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31st December 1999 |
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Last Editorial for 1999
Just from looking at how we've handle the whole Y2K thing at my work, being
software development of sorts...or at least I think that's what we do...I dunno, only been
there 4 years in the Info Services Department :) I doubt this will be the last editorial
ever for DVDown Under, or any web site for that matter. While many people are
worried that their bank accounts will be zeroed out along with the power never returning
after the stroke of midnight, (assuming the party smart arse doesn't decide to play a
funny and kill the main power switch), I'll be at home watching my DVDs and not giving a
shit in the slightest (until I have to go to work tomorrow to see all is okay at 10
tomorrow)...
After hearing about the lack of taxis /buses and trains, in our city (others I hear are
the same or Worse!!), I figure it's best to stay well away from it all..yes I'm a party
pooper who'd rather stay in the comfort of his home...theatre. (it's either that or
going to the movies...my interests are rather limited I know that :-))
On the DVD side of things, its getting better every day with player prices now under $600,
and the number of region 4 titles getting near 500. We're still a bit behind
the USA in terms of numbers, sure, but you're looking at a population of 18 mill odd over
here, and and overall number of DVD players that's far less, but we'll get there.....I
look at when I bought my first DVD player, boxing Day 2 years ago now.....the only 2
titles I could get my hands on that that time were Evita and the Crow. Now if I
bought a player I could pick up The Matrix, Terminator 2, that boat movie, or even Alice
in Wonderland if I wanted. More and more
people are getting into the DVD thing, I here folks at work talking about it all the time
now, whereas even a year ago I thought I was the only one at work who knew what DVD was
(maybe people were a little afraid to come out the DVD tray, but soon realised the
following it has since established).......this cult is growing rapidly and won't be
stopping any time soon. It can only get better from here (hell even my folks are
wanting a DVD player now, and My Uncle Pete is nuts about it also)
Anyhoo, for anyone planning on kicking it up for the BIGGEST party since Bananarama broke
up, have a great time, and we'll be seeing you back here next century with the same old
crap :-)))
Happy DVD'ing in 2000 |
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29th December 1999 |
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CTHV's DVDouble Feature - Reviewed
I've had a good look over the most impressive Robert Rodrigeuz Double Feature
DVD from Columbia, El Mariachi & Desperado,
BOTH movies on the 1 disc for teh price of 1 movie . This is nothing short of a
bargain!!!
Xmas Reviews
I was hoping to whip a few more reviews up myself, but even with 4 days off,
time went waaaay to quick, so in additon to the above, only managed to review Timecop and EDtv : Collector's Edition (have
watched EDtv about 6 times now due to all those damn extras...not that there is anything
wrong with that :)PS Santa bites, the bastard never
gave me any DVDs for Christmas...bahumbug!!! :-)
PPS the DVDiscount
Voucher offer ends this Friday..so get in quick if you want an additional
discount of your next DVD purchase. |
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21st December 1999 |
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Warner December Slicks
Received the slicks for a few of the December Warner Releases, Disney
animated titles, etc, all viewable from the DVD
Slicks Page |
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20th December 1999 |
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Columbia Jan 2000 Slicks
A few of the Columbia/Universal region 4 DVD
Slicks are up (along with some picture discs)..more expected in a few daysMatrix hits 40,000 shipped units
Though you can read about it in the press
release, the total has climbed to 0ver 42,000 copies now!!!
(I guess it was the right move to include all those extras, sorely missing from our UK
cousin's region 2 version)
Chris crossed DVD sites
Though word has already gotten around about Chris Till's DVD Plaza opening
it's gateway today, another Chris has also started a different region 4 DVD site DVD-MAX
PS We're told the DTS plaques are still on their way..sorry for the delays :-( |
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19th December 1999 |
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Weekend Reviews
Just two today.... Terminator 2
and Flintstones Collector's Edition
(not wrong there..wow!!)Anamorphic Logo
A few weeks ago The
Digital Bits editor Bill Hunt, had a rant about studios who do and don't
support 16:9 Enhancement on their DVDs (really worth the read look under his Archived My
Two Cents)
Anyhoo, we've had the 16:9 Enhanced banner on our frontpage for a while now, but after
reading his article, decided to include it in our reviews to (as per his suggestion to all
DVD site owners who wish to support this feature)..So we'll be including in all our
reviews from now on that are 16:9 Enhanced (aka Anamorphic Widescreen)
PS Finally saw Blair Witch today....most overhyped movie
since Episode 1..jeez (killer ending though..pity about the other 70 minutes) |
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17th December 1999 |
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DVD Plaza Opening it's Doors This
Monday!!
Alright I'll come clean on what the DVD plaza is, actually no I won't you can
read all about it in The Press ReleasePS I hear the new Pioneer DV626 has absolutley no sync issues (and
heard the same about the 525)....hmmm interesting (wonder if there's any hope for us poor
older pionner DVD player owners) |
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15th December 1999 |
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Columbia Jan 2000 DVDetails
Though only 9 CTHV titles are being released this January, three will be date
and day with VHS Rental and as such will be priced at the new $39.95 (for first release
and Deluxe Collector's Editions)Click HERE for the January 2000 Released
Click
HERE for the latest CTHV Press Release
Click HERE for the Feb 2000 Released
No Shagging for You this XMAS!!
It's sad but true, Austin 2 will not make it's Pre-Christmas
DVDebut, and is now coming sometime in January :-(
3 New Reviews
Cass has reviewd Married to the
Mob
Paul has taken a look at Dire Straits : Sultans of Swing
I've sussed out the Bruce Willis Mega-flop Hudson Hawk (and looooved it)
PS During my lunch break yesterday, I dropped
by the new cafe at this new Australia Wide DVD Malls about to open...hmmmm
impressive...will report on it tomorrow, as I have to make another trip over there 'cause
i ran out of time. |
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13th December 1999 |
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(I)MAX Out on DVDs
A majority of the IMAX films have been released by DVD Australia (the totally
awesome super speedway has been slightly delayed)
As IMAX films are shot for one mother-sized screen, they are shot in 70mm, which if
you've had a chance to see even at the normal cinemas simply leaves everything else for
dead!!!!! (most standard movies are shot on 35mm film which is actually 1/4 the size
of 70mm film )
From doing a quick lookaround the net, the only place that seems to be selling the IMAX
DVDs is Ezy DVD
and they're at a quite low $29.95
Columbia January DVDelays
Seems a few titles have slipped from the January release, The Mummy is still on time for
it's Date and Day with VHS rental though, but I was sad to hear that The Frighteners (an
exceptionally cool movie) is now coming in February as is Roxanne, and Against all
Odds.
Frighteners will feature the SAME stuff as the region 1 DVD which is a bit of a shame as
Universal USA released perhaps the most unreal laserdisc ever with the inclusion of a FOUR
HOUR making of featurette!!!! plus a commentary track, deleted scenes and heaps more.....
I would imagine that including the "making of" on a DVD would cost a truck load
(& another Disc). Still would have been nice for Universal to donate the comm
track, though I "think" it was made for the director's cut of Frighteners...oh
wellPS a BIG Happy Birthday to my Dad |
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12th December 1999 |
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9th December 1999 |
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Aussie Wide DVD Shopping Mall - Soon
Just received word that
There is a shopping mall being built Australia wide that is dedicated soley to DVD.
Every store offers the best in DVD hardware, movies, service, and most importantly price!
There's even a DVD cafe'...sound interesting?? Will know even more in a few days
when we get a first look from the inside ...hmmmmmm....stay tuned to this DVD channel!!!Have a decent Shag this Xmas with Austin
With a release date of 21st December, the Austin Powers : The Spy Who Shagged
DVD is set to be a very groovy indeed.
Please drop by the Roadshow
DVD release page for all the dirt on what this DVD has to offer (it has
almost as many extras as The Matrix
and Ghostbusters)
Problems with Region 4 Matrix
Have you have a DVD player that simply does not like playing the Region 4 Matrix DVD??
You'll need to get the problem resolved by the manufacturer
Cass is about to have her Sammy 907 fitted with the new upgrade
chip (assuming it's just an Eprom)...will publish the findings here, as there are a few
other DVDs that are causing her grief also!! Contact Samsung Tech Divison on 1300
362 603 (outside NSW)
DVD Demo Platinum Disc
delayed!!
Yes it's unfortunate but it's true the Demo Disc has been delayed just a few
more weeks (now coming 21st December)..
Please see below for the offical letter from Unapix (I had to steal it from the Ezy DVD site as I
couldn't be stuffed typing out the whole thing manually from fax...thanks Jim :-)
December 6, 1999
Re: Ultimate DVD Platinum
Dear Customer
The Ultimate DVD Collection has generated a great deal of interest and anticipation on a
global level. During development of this product, it was our goal to create a sensational
series of DVD titles that would demonstrate the full capabilities DVD has to offer.
However, it was just as important for us to develop a DVD that would push the envelope and
wring out every last bit of performance that your Home Theater System is capable of. That
DVD is finally a reality. We call it the Ultimate DVD Platinum Edition.
I just finished viewing the latest Beta version of the Ultimate DVD Platinum. I must say,
it is quite stunning and performs even beyond our original expectations. This beautifully
crafted product explores the cutting edge of technology and is sure to repeatedly delight
and entertain everyone who owns this disc.
Unfortunately, we are a little late in getting this product to market. During production
of this disc, we managed to break both man and machine in the process of exploiting the
limits of current day technology. The Ultimate DVD Collection was postponed a few times in
the past, and I sincerely apologize for those delays. I appreciate your patience and I can
assure you – It will be worth the wait!
I am pleased to announce we now have a firm Street Date for the release of the Ultimate
DVD Platinum.
ULTIMATE DVD PLATINUM - RELEASE DATE: 21/12/99 (ready for export by this
date)
For all you non-technical types out there, rest assured - The “Ultimate DVD
Platinum” is impressive to look at and a whole lot of fun!!! There is no doubt that
you will “wow” everyone with this DVD. The “Ultimate DVD Platinum” -
Bringing you the Power of DVD. Truly the Ultimate DVD Experience!
Sincerely,
Richard J. Casey
Executive Vice President / Executive Producer
Unapix Home Entertainment, Inc. |
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8th December 1999 |
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New Slicks
Actually it's just the one new
slick today, for Notting Hill (the first fully badge Universal Pictures Home
Video DVD, ex-polygram)
Latest Reviews
Cass has had an early look at the very powerful Mississippi Burning Elizabeth,
one of the best and unfortunately overlooked films of 1998, with a killer soundtrack |
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6th December 1999 |
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Tonight's DVD Chat Session
Well tonight was the night, two DVD'ers from the industry where in the line
of fire over at the DVD user Group. Rocking up at 6pm I found the fun had already
begun with questions flying around everywhere.
I noticed a few familiar faces...err names (and quite a few i didn't know), and was please
to see no gate crashers to ruin the event
Unfortunately for me, I had to go out to dinner tonight (this is why I HATE people
planning things for me!!!) so i was only around til about 6:30...just when things really
started to get going it seemed (damn!!!) and to top the night off, i Missed South Park
(what have i done to deserve this!!!!).
All in all, it was great to see what fellow DVD'ers had to say, and I for one really hope
we can see more of this in the near future.
So a big thanks to the DVD
User Group , Mike and Brian (or is that Ian.sorry) for going that extra mile
for Region 4 DVDers...Latest Reviews
Cass has had an early first time look at Stepmom
(hell even I saw this at the movies..getting slack Cass :-)
I've whipped up a review of the classic True Romance |
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5th December 1999 |
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Jan 2000 FOX DVD Slicks
For a sneak peak of the FOX DVD slicks from the delayed December 99 titles
and the January 2000 titles, goto the DVD slicks
page.
Also of interest is that Speed and Volcano are only Dolby Digital 5.0 (no subby
channel...nooooooo) (but ALL are 16:9 Enhanced, when our USA cousins only get 4x3
letterboxed versions)Paul's Hat trick
reviews
Paul has whipped up a few reviews this weekend
The
Great Escape
Last
Action Hero
Quiz
Show |
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3rd December 1999 |
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Blair Witch DVD this March??
For the past few months Magna Pacific have been in negotiations to buy out a
few smaller aussie distributors, one being Becker which is one reason why their DVD
releases stopped coming.
Last time I looked Becker where attached to Polygram somehow. (Becker have the video
rights to Wes Craven's SCREAM, and the video cover says distributed by Polygram).
After reading about the buyout in today's Courier Mail, SCREAM was the first movie that
popped into my head (I've been wanting this on DVD for a while now, but would hope someone
releases it as a director's cut, and NOT the hacked version currently available in OZ
& the USA). Upon speaking to Magna Pacific today, was pleased that of all the
movies they now have access to for DVD (and Video) release Scream was one title mentioned
during our conversation.
As the courier Mail mentions, a few other great titles from the Becker Catalogue are Four
Wedding and a Funeral, and Dances with Wolves which would make for great start with their
newer DVD releases (I'm going for an uncut DVD of Scream personally :-))
Time for another pole me thinks :-)
Anyhoo, though it's still a week away from Australian cinemas Blair Witch Project was picked up
By Becker and so Magna Pacific will be releasing it on Video most likely Late March 2000
(with a DVD release expected around the same time..fingers crossed).CHAT with the Creators of Blair Witch!!!
WEDNESDAY 8th December at 8pm (Sydney time) you can Chat with the DIRECTORS
of BLAIR WITCH over at the aussie Blair Witch site it too is up now and a few people are
chatting, like the fellow named "Lethal Penis", he's there ready to abuse you
(no it's not me, but some other foul mouthed schmuck...no wonder I infequently visit Chat
rooms...jeez)
The DVD gurus won't be chatting over at the DVD user Group until Monday @ 7pm (Sydney time) but
The Chat room is Also open now.... though i was all by my lonesome just a moment ago :-(
A Face Only a Mummy could Love
Columbia Tristar Home Video will be kickstarting the New Year off with a New
class of DVDs AND a NEW DVD price to go with it.
On 10th January 2000, Universal's the Mummy will be the FRIST DVD released under the New
"Deluxe Collector's Edition" Banner(see
previous ed on this) . Also from that point on, any DVD released from CTHV that
is a Deluxe DVD and/or hits streets at the same time or earlier than the first sellthru,
will be priced at $39.95 ($5 more than their price now).
Standard Backcatalague DVDs will still be priced at the normal $34.95 (as will DVD s
released prior to 2000).
Click
HERE for the Mummy press Release
PS This weekend, we'll be posting the DVD Slicks for the January 2000 FOX
DVDs |
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2nd December 1999 |
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CTHV DVD Slicks & Picture Discs
The December Slicks are now uploaded, and with a new addition....When
available to us, we'll be uploading scans of the Picture Discs along with the front and
back covers of the DVD SlicksLatest DVD Slicks.
PS We're temporarily out of the Black Amarays (seems there's a
general shortage in OZ)....even so, if you order more than $10 worth of Amarays before the
end of the December, you'll get a FREE DVDiscount Voucher (click
HERE for details) |
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