What is the best 5 minutes to show when showing off your Home Theater? - Page 2  

Randy - looks like you have you watched that scene a few too many times!!

LOL

JK - no offense intended with a hair joke - just could not resist! :)

I agree with your reccomendation on Ice Age. A nice funny scene!

A good shocker scene for the quiet to immediate super loud is the chaper in Donnie Darko - when the sister just gets dropped off by her boyfriend...all is very very very quiet..and then....... :D Sends em up in the air every single time!!

Blow YOUR hair back, not mine! :D

As to demos being loud - why yes, some of it does need to be loud with big bass. That's why I like the opening to Ice Age since it does a full range. The whole idea of a demonstration is to show as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Of course, if you really want to see what my system can do, you need to stay for a whole movie!

Randy

So you go for dynamic range. Good point, I'll take that.

What about the theory that LOUD turns off the female gender to home theater? Or that doesn't matter? I'm gonna get some people in trouble with their wives. The theory has it that woman have more sensitive hearing especially in the higher frequencies so that when the volume is turned up the higher frequencies can inflict pain. We turn up the volume so that the bass has more impact. However, by turning up the volume we also turn up the volume of the higher frequencies but because we are male (and we tune out those high frequencies :D naturally of course) we are not afflicted by them. Are there any woman out there who can verify this? Guys, have your wives been telling you that its too loud? Have they told you that its so loud it hurts? More Curiosity :confused: I hope it doesn't kill me. Well before my wife does.

It's true that loud can turn a person off, ladies in particular. But it's also usually because the sound is jarring AND what subject matter it is. Black Hawk Down, Das Boot, Gladiator, The Patriot... anyone else see a common theme? If there are indeed ladies in the crowd, I'll put on something that's more "even" in volume levels and less abrasive. Even if it gets louder, they don't mind, because it's not the male, 'kick you in the balls' approach, it's easing into it more.

I think guys should remember this when they're trying to sell their wives on something... KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! As for me, it's "Look honey, Shaolin Soccer in DTS!" That gets her everytime! ^_^

Sheesh, sometimes this forum really brings out some weird conversations from me. ^_^

Off the top of my head, another good one that doesn't have to shake the house to be effective, would be in Titanic when Rose is looking for Jack while he's handcuffed in the other room. While the ship is creaking, lights are flickering, along with the sound of water rushing around her, it's a good creepy moment that puts you there.

I don't recall too much of a transition problem (I'm on the road this week, or I'd go take another quick look), but you might try looking for or making a 5 second black loop to insert between every chapter clip. You could do fades, but I prefer to not post-process the clips at all.

If you have a HTPC, playlists directly from the hard drive work great, too. But I like my demo DVDs because I've switched to a Momitsu and don't have a PC in the HT anymore.

Clarence (why do I feel like I am getting in debt to you? :) ), apparently we will be doing something like this. I say apparently because my wife told our friends that's what we'd be doing :rolleyes: Mind you it will be a cool thing to do now having spent 11mths on this build out.

Now onto the question. If you don't mind, do you recall what movies are on your disc (aside from ones already mentioned here)?

Also one scene I want to use is the first explosion in Swordfish, great soundtrack and effects. As for making up discs, I was planning on using DVDShrink to get the files, then something like Adobe Premiere or MS Movie Maker, or something :) to put them altogether and create a master.

- Brett

Monsters, Inc., next to Mike's New Car; "Six-wheel drive!"

I might add a chapter from a DVD Larry introduced to me... Blue Man Group in concert. I love the projected spectrum analyzer. I like the Devo/Ozzy tribute riffs.

Thanks again Clarence, I have been meaning to get the Eric Clapton discs for a while. Ebay bids now in place :)

With all this inspiration and my new speaker mounts I am now comfortable with the fact that the HT will be fully functional minus carpet - what ya gonna do? :cool:

For a non-violent sub workout, the ice field in Titan AE. Pretty good surround, too, and interesting visuals.

I used to use the launch sequence from Apollo 13, but after I began to acquire a variety of concert videos I found something I liked better: The final dance between the "Prince" and the "Sugar Plum Fairy" from the ballet The Nutcracker.

Tchaikovski's music for this famous Pas de deux has a full dynamic range which begins quietly and builds dramatically to the full orchestra playing fff. I have two different DVDs of Nutcracker featuring very different productions, but this particular duet uses the choreography of the original 19th century production in each case.

Ballet may be something of an acquired taste, but Nutcracker has proved popular with all ages for well over a century, thanks to the delightful story and the wonderful music. And classical dancers are among the finest athletes on the planet...graceful, strong, and in control...they seem barely human. I have found all ages like this as a demo...I think it runs slightly over five minutes...on a big screen with figures larger than life (and excellent sound) it's a knockout.

SodBuster,
Can you give us the specific title/edition you have. I am going to pick this up but I have a feeling there are lots of versions to choose from.

Thanks.

Dropzone-

You're right, there are quite a few versions. I was hoping to find a recording of the production designed by Maurice Sendak and mounted annually by Seattle Ballet, but I haven't done so yet.

First the strange version: this is called Maurice Bejart's production of The Nutcracker and is on the Image label. This is NOT the story of Clara and the nutcracker who becames a man, and travels with her to a magic land, etc. The music is still Tchaikovski (with some curious French accordion music added into the mix), but the story told is the biography of the producer/choreographer and his life in the world of dance. He is gay, and it shows. His mother abandoned the family when he was a child, and much of the "story" is about a search to find her. When I first watched this, I was aghast...but I couldn't wait to tell my wife about it and drag her in to watch it with me. There is much to admire and I have grown to like it, but it would never do as a replacement for the traditional ballet.

Here's the version I have of the traditional ballet: The Nutcracker performed by The Royal Ballet (Anthony Dowelll, Director). This is on the Opus Arte label and says BBC on the spine as well. This is an anamorphic recording made in 2000. The story is traditional, but the choreographer has made the role of Clara an older girl, on the brink of womanhood. This allows the role to be filled by a young adult (and more accomplished dancer), so she has an active role in many of the scenes and dances along with the ensembles that appear in the fantasy snow kindgom. I like this concept very much.

The role of Drosselmeyer has also been expanded, and is performed by Sir Anthony himself...he is more magician than godfather, and very much in charge of the magic. He is past the age of being an athletic dancer, and is limited to graceful gestures, etc. In his prime, he was the principal male dancer for the company and appeared in all the company's leading male roles. I think it's very nice to see him as Drosselmeyer.

There are a few extras on this DVD. One is a behind the scenes look at the stagecraft involved in the scene where the Christmas tree magically grows. Another is Dowell talking about the Drosselmeyer role. And a third is the choreographer discoursing on the perennial popularity of this work...he gives the music all the credit, which is something I can only agree with. The ballet music of Tchaikovsky is quite fabulous, whether it's Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, or Nutcracker. The dancers in this Royal Ballet production are flawless.

Enjoy!

I like the idea of building a DVD demo disc using shrink. Right now, I use the following:
Monsters Inc - when Sully skis down the snowy mountain - I still think it was a model and not CG
Jurassic Park DTS - on Laserdisc - T-Rex scene of course - picture is crappy, but the sound is amazing (especially with the rain all around)
Matrix - when Neo and Trinity save Morpheous - I love how you can feel the helicopter blades whir by
Episode 1 - on Laserdisc - the lightsaber duel with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul toward the end
5th Element - the recreation scene - I love the colors and the Diva singing scene

Blipszyc,

Why the Laserdisc versions?

Jurassic Park is DTS on my DVD, and Phantom Menace DVD is pretty solid reference material.

Just curious...

Have you ever heard the Laserdisc's compared to the DVD? Especially with Jurassic Park. With the Laserdisc, you can actually feel the T-Rex when he walks around the jeeps, while on the DVD, you feel nothing. The rain fall and thunder draws you into the scene on the laserdisc, but on the DVD, you have to have your ear next to the speaker to hear anything. Now this is the DTS version. I've never heard the DD JP DVD, but I'm guessing it must be similar. Back when the JP DVDs came out, there was much discussion over the LFE track and some even thought there was a 10db boost on the LD and that the DVD was how it was supposed to be. But, even if you boost the LFE 10db when playing the DVD, the effect is not the same. I vividly remember seeing JP in the theater, and I felt the T-Rex. The DVD is a poor rendition of it. Hopefully the HD-DVD rerelease will be better.

Phantom Menace is similar, but overall, I hate all the extra footage Lucas added to the DVD. The LD is the theatrical cut. The extra footage detracts more than it adds.

I see you're in Westlake. I'll have to have you over, once my new house and theater are complete, to hear the difference. I'll be in Solon.

All right! I'm always up for a Cleveland area meet & greet!

I have the Jurassic Park DVD and it is in DTS. It's really (almost too) heavy on the LFE channel. I'm almost afraid to hear the LD version if it's that much heavier!

Good luck with the new house & theater!

Here are screen captures from each clip on my demo disc.

A special prize for the first person who names them all.

 

demo-dvd-clips.zip 128.53125k . file

why did i just burn 1+ Hrs of my Sunday trying to figure this out:(

;)


1) Finding Nemo
2) Star Wars Ep 2
3) Eric Clapton Unplugged
4) Monsters Inc
5) Lord of the Rings - Return of the King
6) U2 Rattle & Hum
7) The Lion King
8) The Hulk
9) For the Birds
10) O Brother Where Art Thou
11) The Matrix
12) The Eagles Hell Freezes Over
13) Toy Story 2
14) The Fifth Element
15) Knick Knack
16) Blue Man Group or Last Call Vegas..
17) Hollow Man
18) Monsters inc???
19) Top Gun
20) The Terminator
21) Armageddon or Jersey Girl??
22) Armageddon???or Apollo 13....

mercury:

I think the last one is the DVE Montage.

1) Finding Nemo
2) Star Wars Ep 2
3) Eric Clapton (but not Unplugged)
4) Monsters Inc
5) Lord of the Rings - Return of the King
6) U2 (but not Rattle & Hum)
7) The Lion King
8) The Hulk
9) For the Birds
10) O Brother Where Art Thou
11) The Matrix (which one?)
12) The Eagles Hell Freezes Over
13) Toy Story 2
14) The Fifth Element
15) Knick Knack
16) Blue Man Group
17) Hollow Man
18) (this one will be tough... hint: music. I bought it a couple of months ago after reading a review in a Robb Report "Home Entertainment" magazine.)
19) Top Gun
20) The Terminator (which one?)
21) Armageddon
22) DVE (Bob was right)

11 is Revolutions

20 T2

18 Antz?

11 is Revolutions? (nope... tough to tell from that shot... it's the scene fighting "more").

18 Antz? (Nope... much tougher)

1) Finding Nemo
2) Star Wars Ep 2
3) Eric Clapton (but not Unplugged)
4) Monsters Inc
5) Lord of the Rings - Return of the King
6) U2 (but not Rattle & Hum)
7) The Lion King
8) The Hulk
9) For the Birds
10) O Brother Where Art Thou
11) The Matrix (which one?)
12) The Eagles Hell Freezes Over
13) Toy Story 2
14) The Fifth Element
15) Knick Knack
16) Blue Man Group
17) Hollow Man
18) (this one will be tough... hint: music. I bought it a couple of months ago after reading a review in a Robb Report "Home Entertainment" magazine.)
19) Top Gun
20) Terminator 2
21) Armageddon
22) DVE (Bob was right)

[quote]Originally posted by Clarence
[b]11 is Revolutions? (nope... tough to tell from that shot... it's the scene fighting "more").

18 Antz? Nope. (much tougher)
------------------------------------------
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18 is Animusic....



and 11,Reloaded;)

Yep... good job.

1) Finding Nemo
2) Star Wars Ep 2
3) Eric Clapton: One More Car, One More Rider
4) Monsters, Inc.
5) Lord of the Rings - Return of the King
6) U2: Go Home - Live from Slane Castle Ireland
7) Lion King
8) The Hulk
9) For the Birds
10) O Brother Where Art Thou
11) Matrix: Reloaded
12) The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over
13) Toy Story 2
14) The Fifth Element
15) Knick Knack
16) Blue Man Group
17) Hollow Man
18) Animusic
19) Top Gun
20) Terminator 2
21) Armageddon
22) Digital Video Essentials

I made an extra copy as a prize if you're interested. I had some fun and used my new printer (Epson R200) which prints directly on a DVD+R. I think it looks incredible.

One thing I noticed is that DVD Shrink put each clip as a separate Title instead of as a Chapter. Which means the "next chapter" button doesn't work on the remote (fast forward does, though). I'll have to read up on authoring tools to see if I can restructure these as Chapters.

I notice a small pause between clips. I think it does better when I used an entire Chapter from a DVD, instead of selecting my own start and end points. Or maybe it's when the sound mode switches?

Clarence, is Animusic widescreen? I thought that was one of the easy ones....

Thanks Clarence...and i just had my PG+ dialed in....;)

are these demo clips in 5.1??


Tom Scarano
45 Pineneedle st
Howell,nj 07731.....

it was fun,thanks a bunch!

Hi Tedd... nope, Animusic is 4x3 (Eagles too; and it looks like I chose the wrong format on Toy Story 2 which must have both formats on the same disc) but Animusic is 5.1... as are the rest of the clips.

Clapton, U2, Eagles, Fifth Element, DVE, and O Brother also have DTS.

mercury, I'll put a copy in the mail for you tomorrow.

wow thanks-

looking forward to it.