Suggestions for my first BLU-RAY DVD purchase?

[JTrotter]

My SONY BLU-RAY player is on its way to my house after cashing in some Rewards Points from AMEX and I am psyched BUT I am debating on what should be my first title to purchase to maximize my HD experience. Anybody have any good suggestions?

We have, I think it is a 57" SONY WEGA TV (not that it matters) but I am trying to find the PERFECT first title. I was hoping that it was going to SPEED RACER (Yes I saw a midnight screening and LOVED it. SERIOUSLY, give it a chance when it drops and take it for what it is!) Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

-JTrotter
Celebrating 7 Years on the Boards! 2001-2008

[powerknowledge]

There are a LOT to choose from, depending on your tastes.

A quick and incomplete list of a few of my demo favorites (for PQ, at least):
Cars
Ratatouille
POTC (especially Dead Man's Chest)
Transformers
Planet Earth
Beowulf

Also, try searching the forums here; there are a couple of similar threads where folks ask for recommendations that will have good suggestions.

Edit:
Here are two to get you started:
What blu-ray discs should I rent to show off the format to friends?

Blu-ray: And The Winners Are . . .

[Wirehed]

The 5 disc Blade Runner is amazing.
And of course the best looking disc is still probably Planet Earth. Nothing beats nature for realism and it's totally awe inspiring.

[dugpa]

You could always try buying a film you really like. That'd be my suggestion.

[JTrotter]

Originally Posted by dugpa

You could always try buying a film you really like. That'd be my suggestion.

Wow, what an unnecessary remark....It still amazes me that some people can't leave the sarcasm off the board.

-Trotter

[Ruined]

Cars is a good demo piece

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by JTrotter

Wow, what an unnecessary remark....It still amazes me that some people can't leave the sarcasm off the board.

It wasn't sarcasm, merely a simple statement. You like a film, buy it. You don't, then don't. Cinema is about the art, not the method of distribution. I have no idea what your tastes are, not knowing you at all. Why would you want to take my suggestions for what to watch? Maybe I suggest romanic comedies to you and you're more a scifi type of person? I could tell you that 2001 is a great looking disc and a film I love, but a lot of people find it boring. If you're looking for the perfect first disc, why not buy something you know you'll enjoy?

[JTrotter]

Originally Posted by dugpa

It wasn't sarcasm, merely a simple statement. You like a film, buy it. You don't, then don't. Cinema is about the art, not the method of distribution. I have no idea what your tastes are, not knowing you at all. Why would you want to take my suggestions for what to watch? Maybe I suggest romanic comedies to you and you're more a scifi type of person? I could tell you that 2001 is a great looking disc and a film I love, but a lot of people find it boring. If you're looking for the perfect first disc, why not buy something you know you'll enjoy?

Yeah....I was just asking for any suggestions of movies that might be good choices as a disc to impress when showing people. Obviously you don't know what my tastes and neither do the nice people that gave some suggestions. So I ask, why even respond to this thread? "Cinema is about the art, not the method of distribution." A little too serious for a light thread...

-JTrotter

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by JTrotter

So I ask, why even respond to this thread?

A valid question. Boredom would be my answer.

Okay, here's the discs I enjoy that I think also look good. You see any films on this list you like, go for them and you won't be disappointed.
2001
Ratatouille
Hairspray
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Enchanted
The Searchers

[Derb]

Originally Posted by dugpa

2001
Ratatouille
Hairspray
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Enchanted
The Searchers

Avoid these like the plague!

I suggest Planet Earth & if you have a good receiver, try out some concerts. Eagle Rock has put out some impressive releases in the sound department.

Fearless Planet. Another great disc & documentary about the evolution of Earth.

If ya like musicals & The Beatles give Across the Universe a rent. Both reference video & audio there.

Action... So many to choose but if you like Die-Hard, I'd recommend the fourth film for demo material & the 4-disc set if your a fan.

The Sopranos may be over but they have never looked nor sounded better than on Blu-Ray, not your cup of tea? Try Smallville or Weeds.

Warner did justice on Stanley Kubrick films, take your pick, they are all worth owning but my fav is The Shinning. The PQ & AQ left me speechless.

Can't go wrong with the Harry Potter films. Just get them individually.

Heck, fan of Wrestling? The WWE Wrestlemania disc looks fantastic.

There are lots to choose from from all genres with excellent video & audio so its kinda hard for me to pick just 1.

Ok, maybe not that hard. If you like CG Animation, Cars is tops my list for video out of 589 BD titles I've seen so far.

[SilentBob]

Well if we are going by video only then i would recommend the following from what i have seen in my collection


ANIMATED
Cars
Ratatouille
Corpse Bride
The Simpsons Movie
Bee Movie
TMNT

LIVE ACTION
Live Free or Die Hard
3:10 to Yuma
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds - Live at Radio City Music Hall
Pirates of the Caribbean 1&2
The Brothers Grimm
Underworld: Evolution

[Mikado]

I know what you mean Trotter. I'm getting my HDTV in a couple of months and I'm trying to decide which BD to watch first. I already have a PS3 and some titles I've bought through all the good sales that I'm trying to decide between. I want to find that perfect title to show off on my HDTV to wow my wife and son. I have Cars and Ratatouille and they both look great. I'm thinking about showing off POTC first, because it's supposed to look great and it's something we all could enjoy. I don't know what your situation is. I will probably watch 2001 as the first BD by myself. Because I love it and I think it will be great to watch in High Definition and on the 52" I plan on getting. You said you liked Speed Racer, it comes out on the 16th. What about that one? When I took my son to see it I remember thinking the visuals would look great in High Def. I haven't seen reviews on the BD yet though. You might want to browse through the reviews at High-Def Digest | Blu-ray & HD DVD News and Reviews in High Definition and look at ones you like and narrow it down from there. Congrats on your player man, I know you're excited.

[Wurms]

Transformers - great PQ and AQ
TMNT or Cars for animated PQs
I Am Legend - great PQ and AQ
Vacancy - Awesome AQ, PQ is great too (movie kinda blows)
Cloverfield - EXCELLENT AUDIO

Fifth Element: Remastered - Excellent PQ and AQ. I use the Phloston Paradise gun fight at the end for demo material. Audio is bangin with gunfire, explosions, fire burning in the background, and PQ has lots of detail in clothing, wood, etc. and tons of debris all over to look at tiny details. Not too mention, its a colorful film.