I know there's a backyard theater forum but this is more about BD title selection than anything else. I built my outdoor screen in 2.35 CIH but it's only 10' wide. I'll always lean towards 2.35 native so that I can maximize viewing size but I'll compromise. If it matters, I'm running a Z2000 off a PS3.

The crowd is going to be 25-50 mixed male/female, no kids. I was thinking of either cult classic or modern action or comedy.

If Pulp Fiction was avail on BD, I'd be all over it.
If Blues Brothers or Trading Places were in 2.35, they would be close seconds.

Looking through the PQ tier thread was helpful in at least finding out which BD/2.35 discs are out there, but I'm still having a hard time deciding. Maybe Oceans 11, Hitch, Superman, or Die Hard with a Vengeance?

Ideas please....?

Casino Royale (in time for the new one)
Kill Bill double feature.
Batman Begins (again with the new one)
Doomsday (kind of a drive in feel)

When is the event?

I would suggest Ironman or a new release if the main focus is to have ppl over for a movie. If it's part social (ppl standing in the back drinking and talking) and part movie, then most any title will do that would have a wide appeal. Pulp Fiction would be an odd choice (even though everyone should be well aware)...but something that includes a lot of violence and male rape would be a tough for a mixed audience. Now my wife loves PF, but for every Eileen on our block, there are 8 who wouldn't enjoy that choice in films.

I would narrow my choices to something light or comedy...something that doesn't require a lot of attention. I would also (for myself) not chose a film that would be better in an enclosed dedicated theater, where an action film would be better appreciated.

Duh, important detail left out. It's on 9/27/08 which is just short of a LOT of releases I would have considered including Iron Man.

Duh, important detail left out. It's on 9/27/08 which is just short of a LOT of releases I would have considered including Iron Man.

If you goto the Ironman thread, you might find info on where to get it a little early. ;)

Here's a couple of new release choices:

Run, Fatboy, Run. Is a great (IMHO) light romantic/brawdy british comedy from Simon Pegg. My wife and I really enjoyed it...not a classic, but I don't think it would disappoint. Surprisingly for a comedy it's scope ratio. Another option, though not nearly as funny (in fact it was more serious than I thought) was Leatherheads with Clooney. It's also scope and is being released next week.

Here's a suggestion of a 1.85:1 comedy that surprisingly not many have seen....."Death at a Funeral" It's available in HDdvd import, but only SD here in the states. Very funny laugh out loud comedy.

When is the event?

I would suggest Ironman or a new release if the main focus is to have ppl over for a movie. If it's part social (ppl standing in the back drinking and talking) and part movie, then most any title will do that would have a wide appeal. Pulp Fiction would be an odd choice (even though everyone should be well aware)...but something that includes a lot of violence and male rape would be a tough for a mixed audience. Now my wife loves PF, but for every Eileen on our block, there are 8 who wouldn't enjoy that choice in films.

I would narrow my choices to something light or comedy...something that doesn't require a lot of attention. I would also (for myself) not chose a film that would be better in an enclosed dedicated theater, where an action film would be better appreciated.

Iron Man will be showing at my outdoor theater two weekends from now!!!

Casino Royale, decision made :D

XXX or Gone in 60 Seconds

XXX or Gone in 60 Seconds

If you dont want company to come back.:D

May I suggest Transformers? Heh :P

A few unusual choices :

The simpsons Movie - 2.40 - Might not be for everyone.
The Prestige - 2.35
Michael Clayton - 2.40

Marty.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I had a few people suggest Transformers but the only concern I have is that while it's new-ish and widely enjoyed, it's also old enough that it's likely been seen by everyone and very recently. If I'm going to go recent, it ought to be recent like released this week.

I have a few on my short list that I'd like you to confirm or talk me out of for one reason or another. Some are compromises to SD resolution but I'm really leaning away from them:

Oceans 11, 2.35 wide and bluray, Action/Comedy, all star cast.
Superman, 2.35 wide and bluray. Classic.
Hitch, 2.35 and bluray, Will Smith light comedy.
Independence Day, 2.35 and bluray. A little long, but good movie.
Ghostbusters, 2.35 but not bluray!, Classic Comedy, allstar cast.
Grease, 2.35 but not bluray, Cult Classic, good music for those not paying attention.
True Lies, 2.35 not bluray. Action/Comedy.
The Rock, 2.35 bluray, Action.
I Am Legend, 2.35 and bluray, A little intense for a fun night.
Blazing Saddles, 2.35 and bluray. Classic Comedy, #6 on AFI top 100 comedies

Keep in mind, I do agreee with some of the more obscure selections as being good movies but I'm going for really wide appea.