LG BX580 3D Blu Ray Player – Better Than The Rest?

Manufacturers were kind of slow to jump on the whole Blu Ray player bandwagon but it seems they don’t want to be left out in the cold again with 3D TV as pretty much everything at the moment is being created in 3D. Companies are clearly catching on to the general excitement and stir that is being created by the emerging technology. What’s more, companies like Panasonic, Sony, and now LG are even managing to combine the two technologies in some inspiring pieces of home entertainment kit.

The LG BX580 does exactly that because it is a 3D blu ray player. obviously, you still need the 3D TV, a pair of fetching 3D glasses (at least they look more like Blues Brothers glasses and less like the 1980s glasses they used to), and of course a 3D version of your favourite movie.

You’re given the choice of watching the film in 3D or in bog standard 2D and while there is a difference in colour and contrast (with 3D being slightly worse than 2D as you might expect) the overall look of 3D makes it well worthwhile.

As promised earlier by LG, you even get a number of web apps included in the BX580. You can look at news headlines, watch video clips, and store and share photos. These are decent offerings although if you’re after more from the web apps stable then you should look at other models of blu-ray player and if you want more web action and 3D then you’ll just have to wait.

The glasses provided are light and comfortable, as well as being rechargable, which is another good point, but overall the LG BX580 seems to promise a lot and then not quite deliver. There’s too few web apps, there are better quality 3D images from other brands, and you’re left hoping that they will improve what’s on offer with the next model.

Can’t wait to watch your favourite films in 3D?

Is the BX580 worth the money?

Sony BDPS370 Blu-ray Player Review

Such is the pace of change in the world of Blu-ray Players that yesterday’s top of the range models and now being bettered by new, mid price options. People who have held off until now may consider this a good time to see what all the fuss is about. Those who have been enjoying the stunning Blu-ray performance for some time are now in the strange position of deciding whether to upgrade to a cheaper machine. It’s a strange world we live in.

Design

Slimmer than a cheese and pickle sandwich and sleeker than a dolphin that has just been rubbed down with baby oil, the Sony BDPS370 Blu-ray Player scores very highly on design and will fit snugly into any home where modern design and high tech gadgets nestle together in perfect harmony.

Notable Specifications

One of the features which set this little machine apart is its range of connectivity options, which let you access online content and connect to just about every appliance in your house apart from the toaster.

You can control the Sony BPDS370 Blu-ray Player remotely with you iPhone or iPod, although you need to buy the optional dongle to be able to do this. It also offers a rapid 3 second start up time and 7.1 channel high definition sound.

Summary

It seems that we are now starting to see Blu-ray Players which exploit more of the capability inherent in the system, as well as being more affordable. Those looking to try out the format would be well advised to look at this model.

Buy from Amazon 

Blu Rays You Should Not Have Missed From May

If your Blu Ray collection is in need of expansion, check out the films that are arrived in May 2010.

The Road
A bleak, pseudo-disaster movie with excellent central performances from Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron. Based on the novel by Cormack McCarthy, the chap who also wrote No Country for Old Men, it is not the most optimistic of films, but it does have powerful messages, beautiful landscapes and a tiny glint of hope at the end of the tunnel.

More May Released Blu rays

Avatar 3D planned for November 2010 Blu-Ray launch

James Cameron has confirmed that his hugely profitable 3D flick Avatar will be coming to home cinema users with all three dimensions intact, but you will have to wait until November this year until it finally arrives.

Some had hoped that Avatar would be one of the first movies to arrive on Blu-Ray when the 3D revolution kicks off in the summer of this year, but the film’s landmark technical achievements will not be completely available to consumers until the winter.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mr Cameron said that standard definition DVD and high definition Blu-Ray versions of Avatar would be released in April for US customers. However, by the time the 3D version arrives later in 2010, titles such as Cloudy, With A Chance of Meatballs will already have made their debut in 3D.

Some observers have expressed their annoyance at the decision, as it means that many consumers will pick up Avatar in 2D when it first makes an appearance and will then have to buy it again a few months later when the 3D version is released. Creating special collectors’ editions of movies is not particularly unusual, especially since the dawn of the DVD and the arrival of multiple endings, special features and director’s cuts.

However, Avatar will still be one of the first 3D Blu-Ray releases. It should be able to really show off the capabilities of the technology and hopefully generate enough interest to finally give Blu-Ray its killer app.

Blu Rays February 2010

Award season is fast approaching and you can check out some of the winners, nominees and no-shows in the latest slew of high definition releases on Blu Ray.

Stardust: Special Edition
This fantasy-epic was a surprise hit, not only because critics were won over by its charms along with the viewing public. Fairies, magic, fallen stars and Robert De Niro as a flying pirate must surely add up to make fun and entertainment for all the family. More February blu rays

Blu Rays Released January 2010

If you have been gifted with a Blu-Ray player this Christmas then you might want to buy some top-notch releases to enjoy in high definition. These are some of the films that are heading to the format in January 2010.

The Taking of Pelham 123
This is a breathless thriller which is rarely seen in today’s fantasy-obsessed movie market. Remade from a classic, this sees Tony Scott behind the camera and the anti very much upped. John Travolta plays a ruthless villain who hijacks a New York subway train and Denzel Washington is the average-Joe announcer who ends up negotiating the release of the hostages. Despite its generic scripting and predictable plot, the action set pieces are executed with confidence and speed. More January release blu ray

Blu-Rays Of The Month December 2009

December is often the month when the summer’s big blockbusters finally come to the small screen and what better way to enjoy the cinematic delights they hold than in high definition on the Blu-Ray format? Here are the best films getting released before Christmas 2009.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
It is arguable that unless you are going to see this film in high definition you probably should not bother getting it at all. This is largely because most of the action is so frenetic that it is impossible to work out just what is going on without having the crisp picture and high refresh rate afforded by the Blu-Ray version. In terms of plot, this is a bit of a mess, but if you are looking for a good amount of action and drama for your money then you will be hard pressed to find something more suitable.

  More December Blu rays

Blu rays of the month November 2009

It’s winter, it’s cold and we all want to be tucked up in bed rather that outside in the grim weather, preferably with some of the hottest Blu ray releases (and some warm buttered popcorn!) Luckily, there are some absolute scorchers due for release on Blu ray this November, so you’ll have plenty of excuses to curl up in front of the telly.

Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection
Due for release: 2nd November
Everyone loves Wallace and Gromit, with this Blu ray offering all of their family-friendly favourites on the one disc. Follow nutty inventor Wallace along with his ever faithful hound, Gromit in a complete selection of all of their Oscar winning adventures, including Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death.

November blu rays

Blu Ray of the Month October 2009

Another month, another selection of fantastic new movies, as well as the added bonus of loads of old classics becoming available in high definition on Blu Ray!

Observe and Report
This is a black comedy at its most subtle, released in stark contrast to Paul Blart: Mall Cop, the family friendly slap stick block buster which also follows the life of a Mall Security Guard in suburban America. Observe and Report, starring Seth Rogan of Knocked Up fame, is a very different film all together. Rogan plays a Mall cop who is delusional, depressive, schizophrenic and terminally naive. It’s got some laughs and comes close to being a great film, but some may find its subject matter and characters a little too disquieting for their tastes.

October Blu Rays

Blu rays of the month September 2009

With top notch new Blu-Ray releases hitting the shelves almost every day it’s hard to keep track, but here are the top high def movies to come out in September 2009. Better start saving those pennies.

This Is Spinal Tap 25th Anniversary Edition
The original rockumentary makes a return to the spotlight after a quarter of a century. Still considered by many music fans as the best biography of a band that never existed, its influence is still felt today in shows like The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The special edition even comes with a mini Marshal amplifier which doubled up as iPod speakers. Turn your HD TV to 11 and enjoy!

The Quick and the Dead
In the 90s the best western in town wasn’t Unforgiven, but this offering from Spiderman director Sam Raimi. Packed with shoot-outs and starring Sharon Stone and a fresh-faced Russell Crowe it’s an action packed epic that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Crank 2: High Voltage
Quite simply the most bizarre, indulgent, excessive and crude action film ever made, topping the insanity of the first outing in many ways. Jason Statham takes to the streets as Chev Chelios, a virtually invincible hitman who’s had his heart stolen by the Chinese mafia and replaced by an electric substitute. How does he keep his new ticker beating? With constant electric shocks. Mad genius at work.

Fast and Furious
The fourth film in the famous franchise saw a return to form earlier this year with fast cars, hot chicks and manly super studs all wrestling for superiority in the California deserts it’s got everything that a blockbuster could need. Also out this month is a box set containing all four of the films in the series in high definition, a must for all petrol-heads.

The Deer Hunter
Another classic from Robert DeNiro’s golden days, the Deer Hunter examines masculinity and relationships against the backdrop of Vietnam. It’s a true classic that rivals anything made by Scorsese or Coppola during the same period and will make a triumphant return in high definition.

State of Play
Arguably the most intelligent blockbuster released this year, it follows Russell Crowe’s investigative journalist from the oldschool and his young, female, blogging sidekick as they attempt to uncover government conspiracy. In many ways it’s an old fashioned thriller filmed in a modern way, but if you want to have your head and heart satisfied this is a good buy.

Snakes on a Plane
The film that proved the true power of the internet to influence the movies, it sees Samuel L. Jackson fending off attacks from pesky snakes whilst flying at 10,000 feet. Very silly stuff but endearing because of it. It shows that the 80s cheesyness hasn’t been completely washed away in a post-Bourne world.

Gladiator
Russell Crowe seems to be all over the September Blu-Ray release schedule and this is perhaps his most important entry onto this list. This movie won multiple Oscars and reminded the world that Ridley Scott was a great director. Ancient Rome has never been recreated with such atmosphere and authenticity and the gladiatorial fight scenes make Spartacus look like…well, Snakes on a Plane.

Fame
Just in time for the revamped remake, the classic 80s musical gets another going over for the high definition generation. The story of performing arts students trying to make it in the cutthroat world of show business isn’t tarnished by time and the delicious sense of place is a rare thing to find in any movie. If you’re a fan of Fame then you’re probably already rushing to pre-order it now.

Leon: Director’s Cut
Luc Besson’s entire back catalogue is making its way to Blu-Ray this month and Leon is the best of the bunch. Jean Reno stars as a hit man with a heart of gold, who takes a young Natalie Portman into his care and imparts some of his deadly knowledge to her in the process. Americans thought this was typically French, whilst French viewers though Besson had gone all American. Have a look and decide for yourself.

Dead Man’s Shoes
Before Shane Meadows took the world by storm with This Is England, he made Dead Man’s Shoes, a tragic and funny story following an ex-soldier seeking revenge on the local men who tormented his disabled brother whilst he was serving abroad. Typically English in its execution, it’s an involving and stylish film that invites close attention.

Freddy Vs Jason
Whilst both of these classic horror franchises went off the rails decades ago, this movie saw the rebirth of two cult horror stars, competing for the spotlight and fighting to rack up the highest body counts.

<Next Page » 1 2 Next Page »