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Avatar: A Great 3-D Film Experience

If you haven’t seen a 3-D film in a while, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Unlike the 3-D movies of yesteryear, today’s 3-D films are incredibly immersive and extremely exciting. One exceptional example is the movie “Avatar,” which debuted in theaters in 2009. While it’s been a few years since “Avatar” was released, it continues to amaze audiences with its high-quality 3-D animations. Unlike the 3-D movies of years past, “Avatar” manages to incorporate three-dimensional elements in a completely natural way. While watching the film, it’s easy to forget that you’re sitting in a theater or your living room. Find out why “Avatar” is so special by checking out the following information.

Low-Key 3-D Effects

When using 3-D, many films reserve it for a handful of scenes. That’s not the case with “Avatar.” Instead of throwing out 3-D graphics during specific scenes, the film relies on them from the moment it begins until the moment it ends. That doesn’t mean that you are constantly being bombarded with images that fly directly at you. Instead, the effects are used in a wonderfully subtle way. Instead of projecting out at you, the 3-D effects are used to draw you into the action. You’ll find yourself slipping off your 3-D glasses from time to time to make sure that you’re actually watching a 3-D film.

Movement in the film

Another thing that makes the 3-D special effects in “Avatar” so amazing is that they occasionally make you feel like you’re moving right along with the characters. There are several flying scenes in the film, and they make audiences feel like they are along for the ride. Impeccable editing and exciting music intensifies the excitement of such scenes, and you won’t want them to come to an end. The 3-D effects in “Avatar” transform jungle chase scenes into something that’s truly amazing.

Enjoying “Avatar” at Home

Some would say that the only way to get the most out of a film like “Avatar” is by seeing it in the theater, but that’s not necessarily true. The right 3D TV makes it easy to enjoy a fantastic film like this from the comfort of your own home. 3-D TVs have come a really long way. When paired with a high-quality Blu-ray player, a 3D TV can bring the excitement and drama of an amazing film like “Avatar” into your own living room. To make things even better, invest in a top-notch surround-sound system.

There’s no question that 3-D films have been enjoying a great deal of popularity lately. Some 3-D movies are better than others, but that’s true about any genre of film. If you’d like to get your 3-D television adventure off to an incredible start, though, you should opt for a movie like “Avatar.” In addition to wowing audiences in theaters around the world, the movie makes a profound impression when viewed at home with the right television set. Even if you’ve already seen “Avatar,” you should give it another try at home. It is sure to become one of your favorite 3-D movies.

VD has blogged for over three years and likes to contribute to the blogging community in the way of guest posts. She enjoys blogging about food and writing recipe blogs and sharing what she likes to watch on her 3d tv.

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Quality Audio in FLAC File Downloads

FLACThe most common digital audio format is MP3 and it is widely used in the digital audio industry today. Basically the MP3 format is a patented digital audio encoding that has been standardized to be compatible in most audio and media players for sale today, whether portable or not. MP3 files are compressed audio files, also referred to as lossy comprehension. One of its defining characteristics is that it doesn’t take up too much space (the average size for an MP3 file is 3 mb) but the quality of the sound is still a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio. So if the MP3 files seem to be a standard music format for listening to music, then what’s the deal with FLAC files that are now considered to be the fastest-growing audio codec today?

One of the greatest weapons that FLAC files can showcase to all music enthusiasts and audiophiles is that when it comes to audio quality, this audio format ranks the top one. FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec – with an emphasis on the word “lossless” (as opposed to the “lossy” quality of MP3), meaning, “without loss in quality.” If the MP3 format is a patented digital audio, FLAC is considered to be non-proprietary and in most cases, independent and clear from patents. With those qualities associated with FLAC files, you cannot blame most audiophiles and music enthusiasts to switch from MP3 to FLAC.

But FLAC remains to be in the background compared to MP3, albeit the fact that it can offer high quality audio sound. Why? There are also downsides when it comes to FLAC. For one thing, FLAC files cannot be played in iTunes so if you are a die-hard Apple fan, then you will find this extremely discouraging. FLAC files play in Windows Media Player and Winamp though.

Another reason why many people shrugged off FLAC files is that they take up too much space, with a FLAC audio file taking up to 43 MB compared to MP3’s average 3 MB size. Some people prefer to skimp on storage space and sacrifice music quality. One must consider, however, that compared to downloading movies from sites like Netflix, the amount of bandwidth and storage space required for music is trivial.  Even the highest quality audio contains less data than a decent video stream.  This makes opting for MP3’s a false economy in todays bandwidth rich world.

Still, if you find quality audio important to you then you’ll discover that you’re not really interested in compressed music files. After all, you can always buy extra hard drives – they are cheap these days. So make the switch to FLAC file formats, grab a cold beer from the fridge, and settle in for some quality music appreciation today!

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The Five Most Popular Movies in History

Cover of "Titanic (Three-Disc Special Col...
Cover via Amazon

If you’re a movie buff, then you can never have too many lists. Below are the five most popular movies in history according to box office gross. Since this list is not adjusted for inflation, you will probably see lists with a completely different top five. Here’s hoping you enjoy this one, nonetheless.

5. Transformers: Dark of the Moon


Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The third film based on the animated television series the Transformers.

The third film based on the animated television series the Transformers, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is one of two films released in 2011 to make the list of the five biggest movies of all time. While the film was popular with moviegoers, critics panned it for its thin plot, dull script and bad acting. Otherwise, it was praised for offering plenty of 3-D action.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The third of three Lord of the Rings movies directed by kiwi Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was filmed in New Zealand and follows the continuing adventures of the hobbitt Frodo in his quest to destroy the ring. In addition to its popularity at the box office, this is one of the most critically-acclaimed films of all time.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2

The final installment of the world-renowned, record-breaking Harry Potter series, this film has been the highest-grossing of all in the series by British author J.K. Rowling. After being released in 2010, the film, as expected, has become one of the most watched and favourite among avid Harry Potter fans. The finale tale that has taken many years to tell has certainly gone out with a bang. In any case, it nearly sank the Titanic!

2. Titanic

While Titanic was not director James Cameron’s first blockbuster, it was his first movie to become the biggest box office hit ever. Starring Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslett, Titanic was praised for its special effects but was otherwise seen as little more than a vehicle for di Caprio, many of whose teenage fans are said to have seen the film several times. Were it not for these repeat viewers, it is doubted whether Titanic would have been as successful as it became.

1. Avatar

With the help of a lot of CGI, as well as high ticket prices, director James Cameron’s Avatar has been the only film to eclipse Titanic at the box office. With two sequels in the works, it’s possible that Cameron will have the top four movies on future lists. Whether they’ll displace Avatar is another matter. Like the Return of the King, this film earned great reviews to match its box office numbers.

There you have the five most popular movies in history. Did you find any of your favourites on the list?

Michael is a movie critic and lover of all things cinema. He writes for a number of entertainment websites and operates a business offering printing services Sydney including large format printing for movie posters, one of his favourites!

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Vampire Loving-Is the Theatre World Ready?

Supernatural romance is defined simply as any romantic fiction featuring ghosts, werewolves, vampires or similarly otherworldly characters. Tweens all over the world are going mad for it, but could the West End handle a spooky love story of its own? Should Theatreland be expecting one?

Twilight is, of course, the most famous of the supernatural romance novels but the genre’s popularity goes far beyond the antics of Bella and her sparkly undead beau; entire supernatural/gothic/paranormal romance sections are starting to pop up in bookshops. Books with moody black and red covers are flying off the shelves and young women just can’t seem to get enough of them, but how does this relate to London’s world-famous theatre district?

Bella and Edward

Bella and Edward Image Credit

Theatre has a habit of picking up trends from other art forms: The recent spate of book and comic-based movie adaptations and remakes of classic films can be easily seen reflected in Broadway and the West End. For example, ten years ago the idea of a Spider-Man musical would be dismissed as ridiculous. Fast forward to 2011 and a multi-million dollar Broadway musical starring everyone’s favourite wall-crawling web-slinger is causing quite a stir on Broadway.

Spiderman

Spiderman Image Source

A great many of the shows currently in the West End are film adaptations. We’ve got Betty Blue Eyes, Billy Elliot, Ghost The Musical, Legally Blonde The Musical, Shrek The Musical, The Lion King, Cool Hand Luke, Driving Miss Daisy and The Ladykillers all running or about to run. With that many film adaptations running (and doing rather well) despite the gloomy economic climate, it surely can’t be long until Twilight or a similarly cult dark romance story finds its way to the West End.

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde Image Credit

Until then, shows like Wicked and Ghost The Musical will continue to fill the gap and entertain audiences comprised mainly of young women.

Wicked features a green-skinned witch who, among other things, falls in love with a mysterious prince from a far-off land. Admittedly, the love story is a sub-plot but it is still has a very strong supernatural romance feeling. Unsurprisingly, Wicked has one of the most dedicated fan groups of any West End show.

Wicked

Wicked Image Credit

Elsewhere in the West End, Ghost The Musical is also catering to the supernatural romance crowd. The story sees a man murdered, but his love for his girlfriend and his wish to protect her prevents him from passing over. The show also features incredible special effects and some truly enchanting songs. Fans of Twilight will adore the powerful love story between a couple who occupy different worlds.

<img src=”https://mailamovie.info/”Ghost” />

Ghost Image Credit

Wicked and Ghost The Musical have whetted the theatre-going public’s appetite for supernatural romance on stage but the West End is crying out for an unashamed spooky love-fest. Twilight may be too popular to make it on stage, but Linda Lael Miller’s novels would work just as well. As would Christine Feehan’s Carpathians series or pretty much anything by Teresa Medeiros.

The West End is ready, bring on Sexy Vampires: The Musical!

Cullen Family

Cullen Family Image Credit

This article was provided on behalf of London theatre breaks specialists Show and stay; offering you a unique short break.

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10 Artsy-Fartsy Films

Artsy films don’t necessarily mean someone in it is a painter or an artist of some sort. These movies are great and tend to have a certain following. Whether it is in the script, the characters, or the soundtrack – these films have formed a whole new genre Louisville painters call artsy-fartsy!

1. 500 Days of Summer
The story is about love, but it is not a love story, first of all. When greeting card writer, Tom meets Summer he falls madly in love with her. Summer is a modern woman with 60s style who does not believe in love and doesn’t want to be anyone’s girlfriend. The film’s soundtrack sets every scene and the creative cinematography makes the film like no other.
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2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The film tells the story of the relationship between Joel and Clementine and their extremely difficult breakup. When Joel finds that Clementine has erased him from her memory with a new found technology, Joel immediately decides to have her erased from his. The film goes through the psyche of a man who realizes that he does not want to forget the love of his life, even if he can’t have her.
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3. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Vicky and Cristina are best friends with two very different views on life and love. When they travel to Barcelona and meet the ravishing artist, Antonio, the romance begins and all rationale is thrown out the window. The film is beautiful with it’s amazing cinematography and landscape shots of Barcelona.
<img style=”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;” src=”https://mailamovie.info/”” width=”337px;” height=”180px;” />

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4. American Beauty
When suburban business man, Lester Burnham loses his job, he takes a new approach on life. After being shunned for years by his rebellious daughter and neurotic wife, he gets back into shape, takes a job at a fast food restaurant and begins fantasizing about his daughter’s best friend. The film dives into a bored man’s psyche while he is going through a midlife crisis and a teenage girl’s struggle between being ordinary or a much older man’s mistress.
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5. Blue Valentine
The courtship of high school dropout, Dean and pre-med student, Cindy begins beautifully and full of love. When we see their married life several years later you see that the romance has turned to boredom for Cindy. The film shows the process of romantic love fading.
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6. The Royal Tenenbaums
Royal and Etheline Tenenbaum have three genius children: Chas, Richie, and their adopted daughter, Margot. Though Royal no longer lives with the family he has never divorced his wife, and as an attempt to get back into the house and family he fakes cancer. The dark comedy tells the story of the family you thought you wanted to be a part of with perfect character analysis and top of the line dialogue.
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7. High Fidelity
Probably the oldest movie on our list was released in 2000. When record store owner, Rob is dumped by his girlfriend we watch him go through the grieving process, beginning with anger. Rob’s lost boy mentality and depressed outlook on life begins to change as he realizes he may have been the one who was wrong and finds that he grows a little from the process. The movie is also known for the “top 5” lists that Rob makes and the great soundtrack.
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8. Garden State
After the death of his mother, Andrew Largeman goes home to New Jersey and is welcomed back into his old group of friends. When he meets the eccentric funny girl Sam, Andrew begins to realize what he wants to do with his life and accepts the dark elements of his past.
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9. An Education
Sixteen year-old school girl, Jenny is a promising student and very cultured. When she attracts the attention of an older man, he feed her hunger for adventure, but with a price. Jenny learns the importance of self and education, and the hardships of love.
<img style=”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;” src=”https://mailamovie.info/”” width=”246px;” height=”184px;” />

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10. The Tree of Life
The film seems to display the thin line between religion an spirituality by examining humanity. The film mostly focuses on a young boy’s life: his relationship with his father, mother, and brothers, and how a child sees the world. The breathtaking special effects and emotional character revelations, make this movie one of a kind.
<img style=”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;” src=”https://mailamovie.info/”” width=”275px;” height=”183px;” />

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Kristina Carpenter is a writer for CertaPro Painters of Louisville, which speicalizes in commercial and residential painting.

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How To: Create Your Home Theater For Under $5k

Epson Ultimate Home Cinema Experience : Welcom...
Image by Craig Grobler via Flickr

A home theater was previously a luxury only the rich could indulge in, but is readily available for your home today. A beautiful, well-appointed and comfortable home theater can be had for well under $5,000. This is especially true if you’re the DIY type.

There are several compelling reasons to have a home theater. Statistics show that American families are returning to bonding by dinner together in the dining room. A home theater is similar in setting aside a formal space for getting together to watch a movie, educational program or sitcom.

Another fun advantage of a home theater is its application in gaming and other media. It becomes the hub of both home recreation and learning. In addition, a well-designed home theater can raise the value of your home. Even though a home theater is affordably within reach, it is still impressive to step into a nicely appointed one.

There has been – and continues – rapid growth in the technology of home theater systems. The evolution of Plasma and LCD televisions has brought a superior audio-visual experience into the home, inclusive of 3-D application. Sophisticated projectors are capable of showing wide-screen beautiful films you shot yourself, that people really do enjoy watching.

DVDs can be shown at home on a large screen television with the same viewing ratio as sitting in the best seat in the house in the movie theater, with stunning clarity and amazing surround-sound.

So, if you’re convinced that you’d like to have an affordable home theater, the place to start is with the basic decisions of where to put it, how to lay out the space, how to decorate it, along with the decisions of which audio visual equipment to purchase.

This first stage of arriving at the goal of a home theater for under $5,000 requires careful planning. Sit down with pencil and graph paper and draw up some plans. Even if you’re going to hire someone to do some of the work, the more you do yourself, you’ll save money and the end result will be what you want. Don’t forget to include storage space for equipment and media, which needs to be both easy to access and attractive.

It’ll be helpful and fun to take a look at home theaters. Visit a Street of Dreams housing development to get ideas of what professional designers have done. There are also many resources and examples of beautiful home theaters online.

Do comparative shopping for the audio and visual equipment. You’ll easily save hundreds of dollars by doing so.

In addition to the quality of sight and sound, other factors that make a home theater a place everyone loves to be are the lighting and decoration. Again, savvy shopping can provide an absolutely first-class environment on a shoe-string budget. Consider fabric for walls. It can be purchased at mill end stores for pennies on the dollar and adds to the acoustics. Places like Habitat for Humanity have all kinds of lighting and decorating components. You might go to a retro or antique hardware store and find gorgeous period light fixtures that make you space look just like an Art Deco period theater.

The important point is that you have as much fun designing and constructing your home theater as you will have during the many hours of entertainment with your family and friends. And don’t forget the huge savings you’ll realize on concession stand goodies.

Pass the popcorn, please!

Chase Sagum covers the Home Theater Screen Paint section of ScreenPaintHD.com. He also covers Organic Internet Marketing on his personal blog ChaseSagum.com.