The new Prometheus movie trailer from Ridley Scott was amazing to watch. The visual effects based content presented in the trailer made a petty compelling case for going to go see the movie. When the distributor releases the movie on June 8, 2012 will the product have an audience that shows up? Paying customers are becoming an increasingly scarce commodity within the movie business. The last year has been particular rough for cinemas. The last major science fiction genre film released John Carter (2012) is on pace to set an unprecedented loss record for Disney. Will the Ridley Scott directed Prometheus be a box office release that is be able to draw in adult audiences?
Movies
The movie Moneyball came out on Blu-ray disc today
My review of the movie Moneyball was published on October 1, 2011 under the title, “Moneyball Movie Review.” Given my interest in the film, I decided to preorder the move on Blu-ray disc from Amazon. For the most part the transfer quality is pretty decent. Some of the interlaced footage had some serious artifacts.
Moneyball Movie Review
Full disclosure: I grew up watching baseball. I have been to a ton of Kansas City Royals games. I really enjoyed the Aaron Sorkin created Sports Night. Aaron Sorkin did a fabulous job during a series of appearances on the HBO show Entourage. On the other hand, please consider that I believe the National Football league (NFL) has usurped Major League Baseball (MLB) as America’s pastime.
Ok, disclosures aside: Let’s talk about the movie Moneyball. First and foremost the movie was well crafted definitely worth watching on the big screen. Joni and I decided to spend the $6.25 per ticket to watch the movie at our local Cinemark Theater. We try to schedule at least one activity per weekend. The early bird special saved us a couple of dollars. The theater included about 11 people broken into 6 groups. Everybody in the theater purchased at least one beverage and a large bucket of popcorn. A large soda and popcorn cost $11.50. Please keep in mind a bag of microwave popcorn and a 2 liter of soda would cost about $4.25. Movie theater economics and cost structures are important, but I will concede that Aaron Sorkin built a truly well written, layered, full featured character drama that unfolded from start to almost finish.
Over the years Moneyball will easily transition to syndication on television networks. Without being particularly memorable Moneyball provides an engaging escape into the world of professional baseball for about 100 of the 133 minute film runtime. My only real criticism of the film is the poorly written lackluster ending to the film. Maybe Sorkin got burned out during the rewrite and mailed in a cute but ultimately unsatisfying ending. Brad Pitt has developed into a versatile and well-rounded actor capable of delivering performance that are in the end unique enough to be differentiated between films. Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman delivered high quality performances. Jonah was remarkably reserved during the entire film.
People in general really enjoyed the 1988 Kevin Costner film Bull Durham. The true test of a movie involves the ultimate movie question, “Will people watch the firm more than once?” Baseball has been the subject of a number of movies. Very few baseball movies can be considered truly memorable. However, I feel strangely compelled to produce a top ten list about baseball movies.
A Definitive List: The Top Ten Baseball Movies of All Time
- Bull Durham (1988)
- A League of Their Own (1992)
- The Sandlot (1993)
- Moneyball (2011)
- Major League (1989)
- Field of Dreams (1989)
- The Bad News Bears (1976)
- Mr. Baseball (1992)
- The Natural (1984)
- Mr. 3000 (2004)
Feel free to response in the comments section with your own top ten list…
Friday Night Cinema
Based on recommendations from both James and David, I decided to rent the movie Limitless this evening. Strangely enough, the VUDU video service happens to be included in the new PS3 channels area. The HDX format presents 1080p content with Dolby digital plus 5.1 channel audio.
Digital DVD Copy Problems
During the Tuesday purchase of the new Star Trek DVD it seemed liked a good idea to purchase the edition with a digital copy of the movie. Based on a naïve presumption the DVD with the digital copy was placed into a laptop computer DVD player at which time a series of digital protection errors occurred. Apparently, the digital copy was nothing more than an expensive piece of silica sporting the Star Trek logo. Maybe the Paramount pictures website will provide some guidance about the problem. However, given the nature of copyright restrictions the system is probably performing normally and the digital copy was nothing more than a novelty gift akin to stuffed animals at a circus carnival.
S2 TBBT Arrived
Amazon decided to deliver the second season of The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) on digital video disc (DVD) earlier this week. Surprisingly the episodes seem to be flying by throughout the morning hours. TBBT should probably be expanded to an hour long format instead of the exceedingly short thirty minute format. For some reason, watching entire marathon seasons of television shows usually leads to procrastination or at least some form of distracted typing.
Reviewing TBBT S1
Andy from Chicago deserves a hat tip for recommending a complete viewing of season 1 of The Big Ban Theory (TBBT) television show on DVD. After watching the complete first season of TBBT progressively throughout the season the writing seemed to concede some of the physics dialogue for predictable plot devices. Overall, the first episode probably represented the best writing of the season. Usually, a pilot episode defines how much of a learning curve the writers will have during the season. Under normal conditions television shows typically reframe from dialogue referencing mathematics or physics. Results from TBBT will probably not translate to an increase in dialogue complexity throughout other television shows.
Watching The Big Bang Theory
Andy from Chicago has asked an interesting question about a show currently broadcast on the CBS network titled, “The Big Bang Theory.” A question exists about when an individual adopts a new television show. Specifically, should the individual viewer start at the current broadcast point or the very beginning of the show. Currently, the show has started a third broadcast season. Some television broadcasts do not build plot details or iterative themes and require very little effort from the viewer. In this case, a question remains about acquiring the first season of the show. Perhaps somebody with knowledge on the subject would be able to answer the current question.
Maybe somebody knows whether watching “The Big Bang Theory” is worth the time commitment…
1. The 17 episode first season of “The Big Bang Theory” would cost about $19.99 on Amazon.
2. Renting the “The Big Bang Theory” from a mail order delivery movie service would take several weeks.
3. Ignoring the “The Big Bang Theory” would require minimal effort.
4. Waiting for the box set of “The Big Bang Theory” could take several years, but could reduce the total price of viewership.
5. Alternatively, CBS might decide to release “The Big Bang Theory” episodes online with commercial interruption.
In any event, selection of one of the previously enumerated options will occur.
Transformers 2 Review
A few notes about Michael Bay’s already financially successful feature film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009). This sequel to the blockbuster Transformers (2007) has been in theaters for a few days. In terms of a blockbuster feature film premiering during the summer, the new Transformers film delivers a nearly nonstop string of entertaining moments mixed with computer generated explosions.
Joni thought the computer generated images depicting the transformers between various transformations degraded between the two films. Without question, the initial transformers feature film provided awesome graphics. During one of the special features on the Transformers (2007) DVD a discussion of the robot transformations detailed the efforts put into making them realistic. Unfortunately, the same degree of careful consideration for the computer generated transformations did not occur. Given the two year timeline between the two films, the computer generated images (CGI) should have increased in quality.
In the future, very few people will remember the transformers sequel as a science fiction classic. However, the film works in terms of providing pure entertainment, which is what the movie going experience is supposed to provide. Therefore, anybody interested in the prospect of entertainment in the form of science fiction blockbuster will enjoy Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009).
Angels & Demons Movie Review
Only 27 days after the opening, Joni authorized a lunchtime trip to the local movie theater to see the Tom Hanks film Angels & Demons. A review of the movie will be forthcoming later today or maybe tomorrow. Expect to see a few initial reactions about the movie on Twitter. Over the years, Tom Hanks has been involved in a very wide range of movie projects. After recently hearing Tom Hanks participate in an excellent radio interview on the Dennis Miller Show, it seemed like a good time to see the movie. Movies only have limited theatrical runs. Movie theaters could make money by showing classic movies on weekdays. A large catalog of movies exists. Based on the total catalog of available movies a classic movie Tuesday format could bring 52 movies a year to life on the big screen.
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Angels & Demons Movie Review…
Dan Brown probably should have crafted a stronger novel. Elements of the plot are interesting and could have been the seeds of a strong novel. Overall, some of the plot decisions seriously hampered the development of both characters and readability. Visually, the movie delivers stunning imagery. Tom Hanks worked within the backdrop of history. Tom Hanks delivered a high quality performance that almost overcomes the shortcomings of the novel. All of the artwork, architecture, and stunning background imagery made the movie. For the most part, the last third of the book really begins to unravel.
Terminator Salvation Tickets
Updated: Nels will be attending a Thursday evening showing of the Terminator Salvation theatrical film at the local movie theater. Nels went to see the theatrical release of Star Trek XI (2009) at 7:30 PM MST on Thursday May 7, 2009. Friday nights seem to be rather busy at the local Cinemark movie theater. Thursday evening movie releases provide access to the same product without the problem of overcrowding. For some reason, movie studios still engage in the limited midnight release of movies. If the movie theater will be playing the film at midnight, then why not just open the release at a reasonable hour. What is the point of limiting access to a product?
In terms of the Terminator franchise, Nels watched every episode of the television series, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Nels has also seen all three theatrical films released as part of the Terminator Franchise. The idea of technology gaining self awareness taking over everything seems unimaginable but also possible.
Nels will rank the Terminator franchise endeavors by personal preference.
1. The Terminator (1984)
2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
3. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008 to 2009)
4. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Where will Terminator Salvation rank within Terminator franchise endeavors?
Outside Improvements
Early today a car ride through Colorado Springs involved a trip to the Home Depot. Joni seems to think the yard would greatly improve with the addition of flowering plants. Instead of thinking about purchasing plants, Nels thinks about dinner. Nels has a gift card from Applebee’s restaurant to purchase dinner. Dinner tonight will include at least one real burger the real fresh real deal burger. After careful reflection, Nels cannot remember eating dinner at an Applebee’s in the State of Colorado. Maybe years ago Nels had dinner at an Applebee’s in the State of Kansas, but never in the State of Colorado.
The movie theater in Colorado Springs sells burgers. With any luck, the real burgers from Applebee’s should be better than movie theater burgers. Joni enjoyed the Star Trek XI (2009) movie. Later this summer, two movies worth seeing will be premiering at the local movie theater. Both Terminator Salvation and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen will probably be major Hollywood blockbusters.
Peppercorn the dog outside
Star Trek Review
Full disclosure, Nels has seen every Star Trek movie and every episode of all the Star Trek television series. Nels went to see the theatrical release of Star Trek XI (2009) during the evening on Thursday May 7, 2009. Twitter allows for very short movie reviews. Perhaps in the case of this particular review brevity makes sense, “Star Trek XI was more space cowboy than prime directive.”
Overall, reimaging established franchises seems to be the direction major movie studios are taking. The director and producers present very few utopian futurist promises during the movie. Instead of continuing the franchise by advancing the intellectual legacy of fifteen franchise endeavors, the film endeavors a fundamental intellectual reimaging.
Before seeing the new Star Trek XI film, Nels was concerned the reimaging would abandon the themes, tone, and feel of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The future of the franchise does not appear to focus on producing futurist visions of a better tomorrow.
Clearly, the movie studio intends the reimaging of the franchise to launch a series of future possible films. Will these films focus on the development of a better tomorrow? That possible outcome seems highly unlikely at this point.
Where will Star Trek XI fall within the list of best Star Trek franchise endeavors? Nels will now attempt to rate the best Star Trek franchise endeavors by preference.
Best Star Trek Franchise Endeavors as ranked by Nels’s preference
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)
2. Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn (2nd Film, 1982)
3. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 – 1969)
4. Star Trek: The Search for Spock (3rd Film, 1984)
5. Star Trek: Generations (7th Film, 1991)
6. Star Trek: XI (11th Film, 2009)
7. Star Trek: First Contact (8th Film, 1994)
8. Star Trek: Nemesis (10th Film, 2002)
9. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993 – 1999)
10. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1st Film, 1979)
11. Star Trek: The Voyage Home (4th Film, 1986)
12. Star Trek: The Final Frontier(5th Film, 1989)
13. Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country (6th Film, 1991)
14. Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001)
15. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001 – 2005)
16. Star Trek: Insurrection (9th Film, 1998)
Pick your three favorite Star Trek franchise endeavors…
Star Trek Expectations
Nels has Star Trek XI (2009) tickets for tonight. Amazing statistic: Nels has been caffeine free for twenty hours. Officially, movie theaters throughout the country will be showing the new Star Trek XI movie. Reimaging established franchises seems to be the direction major movie studios are taking.
Star Trek has a well established intellectual history. Modern iterations of the Star Trek franchise have abandoned the themes, tone, and feel of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Maybe the writers got tired of producing futurist visions of a better tomorrow.
Given the nature of reimaging an established franchise, the new Star Trek film should probably allow for future movies or television series. Would the movie studio finance and allow a Star Trek film that simply destroyed future possibilities?
Full disclosure, Nels has seen every Star Trek movie and every episode of all the Star Trek television series. Nels will now attempt to rate the best Star Trek franchise endeavors by preference.
Best Star Trek Franchise Endeavors
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)
2. Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn (2nd Film, 1982)
3. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 – 1969)
4. Star Trek: The Search for Spock (3rd Film, 1984)
5. Star Trek: Generations (7th Film, 1991)
6. Star Trek: First Contact (8th Film, 1994)
7. Star Trek: Nemesis (10th Film, 2002)
8. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993 – 1999)
9. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1st Film, 1979)
10. Star Trek: The Voyage Home (4th Film, 1986)
11. Star Trek: The Final Frontier(5th Film, 1989)
12. Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country (6th Film, 1991)
13. Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001)
14. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001 – 2005)
15. Star Trek: Insurrection (9th Film, 1998)
Where will the Star Trek XI fall within the list of best Star Trek franchise endeavors?
Himalayan Towers Documentary
The satellite dish in the backyard provides access to a television programming package from DirecTV. As a result, Nels now receives the Science Channel in High Definition. Last week Nels watched the Frederique Darragon directed and produced documentary film “Secret Towers of the Himalayas.” According to the information encoded in the broadcast the documentary film first aired on the Science Channel on November 20, 2003. Information about the film presents Frederique Darragon as a French explorer who has spent years studying the remote valleys of Tibet.
In addition to the documentary film, Frederique Darragon published the annotated photography book “The Secret towers of the Himalayas,” sometime around 2005. Several internet searches for the book did not provide any leads for legitimate resellers offering the book on the internet. Honestly, Nels would have probably purchased a reasonably priced eBook copy. No major online bookstores offer any publications from Frederique Darragon. Somewhere on the internet, somebody has a collection of Himalayan tower photographs.
Researchers could spend a lifetime documenting and studying the towers. Initial research presented in the documentary film suggests Tibet has about six hundred towers built between six hundred and one thousand years ago. The story of the Himalayan Towers presents a number of unique questions about history and significance. Strangely, most of the internet search results for the documentary include links to torrents. Perhaps most of the principle research on the Himalayan towers has not been translated into English. Nels will conduct a search for academic articles on the subject at some point in the future.
Theatrical Films Considered
Outside the door, foggy horizons cloud everything. Inside the door, the latest James Bond film “Quantum of Solace,” just started playing. Toshiba has successfully developed reasonably high quality digital video upconverting technology that allows video from a standard DVD to play at near HD quality using an HDMI cable. Without question, the video upconverting technology has significantly hampered the development of a standalone Blu-ray disc player market. Accepting the current economic realities should increase the level of consideration given to the video on demand (VOD) and video rental business markets.
After watching the latest James Bond film, “Quantum of Solace,” one question bubbled to the surface. Are the newest James Bond films ignoring a twenty film legacy in favor of mimicking the stylized action sequences of the Jason Bourne films? The theatrical potential of the Jason Bourne franchise has probably been completely exhausted. The James Bond franchise will probably continue indefinably fulfilling audience desires for action films. At some point, the movie studio will accept the failures of the current James Bond and the series will reboot.
X-Men Origins Wolverine
On May 1, 2009, 20th Centenary Fox will release the theatrical version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine starting Hugh Jackman. Unfortunately, the local Colorado Springs Cinemark movie theater complex will not be showing the film in IMAX. This oversight may have to do with the availability of an IMAX version. At this point, any major movie studio production should have an IMAX version. People who still pay for movie tickets expect a certain degree of entertainment value for the money, or they are purchasing movie tickets as some kind of avoidance behavior. The best technology for watching a theatrical release resides within the IMAX movie going environment. Nels will probably be attending the opening weekend release of this film. Nels has a weakness for comic book (graphic novel) inspired movies.
Blu-ray Technology Reconsidered
Sony should stop underestimating the transformational capacity of internet technology. At some point, the overpriced standalone Blu-ray disc players will have to decrease in price. Theoretically, increases in production over time should realize a certain economy of scale. Technology prices typically decrease over time. Prices on most Blu-ray players have hit a plateau of around three hundred dollars. The true unrealized price point for widespread Blu-ray player adoption by the public is somewhere around one hundred dollars.
Apparently, Sony has not developed a truly healthy fear of video on demand (VOD) services. If the Sony executives were paying attention, then they would want to flood the market with Blu-ray players before the widespread adoption of VOD technology occurs. Everyday technology enthusiasts receive additional exposure to developing VOD services from cable providers, satellite, and internet based companies. The market for Blu-ray discs could realistically evaporate within the next five yeas.
Perhaps a full disclosure of sentiments would expand the discussion at this point. As a technology enthusiast with futurist tendencies, purchasing a Blu-ray player feels like expanding the baseball card collection. Realistic people know the technology is swimming upstream looking to establish a position within the market. At some point, everyone will use VOD technology. Most people will probably never own a Blu-ray player. A futurist might speculate about the potential for Blu-ray technology to replace DVD as a data storage medium. Unfortunately, the price of individual Blu-ray discs precludes the possibility of a data storage business.
DirecTV VOD
Nels has decided to test the DirecTV video on demand downloading system. The system allows free video on demand access to various content including the 1981 Ivan Reitman film Stripes. Access to the DirecTV video on demand system requires an active internet connection. Access to the content is completely separate from the satellite system. Given the bandwidth considerations, the internet connect has to be separate form the DirecTV satellite dish system. Over a standard DSL internet connection, the movie Stripes took about three hours to download using the video on demand system.
This type of system does not provide instant access to on demand streaming video. At some point in the future, a significant increase in bandwidth available to the system will create the possibility of true on demand video streaming. True streaming internet video will fundamentally alter the current business model implemented by broadcast television stations. At some point in the future, people will have the option to select content based on individual preferences. Individual preferences will always trump a broadcast schedule. Entertainment content providers are about to face a deconstruction of traditional business models.
Overall, the DirecTV video on demand system shows true potential for future development. Requiring a combination of internet bandwidth and satellite dish contracts will limit the total number of potential participants. Internet access will eventually be nearly universal. Satellite access will probably never be universal. However, given the nature of the video on demand system having satellite access is not actually required.
Summer Movies
Nels went to see the Watchmen motion picture on the IMAX screen in Colorado Springs. Sometimes the Hollywood industrial complex produces entertaining content. Most of the time movie studies expose viewers to derivative content that produces low quality and poor entertainment value. For the most part the quality of television writing equals or surpasses the much more expensive production values of major motion pictures. However, this summer the Hollywood industrial complex has ramped up production. Structurally, major studies will introduce several science fiction and fantasy films within a matter of weeks. Given the increasing cost of attending a motion picture, the movie studio is assuming the general moving going audience will be willing to pay for a minimum of five highly priced tickets. Avid movie goers might attend each of the movies. To attend all the summer movies a theater patron would have to allocate disposable income into the entertainment category.
May 1, 2009 —– X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 8, 2009 —– Star Trek XI
May 21, 2009 —– Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins
June 24, 2009 —– Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
July 17, 2009 —– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Thinking Hulu
Nels watched some classic episodes of Highlander on Hulu the free streaming internet video service. File sharing services allowed people to illegally access copyrighted content. Certain online organizations have resolved the copyright problem. Instead of spending ridicules amounts of money to purchase classic television shows on DVD, people can find a large amount of content is now available through streaming internet video. Hulu focuses on a business model based on supplying streaming internet video content supported by advertisements.
STARGATE Movies
Like many fans of science fiction, Nels will be watching both Stargate the Ark of Truth and Stargate Continuum this evening. Tonight the Science Fiction Channel will be televising the broadcast premier of both Stargate SG-1 movies. The marketing campaign for both 2008 movies involved direct to DVD sales followed by broadcast television. Stargate the Ark of Truth and Stargate Continuum will be premiering on broadcast television. People who followers the Stargate franchise have probably already seen the movies. A large number of people will probably watch the Science Fiction Channel tonight.
Highlander Marathon
Today the Science Fiction Channel is broadcasting a classic Highlander television show marathon. Even the SCIFIHD channel broadcasts the classic Highlander episodes in standard definition. At some point in the not so distant future, all broadcast television will be high definition. This change in broadcast quality will reduce the number of syndicated standard definition televisions shows to a number approaching zero. The Highlander franchise involved television shows a handful of movies. All of the Highlander theatrical releases faced an inverse stratification curve compared to the quality of the first movie. The Highlander franchise has a very specific audience of people loyal to the concept and willing to indulge various production qualities. Given the current reimagining trend in science fiction programming it is only a matter of time before the some Hollywood executive decides to revive the Highlander franchise.
The Watchmen Movie
The Watchmen theatrical motion picture release took twenty one days to reach one hundred million dollars in domestic theater returns. After extensive reflection, the original Watchmen movie review holds: violent, but good. Zach Snyder was able to build a cinematic translation of the graphic novel. Comic books have fallen out of popular favor. Some graphic novels transcend the world of comic book collectors. Society in general accepts these rare graphic novels as works of art. Reprints of the entire Watchmen series have made the collection accessible for general reading. As of result of this general accessibility, fans have certain expectations for any cinematic translation of the graphic novel. Zach Snyder succeeded in making a violent, but good movie.
Stargate Universe
Relevant interested parties can find a new trailer available online for Stargate Universe. Both the Science Fiction Channel and MGM have made the trailer available to the public.
TOP 10 SCIFI SHOWS
This original list of the top ten science fiction television shows derives completely from the thoughts of Nels. Building a list of the best science fiction television series of all time requires significant and careful consideration. Some of the best shows did not have long television runs. Television executives have never really given science fiction television series enough respect. Executives did prematurely cancel the original Star Trek television series.
- Firefly
- Farscape
- Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Stargate SG-1
- Dr. Who (10th Doctor)
- Torchwood
- Andromeda
- Battlestar Galactica
- Stargate Atlantis
- Star Trek
Battlestar Galactica Series Finale
The Science Fiction channel will broadcast the last two hours of the Battlestar Galactica series tonight. Since the broadcast of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica miniseries in 2003, science fiction fans thought the world have followed the groundbreaking series. Overall, the show has had significant highs and lows. The writers working on the Battlestar Galactica project have continued to present interesting plotlines and challenging intellectual concepts. Working within the science fiction framework allows the writers to deal with highly complex social issues. People in general are willing to consider complex issues without the constraints of contemporary society. The true test of any television series involves longevity and syndication. People are still watching the original 1978 Battlestar Galactica series. In thirty year, will people still be watching the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series?
Notes on alternative considerations…
Given the nature of the content recycling that has already occurred within the Battlestar Galactica franchise, a spinoff or alternative concept show is inevitable. Once the producers figured out the public will allow television to recycle content a door opened forever. According to reports, the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series has been profitable for all parties involved. Profit motives exist within capitalist systems raising the prospect of future attempts to produce profitable television shows. At least two tangential projects are currently under development including a movie called “The Plan” and a television series called “Caprica.”
Watchmen movie review
Here is another Watchmen movie review: violent, but good. Zach Snyder was able to build a cinematic translation of the graphic novel. Comic books have fallen out of popular favor. Some graphic novels transcend the world of comic book collectors. Society in general accepts these rare graphic novels as works of art. Reprints of the entire Watchmen series have made the collection accessible for general reading. As of result of this general accessibility, fans have certain expectations for any cinematic translation of the graphic novel. Zach Snyder succeeded in making a violent, but good movie.
Watching X-Files
David Duchovny worked on 176 episodes of the X-Files between 1993 and 2002. Several months ago, COSTCO had a significant price break on entire seasons of the X-Files on DVD. Given the nature of the show and the entertainment value of the X-Files, in general it seemed like a good idea to purchase seasons one to four on DVD. The first season of the X-Files held up pretty well to modern viewing. A widescreen version of the X-Files would be preferable to the standard television format. Most of the standard graphics and computer generated images should be updated to reflect advances in graphical imaging technology.
Waiting for movies
The satellite cable dish provides several hundred channels of television. Most of the channels provide content that is not interesting or inspiring. The satellite dish network provides about two dozen high definition channels. Not only is high definition content available from the satellite dish network, but also high definition broadcast is available from the local channels. After some reflection, I am still surprised to think that local broadcast stations are utilizing high definition technology. The cost of buying a high definition digital video disc player is still several hundred dollars. At some point the cost of buying a high definition video disc player, will drop below $100. Maybe when the high definition video disc player joins the stack with the VCR and the standard definition video disc player the world will suddenly make sense.
In preparation of the future price reduction in high definition video disc players I have decided to join the online Blockbuster movie pass. For some reason, even with access to hundreds of streaming television channels I still anticipate the United States Postal Service delivery of movies from Blockbuster. Part of the response is probably irrational. The other part of the response is probably related to my dislike of commercials. When I am working I like the background noise of having a movie playing. In terms of background noise old television series are a great source. Fortunately old television shows are now available on digital video disc.
The Blockbuster system works by requiring the user to develop a list of movies online. Movies from the list are then shipped by the United States Postal Service one at a time. A user then can use the United States Postal Service to return the movies to Blockbuster or return the movies to a Blockbuster store. Avid movie watchers eventually face the challenge of finding new sources of movies. The online movie selection is larger than the selection at the Blockbuster stores. Depending on the Blockbuster store at times no movies available that I actually want to watch. Maybe now is the time to start writing movie reviews. However the Internet is particularly full of movie reviews. Entire online groups are devoted to the practice of reviewing movies.
Recently, I have been looking online for reviews of science fiction movies. Specifically, I have been looking for reviews of science fiction movies involving space travel. For some reason it is common practice to include fantasy, science fiction, and horror films in the same category. Within the genre of science fiction films a multitude of subfields exist. For example subfields could include disaster films, psychological thrillers, paranormal activity, or even technology driven themes. In general, I am willing to watch almost any decent science fiction film.
