LATEST ADDITIONS

This So-Called Disaster—MGM/UA
Gary Frisch  |  Jan 26, 2005  |  0 comments
Video: 2
Audio: 2
Extras: 0
This avant-garde documentary traces the weeks of rehearsal leading up to a 2000 play by playwright and director Sam Shepard, based on his relationship with his own alcoholic father. Shepard assembled a cast that included Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, and Woody Harrelson, and while it's interesting to watch these pros prepare for their curtain call, they all seem to get along too well to make this more than an occasionally interesting behind-the-scenes look at live theater. The best drama—whether fiction or reality television—comes from conflict, but there's none to be found here, despite the disc jacket's claim that the play's characters "set off a powder keg of emotions so explosive that the actors themselves are drawn into the fray." This is just dull, and even Shepard appears to be dozing off during some of the script-reading sessions. The best moment comes when Harrelson and Penn, apparently competing with Nolte for the title Most Scruffy Looking Actor, bust each other's chops on some of their past film choices (yes, Shanghai Surprise comes into the conversation).
Continue Reading »
Twilight Zone: The Definitive Edition Season 1
Gary Frisch  |  Jan 26, 2005  |  0 comments
When I was in high school, long before VCRs became disposable, I struggled to stay awake into the wee hours to watch The Twilight Zone on various cable TV Superstations. Never mind that I'd seen most of the episodes. A friend and I planned to write a book about the series, so we lost sleep in the name of research.
Continue Reading »
The Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore Collection—Universal
Monica James  |  Jan 26, 2005  |  0 comments
Video: 3
Audio: 3
Extras: 3
Adam Sandler. You either love him or hate him...except for me, I tend to love AND hate him! For example, I loved Happy Gilmore, but I could've lived without Billy Madison, which is why this collection is great for me. Happy Gilmore definitely looks and sounds a whole lot better, and it's just a better movie overall, though Billy does have its moments.
Continue Reading »
Tanner '88—Criterion and Tanner on Tanner—Sundance Channel Home Entertainment
Christy Grosz  |  Jan 26, 2005  |  0 comments
Video: 2
Audio: 3
Extras: 4
If last year's contentious presidential race wasn't enough to demonstrate how ridiculous politics can be, Tanner 88 and Tanner on Tanner should drive the point home.
Continue Reading »
Other Tech
Ready for Entertainment
Michael Antonoff  |  Jan 25, 2005  |  0 comments

A computer is a terrific tool for storing your music, photographs, and videos, but the home office usually isn't the best place for family and friends to enjoy the show. The better room is where you have the comfy seats, good speakers, and big-screen TV.

Continue Reading »
Other Tech
WebTV on Steroids
Michael Antonoff  |  Jan 25, 2005  |  0 comments

Surfing the Web on a TV has never had much appeal for anyone who's comfortable with a computer. Even mighty Microsoft did little to increase the set-top browser market after it purchased WebTV and renamed it MSN TV. Now the company, through hardware partner RCA (Thomson), is trying again with the introduction of the MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player.

Continue Reading »
Audio Video News
Cinram to Offer Hybrid Discs
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 24, 2005  |  0 comments

In a move that brings to mind the multi compatibility of hybrid SACD and DualDisc, media manufacturer <A href="http://www.cinram.com">Cinram</A> has introduced a hybrid disc format called HD/DVD 9. The new format will include single-layer HD DVD-ROM (15GB) on one side and dual-layer DVD 9 (8.5GB) on the other side. This will allow studios to release titles on one disc that is compatible with current DVD players and the upcoming HD DVD players. Retailers will not be hampered by having to carry separate DVD and HD DVD inventories. And consumers can enjoy movies in their DVD players now while waiting to reap the benefits of high-def playback when they upgrade to HD DVD without having to buy the titles again. (Whether or not the studios will be uncharacteristically generous enough to use the hybrid format in this manner remains to be seen.)

Continue Reading »
Audio Video News
FCC Chief Steps Down
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 24, 2005  |  0 comments

Last Friday, Michael Powell announced that he will resign as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission after four years of often-controversial leadership. Son of outgoing US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the FCC chief yanked more than a few chains with his policies and attitudes toward the media under his jurisdiction.

Continue Reading »
The Big Picture
Driving in Style
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 24, 2005  |  0 comments
Boston Acoustics' OEM sound system kicks some serious bun boy in the Chrysler 300C Hemi.
Continue Reading »
Audio Video News
Atlantic Technology's System 4200e - New Woofer, New Look
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 24, 2005  |  0 comments
Not content to rest on their laurels (laurels can be so uncomfortable at times), Atlantic Technology has upgraded their well-regarded System 4200 THX Select home theater speaker system by adding an "e" to the model number. Well, in all honesty, Atlantic Technology has done more than simply reprint brochures with the new nomenclature. (Although it is a great, money-saving idea...) The new improvements include permanently attached finishing panels on the front- and center-channel speakers and a couple of improvements to the system's subwoofer.
Continue Reading »

Pages

X