Recommend 1.85:1 AR discs that have top PQ

Hulk

I would say for demo and wow factor, you should try some music concerts. The Eagles disc and Cream HD DVD are outstanding in terms of PQ and sound. In addition, the songs on those disc are perfect demographic match IMO for your typical HT enthusiasts.

The Searchers is stunning.

Heroes Season 1 is not demo material. There is way too much grain and not enough sharp, wow 3D moments.

I thought "Babel" looked amazing. Lots of different film techniques in it, some fine film grain, but a very "film-like" presentation.

Corpse Bride

Agreed on Babel and Corpse Bride, and I'd also add:

- Blades of Glory (not exactly a visually interesting film, but the HD DVD is a beautiful reproduction of the source materials)
- Les Triplettes de Belleville (French release - actually a 1.66:1 movie, so thin black bars on the left and right of the frame)
- Mr. Bean's Holiday
- Children of Men

The bottom two have a small amount of ringing, but otherwise are excellent.

Do you want 1.85:1 or are you OK with HD aspect 1.78:1 ?

Art

Technically not grain but noise generated during filming (shot in video). Some of it seems to be done for a reason, but some of it limitations by the equipment they were using.

For conventional films, try World's Fastest Indian, Blades of Glory, Hulk, Knocked Up, or Ant Bully.

World's Fastest Indian.

Inside Man

Do you already own The Triplets of Belleville? I placed my order with amazon.fr, it should arrive next week, but I'd like to head your thoughts on the HD-DVD. The one review I read gave a 5/5 for PQ, so I'm very excited to receive my copy.

As for the OP's question, I'd definitely recommend Children of Men. Also A Scanner Darkly.

how is children of men, i thought it was good

The HD-DVD? Considering it's drab look, the PQ is excellent. One of the best imo, as far as the 3D effect goes.

thats 2.35:1

Hulk and Corpse Bride for certain. I think that TMNT looks real good.

Oops...realized right after I posted that TMNT was scope.

TMNT is 2.35:1 IIRC

Galapagos and Planet Earth are very good demo material.

Best Animated 1.85 Ive Seen: Corpse Bride
Best Real 1.85 Ive Seen: Children of Men <== Loved this movie!

Ant Bully

That depends on the episode more than anything. Episode later in the season look a lot better. The level of detail in the episode "Company Man" is downright astonishing. The best one seems to be the season finale, which should look good since it got a disc all to itself.

A Scanner Darkly looks amazing.

I do indeed. I got mine from FNAC.com, and it arrived yesterday. 1920x1080 screen captures from the disc are on my site here.

Ray
Children of Men
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Meet Joe Black
Out of Sight
One Six Right

Have to disagree with you there. I was seriously disappointed by this one - horrible edge enhancement.