blu-ray

Top 10 music Blu-ray discs

I've received so many great-sounding Blu-rays over the past couple of months, I had to put together a Top 10 list.

A lot of them didn't make the cut; just because a Blu-ray has a high-resolution soundtrack doesn't automatically mean it sounds great; the variables of the original recordings and mixing can make or break the sound. For example, Tom Petty's "Mojo" Blu-ray doesn't sound much better than the CD version of the same music, but it does have an uninspired 5.1 surround mix. All of the following discs are distinctly better … Read more

Blu-ray player holiday buying guide

If you're thinking of picking up a Blu-ray player this holiday season, the buying process can be overwhelming.

The differences between different models are often minor; every manufacturer supports a difference suite of streaming-media services and they all pretty much look the same. And a lot of the information you need to make an informed choice isn't readily apparent by browsing the placards at a local retailer.

Luckily, you can narrow your choices quite a bit by asking the right questions. We've isolated the most important features, and once you've made your picks, you should be … Read more

Get a Samsung Blu-ray player with Netflix for $49.99

With Blockbuster hanging by a thread and Netflix clearly positioning itself to exit the movies-by-mail business at some point down the road, buying a Blu-ray player might not seem like the smartest move.

Unless, of course, that player is a mere 50 bucks. While supplies last (and they never seem to last long these days), Best Buy has the refurbished Samsung BD-C5500C Blu-ray player for $49.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states).

Update: Sold out! If you're still keen on this model, Tech for Less has it for about the same price: $43.97, plus $7.70 … Read more

Get an Epson Home Cinema 6100 1080p projector for $699

Today's deal is a little weird. Awesome, but weird.

Fry's has the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 1080p projector for $699, plus $10.44 for shipping. It's new, not refurbished, making this the best deal I can recall seeing for a 1080p projector.

What's the weird part? The Fry's site says it's "available for preorder," so there's no way to know when you'll actually get it. Hmmm.

Update: It now shows in stock!

Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained cheaply, right? Having just reviewed a similar projector priced at $1,500, … Read more

Wondershare's ultimate video converter

Wondershare's Video Converter Ultimate is, as its name suggests, the ultimate video utility for Windows users. But more than just a file converter, the program is a DVD ripper, DVD burner, Web video downloader, 2D-to-3D converter, audio ripper, and even a bare-bones video editor.

It's interface is simple and straightforward, as it has all the major functions laid out as icons along the top of the window. All of the controls are intuitive, and it even lets you drag-and-drop video files.

For the most part, Video Converter Ultimate performs exceptionally well. Exactly as advertised, it lets you quickly … Read more

Get a 3D-ready Samsung Blu-ray player for $69.99

I have mixed feelings about 3D. Much as I enjoyed "Avatar" and "Despicable Me" on the big screen, I'm not exactly dying to bring the 3D experience into my home.

On the other hand, why not give myself the option? All I need is a 3D-ready TV (or projector) and Blu-ray player. Today only, and while supplies last, DailySteals has a killer deal on the latter: a refurbished Samsung BD-D5500C 3D-capable Blu-ray player for $69.99, plus $4.99 for shipping.

That price rivals, and even exceeds, most of the non-3D Blu-ray players I'… Read more

Disney plans 3D party in theaters and on Blu-ray

Disney is doubling down on 3D with a mix of big-screen 3D rereleases and a big "Toy Story" rollout on Blu-ray 3D.

While analysts across the board are wondering if the general public wants movies in 3D at home or at the multiplex, a chorus of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" resounded from Burbank as Disney dominated the box office the last couple of weeks with the 3D theater release of "The Lion King."

So, forever an entity eager to make hay while the cartoon sun shines, Disney has announced more 3D rereleases of animated classics. The limited theatrical engagements will include "Beauty and the Beast" on January 13, 2012; Pixar's "Finding Nemo" on September 14, 2012; Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." on January 18, 2013; and "The Little Mermaid" on September 13, 2013.

On the home front, the "Toy Story" trilogy will hit on Blu-ray 3D on November 1. … Read more

'Pulp Fiction' finally arrives on Blu-ray

Strike another one off our list of best movies not on Blu-ray: "Pulp Fiction" is finally available after years of waiting and it's priced pretty reasonably on Amazon for $15.99 right now.

We're happy to report that both the video and sound are stellar (apparently director Quentin Tarantino personally supervised the production of the Blu-ray). And while there isn't a whole lot in the way of new of extras that are different from what you'll find on the two-disc Collector's Edition DVD, you do get a set of new retrospective cast interviews … Read more

Tokyo trains get Star Wars lightsaber handrails

The Force is now strong with train commuters in Tokyo. Lucky subway travelers are able to wrap fingers around handrails that have been transformed into life-size lightsabers.

According to Japan Trends, the lightsaber handrails are part of a promotion by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan for the release of the complete "Star Wars" saga in a Blu-ray boxset.

These are not just lifeless wrap-arounds. The lightsabers have built-in LEDs. Squeeze a button and it lights up. You'll have to provide your own sound effects, but I know you've been working on those ever since you saw the first movie.

Unfortunately, the handrail lightsabers are fixed in place, which makes it difficult to carry out epic battles in the train aisles. Perhaps you could sneak a Spyder III Pro Arctic laser or JediBot onto the train with you and re-create your favorite scenes from "The Return of the Jedi."… Read more