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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
The Terminator (Blu-ray)
David Vaughn  |  May 18, 2011
A ruthless killing machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time by Skynet in order to kill Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton), the woman who will soon give birth to the leader of the resistance movement in the future. But her future son isn't going to let his mother be exterminated and sends Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) back in time in order to save her from certain destruction and give the human race a chance to survive.

This is about the umpteenth time this classic sci-fi/horror/action film has been released on home video, but I'm sure the fans will pick it up agian in order to have the digibook packaging. Regardless, this is one of the best movies of the late 20th Century and launched the careers of both Schwarzenegger and writer/director James Cameron.

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Audio Video News
Audio Heavyweight Holman to Join Apple
Mark Fleischmann  |  May 18, 2011
Another day, another Apple rumor. Surround audiophiles may find today's rumor especially juicy: R. Tomlinson Holman, who was instrumental in developing THX, may be about to take a job with Apple.

If this is true, it suggests Apple may be planning a major audio-related move, one in which the help of a certified home theater audio heavyweight would be indispensable.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
American Graffiti—Universal
Kris Deering  |  May 17, 2011
Video: 4/5
Audio: 3.5/5
Extras: 2.5/5
From director George Lucas and producer Francis Ford Coppola, "American Graffiti" is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock n' roll. Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college.
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Black Death—Magnolia Pictures/Magnet
Kris Deering  |  May 17, 2011
Video: 3.5/5
Audio: 4/5
Extras: 3/5
The year is 1348. Europe has fallen under the shadow of the "Black Death". As the plague decimates all in its path, fear and superstition are rife. There are rumors of a village, hidden in marshland that the plague cannot reach. There is even talk of a necromancer who leads the village and is able to bring the dead back to life. Ulric, a fearsome knight, is charged by the church to investigate these rumors. Their journey to the village and the events that unfold take them into the heart of darkness and to horrors that will put their faith to the ultimate test.
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Ask S&V
Lexicon MC-12 Upgrade
Scott Wilkinson  |  May 17, 2011
I am thinking about possibly replacing my Lexicon MC-12 preamp/processor, which has version 3 software. The unit is getting a bit buggy (the onscreen display has stopped working), and not having HDMI is somewhat annoying. I hear rumors that a replacement for the MC-12 may be coming out some day, but with all the technological advances in the last five years, I suspect I can get equivalent or better performance for a lot less money. For example, I've been considering the Marantz AV7005. The rest of my system includes an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player, Aragon amps, Energy Veritas speakers, Triad Gold subs, and a Vizio 42-inch LCD TV.

Larry Solomonson

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Ask S&V
Digitizing Commercial Videotapes
Scott Wilkinson  |  May 17, 2011
Over the years, we have collected around 600+ movies on VHS. Is there anything on the market that I can use to copy these to DVD? Most are copy-protected, so I can't just dub them in my Panasonic VCR/DVD recorder. I have two Panasonic DVD recorders that I've been able to copy a few movies on, but most will not let you copy them. I would hate to have to buy all these movies again on either DVD or now Blu-ray.

Tom Shewell

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Audio Video News
Netflix Snags Miramax
Mark Fleischmann  |  May 17, 2011
For the first time, Miramax movies will become available on a digital subscription service. And the name of that service? Netflix, of course.

Miramax and Netflix have signed a multi-year agreement to stream hundreds of movies including Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, Good Will Hunting, Bad Santa, Scream, Spy Kids, The Piano, and Kill Bill. Look for them starting in June 2011.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
The Big Bang—Anchor Bay
Kris Deering  |  May 16, 2011
Video: 4/5
Audio: 3/5
Extras: 2/5
In Ned Cruz, iconic screen legend Antonio Banderas brings to life a detective as smart as he is tough, who in his search for a missing stripper, goes up against determined cops, a brawling prizefighter, and, quite possibly, the end of the world as we know it.
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
I Am Number Four—Dreamworks/Disney
Kris Deering  |  May 16, 2011
Video: 4.5/5
Audio: 4/5
Extras: 3/5
John Smith is an extraordinary teen masking his true identity to elude a deadly enemy sent to destroy him. Living with his guardian in the small town he now calls home; John encounters unexpected life-changing events - his first love, powerful new abilities and a secret connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.
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Game Review: Brink
Timothy J. Seppala  |  May 16, 2011

Brink (Splash Damage/Bethesda)
Xbox 360 (also for PS3/PC)

Everything about Brink feels like a missed opportunity. I wanted to like it because I'm a sucker for objective-based shooters, and I was jonesing for something new. Instead, it feels too much like other shooters, not to mention the fact that it recycles its own few new ideas ad nauseum.

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