Blu-ray reviews by Greg Maltz

[Thwip]

I am curious to note the forum readers opinion of Greg Maltz (Blu-ray.com reviewer) highlighting his interpretation of "religion" in his BD reviews.

I have an opinion on it myself (obviously negative); however I am posting in curiosity. Has anyone else picked up on this in his reviews, and what are your feelings on it?

I will submit his reviews of "The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition"
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...74&show=review

and "Spider-man 3"
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...46&show=review
as reference to this trend (both reviewed in the last few weeks)

Unfortunately I am not as skilled as Mr. Maltz in being able to put my thoughts on the matter in written word (I guess that's why he has a job in this industry, and I do not). When reading BD reviews on Blu-ray.com, I am generally looking to find the reviewers opinion on the Video Quality, Audio Quality and Supplements/Extras to be found on the disc. I may peruse the opening remarks about the movie, as well as the summary found at the bottom of the review; but I generally disregard them.

For whatever reason (maybe issues of my own), I found it unusual and unnecessary for the reviews to indicate Mr. Maltz's opinions on the religious undertones of the movie. I also found it troubling that his opinions seem to influence his review score of the "Movie"

Shawshank: Thought by many to be "the best film of the 90's" (from the review); was given a 3.5. It would appear (to me anyway) that this score is indicative of Mr. Maltz's negative thoughts regarding how religious characters are portrayed in the film.

Spider-man 3: Thought by many to be the worst chapter in the trilogy thus far received a 4.5; apparently influenced by Mr. Maltz's positive feelings towards the "important role for faith" in the story's plot.

Ultimately I will dismiss the "Movie" reviews as I have in the past, as "opinion"; much like I do with game site reviews for games that interest me. I am however curious to note if anyone else was taken aback by the inclusion of these statements in the reviews?

[Blu Man]

Originally Posted by Thwip

I am curious to note the forum readers opinion of Greg Maltz (Blu-ray.com reviewer) highlighting his interpretation of "religion" in his BD reviews.

I have an opinion on it myself (obviously negative); however I am posting in curiosity. Has anyone else picked up on this in his reviews, and what are your feelings on it?

I will submit his reviews of "The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition"
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...74&show=review

and "Spider-man 3"
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...46&show=review
as reference to this trend (both reviewed in the last few weeks)

Unfortunately I am not as skilled as Mr. Maltz in being able to put my thoughts on the matter in written word (I guess that's why he has a job in this industry, and I do not). When reading BD reviews on Blu-ray.com, I am generally looking to find the reviewers opinion on the Video Quality, Audio Quality and Supplements/Extras to be found on the disc. I may peruse the opening remarks about the movie, as well as the summary found at the bottom of the review; but I generally disregard them.

For whatever reason (maybe issues of my own), I found it unusual and unnecessary for the reviews to indicate Mr. Maltz's opinions on the religious undertones of the movie. I also found it troubling that his opinions seem to influence his review score of the "Movie"

Shawshank: Thought by many to be "the best film of the 90's" (from the review); was given a 3.5. It would appear (to me anyway) that this score is indicative of Mr. Maltz's negative thoughts regarding how religious characters are portrayed in the film.

Spider-man 3: Thought by many to be the worst chapter in the trilogy thus far received a 4.5; apparently influenced by Mr. Maltz's positive feelings towards the "important role for faith" in the story's plot.

Ultimately I will dismiss the "Movie" reviews as I have in the past, as "opinion"; much like I do with game site reviews for games that interest me. I am however curious to note if anyone else was taken aback by the inclusion of these statements in the reviews?

Make a complaint, and does it really matter. Right now your just sounding whiney. No offence.

[Windows V]

I am however curious to note if anyone else was taken aback by the inclusion of these statements in the reviews?

No.

[blu-raay]

I loaded blu-ray.com today and saw a review for spider-man 3. Curious to see how badly it got grilled, I quickly opened the link expecting to see a contrite yet funny caption to the effect of " Spider-man 3 comes to blu-ray as a parasite to the PS3." Instead, a 4.5 star rating. I clicked the back button on my browser and immediatly checked the forum, because I knew there had to be a thread about it.

[Gremal]

Yeah, I really enjoyed this film, but most reviewers and denizens here have major complaints.

YMMV.

[Darko]

Once it was an interesting thing to point out, compare, and dig into. But doing it twice in two reviews so close together? It just seems the reviewer is asking for controversy and responses to what he has written. Going back into the religious theme for Spider-Man 3 it's obvious he knew what buttons he would be pushing with some readers.

Let's face it, it's a great way to get people to read what you write if people are making posts about it. I think he's just having some fun and stirring the pot. Can't blame him really. If I had an opportunity to spread my thoughts to the masses I would do the same.

I usually only read the actually movie review part if I'm bored or just curious on the reviewers take. Most of the movies reviewed I've either seen or read several reviews for them before they make it onto Blu. So really I'm just looking for a picture and audio review when I come to the site and read the reviews.

[Gremal]

I do not adjust the scores whatsoever based on my read of a film's political or religious stance.

Out of about a dozen paragraphs in my Shawshank review two paragraphs related to the religion issue, which played some part in the movie.

In the Spider-Man 3 review, my mention of the church scene was even more cursory--about two sentences.

The reviews focus predominantly on other aspects of the film and the BD's visual and audible qualities, but when reviewing a movie, you need to give your honest impression and that's all I'm doing.

[FlipperWasIrish]

No.

[DetroitSportsFan]

I don't care about the reviewer's opinion of the movie. I just want to know about the picture/sound quality and extras.

[Blu Man]

What's Thwips problem man? Gremal's the man!!!!!!

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by Spartan54

Gremal's the man!!!!!!

Word.

[Blu Man]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Word.

Yeah dude, your like one of the coolest people on this site!!!!! Just behind me.

[Blu Titan]

I disagreed with GM on Shawshank big time, but I agree with him on SP3. Religion is important to Greg and that is part of who he is, dosen't bother or influence me in anyway way.

[Variable]

I think the reviews are pretty bad, to be perfectly honest.

[Sussudio]

here we go again...

i'll repost something i said in another thread:

there have been so many threads in the last couple of weeks criticizing the reviews on this site, some more respectful than others. what gives? no one forces you to only go to bluray.com for your bluray info. if you disagree with a review write your own one up as a user review, doesn't mean you have to create a thread calling a reviewer out on some terrible wrongdoing they've committed because they've upset you.

for the record, i like gremal's reviews. but if i didn't, who cares. id read it and take away from it what i want and that's that. it's not a crime to have an opinion and someone might interpret a movie differently than you. it isn't like anyone is trying to convert you to their own beliefs, religious or political or what have you.

[Thwip]

Originally Posted by Spartan54

What's Thwips problem man? Gremal's the man!!!!!!

No "problem", and by no means an attack or trying to be "whiney"

(I can see how my inclusion of the "Movie" scores might have come accross that way)

I read on this site often (but rarely post); this post was of interest to me, so I asked the question. I don't wish any ill will on Mr. Maltz "Gremal".

Thanx to all for their replies; espcially the one word ones - lol

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Thwip

No "problem", and by no means an attack or trying to be "whiney"

(I can see how my inclusion of the "Movie" scores might have come accross that way)

I read on this site often (but rarely post); this post was of interest to me, so I asked the question. I don't wish any ill will on Mr. Maltz "Gremal".

Thanx to all for their replies; espcially the one word ones - lol

Well we appreciate your opinion then. I think any reviewer and forum member alike should be able to feel comfortable in giving their unbiased personal opinion.

[Beta Man]

The reviewer delves into subtle secondary and tertiary plot elements that the casual viewer may or may notice, and for many, knowing the director's intent of such plots (or even unintentional direction) may create a more immersive viewing experience.........


I've never found Gremel's or anyone else's reviews here to be "Preachy" or politically biased.......


Let's not turn this into "Reviewer Bashing" your observations certainly merit conversation..... I realize your post wasn't pointed or jaded, so this is just an FYI to those who may join the discussion later.

[Lepidopterous]

He just takes a deeper look into the movie as a reviewer and mentions religious undertones as he sees them. I don't think it merits any reason to attack him. But it is definitely a discussion that should be cursory... and not a basis for an overall interpretation. Which is not what I think he's doing anyway.

[mrgreed202]

People here need to give it a break. It's incredibly retarted when people flip out about when they think a movie is purposely and personally offending them and it's also retarted how people flip out about a (opinionated, like all) review of a movie.

Keep doing what you do Gremal.