Understanding the Variables in Video Bitrates vs Quality

Why Blu-Ray is Still Better Than Streaming Today
Maximum bitrates for streaming video (Netflix, VUDU, Amazon, Apple) are only a fraction of the quality of Blu-Ray and the biggest file sizes are heavily compressed with more quality loss when compared to Blu-Ray movies.

Understanding Bitrates in Video Files

The Only Guide to Buying Blu-Ray Gifts You'll Ever Need

Buying movie gifts can be difficult because individual tastes appear to be so unique. If you can narrow down who you're buying for, then this list is the only list of movie gifts on Blu-Ray that you'll need to buy planned or last minute gifts! While people do have some specific tastes, you can think of movies like pizza.

Anyone who has taste buds likes good pizza. Some people care if the pizza is handmade, hand-tossed, or has garden fresh ingredients, gluten-free, etc.. The same principles apply to buying movies. Most men over the age of 40 will like similar movies, just as most women over the age of 60 will like the same movies. It all depends on the culture the person is raised in and the popular culture they are drawn to.

Here is the only guide you'll need to finding the right blu-ray gift for anyone on your list. If you are easily offended, stop reading right now, as thie guide plays into social and demographic stereotypes to help you make buying decisions. Continue reading with a sense of humor.

The Film Connoisseur / Self-Proclaimed Film Critic

Best for: Film Majors, future Filmmakers, wannabe film critics
Who: College Film Students, people who love something different

Only Classic Films

Best for: anyone born before 1970
Who: Grandpas, Uncles, old Dads, people who love classic cinema

For the special person who loves to laugh hysterically (the family hyena)

the Laugh Your Face Off Collection. Best for: anyone born between 1980 and 1992
Who: Generation Y, older Millenials, people who grew up in the 90's.

The Sucker for Romantic Comedies and Tearjerkers

Best for: Women, or men who can't handle real movies...
Moms, Girlfriends, Wives

For anyone who loves sofa-lounging on Christmas

The Child Who Loves Animation

A list of hand-picked films that are some of the best current and classic animated films.

The Person Who Revels in Smart Comedies

Best for: Men and Women, college educated, or over the age of 23.
Who: Bright college students, Aunts and Uncles, anyone who likes PG-13 or R-Rated comedies
Examples: Mean Girls, Easy A, The Truman Show

The Weirdo, Oddball, or Loner in the Family

Best for: people who listen to heavy metal, watch Anime, or read graphic novels
Who: people who don't get enough sunshine, social recluses, Tim Burton fans

The Person Who Likes Any Movie with Guns, Explosions, and Cheap Thrills

Best for: people with less discrimination in movies, people who eat fast food while watching movies, people who have never heard of Rotten Tomatoes
Who: College students, couch potatoes, cable-TV watchers, teenagers

Blu-ray Release Timeline

A Timeline of Notable Blu-Ray Releases

November 30, 2009
Gone With the Wind

November 3, 2009
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Editions)
Forrest Gump

October 6, 2009
Snow White

September 29, 2009
The Wizard of Oz

September 1, 2009
Gladiator
Braveheart

April 21, 2009
X-Men Trilogy

January 27, 2009
The Bourne Trilogy

October 14, 2008
The Matrix Trilogy

September 23, 2008
The Godfather Trilogy

December 18, 2007
Blade Runner

October 23, 2007
2001: A Space Odyssey