Spoilers What Movie Are You Watching?

[0388631]

What kind of turntable did you get? I'm thinking about as a decent entry point: u-Turn Orbit, custom, red, acrylic platter, tone arm, upgraded to a Ortofon 2M red cart. External phono pre-amp to a small tube amp.

Well when I got back in it was slim pickings. Cheap and awful or moderately expensive and alright. I don't remember the specific model, but it's a Pro-Ject. Newer stuff is way better.

Price isn't dirt cheap, but I think entry models sound as good, and the good stuff has gone down in price just a tad but quality has risen. Which is weird when you think about it. It wasn't exactly reinventing the wheel.

Ba dum tish.

 

[D.T.]

Well when I got back in it was slim pickings. Cheap and awful or moderately expensive and alright. I don't remember the specific model, but it's a Pro-Ject. Newer stuff is way better.

Nice, I've cross shopped the Pro-ject Carbon, the AT-LP120, even considered tracking down a clean, used Technics SL1200

FYI, there was an interesting vinyl discussion here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/vinyl.2057221/

 

[0388631]

Nice, I've cross shopped the Pro-ject Carbon, the AT-LP120, even considered tracking down a clean, used Technics SL1200

FYI, there was an interesting vinyl discussion here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/vinyl.2057221/

The Audio Technica unit is really good. If I was more into vinyl (funny how that works now) I'd go with it as an upgrade. IMO, it's a better unit. I'm sure the new Pro-Jects are better than mine. Though I'm also sure Pro-Jects are mostly made of Shumiko or whatever their parent company is.

I don't spend much on vinyls each year. I have a budget, because I don't use it often and I don't like being wasteful. Though with Spotify Premium or Deezer, I don't even buy music anymore.

 

[LizKat]

Beginning of a new month so Netflix has some additions up for streaming, some of which I haven't seen. Hurt Locker is one of them. Also they've added some films I have enjoyed a re-watch of now and then, and among those is West Side Story. So one or the other of those might be my chosen alternative to the Superbowl tonight.

As usual I find myself annoyed enough at Netflix over having to get trailers from elsewhere that I have twice today closed the darn tab and gone back to reading a book. Once in awhile I might open another tab and go fish up a trailer from IMDb or just straight from You Tube when I see some offering on Netflix that I think I might want to watch, but I think I should not have to do that.

Supposedly the Netflix rationale for omitting in-site trailer options is that if you click on a title's postage stamp with its one-liner synopsis and the film starts playing, then you are likely to continue watching, further that the presence of trailers doesn't really help you find a movie you want to watch and after all the point of Netflix is to be watching "something". Well I find that so absurd as to be fake news even though I read it somewhere in Business Insider. To me those excuses are just that, excuses, and a mask for an annoying web design. Dear Netflix, what were you thinking?!

So never mind, I'm off to make a Greek salad and pretend it's summertime instead of this mini-blizzard, which I guess is to remind us it's February in case we've already forgotten. After that I'll toss a coin over whether it's a movie or a book instead of Superbowl LII. And yes since I saw the first one on TV, that does make me feel old!

 

[D.T.]

Beginning of a new month so Netflix has some additions up for streaming, some of which I haven't seen. Hurt Locker is one of them. Also they've added some films I have enjoyed a re-watch of now and then, and among those is West Side Story. So one or the other of those might be my chosen alternative to the Superbowl tonight.

As usual I find myself annoyed enough at Netflix over having to get trailers from elsewhere that I have twice today closed the darn tab and gone back to reading a book.

FWIW, the AppleTV App shows what I'd call an "auto trailer" when you stop on a selection for a couple of seconds - to be honest, it's actually kind of _annoying_.

Hurt Locker is fantastic.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Supposedly the Netflix rationale for omitting in-site trailer options is that if you click on a title's postage stamp with its one-liner synopsis and the film starts playing, then you are likely to continue watching, further that the presence of trailers doesn't really help you find a movie you want to watch and after all the point of Netflix is to be watching "something". Well I find that so absurd as to be fake news even though I read it somewhere in Business Insider. To me those excuses are just that, excuses, and a mask for an annoying web design. Dear Netflix, what were you thinking?!

Sounds like a bunch of BS to me too. Also Netflix’s “reasoning” is undercut by the fact that many (if not all) of their own productions do, in fact, include trailers.

 

[LizKat]

Sounds like a bunch of BS to me too. Also Netflix’s “reasoning” is undercut by the fact that many (if not all) of their own productions do, in fact, include trailers.

Well exactly right, and to me that says they just don't want the overhead of ensuring the links to the trailers are functional. Honestly I'd be less annoyed at occasionally hitting a busted trailer link in their site than never even having any trailers for their contracted streaming.

 

[0388631]

When you say trailers on Netflix, what exactly do you mean?

Decided to try a movie I don't recall watching from start to finish, but had seen parts of over the years. Fargo. Excellent movie. And then checked the final score. Pleasantly surprised. Going to try out the Fargo show later this week.

 

[LizKat]

When you say trailers on Netflix, what exactly do you mean?

Official movie trailers from the distributors, like you can find in You Tube or often by embedded links in reviews or on sites like IMDb or at Amazon, iTunes etc.

Netflix streaming now only seems to have trailers offered for their own productions.

Movies from other sources, from which Netflix contracts streaming rights, only seem to have a Play Movie link attached to their "postage stamp" images of what's available. One can expand the postage stamp to full screen to get a little more info about it but there's no Play Trailer feature.

There is some overhead involved in maintaining links to licensed productions, I would think. I know in iTunes they often show options for assorted trailers or clips in the description of a particular film, but sometimes not all of them work. The iTunes software solution to that appears to be a behind-scenes check of the link before trying to launch the trailer, i.e. just a trap and exit if there's an error, because if it's invalid, "nothing happens" from user's POV. In background they may compile lists of busted links for someone to fix or else remove the trailer's option from display to users. Maybe Netflix just figured they don't want that overhead.

 

[hawkeye_a]

Superman(1978)

 

[Huntn]

Superman(1978)

I really liked this movie.

 

[pachyderm]

I really liked this movie.

Ray Davies, of the Kinks, did too. Said he wept while watching it.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The Post.
It was terrible. Please save your time and money and skip it. Goes into my top 10 worst ever films I've seen. I think I'd have rather spen an hour and a half watching a post.

 

[LizKat]

The Post.
It was terrible. Please save your time and money and skip it. Goes into my top 10 worst ever films I've seen. I think I'd have rather spen an hour and a half watching a post.

I've read a few comments here and there noting that since the film is largely dialogue, no one should expect it to be the next Transformers or whatever. Since it's of a political nature I'm not surprised if reviews are mixed; it's increasingly hard for any of us to be objective these days about films treating politically controversial subjects. It was a momentous time to live through in real life, I can tell you that. The free press hung by a thread in those days while we waited for court rulings time and time again. I still expect to have a look at the movie when I can, but I'm trying not to have expectations of something akin to All The President's Men. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. But now I do feel fairly forewarned...

 

[0388631]

Official movie trailers from the distributors, like you can find in You Tube or often by embedded links in reviews or on sites like IMDb or at Amazon, iTunes etc.

Netflix streaming now only seems to have trailers offered for their own productions.

Movies from other sources, from which Netflix contracts streaming rights, only seem to have a Play Movie link attached to their "postage stamp" images of what's available. One can expand the postage stamp to full screen to get a little more info about it but there's no Play Trailer feature.

There is some overhead involved in maintaining links to licensed productions, I would think. I know in iTunes they often show options for assorted trailers or clips in the description of a particular film, but sometimes not all of them work. The iTunes software solution to that appears to be a behind-scenes check of the link before trying to launch the trailer, i.e. just a trap and exit if there's an error, because if it's invalid, "nothing happens" from user's POV. In background they may compile lists of busted links for someone to fix or else remove the trailer's option from display to users. Maybe Netflix just figured they don't want that overhead.

Oh. I'd read about that but I don't believe I've seen any. Much like before streaming, I'll do some last minute stuff while the warnings and whatnot are on screen. I'm trying hard to remember if I saw any trailers, but I think the only one I may have seen is when I began The Punisher. That contradicts my earlier statement in this post, but again, I'm not completely sure. I usually tap the "skip intro" button once it comes up.

I definitely believe we, as consumers, have become spoiled with all the advancements in web tech allowing companies like Netflix to do what they do. I've got fond memories of renting movies or show sets on VHS and DVD. Chain rental or mom and pop places. Often having to get a stoned Blockbuster or their competitors' employees to pay attention to the question you're asking. Good times. Choice was 'vast' too back then. And, of course, who can forget the mad dash one had to make to get a movie they so badly wanted to see before other patrons got a chance to rent it.

I remember when Titanic finally went to VHS, a few Blockbuster I always went to had adorned the entire stores in Titanic posters, figurines, figures made from cardboard and sold trinkets. Sometimes even playing audio lines from the film on the speaker system for the store.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I've read a few comments here and there noting that since the film is largely dialogue, no one should expect it to be the next Transformers or whatever. Since it's of a political nature I'm not surprised if reviews are mixed; it's increasingly hard for any of us to be objective these days about films treating politically controversial subjects. It was a momentous time to live through in real life, I can tell you that. The free press hung by a thread in those days while we waited for court rulings time and time again. I still expect to have a look at the movie when I can, but I'm trying not to have expectations of something akin to All The President's Men. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. But now I do feel fairly forewarned...

I knew nothing about the film before I went as it was my friends choice.
But as you know what's going to happen, the drama they try and build up around the decision to run the story, then the count ruling is false.
So take that away and I was left pretty cold.

 

[pachyderm]

I've read a few comments here and there noting that since the film is largely dialogue, no one should expect it to be the next Transformers or whatever. ...

Thank God for that?

 

[LizKat]

Oh. I'd read about that but I don't believe I've seen any.

You have seen them, I'm sure. I didn't describe them well enough. They are just previews of the movie. I don't mean the ads embedded in front of the feature like on a DVD. I mean the official teasers and other clips that are released to get you to want to watch the movie. God knows why they call them trailers since to me they're more like sneak peeks I guess. I suppose they used to follow main features in movie theatres. Then someone finally realized the audience is gone by then?

Anyway if you're like me and movies are not top of "what shall i do this weekend" then you rely on reviews and those trailers for some clue about a film. Clicking on an image on the Netflix site and having a full length feature start spooling out onto my display is not what I want when I'm trying to find out something about a movie. I want to see a preview.

The only problem I have with some of those clips --when the film either did or should have gone straight to DVD to begin with-- is that although they may not contain spoilers, they sometimes do have almost all the stuff worth watching if you then decide to view the whole darn movie...

 

[Huntn]

When you say trailers on Netflix, what exactly do you mean?

You have seen them, I'm sure. I didn't describe them well enough. They are just previews of the movie. I don't mean the ads embedded in front of the feature like on a DVD. I mean the official teasers and other clips that are released to get you to want to watch the movie. God knows why they call them trailers since to me they're more like sneak peeks I guess. I suppose they used to follow main features in movie theatres. Then someone finally realized the audience is gone by then?

Anyway if you're like me and movies are not top of "what shall i do this weekend" then you rely on reviews and those trailers for some clue about a film. Clicking on an image on the Netflix site and having a full length feature start spooling out onto my display is not what I want when I'm trying to find out something about a movie. I want to see a preview.

The only problem I have with some of those clips --when the film either did or should have gone straight to DVD to begin with-- is that although they may not contain spoilers, they sometimes do have almost all the stuff worth watching if you then decide to view the whole darn movie...

True! Every trailer for every movie ever made can be found on You Tube, like this one:

​

 

[Apple fanboy]

True! Every trailer for every movie ever made can be found on You Tube, like this one:

​

I never watch any Star Wars trailers. I know I'm going to watch it on opening day!

 

[kazmac]

Beginning of a new month so Netflix has some additions up for streaming, some of which I haven't seen. Hurt Locker is one of them. Also they've added some films I have enjoyed a re-watch of now and then, and among those is West Side Story. So one or the other of those might be my chosen alternative to the Superbowl tonight.

The Hurt Locker deserved every award it won. Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie were fantastic. I am not big on modern war films, but I couldn't resist seeing what Ms. Bigelow did with the material.

I was too busy watching X-Men Days of Future Past (which is quickly becoming a favorite of that series. Except for Ms. Lawrence's Mystique) to watch the Super Bowl except for the last minute.

 

[0388631]

Note to self: Pay more attention the next time you watch a film on Netflix.
[doublepost=1517973272][/doublepost]One thing that does bug me is that we're only just now seeing 4K Ultra HD material become available. Meanwhile, the hardware industry is moving full speed ahead on 5-8K stuff. What's the point?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Note to self: Pay more attention the next time you watch a film on Netflix.
[doublepost=1517973272][/doublepost]One thing that does bug me is that we're only just now seeing 4K Ultra HD material become available. Meanwhile, the hardware industry is moving full speed ahead on 5-8K stuff. What's the point?

The point is people by an HD TV. They are happy with it.
But the TV industry is not. They aren't selling enough.
So they release a 4K TV, you buy it.
They release a 4K HDR TV, you buy it.
Then the next, then the next.

All the time the majority of broadcasters (in my county anyway), are putting out HD content.

But people are sold the lie they need to buy to future proof. Little realising there is always a new technology being pushed on them as a must have.

 

[0388631]

The point is people by an HD TV. They are happy with it.
But the TV industry is not. They aren't selling enough.
So they release a 4K TV, you buy it.
They release a 4K HDR TV, you buy it.
Then the next, then the next.

All the time the majority of broadcasters (in my county anyway), are putting out HD content.

But people are sold the lie they need to buy to future proof. Little realising there is always a new technology being pushed on them as a must have.

Well, they've been producing HD content for over two decades now. Then there was Full HD (1080) that came out in the mid 2000s and already had a plethora of content. Initial 4K units came out roughly 6-7 years ago, becoming mainstream back in 2014. The problem right now is that very few major motion films are even recorded at 4-6K because the hardware to do so is limited and not mature like other camera systems. Sure, RED offers up to 8K, but the cost for rental on a production is higher than a 2-4K camera. Most films are recorded in 2K and converted up. Not a lot of films are being recorded in native 4K and up. HDR, well, that's just a color range.

http://realorfake4k.com/
https://referencehometheater.com/ultrahd-blu-ray-title-info/

I've been following this for years so it's not like I don't know the reasoning behind it. Just the majority of UHD material is actually upscaled video and not true 4K recordings exported as 4K. Planet Earth II is unique in that it's one of the largest documentary series (film if you want to call it) shot in native 4K and exported as such. Also had some scenes done in 5K and 6K. Very little scene work done in 2.8K.

Most TV providers won't ever support UHD as most who have the bandwidth capability send digital video that's capable at 1080i Mpeg 2 since 1080p isn't all that possible. On the other hand, satellite television providers do have the frequency ability to utilize 1080p video. Even FiOs (which is fiber) offers 1080i HD and not the p. 720p material tends to look awful on 4K, and that's what the majority of HD signal is today since investing in hardware to send out 1080i signal isn't cheap and thus it's limited in scope. Earlier 4K televisions were rather awful at correctly scaling the decrepit HD resolution, but now, newer televisions are pretty good at scaling 720p (HD) signals correctly.

It's infinitely easier for a provider to offer gig service (internet) and let consumers stream 720p, 1080p and 4K UHD+HDR material than invest in the hardware to make it possible via compression algorithms.

Generally, it's cheaper for ISPs to retain older bandwidth tech when it comes to digital video delivery and find better and more efficient compression algorithms than it is to invest money in an economy where more and more people are using online streaming. They open up more bandwidth to cable/fiber modems.

Future proofing is a good way to put it. However, some retailers offer and in-house upgrade component of additional warranties. You can upgrade in 5-6 years for a very small fee.


That said, we're looking at TVs at the moment, and I'm trying to figure out what the best is available now that also isn't buggy. Preferably, something with a decent remote, or upgrade everything and get one of those Logitech Harmony remotes.


The only real benefit in newer smart TVs is that they can now use 802.11ac and the 5 Ghz band, apart from better scaling.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, they've been producing HD content for over two decades now. Then there was Full HD (1080) that came out in the mid 2000s and already had a plethora of content. Initial 4K units came out roughly 6-7 years ago, becoming mainstream back in 2014. The problem right now is that very few major motion films are even recorded at 4-6K because the hardware to do so is limited and not mature like other camera systems. Sure, RED offers up to 8K, but the cost for rental on a production is higher than a 2-4K camera. Most films are recorded in 2K and converted up. Not a lot of films are being recorded in native 4K and up. HDR, well, that's just a color range.

http://realorfake4k.com/
https://referencehometheater.com/ultrahd-blu-ray-title-info/

I've been following this for years so it's not like I don't know the reasoning behind it. Just the majority of UHD material is actually upscaled video and not true 4K recordings exported as 4K. Planet Earth II is unique in that it's one of the largest documentary series (film if you want to call it) shot in native 4K and exported as such. Also had some scenes done in 5K and 6K. Very little scene work done in 2.8K.

Most TV providers won't ever support UHD as most who have the bandwidth capability send digital video that's capable at 1080i Mpeg 2 since 1080p isn't all that possible. On the other hand, satellite television providers do have the frequency ability to utilize 1080p video. Even FiOs (which is fiber) offers 1080i HD and not the p. 720p material tends to look awful on 4K, and that's what the majority of HD signal is today since investing in hardware to send out 1080i signal isn't cheap and thus it's limited in scope. Earlier 4K televisions were rather awful at correctly scaling the decrepit HD resolution, but now, newer televisions are pretty good at scaling 720p (HD) signals correctly.

It's infinitely easier for a provider to offer gig service (internet) and let consumers stream 720p, 1080p and 4K UHD+HDR material than invest in the hardware to make it possible via compression algorithms.

Generally, it's cheaper for ISPs to retain older bandwidth tech when it comes to digital video delivery and find better and more efficient compression algorithms than it is to invest money in an economy where more and more people are using online streaming. They open up more bandwidth to cable/fiber modems.

Future proofing is a good way to put it. However, some retailers offer and in-house upgrade component of additional warranties. You can upgrade in 5-6 years for a very small fee.


That said, we're looking at TVs at the moment, and I'm trying to figure out what the best is available now that also isn't buggy. Preferably, something with a decent remote, or upgrade everything and get one of those Logitech Harmony remotes.


The only real benefit in newer smart TVs is that they can now use 802.11ac and the 5 Ghz band, apart from better scaling.

My number one requirement when buying a TV is its ability to reproduce good colour and show a true black.

The number of 4K smart TV's out there that have terrible pictures is astounding.