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71
TV series / Re: Star Trek - The Original Series 60th Anniversary (1966) (Blu-ray) review
« Last post by Barry on September 11, 2026, 11:08:18 PM »
I reviewed this for us https://discuss.avscience.com/index.php?topic=4924.0.

I agree with David who wrote, “some shows, such as Enterprise, Discovery, and Starfleet Acadamy were discarded from my viewing queue pretty fast’ but i was not a fan of Deep Space Nine, which, if I remember properly, David liked.
72
TV series / Star Trek - The Original Series 60th Anniversary (1966) (Blu-ray) review
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 11, 2026, 05:38:07 PM »


Studio: Paramount
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Rating: NR
TV Show: 5/5
 
Plot
Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Scotty (James Doohan), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), and Sulu (George Takei) are on a five-year mission to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations—to boldly go where no man has gone before.

My Thoughts
The original Star Trek television series has turned 60 years old, and we are graced with another Blu-ray release of the series. If you already own it on Blu-ray, stop reading, there’s nothing new here. Regardless, I have to give credit to Paramount and CBS for restoring the original 35mm prints and striking new HD masters for preservation. 20-plus years ago, the took the opportunity to update the special effects as well using modern technology (ancient by today’s standards). One of creator Gene Roddenberry's goals was to keep the science as "real" as possible, so I'm sure he would be proud that some of the new effects come from images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to new CGI, they re-recorded the theme music utilizing the original arrangements to present 21st century audio as well.

When I first read of the effort to revamp the show, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when seeing it first on HD DVD and then on the 40th Anniversary Blu-rays. The enhanced CGI effects are faithful to the original elements, and the Blu-ray has one advantage over the HD DVD—seamless branching. By pressing the "angle" button on the remote, you can switch back and forth between the original and new effects. This shows how impressive the new effects look and how well they integrate into the storylines.

Each episode was painstakingly remastered frame by frame, and Paramount did a fabulous job. For the most part, print damage is virtually nonexistent—although an occasional nick and scratch makes an appearance. The color timing was redone during the remastering as well and the show really shines in 1080p. Reds look red and not burnt-orange, especially on the doomed crewmen wearing red shirts. Shadow detail is also improved and highlighted by the unique lighting used during the shoots. Flesh tones are naturally balanced throughout, but some of the makeup on the aliens doesn’t translate too well to the higher resolution format.

The audio is offered in both DTS-HD MA 7.1 and the original mono. Either way, the audio doesn’t veer far from its roots. The majority of the sound comes from the front speakers and is collapsed toward the center. General ambience is provided from the rear speakers, but they rarely come to life except during the revamped opening credits when the swish of the Enterprise shoots through the room.

Video 4.5/5 (VC-1)
Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 7.1)
 
Special Features Highlights:
  • All of the supplements from the previously released Blu-ray editions are included


Conclusion
I fell in love with Roddenberry's universe when I was a kid and have watched nearly everything "Trek" ever since — some shows, such as Enterprise, Discovery, and Starfleet Acadamy were discarded from my viewing queue pretty fast. Regardless, if you don’t already own this set on Blu-ray and you’re a fan of the show, it’s time to get out the Visa and make a purchase. I can't think of any reason why a fan of the show wouldn't want this set in their Blu-ray collection. While there’s nothing new here, the episodes look and sound remarkable for something from the 1960s, and it gets my highest recommendation.




Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
73
Misc. Fun Stuff / Re: NFL 2026
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 11, 2026, 11:14:26 AM »
David has to be pretty fired up about the start of the season, with his beloved Niners winning big "down under" vs one of their division rivals. (Said division is insanely good right now with the Seahawks making it 3 legit Super Bowl contenders in the NFC West.) Looks like the incredibly detailed travel approach the Rams were reported to have used, utterly backfired.

Re: the game watching experience... I didn't watch the game though. Between X and other things pushing live scores onto my phone (and I can't find a way to defeat X displaying live NFL scores), I was spoiled on the score before I was ready to start trying to watch the game a couple of hours after KO. Then when I fired up Netflix to just check the experience, I quickly bailed as it was just not possible to easily start from the beginning and I had to manually hold a button down to start rewinding. Fail, Netflix and NFL on both of these thing.
Paul, yes, I'm in a VERY good mood today :)

I picked the 49ers to win the game in the AVS Pick-em competition (our own SRW1000 won it last season) because I felt the Rams made a major blunder in their travel plans. All the hype that they're getting of being the "Best NFL Team EVER!" is the media hype train in full effect. 

Don't sleep on the 49ers. Getting Bosa and Warner back on defense is massive and the addition of Greenlaw really improves the linebacker play. On offense, they are completely stocked with CMC, Kittle, Evans (new addition), Deebo (welcome back), and rookie RB Black, which will keep CMC fresh for the playoff run.

As for the Netflix experience, I watched some of the pregame (which was over 2 hours long...I watched the final 30 minutes or so), the game, and then some of the post game celebration ;). Video quality was excellent on my LG OLED (C5) 77" TV--my wife took the theater away from me. I thought the pregame production was pretty good, and the game commentators were excellent (Noah Eagle and Luke Keuchly). I'll take this combo over what NBC and Amazon provides every day of the week and twice on Sunday! After having to listen to Collinsworth the previous night and his endless superlatives actually hearing coherent football analysis last night was a nice change.

From your description, it sounds like going back and watching an Amazon game--you have to go through all the pregame BS for hours in order to get to the actual game. They need to give the option to "start from the first kickoff" versus "play from the beginning." As for X notifications, go into your phone settings and just turn off X notifications. I actually have all notifications turned off on my phone now...I LOVE IT!  
74
Misc. Fun Stuff / NFL 2026
« Last post by Paul Heroy on September 11, 2026, 12:50:13 AM »
David has to be pretty fired up about the start of the season, with his beloved Niners winning big "down under" vs one of their division rivals. (Said division is insanely good right now with the Seahawks making it 3 legit Super Bowl contenders in the NFC West.) Looks like the incredibly detailed travel approach the Rams were reported to have used, utterly backfired.

Re: the game watching experience... I didn't watch the game though. Between X and other things pushing live scores onto my phone (and I can't find a way to defeat X displaying live NFL scores), I was spoiled on the score before I was ready to start trying to watch the game a couple of hours after KO. Then when I fired up Netflix to just check the experience, I quickly bailed as it was just not possible to easily start from the beginning and I had to manually hold a button down to start rewinding. Fail, Netflix and NFL on both of these thing. 
75
Upcoming Releases / Frankenhooker (UHD Blu-ray / Blu-ray) 10-13-26
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 10, 2026, 06:05:49 PM »



Starring James Lorinz, Patty Mullen, and Louise Lasser 
 
Outrageous ’90s Cult Horror/Comedy Sensation 
Makes its 4K Ultra HD Debut
 
On October 13, Synapse Films will release director Frank Henenlotter’s Frankenhooker in separate 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions.  
 
Frankenhooker blends over-the-top horror, dark comedy, and gleefully twisted practical effects into one unforgettable genre mash-up. When grieving medical student Jeffrey Franken (James Lorinz, King of New York) turns to some highly unconventional methods to bring his fiancée Elizabeth (Patty Mullen, Doom Asylum & Penthouse Pet of the Year) back, things quickly spiral into a bizarre and bloody nightmare. Equal parts outrageous, hilarious, and gloriously unhinged, Frankenhooker remains a singular staple of ’90s cult cinema. 
 
The cast also includes Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), Shirley Stoler (The
 Honeymoon Killers
), and John Zacherle (legendary TV horror host Zacherley). A few of the actresses who eventually provide limbs for the new Elizabeth include Lia Chang (Big Trouble in Little China), Charlotte Kemp (Playboy Playmate of the Month, December 1982), Jennifer Delora (Robot Holocaust), and Heather Hunter (AVN Hall of Fame). Co-writer and director Frank Henenlotter (Basket Case, Brain Damage) reimagines the Frankenstein story with his signature blend of twisted horror and dark comedy. 

 
The 4K Ultra HD edition of Frankenhooker features an all-new 2025 Dolby Vision 4K restoration, created from the archival uncut original 35mm vault materials. The Blu-ray edition marks the film’s return to Blu-ray, presenting the complete 85-minute uncut feature in its acclaimed new 2025 restoration. 
 
The special features include audio commentary with director Frank Henenlotter and make-up effects designer Gabe Bartalos; A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth - Patty Mullen featurette; A Stitch in Time: The Make-Up Effects of Frankenhooker - Gabe Bartalos
 featurette; Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker; Jennifer Delora’s Frankenhooker Photo Scrapbook; and the theatrical trailer. 

 
“If you see one movie this year, it should be Frankenhooker.” — Actor Bill Murray 








76
Misc. Fun Stuff / Re: A New Path for the Coyote
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 10, 2026, 04:59:39 PM »
I'm in. Well done Barry!
77
Misc. Fun Stuff / A New Path for the Coyote
« Last post by Barry on September 10, 2026, 03:49:40 PM »
I felt a little bit sad after seeing the movie “Coyote vs. Acme.’’ the Studios are not making cartoons anymore, and we may lose Warner Brothers. This would make the coyote unemployed, and perhaps obsolete. Sad. So I started thinking where would be a a good place for him to land? What studio is now looking for a long-term commitment for performing. And then I realized the answer.

The coyote should be the next James Bond.

His first movie should be “Casino Wile.” He would be up against the villain, Ernest Stavro Fudd, the leader of A.C.M.E. (AMERICAN CARTOON MEN’S EMPIRE).

The story should be continued to the next movie, “Octopussycat” starring Sylvester.  And the next movie should be “ For Your Pies Only.” That would have a great whipped cream ending.

And the theme song to the next movie, “Road Runners are Forever” should be in the tune of Goldfinger.

“Road Runner” is the bird, the bird with the fastest feet,
To quick to eat.”

And appropriate for the coyote, it would be proper, fitting and convenient to keep the name of his next movie, “Skyfall.”
78
Upcoming Releases / The End of Oak Street (UHD/Blu-ray) 11/3/26
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 09, 2026, 06:34:58 PM »

"The most thrilling dinosaur movie in ages.”
 RogerEbert.com/ Zachary Lee
 
THE END OF OAK STREET
Becomes Available Digitally for the First Time on September 15
 
Debuts on Digital in North America on September 15
4K UHD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD arrive on November 3
 
Burbank, CA, September 8, 2026 – The End of Oak Street, the wildest ride to hit theaters this summer, from writer/director/producer David Robert Mithcell (It Follows), debuts digitally at home on September 15.
The End of Oak Street stars Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery.
  
·                On September 15, The End of Oak Street will be available at home on participating digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango and more.
 
  • On November 3, The End of Oak Street will be available to own on 4K UHD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD from online and physical retailers. The End of Oak Street will also continue to be available in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.
 
 
The End of Oak Street Digital, 4K UHD™, and Blu-ray™ contain the following special features:  
 
·                Banding Together: The Making of The End of Oak Street
From concept to execution, explore how director David Robert Mitchell brought his genre-bending vision to
life.
 
  • Every Creature Tells a Story: The Dinosaurs of Oak Street 
A deep dive into the research and artistry behind ILM's feathered, scarred, and character-rich dinosaur designs. 
 
  • The Spinosaurus Attack: Driving Fear on Oak Street 
Breakdown one of the film's most jaw-dropping set pieces: The Spinosaurus attack.
 
 
BASICS
 
Premium Digital: September 15
4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Street Date: November 3
 
4K Languages: Canadian-French, Castilian-Spanish, Czech, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin-Spanish, Parisian-French, Polish 
4K Subtitles: Complex Chinese, Canadian-French, Castilian-Spanish, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin-Spanish, Norwegian, Parisian-French, Polish, Swedish
BD Languages: Canadian-French, English, Latin-Spanish 
BD Subtitles: Complex Chinese, Canadian-French, English, Latin-Spanish, Parisian-French,
DVD Languages: Canadian-French, English, Japanese, Latin-Spanish
DVD Subtitles: Canadian-French, English, Japanese, Latin-Spanish, Parisian-French
 
Running Time:  99 minutes
Rated PG-13 for some strong violent content, bloody images, some strong language and suggestive material 
4K UHD and Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD, DLBY/DGTL
 
About the Film
After a mysterious cosmic event rips Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family soon discovers that their very survival depends on them sticking together as they navigate their now unrecognizable surroundings.
Starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, The End of Oak Street also stars Maisy Stella and Christian Convery. The film is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and produced by J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Jon Cohen, David Robert Mitchell, Matt Jackson and Tommy Harper. The executive producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Joanne Lee and Leeann Stonebreaker.
Mitchell’s team behind the camera includes director of photography Michael Gioulakis, production designer Maya Shimoguchi, editor John Axelrad, music supervisor George Drakoulias, composer Michael Giacchino and costume designer Erin Benach.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Bad Robot Production, A Jackson Pictures Production, A David Robert Mitchell Film, The End of Oak Street.




79
Upcoming Releases / Bunker Heights (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital) 10/13/26
« Last post by David Vaughn on September 09, 2026, 06:31:53 PM »



Featuring Hannah Fierman (V/H/S), Chaney Morrow (Haunt),
Paul T. Taylor (Hellraiser: Judgment), Violent J (Insane Clown Posse),
Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) and David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth)

MVD Entertainment will release Bunker Heights, the new crime/horror/comedy creature feature from award-winning filmmaker Drew Fortier (Dwellers, Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie), worldwide on Blu-ray, DVD and digital October 13, 2026.

Set in a once-thriving Midwestern city overrun by corruption, organized crime and violence, Bunker Heights follows burned-out homicide detective Derek Tucker (Drew Fortier) as a routine investigation spirals into a nightmare involving a botched bank robbery, political assassination and a horrifying secret beneath the city streets.

Inspired by cult classics such as C.H.U.D., The Return of the Living Dead and Tremors, Bunker Heights combines practical creature effects, outrageous humor, monster mayhem and offbeat charm into a throwback genre experience celebrating the creature features and horror-comedies of the 1980s and 1990s.

The film stars Hannah Fierman (V/H/S), Chaney Morrow (Haunt), Paul T. Taylor (Hellraiser: Judgment), Floyd Ewing Jr. (The Dead Next Door) and James L. Edwards (Bloodletting). Also appearing are Violent J of Insane Clown Posse, Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge and former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, who also serves as an executive producer on the film.

The film features practical creature effects by Deryk Wehrley (Zombieland: Double Tap, Fear Clinic, Deathwoods). Bunker Heights was partially filmed at Tennessee's Old Historic Harriman Hospital, a reportedly haunted former hospital that has been featured on paranormal television programs, including Destination Fear.

Ahead of its worldwide release, Bunker Heights will have a special screening September 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Kan-Kan Cinema in Indianapolis, followed by a post-film Q&A with Drew
 Fortier
and Hannah Fierman.


Here's a sneak peek promo video featuring the musicians and cast, talking about the film:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlbdqKPwx1k


The 2-disc Limited Edition Blu-ray includes:
106-minute Director's Cut, the definitive version of the film
Exclusive 121-minute Extended Cut, featuring additional story, character and creature material not seen in the Director's Cut
Amateur Hacks: Making Bunker Heights, an 80-minute feature-length documentary chronicling the production from conception through post-production, featuring nearly 30 cast and crew interviews and extensive behind-the-scenes footage
Reversible cover artwork featuring the original poster art and new artwork by Alex Sarabia
Limited Edition slipcover
Optional English, Spanish and French subtitles on the Director's Cut

In addition to the 106-minute Director's Cut, the DVD also includes Amateur Hacks: Making Bunker Heights, the 80-minute feature-length documentary, along with optional English, Spanish and French subtitles.

Bunker Heights will be released worldwide on Blu-ray, DVD and digital October 13, 2026 through MVD Entertainment. Blu-ray and DVD pre-orders are available now.




80
AVS Special Deals / JVC now offering free mount!
« Last post by AVSBrian on September 09, 2026, 09:43:46 AM »
from JVC:

"The JVC Home Theater team is excited to announce its collaboration with Engage Engineering, a California-based engineering and manufacturing company recognized for its precision craftsmanship, exceptional quality standards, and long-standing expertise in optical and electronic products. The JVC CM-Pro Projector Ceiling Mount is designed and engineered exclusively for JVC's award-winning D-ILA home theater projector lineup. Beginning September 1, 2026, JVC's award-winning 8K projector models — the DLA-NZ800, DLARS3200,  DLA-NZ900, and DLARS4200 — will now include the Engage JVC CM-Pro exclusive ceiling mount at no additional charge. This is a $400 retail value for the end-user and allows peace of mind during the installation process. Eligibility to receive the Engage mount is limited to new projector purchases starting September 1st, 2026 and only through authorized JVC dealers. Products purchased from unauthorized dealers or that are refurbished, open box, used, or otherwise not new are excluded."

We have NZ800's and nz900's available so reach out if you want one and new Mount just in time for football season!

Brian
585-645-1125
brian@avscience.com
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