noted these down for some reason, so they must be significant in the film, and the process, although at times does get a bit tiresome, will definitely stir you up big time.

Best music in a film without a doubt. Tubular Bells. Brilliant.

Number 2: Blade. Ah yes. Wesley Snipes and Steven Dorff in their element. One of the most action filled thrillers you'll ever see, and something that you simply must watch again and again. Blade is a film that turns the ridiculous into something sublime. Vampires. Half Vampire, half human. All sounds daft doesn't it? Well, forget Buffy, Blade is everything and more. Astounding special effects, from blood and gore to lightning and so forth... I shan't go into too much, but it's an edge of your seat roller coaster of a ride that has the best opening to a film I have seen, and definitely the best ending. Roll on Blade 2! Blade rules, and is simply one of the greatest movies of all time, that you really must be mad not to want to watch this!

Number 1:

Gladiator. The best film I have ever seen, and the most impressive picture quality yet from a DVD. The movie is packaged in a 2 disc edition set, 1 with the film, and one with the extra features, however I haven't yet watched those as this is one film that I don't want to know about how they made it! It's a wonderful production, deservedly winning many awards and high critical acclaim. I didn't manage to watch it at the big screen, but mine's big enou
gh to appreciate how amazing it really is. RUSSELL CROWE, JOAQUIN PHOENIX, OLIVER REED, RICHARD HARRIS, DEREK JACOBI, CONNIE NIELSEN, DAVID SCHOFIELD, TOMAS ARANA are all superb and a real delight to watch, excellent acting. Really moving performances, with characters that you'll love and hate.

RIDLEY SCOTT, a superb director (Also brilliant for Hannibal) making it a flawless movie. It's just so well done, with incredible costumes and with special effects that enrich, not hinder, the brilliant storyline.

All the films are amazing, there are some absolutely fantastic DVDs to get, and for the few remaining sceptics - you really should get into DVD now.

Thanks for reading my review!

Dan

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