Laserdisc Reviews

Just a few comments on some laserdiscs that I've recently listened to/watched on my AC-3 system. The standard demos like Independence day I watched pre-AC-3 system so I can't really comment on them.

Anyway, just a few comments because there is a superb laser disc review site at http://ldm.tierranet.com/ When it comes to sound quality I agree with him most of the time. However, there still a niche for me as he reviews LDs only monthly and he reviews the 'top' US LDs and not stuff like Some Mother's Son :).

Some Mother's Son

One comment: despite it stating AC-3 on the jacket and on the laserdisc itself, this is not an AC-3 disc! Its only Pro-logic. However, if you've read my AC-3 vs Pro-logic comments elsewhere, the fact that something isn't AC-3 isn't necessarily bad. As for the movie, well its from the producers of 'In the name of the Father' and its a movie about the Irish troubles. Specifically, the 1981 IRA prisoners' hunger strike. Not a subject everyone's interested in. But if thats your interest, and you like Helen Mirren. This is a great movie because: Great music composed by Bill Whelan. Further, at the end theres this haunting melody that is stunningly good; shows that my processor does have a half-decent DAC :). Good sound effects: the gunshots are very very good. Not only is there the initial attack, but there is a reverberant decay. If you've been to a firing range, you'll notice how gunshots do echo off. But also, the gunshots themselve sound timbrally very accurate. (compared say to Air Force One) Nice vignettes of Irish Scenery ultimately, you'll watch this only if you're interested in the subject matter. If you are, you'll also be treating to a good sounding movie :)

Now this is a fun movie. Accuracy, plot believability is all sacrificed for a fun roller-coaster ride, and whats so bad about that? Especially if the AC-3 soundtrack is wonderful? Now, you don't need me to tell you that in this movie, Harrison Ford whacks the nasty Hi-Jackers because they've hi-jacked his plane and his family. Also, that Glenn Close looks very regal as the vice-president. However, I love the AC-3 sound effects, especially all the plan sequences. The 747 swooshing bye, the F-15 kicking in the after burners, executing turns etc. The F-15/Mig-29/Air Force One doglight is totally awesome! Added to this is a totally superb score in the sense that it complements the movie perfectly (over-the-top flag-waving music I supppose). The AC-3 version is superior to the Pro-Logic version here. A superb transfer.

Air Force One