HD MOODS: AQUARIUM - Blu-Ray (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product is exactly what it claims to be - a colorful, mostly high quality blu ray of a couple of aquariums. Of course it's no substitute for the real thing, but I have my 52" LCD built into a cabinet and it definitely gives the ambiance of having a built-in aquarium. It injects a sense of calm into the room while we're sitting around talking or reading.
The shots are all fixed - no panning, no zooming. Each shot is a portion of an aquarium that stays fixed for a few minutes, then it cuts to another portion of the same aquarium.
It's 1080p so it fills your 16x9 screen with no bars at the top or side.
There are 3 scenes to choose from:
Tank 1 - a colorful tank with various types of coral and a dozen or so tropical fish that make appearances at various times.
Tank 2 - a more natural setting with more muted colors. There are some flourishes of fish, but mostly the fish population is fairly sparse throughout most of this one. The camera cuts to a slightly different view after a few minutes showing more of a close up of the large sea anemone but putting the coral in the background pretty out of focus. It's probably intentional, but a little distracting if you're staring at it - certainly not a scene to use to show off your HDTV. Like the others, after a few more minutes it cuts to another view of the tank with quite a few colorful fish in this one.
Bonus Tank - a closeup on a conch shell in what appears to be Tank 1, with a few Nemo fish hanging out. It's ok, but I don't see myself using this much, if at all.
I find Tank 1 to be the best - very relaxing with lots of color, and fish on the screen at all times.
It automatically switches from tank 1 to tank 2 with about 5 seconds of black screen between the two, so if you want just one tank, you'll need to set your player to repeat the chapter you want.
As far as audio goes, there are 3 soundtracks available in either 5.1 surround or 2 channel stereo:
Natural - aquarium bubble sounds. This is for ambience so the sound is mixed way in the background.
Calm - relaxing spa type electronic music. Ok, except for the drone that enters and exits once a minute or so that sounds like an airplane flying through your media room - strange.
Slow - more spa type new agey music with a synthesizer loosely mimicking air bubbles.
The music is ok, but not my taste. Fortunately you can set it to natural and just listen to the bubbles or set your receiver or TV to play another music source.
All in all, especially considering the low price, I'm pleased with this one.


Click Here to see more reviews about: HD MOODS: AQUARIUM - Blu-Ray (2008)

HD MOODS:AQUARIUM - Blu-Ray Movie

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about HD MOODS: AQUARIUM - Blu-Ray (2008)

Read More...

The Magic of Flight (IMAX) (1996) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Wow! Widescreen TV is a viewing bonus. The photography on this DVD is amazing. Angles from IMAX cameras mounted on the Blue Angels planes as they fly. You see just how close to each other these people fly. Watch the main feature; then watch the "making of"; then watch the main feature again with a whole new perspective.
Unfortunately, even with a widescreen TV, it's not the same experience as being in an IMAX theater with a 60' screen -- you don't get the feeling of being in the pilot's seat, like you do at IMAX. But a great experience nonetheless.
The other great thing from this IMAX film is the pilots truly convey their joy of flying. Blue Angels, stunt pilots & pilots taking off / landing on aircraft carriers; you can feel their passion for what they do.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Magic of Flight (IMAX) (1996)

Take a technological thrill ride faster, higher, and wilder than modern science or even your imagination! Relive the historical first flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903, then soar with the world-famous Blue Angels as they defy the laws of gravity with their most breathtaking maneuvers. Narrated by Tom Selleck, The Magic Of Flight highlights and salutes a variety of modern aircraft, the people who fly them, and the human potential of training and performance.

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about The Magic of Flight (IMAX) (1996)

Read More...

300 (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A more intense shot of testosterone you will not find in any film. Equal parts bravado, guts and glory, "300" is simply the most exciting film to come out this year - or in several. Criticized for its violence and gore, fans of Miller's graphic novels will find that violence and gore to be as beautifully depicted on the screen as in the print version. A highly hyped CGI affair the cast could easily have been overcome by the sheer impressiveness of the physical production. To his credit director Zack Snyder is blessed with and uses a cast every bit equal to the challenge of competing with Miller's dark fantastic take of the Spartan's greatest story.
Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera, Dear Frankie, etc.) adds yet another impressive and wildly different character to his arsenal of screen roles. As Leonidas, King of Sparta, Butler is, from his pigtail to his muscled, sandled feet, every inch a king; a true leader of men. His passion and intensity is matched by a splendid performance by Lena Headey as his wife, Queen Gorgo. Though a dutiful wife and a woman in an age when being such was near equal to slave status, she is, in her way, as bold and fearless as her husband/King. Dominic West is properly evil and oily as the traitor Theron and he's as nasty and duplicitous a villain as one can hope for. Rodrigo Santoro as a larger-than-life Xerxes is both comical and fearfully creepy equal parts drag queen and wanna be god. Behind all the glitzy piercings and bling, he is little more than self-inflated egotistical child.
While there is blood and gore aplenty, the film also happens to be emotionally satisfying and I found myself with tears welling up in my eyes more than a few times, as well as wanting to raise my fist in the air along with the jacked-up Spartans! While a macho stoicism pervades their attitudes, there are, to be sure, signs of a greater humanity beneath those ripped abs of Sparta's army - and plenty of heart.
Parallels and allegories are already being drawn between today's warring world climate, super power dominations and the world of ancient Greece and the Middle East. While this provides an interesting commentary, I heartily recommend leaving that baggage at home and appreciating "300" on its own and embracing its escapism.
Larry Fong's cinematography ensures that "300" is eye-poppingly glorious from start to finish - a magnificent feast for the eyes while Tyler Bates's score is guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping as it matches - frame-for-frame the visual intensity presented on the screen. While critics are divided on this one, audiences are flocking to it and cheering. For good reason, too: "300" is magnificent old-fashioned story telling wed to the very best 21st century filmmaking has to offer. See it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: 300 (2007)

The epic graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) assaults the screen with the blood, thunder and awe of its ferocious visual style faithfully recreated in an intense blend of live-action and CGI animation. Retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, it depicts the titanic clash in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his massive Persian army. Experience history at swordpoint. And moviemaking with a cutting edge.

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about 300 (2007)

Read More...