When presented properly, watching a HD broadcast of a cinematic classic is even better than seeing it in the theater. The colors are more vivid, the details more precise, and with HD's Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, the explosions rock with even more realism.
But what are the best films in high-def?
Some movies, considered classics, wouldn't make the list because they were filmed decades ago. The Godfather, for instance, is a great movie, maybe the best ever. But when seen in high-def, the impact is not especially overpowering. It looks better in HD, but the difference is not dramatic.
So what are the 10 movies that best exemplify the incredible picture and sound of High-Definition TV?
Well, I have chosen 10 from a long list of possible candidates. And here they are...
Swanni's 10 Best Movies in HDTV!
10. V for Vendetta
The futuristic film about a band of freedom fighters opposing a totalitarian government is a bit overripe but it crackles with energy and sensational colors. With the beautiful Natalie Portman in a starring role, that doesn't hurt, either. (Don't miss the scene when she mistakenly enters a room full of showgirls.) On a big screen, this is one gorgeous spectacle.
HBO, Saturday, May 19, 8 p.m. ET
9. Casino Royale
In high-def, the latest James Bond installment is as cool as 007 himself. It's unquestionably the best Bond film since Sean Connery manned the toupee. With the icy-blue eyed Daniel Craig as Bond, and the usual bevy of Bond babes, Casino Royale will give any high-def set a workout.
Now available in high-def on cable on demand and on Blu-ray disc.
8. Blade Runner
Although the Harrison Ford sci-fi film just celebrated its 25th anniversary, it looks awesome in high-def. When seen recently on HDNet Movies, the spooky imagery and claustrophobic settings are as realistic as ever. Keep an eye out for that whirling dervish, the young Daryl Hannah, as she goes after the robot chaser Ford.
Future programming times unknown; plays often on HDNet Movies.
7. Saving Private Ryan
Wow! The WWII film is breathtaking and scary as hell in high-def. In Dolby 5.1, the bullets seem to be flying over your head in the opening depiction of the great battle on D-Day. Never has war look so authentic on film.
Future programming times unknown.
6. Gladiator
Ridley Scott is a genius for combining great visuals with an intoxicating narrative and Gladiator has both in spades. In high-def, the battle scenes between Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix brilliantly capture the bloody nature of arm-to-arm combat.
Future programming times unknown.
Click below to see:
Part Two:
The Five Best Movies in HDTV!
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Phillip Swann is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
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News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
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