Great Movie Scenes to Test Your Home Theater

How can you tell that your TV or front projector is operating on all cylinders? That simple question can be quite deceptive because we all see things a bit differently. And since most displays come with a default setting that’s rarely on the money, getting the best image is always going to come from tweaking the various controls until it looks good to you. Still, there are a few things to look for that can give you a clue as to how well your display is working. So with a nod to Rod Serling, we submit for your approval the following favorite scenes as examples of what can show off - or show up - that image you are watching.



Bullitt (HD DVD/Blu-ray - Warner Home Video)
Passing over just how cool Steve McQueen is here, right from the opening credits to pretty much any scene (especially those at the airport), the one thing that stands out in this film is the grain of the image. It should look crisp, not blotchy. The contrast level should be moderate enough to keep dark and light areas from going to extremes. For why high-def makes a DVD sorry, check out the lab scene with Jaqueline Bisset and that rotating “hypnotic eye” - which will also let you see how cleanly black and white is being resolved.

Blade Runner/The Final Cut (HD DVD/Blu-ray Warner Home Video)
In the “Eye On The City” chapter you get an incredible overlay of decrepit architecture, technology, and people. All that urban debris should be distinct to the eye, while not blending into one another. The colors may be muted but still separate without any bleeding.

For more, check out
[Link: electronichouse.com]