Well, recently we discovered yet another reason to love the service. In some cases, it’s actually better than the real thing.

Let us explain. Take for example, the title Annie: Special Anniversary Edition. The DVD release in 2007 was universally flogged for taking an original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and cropping it to fit in a full frame, 4:3 presentation. We guess Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, which released the DVD, didn’t have much faith in the escalating high definition television sales of their parent company, right? Now imagine the horror experienced by every dad educating their children on the virtue of widescreen presentation, and all of a sudden – gasp - appears something right out of the 1990s! Call the Smithsonian!

Three years later, there still isn’t a widescreen release (in print, anyway) of this seminal broadway-to-hollywood conversion. Thank goodness for Netflix, and their agreement with Starz.

Today, the title is available on the streaming service, and although it doesn’t have the DTS 5.1 audio track from the DVD, nor does it have the special features – and we expect you agree with us that no parent has the time and no child has the patience to watch special features – it does take advantage of that widescreen format television you spent all that time convincing your wife that you absolutely needed to buy it. Kinda like blue balls for the married man.

We took a couple of screenshots from the same scene as a comparison. Here’s the scene from the DVD release:

Now examine the same scene from the Netflix streaming version:

See the extra picture available in the streaming version? Especially on the right-hand side, the entire stairwell railing is in frame. The extra picture available enhances the viewing experience, especially during those elaborate song-and-dance numbers that make this film.

Now, there is a catch. The original theatrical aspect ratio, as mentioned above, was 2.35:1, and this streaming version courtesy of Starz is clearly enhanced for today’s 1.85:1 widescreen HDTVs. So yes, there still is some picture that’s missing. The only way you can catch the movie as it was originally intended is either find a theater screening an actual film print, or buy it from Amazon’s VOD service, which seems to be a direct transfer from the original 2000 DVD release. However, although we love Amazon VOD there isn’t the same support from playback devices as with Netflix, so there may be some difficulty getting to watch it on anything other than your PC. The Roku HD Player does have Amazon VOD support, and even if you already have one for your Netflix streaming access you’re still stuck paying Amazon $9.99 for the privilege to watch the film properly – and that’s on top of the monthly cost you already pay for Netflix, mind you. Hey, we might be aspect-ratio snobs but we’re still parents – we sometimes have to make these tough decisions.

We’ve seen other instances of this across Netflix’s streaming service, so be on the lookout for where streaming your favorite film trumps the physical disc. It’s just another added benefit to an already stellar service which appeals to kids and parents alike.

]]> http://mydadisageek.com/2010/08/netflix-streaming-better-than-physical-disc/feed/ 0 http://mydadisageek.com/2010/08/mdiag-psa-the-land-before-time-on-netflix-streaming/ http://mydadisageek.com/2010/08/mdiag-psa-the-land-before-time-on-netflix-streaming/#comments Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:13:48 +0000 Jeremy Rutz http://www.mydadisageek.com/?p=552 Continue reading →]]> Yes, we know it’s summer. It’s supposed to be a time to play outdoors with your friends, soaking in the abundance of sunlight and seasonal temperatures while they last. That’s what our wives would tell us. But we’re geeks. The sun and heat are our enemy, and even though it’s inevitable we spend some time outdoors, there is a time when we need a break from Mother Nature and partake in some good, old-fashioned AC. These are the stuff for which Netflix instant streaming was made.

On that note, we would like to alert our readers to a new title which appeared on the service this morning, the classic 1988 animated film The Land Before Time. This has been on the HBO HD channels for a while now, and had been the only place to experience the film in widescreen HD the way it was intended. Sadly, although the DVD has a warranted DTS audio track, it is presented in horrific full-frame standard definition. This streaming version comes courtesy of Netflix’s partnership with Starz, and although it’s not in HD or even 5.1 surround, it is in it’s widescreen presentation. We’ll take what we can get.

Why is this geek-worthy? First, because it was directed by Don Bluth, who gave us the classic Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace LaserDisc video games of our youth. Second, because it was executive-produced by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, ’nuff said.

But third and most important, it is an enchanting movie that appeals to kids of all ages as well as adults, with a hauntingly beautiful score by James Horner. And frame-for-frame, it holds up and even surpasses what Walt Disney Animation Studios was producing at the time, of which Bluth was a former employee before he set out on his own. You could say the apprentice became the master, in that case. Sorry, we couldn’t resist making another geek reference…

Link: The Land Before Time on Netflix

Although the new Shrek movie beat out some stiff competition at the box office during the holiday weekend, it’s evident folks were growing a little tired of the ol’ green ogre and his band of fairy tale misfits. On the flipside, be it general public interest or the marketing muscle of Disney, Toy Story 3 is something to get excited about.

And we’re just talking about the parents. The kids are going to go crazy over it, so be prepared.

So, we at MDIAG! have prepared a little checklist for your long car rips to the beach. Did you pack your 12″ super action Buzz Lightyear? Good. Do you have your Toy Story and Toy Story 2 DVDs? Check. Did you get the movie music on your iPhone, iPod or MP3 player of choice? No? Well, Amazon.com has you covered.

Through June, as part of Amazon.com’s generally excellent monthly list of “100 albums for $5 each” deals, the original Toy Story soundtrack is being offered for download on glorious DRM-free MP3 for only $5. That’s a small price to pay to get some satisfied children on a long car ride in return.

MDIAG! is a big proponent of Amazon.com’s MP3 Downloads store, since the format allows near-universal compatibility with media playback devices, computers and other electronics, such as some GPS devices. And because they are MP3, they are DRM-free, so you only have to buy once and you can install it on whatever you like, as many times as you want.

So here’s our checklist. No ruined CDs? Check. Happy kids? Double check.

Original Toy Story Sountrack on MP3 [Amazon.com]

At first glance of the Summer movie schedule, it might appear to be light, but don’t let the perception of a lack of tentpole family films fool you – there really is something to see every week through July, and with the right marketing and word of mouth there’s bound to be a few new franchises born.

If there is one sure thing, however, it’s Toy Story 3. The franchise that not only built Pixar but saved Disney in the process is getting it’s long-awaited follow-up, which was once in development by a new CGI company created by Disney before the Pixar acquisition. And if there is a match made in marketing heaven, it’s Toy Story 3 and Toys ‘R’ Us.

Actually, it’s probably Toy Story 3 and The Disney Store, but we digress…

This summer, walk into your local Toys ‘R’ Us or Babies ‘R’ Us store and you’ll be immediately greeted by Buzz, Woody and the gang with signage and promotion to last throughout the Summer. Both Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us will create specialty boutiques with exclusive toys, room decor and other merchandise to celebrate the return of the Toys. Here’s an MDIAG! important note: Babies ‘R’ Us will be the place to find the Toy Story 3 Imaginext line, for Mommy and Daddy Geek who want to share the excitement of the new film with their toddlers but are just too young to bring to the theaters.

The best part of this promotion? Leading up to the theatrical release of Toy Story 3 on June 18, Toys ‘R’ Us will be offering a free ticket to the movie with a $25 purchase of Toy Story merchandise. So be sure to get your Toy Story toys ahead of the movie – your kids will thank you later in life.

Click here to read the full press release.

This is what MDIAG! is all about…

Scarlett Johansson tells MTV Splash Page the obvious – that there’s no current plans for a Black Widow spin-off, nor is there a roster spot for her in the upcoming Avengers movie. We say, her action-genre resume prior to Iron Man 2 was solely comprised of two stinkers – The Island and The Spirit - so it’s probably good Marvel didn’t lock her in for the full package until after they got to see the finished product. We’re anxiously awaiting to see if she can successfully pull of the role, but we’ll be honest; we don’t have high expectations.

Iron Man 2 is getting an IMAX release day-and-date with the standard theatrical release, but High-Def Digest warns us to beware of imposters when choosing an IMAX theater for the big night. Here’s something we didn’t know – there are more than a few theaters claiming to be IMAX when they’re just souped-up standard screens:

“Teaming with cinema chains including AMC and Regal, they retrofitted existing non-IMAX theatres. Ladies and gentlemen, the birth of “fake IMAX.” Apparently these retrofits were almost called “Digital IMAX” or “IMAX Digital”, but executives were worried the “Digital” moniker would hurt “older” (real) IMAX15/70 screens. And who knows, marketing people are occasionally right about these things. But here’s the truth: the digital IMAX screens are only 28 feet x 58 feet. Sure, that’s still a nice-sized screen, but with a minimum $5-per-ticket surcharge for the IMAX brand, you’re not getting the same spectacle, quality, or size.”

There’s just one problem here. Iron Man 2 was not shot in IMAX, but rather in traditional 35mm format. What does this mean? It means it will be blown up to meet the 70mm standards of IMAX film. This is the equivalent of buying a standard DVD and upconverting it on your 1080p HDTV, but paying a Blu-ray premium price. Our advice? IMAX is cool when it’s used correctly, but here you’ll just be wasting the $5 surcharge for the IMAX theater. Save that money and buy a movie tie-in toy for your kids instead.

But with the Iron Mania approaching ludicrous speed, one question remains with the droves of Marvelites eagerly awaiting May 7 – is it any good? A few outlets are already publishing their reviews. Variety says it “the new pic feels more duty-bound and industrial”, a reversal from the original film’s “boyant and occasionally inspired” tone. The Hollywood Reporter writes, “everything fun and terrific about Iron Man, a mere two years ago, has vanished with its sequel”. Both early reviews make mention of the script’s odd pacing, lack of focus and absence of the character’s apparent motivations.

We think it’s too soon to call it, but consider us worried. Will this end up being the Spider-Man 3 of the young film franchise, albeit one sequel early? By strategically interweaving all of their produced films within the same celluloid universe, did Marvel show their seams of being a relatively green studio hot off a lucky streak?

If Iron Man 2 fails to capture the audience of the first film, there could be major fallout. Thor and Captain America are in production but could definitely use some momentum from Marvel’s tentpole film franchise. Thor is a relatively obscure superhero with an unknown cast in the lead and a story that’s half modern-day, half Clash of the Titans. Captain America went young and booked Chris Evans for the lead role when it could have gone established with popular choices Jon Hamm and Aaron Eckhart. On top of that, Marvel hired director Joe Johnston, fresh off the box office bomb The Wolfman, to helm the film which is being pitched as a WWII period piece.

Then to top it off, there’s the payoff – The Avengers - which we could see not even happening if the next three movies are strikes. If it goes that way we’d bet Marvel would replace fan-favorite Joss Whedon with a more established, explosive marquee director to get the wind back behind the company’s sails. And then you can go ahead and forget about those proposed smaller films like Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, ’cause they ain’t happening.

But we’re getting way ahead of ourselves here. The doomsday scenario we are proposing is enough to start a new crossover event, so let’s just see what happens after opening weekend, okay? Deep breath, deep breath…

MDIAG! Assemble…the other big stories of the day:

Watching R-Rated Films Linked to Early Alcohol Use [/Film]

Dreamworks Making Sequel to How To Train Your Dragon; Will Be In Theaters In 2013 [/Film]

How Game and Movie Ratings Work [Kotaku]

We think this is a weird choice. The original Monsters Inc. made a half billion dollars worldwide, but to us there was just something missing with the concept. It’s success confounds us; we think A Bug’s Life is vastly superior in just about every category, yet audiences couldn’t have disagreed more. Perhaps it was because it was Pixar’s first original franchise after Toy Story 2, just when the hype for the company was hitting a fever pitch. If there’s any consistency between our tastes and the box office, it’s that Finding Nemo is our favorite of all the Pixar films and needs a sequel stat.

And in a sign it has become the animation studio of Walt Disney Pictures, a second film from Pixar, Brave, was also announced for a 2012 release date. Yes, that makes two Pixar movies in 2012. Also the year the world ends. How convenient, we all get to perish with happy thoughts.

Brave was originally titled The Bear and The Bow and had been slated for a summer 2011 release before the bump into 2012. /Film calls this film “Pixar’s first fairy tale” and stars Reece Witherspoon as the eponymous title character. Hmmm…could be what the studio needs to fill the void left by Shrek Forever After?

We don’t know if either of these are getting the 3D treatment, but word is out that Avatar: The Last Airbender is going three-dimensional for it’s July 2 release date later this summer. As more and more studios turn to 3D at the 11th hour for fear of leaving serious sums of cash on the table – as well as setting a precedent that all films titled Avatar must be in 3D – there is growing concern with movie-goers these types of movies are nothing more than a cash grab to dupe audiences into buying those tickets priced at a premium. After the hatchet job on Clash of the Titans, we all have reason to worry.

According to Avatar: The Last Airbender producer Frank Marshall, they have been looking at using 3D “for months” and M. Night. Shyamalan will supervise the conversion process. That’s a different story from what Clash director Louis Leterrier experienced, where the movie was effectively pulled from him at the last minute to do a 3D conversion without his consent or assistance.

Mind you, we need to keep things in perspective. Avatar: The Last Airbender is still directed by Shyamalan, and we all know his track record of late. 3D can never make his awkward cameos any easier to swallow, and the only thing that could have saved The Happening would have been a 4D conversion complete with fake gusts of wind inside the theater.

But nothing this week beats the next post – this one comes from the folks behind our kids’ favorite TV show, Yo Gabba Gabba, with a photo journal of DJ Lance and the gang’s appearance at last week’s destination festival Coachella. Wait, you caught us – it’s really our favorite show. Now excuse us while we dancey-dance into the weekend…

Let’s go back and remember what else happened today:

Back To The Future’s Not The Only Movie That Went Back To The Drawing Board – Movies [io9]

More Wacky Rumors: Vanessa Hudgens in Talks to Play Spider-Woman? [/Film]

EXCLUSIVE: CAPTAIN AMERICA WILL MEET THE HOWLING COMMANDOS [CHUD]

As the rest of the world was celebrating Earth Day on Pandora, late in the day we saw /Film’s review round-up of the Shrek Forever After premiere last night at the Tribeca Film Festival. The verdict? Doesn’t sound too promising. The Hollywood Reporter says it “has lost much of the simple charm, humor and heart that marked its predecessors”. Variety says “word of mouth likely won’t make for a fairy-tale ending”. We say, Blue Guys 1, Green Guys 0.

Elsewhere, the PS3 had a one-two punch of attention-grabbers. First it sent a late-night jab from the left with news of the 3.30 firmware update. Included in the update is the promise that one day, whenever there are 3D compatible games, the PS3 will be ready for them. But maybe not your TV.

Then it threw a roundhouse from the right with the best Father’s Day present a dad could share with his son, two months before Father’s Day. Starting today, a new MLB.TV application is available for download from the Playstation Store. With it you’ll be able to stream every baseball game your heart desires. Just one more reason to camp out on the couch.

“This app allows MLB.TV subscribers to watch every regular season game live in HD (local blackout restrictions do apply), with tons of new interactive features designed exclusively for PSN.”

The bad part? You need to shell out $120 for the season or $25 monthly to enjoy all the features of this app. A small price to pay to bond with your son; but for us, a waste of money for any self-respecting Chicago Cubs fan.

Here’s the rest of today’s news:

Redbox inks deals with Universal, Fox [The Hollywood Reporter]

Hulu Plus subscription service rumored: $9.95 a month for access to older shows [Engadget]

Netflix’s Q1 results show record subscriber growth, little resistance to new release delays [Engadget]

Marvel Planning Smaller Budget Movies For Third Tier Superhero Characters [/Film]

After a ten year wait, Capcom finally announced the follow-up to its popular line of Versus titles, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. In the same style as last year’s successful Street Fighter IV, MVC3 will apply 3D characters on a 2D fighting plane, mixing next-gen graphics with the genre’s tried-and-true gameplay formula. More than 30 characters will be selectable from popular Marvel and Capcom franchises, of which Kotaku has already identified 16.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is expected to be released in Spring 2011. We can’t wait.

In other Marvel news, CHUD peeled the onion that is the upcoming Spider-Man reboot to determine a possible villain for our favorite web-slinger. True believers, follow your spider sense to this choice hypothesis:

“The big mystery, though, is the question of how faithful will this new movie be? Early Spidey stories featured characters like The Molten Man, step-brother of Peter Parker’s friend Liz Allan – could Molten Man be replaced with, say, Electro and Liz Allan suddenly become Gwen Stacy?”

We loved reboot director Marc Webb’s (500) Days of Summer, but sending Peter back to high school against some no-names doesn’t leave us feeling very confident. Electro could be cool, but we can’t help but feel disappointed with Sony throwing away the infrastructure that the franchise’s previous director Sam Raimi built up.

Think about it – Lizard and Man-Wolf both had cameos in previous Spider-Man films. Combine that with the rumor Bruce Campbell was to play a major role in Rami’s Spidey 4, confirmation John Malkovich had signed on as the Vulture, and the overall creative control Raimi was promising to make amends for the dreadful third installment, we’d be lying if we said that isn’t a hard act to follow.

Good luck, Marc. We hope you prove us wrong.

Today’s other noteworthy news stories:

Popbox prepares for launch with preorders, SDK [Engadget]

Now on iTunes: The Clone Wars Season Two in HD [StarWars.com]

Sam Mendes to Direct ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ with Star Robert Downey, Jr? [/Film]

G.I. Joe DVD news: Update About G.I. Joe: The Movie on Blu-ray and DVD [TV Shows on DVD.com]

You’ve already seen the movie, what about the extras?

DreamWorks has put together a very family-friendly batch of extras for ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.’ The standard DVD had two full discs of extras, which all make their way to this Blu-ray. There may not be all that much for us adults, but the target audience should be well served. (Most of the video is in full 1080 HD, too, with the same subtitle options as the main feature.)

Truthfully, this BD better serves the home theater buff rather than the family, with the interactive game “Test Flight of Air Penguin” being the only family fun among plenty of bonus content. It would have been nice to have the featurette The Penguins of Madagascar included, but like Kung-Fu Panda, Paramount continues its trend of putting exclusive content on DVD while it’s Blu-ray consumers who are being charged a premium.

Source: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa