Physical & Digital EST: The Future of Home Video Discussion Thread

[cheez avenger]

Watched Army of the Dead last night at my local iPic Theater and the film rocked hard! Wow, I'm happy to say it's my favorite film of the year right behind Zack Snyder's JL. Speaking of the latter, since WB North America has not announced a domestic 4K disc release, I pre-ordered the 4K disc from Amazon UK, which will be released next week.

[JohnAV]

Box Office: ‘Spiral’ Incinerates Angelina Jolie’s ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ - Hollywood Reporter 5/16/21

Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures’ Spiral: From the Book of Saw easily won an otherwise ho-hum weekend at the North American box office, grossing $8.7 million from 2,811 theaters.

The pandemic continues to take a toll on moviegoing. While theaters have been reopening in earnest, roughly 45 percent of cinemas remain dark in North America. That stat is expected to improve over Memorial Day weekend, when the marquee will boast two Hollywood studio events pics, Cruella and A Quiet Place Part II, for the first time since the pandemic began.

Marking a new chapter in the Saw franchise with new characters, Spiral stars Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols and Samuel L. Jackson, and follows police efforts to stop a Jigsaw copycat killer.

The original creators of the series, James Wan and Leigh Whannell, serve as executive producers alongside Rock, who pitched the idea for the film to producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg.

Wrath of Man, from Miramax and United Artists Releasing, placed No. 2 in its second weekend with $3.7 million from 3,007 locations for a 10-day domestic total of $14.6 million and global cume of $56 million.

Overseas, Wrath of Man has grown its total to $41.4 million after debuting to $18.5 million in China for a global cume of $56 million.

From Warner Bros. and Bron, Those Who Wish Me Dead came in No. 3 domestically with just $2.8 million from 3,198 theaters. Directed by Taylor Sheridan, the neo-Western action thriller stars Jolie as a fire jumper who fights to protect a young boy from ruthless killers.

Those Who Wish Me Dead debuted simultaneously on HBO Max, similar to every other 2021 Warner Bros. title. The adult-skewing film is the sort of offering that may be better suited for streaming than the big screen in the post-pandemic era.

Holdovers Demon Slayer the Movie: The Mugen Train and Raya and the Last Dragon rounded out the top five with $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

No one knows for certain how Zack Snyder’s new zombie pic Army of the Dead performed, since Netflix doesn’t report grosses. Some analysts estimate the film, playing in well north of 400 theaters, earned $800,000 to $900,000

Another approximately $25 Million weekend domestically.

[VikingHead2000]

I just use my 1TB iPad for all my music. I still buy CD’s and will continue to purchase CD’s until they stop manufacturing them. I don’t listen to mainstream music, and 98% of what I buy comes from indie labels. All I do is transfer all of my music directly to the iPad using Apple Lossless. I still have about 50% left on it, and that’s about 250-300 CD’s. I do buy some music digitally, only if it’s the only way to get it. I have a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and it came with a phenomenal audio system from AKG and it’s probably the best vehicle audio system I’ve ever heard.

[alchav21]

You guys are the ones pushing your standards on everyone, if it meets my needs that's all that really matters. Everyone has to decide for themselves!

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by alchav21

You guys are the ones pushing your standards on everyone, if it meets my needs that's all that really matters. Everyone has to decide for themselves!

Careful, your lack of reading comprehension is showing:

Originally Posted by Vilya

[Show spoiler]Alchav is also the same person that said that he can not see much of a difference between a HD stream and a 4K stream, so it is not that surprising that he can not tell a difference between a HD stream and a blu-ray. And as for audio, he thinks that a pair of headphones that merely simulate surround sound is almost as good as a true surround sound system. He is not very discerning when it comes to quality.

It's perfectly fine that he is happy with his arrangement, but I would not place much stock in his opinions about the PQ or AQ of anything that he watches.

No one cares how you watch or listen to anything, because we are not limited to your meager choices, but you have more than demonstrated by your choices, and your own words, that you are not very discerning when it comes to AV quality.

Originally Posted by alchav21

No mystery, IMO I don't see a big difference from HD to 4K.

That pretty much sums up your ability to judge quality.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by alchav21

You guys are the ones pushing your standards on everyone

Again, not true. If you want to watch 3rd gen VHS dubs that is fine by us. The problem comes when you say that VHS video = Blu-ray.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Again, not true. If you want to watch 3rd gen VHS dubs that is fine by us. The problem comes when you say that VHS video = Blu-ray.

He prefers to stream 3rd generation VHS dubs (no rewinding).

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

Watched Army of the Dead last night at my local iPic Theater and the film rocked hard! Wow, I'm happy to say it's my favorite film of the year right behind Zack Snyder's JL. Speaking of the latter, since WB North America has not announced a domestic 4K disc release, I pre-ordered the 4K disc from Amazon UK, which will be released next week.

I am looking forward to seeing Army of the Dead when it debuts on Netfish this Friday. I likes me some zombies.

I am undecided about whether or not I want to see, yet alone own, the extended cut of Justice League. I haven't even watched my 3D copy of the theatrical cut yet due to superhero burnout syndrome.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I am looking forward to seeing Army of the Dead when it debuts on Netfish this Friday. I likes me some zombies.

I am undecided about whether or not I want to see, yet alone own, the extended cut of Justice League. I haven't even watched my 3D copy of the theatrical cut yet due to superhero burnout syndrome.

I'm getting the UK 4K disc of it because I do not want to wait until WB decides to release it here. Even if I can get it 2 months early, it'll be worth it for me.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by alchav21

You guys are the ones pushing your standards on everyone, if it meets my needs that's all that really matters. Everyone has to decide for themselves!

If one never really spent any appreciable money on entertainment, how can they judge what is better or worse? It’s like everything in life, either try it, or stop complaining that we should like what you like only.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

If one never really spent any appreciable money on entertainment, how can they judge what is better or worse? It’s like everything in life, either try it, or stop complaining that we should like what you like only.

What trips my trigger is when someone discredits the differences that we see and hear, pontificating that such differences do not exist. I am more than okay with someone saying that they understand and appreciate those differences, but choose not to pursue the steps to acquire the equipment and content themselves for one reason or another.

To downplay and judge the dedication and pursuit of this hobby by those of us who seek out a higher level experience is simply shortsighted and self centered.

[JohnAV]

AT&T to spin off HBO, other WarnerMedia assets in a huge deal with Discovery. What went wrong? - LA Times 5/16/21

Three years ago, AT&T Inc. marched into Hollywood with big ambitions to be a 21st century media colossus, connecting its booming cell phone business with legendary media properties — HBO, the Warner Bros. film and TV studio and Turner channels including cable news juggernaut CNN.

Now, the company is retreating from those plans.
Daunted by the challenges of competing in the streaming age and shackled by a mountain of debt, the Dallas telecommunications behemoth is poised to spin off its entertainment assets into a new venture with cable programming company Discovery, which owns HGTV, the Food Network and Animal Planet, according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment.

The companies are expected to announce their proposed joint venture as early as Monday, these people said. Bloomberg News first reported that AT&T and Discovery were in advanced talks to merge their entertainment properties.

The deal would reshape Hollywood, which has already witnessed dramatic contraction after Walt Disney Co.'s $71-billion acquisition of much of Rupert Murdoch’s entertainment empire in 2019. Legacy media companies laid off thousands of workers last year during the COVID-19 pandemic as they’ve witnessed an exodus of once loyal viewers to Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.

The proposed new venture would unite one of the world’s biggest producers of unscripted programming, Discovery, with WarnerMedia, a preeminent producer of movies, including “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Wonder Woman,” and such TV shows as “Game of Thrones,” “The Voice” and “The Bachelor.”

The proposed transaction, which would require the approval of federal regulators, would mark a stunning retreat for AT&T, which spent $85 billion three years ago to buy Time Warner Inc., the owner of CNN, HBO, TBS, TNT and the storied Warner Bros. film and TV studio. AT&T now appears ready to jettison those assets — although AT&T investors are expected to remain stakeholders.

“What a dismal failure, and what an embarrassing chapter for what was once one of America’s most storied companies,” telecommunications analyst Craig Moffett said.

Company representatives declined to comment Sunday.

AT&T does it again after spending 85 billion, and using WB to prop up HBO Max

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

If one never really spent any appreciable money on entertainment, how can they judge what is better or worse? It’s like everything in life, either try it, or stop complaining that we should like what you like only.

Just because I don't spend on equipment now doesn't mean I never did, over 5 Decades ago I spent on the top of the line Sound System. Pioneer, Sansui, and Sony, bought in the PX at Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1969. So I know the difference what is better or worse, but I pick the best equipment for my needs now. IMO HD Streaming is as good as Blu-ray Disc with the equipment and setup I have now!

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

AT&T does it again after spending 85 billion, and using WB to prop up HBO Max

Yes, I'm a Stock Holder in AT&T, and I think they are headed in the right direction along with the other Telco's. My other Stock picks are Apple and Disney!

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Just because I don't spend on equipment now doesn't mean I never did, over 5 Decades ago I spent on the top of the line Sound System. Panasonic, Sansui, and Sony, bought in the PX at Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1969. So I know the difference what is better or worse, but I pick the best equipment for my needs now. IMO HD Streaming is as good as Blu-ray Disc with the equipment and setup I have now!

Back then that Japanese audio gear quality was good for loud home parties, not really quality audio listening. All you had to do is look at how much distortion for rated stereo output a Sansui produced. The 3 or 4 way bass reflex speakers all had huge 12 or 15" woofers, high crossovers with 4" mid range and 2" tweeters. Just more port boom with high efficiency to make your ears ring.

A bevy of world class products was being made in the states around that time from ESS, SAE, Phase Linear and many more. It was amazing to walk into audio stores and see what a very few years difference made with audio playback quality. You should have keep advancing over the years. It was a lot cheaper then now.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Yes, I'm a Stock Holder in AT&T, and I think they are headed in the right direction along with the other Telco's. My other Stock picks are Apple and Disney!

I am concerned about the spinning off its entertainment assets into a new venture with cable programming company Discovery. That just doesn't sound like a good fit.

AT&T Board Meets as Discovery Merger Discussions Accelerate; Shock Reverberates Around WarnerMedia - Variety 5/16/21

There was also shock expressed that AT&T would look for an exit strategy so soon after acquiring some of Hollywood’s crown jewels. The potential WarnerMedia transaction coming so soon on the heels of AT&T’s fire sale transaction with TPG to offload DirecTV is seen as a sign of capitulation that AT&T can’t make one plus one equal three by combining wireless, data and video content services.

“There’s no way this deal doesn’t make AT&T look like fools,” said a WarnerMedia veteran.

[alchav21]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

Back then that Japanese audio gear quality was good for loud home parties, not really quality audio listening. All you had to do is look at how much distortion for rated stereo output a Sansui produced. The 3 or 4 way bass reflex speakers all had huge 12 or 15" woofers, high crossovers with 4" mid range and 2" tweeters. Just more port boom with high efficiency to make your ears ring.

A bevy of world class products was being made in the states around that time from ESS, SAE, Phase Linear and many more. It was amazing to walk into audio stores and see what a very few years difference made with audio playback quality. You should have keep advancing over the years. It was a lot cheaper then now.

Yea put everything down if it makes you feel better, but I still have that Sansui 5000A and the Sansui Speakers no distortion good sound. It was all cutting edge equipment that has lasted the test of time, but I don't need it now. All I want is what I have, and that's all I need now!

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Nothing more than lawyers seeing an opportunity to make a bundle for themselves, Apple and Amazon should counter sue.

Would not be surprised to see new car dealers sued because people have to return autos that were obtained via a purchased lease.

Sorry, that's not the same thing. When you "buy" a title, you're not leasing it. It's supposed to be a virtual equivalent of a physical media object and therefore, you should have it forever. If Apple (or any company) can't guarantee that, then they should get out of that aspect of the business and simply go to streaming subscriptions.

If I'm streaming, then I would expect titles to come and go.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Yea put everything down if it makes you feel better, but I still have that Sansui 5000A and the Sansui Speakers no distortion good sound. It was all cutting edge equipment that has lasted the test of time, but I don't need it now. All I want is what I have, and that's all I need now!

Look back then solid state stereo amps used power transistors that weren't capable of very high watts. Yours was 55 watts per ch (8 ohm), a Fisher unit was 70 watts. Just 7 years later Pioneer introduced the SX1250 and that was rated 160 watts a channel (8 ohm). Instead of .8% THD rating, it was Less than 0.1%. Yes AVR's really cleaned up. So yes I am not kidding about AVR quality really improving in less then a decade. Did I listen to Sansui, yeah a lot brought them back to the US the same way you got yours. But they were gone a few years later at stores.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by alchav21

Just because I don't spend on equipment now doesn't mean I never did, over 5 Decades ago I spent on the top of the line Sound System. Pioneer, Sansui, and Sony, bought in the PX at Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1969. So I know the difference what is better or worse, but I pick the best equipment for my needs now. IMO HD Streaming is as good as Blu-ray Disc with the equipment and setup I have now!

You are not the only veteran here who shopped at a military PX and the PX NEVER sold top of the line audio products. Pioneer, Sansui, and Sony were not top of the line audio manufacturers...ever. Audiophiles did not buy receivers; they bought separate components: pre-amps, power amps, and tuners.

I am not trying to be condescending nor am I saying that these brands were garbage, but they were nowhere near to being the best of the best. Very few people could afford the very best, then as now. The PX never offered audio products of that pedigree.

At no point in the 43 years that I have been buying home audio products have I ever claimed to own top of the line equipment and I can safely bet that you never have, either. People that were accustomed to the pinnacle of home audio performance do not willingly reverse course and settle for an inexpensive pair of headphones as you have done.