We’re sorry.

We know Blu-ray users have probably been asking themselves, “Why doesn’t this site have any reviews for ME?” We’ve had boatloads of HD DVD reviews, but the spattering of Blu-ray reviews have been uncommon to say the least.

Not anymore. Starting now (like, right now as you’re reading this), Blu-ray reviews are being written. We’ll get caught up and get you up to speed in no time. All month long, we’ll be putting up a ridiculous amount of Blu-ray reviews for your reading pleasure. Old releases, new releases, and maybe even an editorial or two.

Oh, but what about the faithful HD DVD readers? Never fear. You’re still covered, and we’ll still give the format plenty of reviews. Even with the recent announcement of Warner heading over to the Blu-ray camp, we still feel the format is a wonderful way to watch movies, and in some ways superior. There is a place for both formats, and we’ll continue coverage as such.

So, what’s on tap for this Blu-ray blowout? Here’s what you can look forward to in terms of reviews for the coming week, not including what’s already been posted:

• Die Hard
• Die Hard – With a Vengeance
• Die Hard 3 – Die Harder
• Spider-man 3
• Ghost Rider
• Hellboy
• Dragon Wars

That’s only the start. Coverage will now be regular, with new releases covered as soon as possible. As said previously, HD DVD and Blu-ray will co-exist for a while, and both are worthy our coverage. It’s simply due time to give credit to Blu.

Ray Haryhausen made every movie he touched what they are, and one of this earliest efforts, 20 Million Miles to Earth, stands as one of his more memorable. While pedestrian in its scripting, the creature design, animation, and other visual wizardy bring the film up to classic status. Nathan Juran’s direction leads to a few memorable human sequences (including wonderful work during the finale at the Roman Coliseum). Classic sci-fi is rarely better than this.

Read the full movie review.


Coming to Blu-ray just a few months after the 50th anniversary DVD, the format does justice to the film. Extensive grain and dirt are noticeable throughout, but expected. The black and white version offers stunning clarity and sharpness. The colorized edition suffers from a digital look, making details flat, though the boldness of the color will make up for it for some. This is a definite upgrade from the DVD edition, though hardly the HD experience we’ve come to expect from modern films.

Remixed into 5.1 for Blu-ray, the Dolby TrueHD mix lacks fidelity, and the explosions of rockets sound strained. There is no bass to speak of. Dialogue is clear and mixes nicely with the action. Mild surround speaker use can be heard clearly, even if it has a rather unnatural split from the front channels.

The Blu-ray release comes on one disc, and contains all of the extras from the 50th anniversary DVD. Sadly, these are all in standard definition.