Listmania!
Early HD DVD Adopter
By an Amazon.com customer
Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD PlayerToshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player
Buy new: $407.99 / Used from: $135.00
I wasn't planning on getting an HD DVD player. Really. But add poor Blu-Ray reviews and the fact that this HD DVD player costs one half of what a Blu-Ray players does, and there you go.
The Chronicles of Riddick (Unrated Director's Cut) [HD DVD]The Chronicles of Riddick (Unrated Director's Cut) [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $4.25
I liked this movie already. It's beyond over the top. Crazy dialog and amazing visuals. Snobs need not apply. And it looks AMAZING on HD DVD. This is my choice for a demo disc.
The Phantom of the Opera [HD DVD]The Phantom of the Opera [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $3.65
Again, amazing visuals on HD DVD. I don't like musicals, but the melodies are fine and the production values are terrific.
Lethal Weapon [HD DVD]Lethal Weapon [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $7.00
I couldn't believe that a 20 year-old flick could look this good. Some grain and loss of detail at times but impressive. Nice to have one flick that fills a widescreen set, too.
The Chronicles of Riddick - Pitch Black (Unrated Director's Cut) [HD DVD]The Chronicles of Riddick - Pitch Black (Unrated Director's Cut) [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $4.47
I like the sequel more, but the early "hazy" scenes are much more effective in HD than on standard DVD.
Training Day [HD DVD]Training Day [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $2.66
Again, stunning picture. Sure, HD makes eye-popping sci-fi look great, but Earth can look pretty cool, too. Plus you get to watch the great Denzel Washington.
U-571 [HD DVD]U-571 [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $2.60
Another stunning demo disc. Here I'll mention the audio that "shines" whether the mix involves rain, gunfire or torpedo explosions.
Serenity [HD DVD]Serenity [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $3.45
Frankly, I wasn't blown away by the visuals, but I liked the FIREFLY TV series, and this movie boasts one of the better villains in recent years.
Van Helsing [HD DVD]Van Helsing [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $3.99
Again, a nice, entertaining flick. Blu-Ray may have UNDERWORLD, but HD DVD fans get Kate Beckinsale in a corset here, too.
Goodfellas [HD DVD]Goodfellas [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $3.20
My favorite Scorsese film. Not a demo disc but essential viewing with a good assortment of extras.
Sleepy Hollow [HD DVD]Sleepy Hollow [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $4.68
Despite good online reviews, I didn't think much of this transfer. The wallpaper in the background in one scene seemed to pulse, and I was disappointed. However, this is a nice, moody horror flick.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider [HD DVD]Lara Croft: Tomb Raider [HD DVD]
Buy new: $23.99 / Used from: $2.27
Angelina Jolie in Hi-Def. What more could you want? Yes, it's a movie based on a video game, but it's got fun action. Did I mention Angelina?
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow [HD DVD]Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $1.91
The "hazy" nature of the original print makes this one more difficult to judge. Not a favorite film of mine but more than enough eye candy to keep one interested.
Constantine [HD DVD]Constantine [HD DVD]
Buy used from: $1.90
Another movie filled with effects. I liked the comic book series. Also packed with extras (unlike early Blu-Ray discs).
EquilibriumEquilibrium
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $2.58
NOT available in the U.S. but there IS an HD DVD of EQUILIBRIUM from Japan. I have a copy and it's worth it for fans. Do NOT use the link for purchase.