Those cool folks at the
Blu-ray Association have come up a guide of the best scenes that you can currently watch on Blu-ray... The list is taken from Blu-ray films across five genres (action, comedy, horror, romance and family) and highlights particular scenes and moments that really demonstrate the added impact, excitement and emotion of the high-definition Blu-ray experience.
Top 5 Blu-ray Action Moments!
When it comes to action in the movies, everyone knows that big is best. Whether its a shoot out, sword fight or a bar room brawl, the action sounds and feels more real in high definition Blu-ray.
Avatar
Scene: The Battle for Pandora Studio: 20th Century Fox Description: The climactic scene when the native Navi take to the air to fight the humans is an epic battle on such an immense scale that it really takes more than one viewing to absorb it all. The astonishing details, audio and the pace of the scene truly take your breath away in this battle of nature versus technology and make an incredible showcase for any Blu-ray set-up.
The Dark Knight
Scene: The Batpod Chase Studio: Warner Brothers Description: The Dark Knight was one of the first Blu-ray titles to really show what the format is capable of. Gotham City is brought to life with the stunning HD picture and the awe-inspiring chase with the Joker, culminating in the Batpod flipping a huge 18-wheeler, is a feast for the eyes and ears.
King Kong
Studio: Universal Scene: King Kong vs the dinosaurs Description: Its not everyday you see a giant gorilla fighting a Tyrannosaurus Rex but the amazing special effects and surround sound in this scene from Peter Jacksons epic tale makes this a stand out scene for Blu-ray Disc. Kong successfully takes on three bloodthirsty T-Rexes to save a helpless Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) in a symphony of destruction that lasts nearly five whole minutes.
Inception
Studio: Warner Brothers Scene: Dream scene Description: With its stunning visuals, extraordinary stunts and stellar ensemble cast, many are calling Inception a masterpiece and its no surprise that Nolans film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects this year. In high definition, the dream sequence where Leonardo DiCaprio first explains the concept of Inception to Ellen Page is a visual treat. How many films show you a city actually folding in on itself? For that reason Inception makes our list.
Film: The Green Hornet
Studio: Sony Pictures Scene: The graveyard scene Description: When the Green Hornet (Seth Rogen) spots a mugging outside the graveyard and tries to help the victim, he finds himself a little out of his depth until mechanical genius and martial arts expert Kato (Jay Chou) comes to his aid. The duo soon find themselves in a high-speed police pursuit which the Hornet calls the greatest moment of my entire life. Relive the exhilarating scene as you did in the cinema on Blu-ray 3D.
Top 5 Blu-ray Comedy Moments
Good comedy is not only about jokes. Some of the best comic actors are well versed in the art of facial expressions, slapstick, body language and double takes. Blu-rays incredible picture and sound allow you to get closer to the comedy and pick up on the little mannerisms that make the difference between funny and down-right hilarious. Our top five scenes are:
The Other Guys
Studio: Sony Pictures Scene: The freeze-frame bar scene Description: This tops our list of comedy moments for many reasons. Firstly, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlbergs facial expressions caught mid-action in a series of drunken incidents in the freeze frame bar scene are side-splittingly funny. But its also so well shot, and packed with tiny details, that it honestly defies easy explanation. Catch all the intricacies of the scene on Blu-ray and you cant help but think How did they do that?
Paul
Studio: Universal Scene: The guys meet Paul Description: Often, the best CG is the kind that we dont even notice. In this scene, the realistic visual effects that go into creating the alien Paul are seen for the first time, merging seamlessly with the live action in high definition. Simon Pegg and Nick Frosts first meeting with Paul is a classic comedy moment for the new decade, and easily makes our top five.
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Studio: Universal Scene: Chest waxing scene Description: This scene is funny for so many reasons. The sheer amount of hair being removed with each strip, combined with the facial expressions and mild expletives uttered by Steve Carell are comedy gold. Whether youve seen the film already or if its your first time, youre sure to laugh and wince even harder when you experience it on Blu-ray.
Hot Fuzz
Studio: Universal Scene: Somerfield shoot-out Description: This epic shoot-em-up scene sees bullets whizzing, bolognese exploding, cutlery flying, jam jars smashing and a trolley style battering ram charge as Pegg, Frost and their SWAT team ambush the bad guys in Somerfield. Side-splitting comedy and fast-paced, jaw dropping action unite to make this an ideal Blu-ray comedy scene.
Napoleon Dynamite
Studio: 20th Century Fox Scene: Dancing on stage Description: Napoleon Dynamite is your typical geek - his thick glasses, dull voice, afro hair and toothy grin make him seem anything other than cool - that is until he cracks out his dance moves. When he steps out on stage to support best friend Pedro and Jamiroquai's 'Canned Heat' kicks in, Idaho's finest nerd transforms into an all-conquering dance machine.
Top 5 Blu-ray Scary Moments
The scariest movies take us out of the comfort of our everyday lives and allow us to embark on a terrifying journey. Sometimes the scariest moments are in the apprehension and tension created as we wait for the inevitable horrors we know are coming. At other times, they jump right out at us, catching us completely unaware. Either way, the unparalleled sound and picture quality on Blu-ray helps in drawing you into the movie and delivering an unforgettably scary experience. Our top five are:
Paranormal Activity
Studio: Paramount Pictures Scene: The last night Description: Katie has been haunted by a malevolent spirit and her boyfriend Micah decides to document the spooky goings-on. After building the suspense for the entire film, director Oren Peli finally pays this off with a terrifying finale caught on Micahs camera. Paranormal Activity is one of the scariest nights in youre likely to experience, and with the added clarity of Blu-ray, expect to be even more afraid.
The Exorcist
Studio: Warner Brothers Scene: The head spinning scene Description: The Exorcist is described by many as the scariest film of all time. Regan MacNeil's (Linda Blair) monstrous appearance once she becomes possessed is unsettlingly scary in HD and Mike Oldfields Tubular Bells is even more chilling. The infamous scene where Regans head spins around 180 degrees and her demonic, tortured voice screams at her petrified mother is nothing short of terrifying. Its still as scary today as when it was released in 1973 and so makes our top five.
The Wolfman
Studio: NBC Universal Scene: The Wolfman howls at the moon Description: The scene where a rampant, bloodthirsty werewolf (Benicio Del Toro) is on the loose is simultaneously terrifying and yet tranquil. As Del Toro scales the citys building, watch the ripped remains of his white ruffle shirt clinging to his torso and his cleaving talons gripping the concrete, before his howl at the moon brings a rare moment of beauty and calm.
Devil
Studio: NBC Universal Scene: The devil is revealed Description: Trapped in an elevator high above Philadelphia, five people discover that the Devil is among them - and no one can escape their fate. This chilling, supernatural thriller from M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs) will keep you on the edge of... Trapped in an elevator high above Philadelphia, five people discover that the devil is among them - and no one can escape. Writer M. Night Shyamalan is known for telling clever and moving stories that chill, thrill and keep us guessing right up until the end, and this film doesnt disappoint. We wont spoil the ending, but the moment the devil is revealed is compellingly scary and is why this scene makes our top five horror moments.
American Werewolf in London
Studio: NBC Universal Scene: The first transformation Description: The transformation of the character of David (David Naughton) into a werewolf in is arguably one of the most famous scenes in horror history. When seen on Blu-ray the details are even more petrifying. Watch Davids fingers transform into claws, his skin turn to dark hair, his teeth change into fangs and his screams become werewolf growls in this terrifying metamorphosis.
Top 5 Blu-ray Romantic Moments
From a stolen glance between two strangers to a passionate kiss between a loving couple under a dreamy nights sky, everyone knows that true romance is all about being caught up in the moment. Music, make up, lighting and mood all contribute to this and Blu-rays top of the range credentials help to make these magical movie moments even more special. Our top five are:
Casablanca
Studio: Warner Brothers Scene: Heres looking at you kid Description: One of cinemas all time classics comes to Blu-ray. The unique chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is the stuff of Hollywood legend, and the careful restoration of the infamous goodbye scene pays off as every stunning frame is accompanied by a painfully beautiful score. Selfless romance at its very best.
Big Fish
Studio: Sony Scene: The circus scene Description: They say that when you meet the love of your life, time stops and thats true begins the narrator in this scene as Ed (Ewan McGregor) first sets his eyes on Sandra (Alison Lohman). Tim Burtons depiction of this moment really leaps off the screen and we see the whole circus freeze as McGregor picks popcorn out of the air to get closer to Sandra. Its visually impressive and hopelessly romantic, and so makes our top five.
Its Complicated
Studio: Universal Scene: Jane and Jake chat on the garden swing. Description: Theres something extremely romantic and honest about the scene where Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) sit on the swing in her garden and admit where they went wrong in their marriage. Janes beautiful house and garden and the California sky really help set the mood for this tender scene.
Mamma Mia
Studio: Universal Scene: The Winner Takes It All Description: Set against the gorgeous backdrop of a Greek slice of paradise, this scene sees Donna (Meryl Streep) serenading Sam (Piers Brosnan) as she reminisces about their past relationship. Streeps exceptional vocal performance sounds incredible. This, combined with the pin sharp image of the sun cascading across the Med, is why it makes our top five romantic moments. Moulin Rouge
Studio: 20th Century Fox Scene: Come What May Description: The performance, the romance, the high def Blu-ray picture and uncompressed music unite in this wonderful scene from Baz Luhrmanns masterpiece. As Nicole Kidman and a heart broken Ewan McGregor perform their sensuous Come What May duet together, you cant help but get goose bumps and sing along.
Top 5 Blu-ray Family Moments
From the kids, to teenagers and adults, the best family films appeal to all ages. Action, comedy, tension and romance are all important when capturing the attention of so many different generations. With its high definition picture and perfect digital sound, a Blu-ray Disc is a safe bet for the ultimate family night in. Our top five are:
Toy Story 3
Studio: Disney Scene: The incinerator scene Description: As Woody and the gang find themselves trapped in a mountain of junk heading towards an incinerator, the quality of the animation is such that that they seem to be sliding into a fiery gateway to hell. Hailed as one of the most moving scenes in an animated movie for many years, the scene comes to life like never before on Blu-ray.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Studio: Warner Brothers Scene: Dumbledore and Voldemorts duel in the Ministry of Magic Description: Packed with spells, magic and wizardry, the Harry Potter films lend themselves perfectly to HD viewing and the duel between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort in the final scene in Order of the Phoenix is one of our favourites. Water, fire and shards of glass ricochet around the Ministry Atrium in this climactic battle of epic proportions.
Back to the Future Trilogy
Studio: Universal Scene: The hoverboard chase Description: A full high definition restoration of Spielbergs classic trilogy really does bring the series into the future. In this scene from the second installment, Marty uses his skateboarding skills to chase Biff on a hoverboard and get his hands on the all important Sports Almanac. With the classic Back to the Future theme playing in the background, this is a memorable and timeless Spielberg scene.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Studio: Sony Pictures Scene: Cheeseburger rain Description: When wannabe scientist Flint Lockwood first makes the sky rain cheeseburgers, the sight is simply sublime on Blu-ray and BD 3D. From the sunlight shining through the clouds to the texture, detail and colour of the falling food, this unique scene excels in animation production and is sure to captivate kids of all ages.
Despicable Me
Studio: Universal Scene: The rollercoaster scene Description: This scene takes part at an amusement park and sees the main characters traveling on a high speed rollercoaster. The details and G force on their faces is incredible but the real treat is when the camera switches to their perspectives so you actually feel like youre in the cart. For even more eye popping fun, watch the scene on Blu-ray 3D especially when the rollercoaster takes a vertical drop followed by a loop the loop!