Until I was a teen, VHS was a common way to watch movies. The last time we really got tapes was right around 2003, maybe 04. Around that time, we got our first DVD player and a bit of movies on discs. After 05, VHS was an afterthought.
The reason I'm doing a blog on this is because of going to yard sales. More often than not, you will see people getting rid of their VHS tapes. About 99 percent of the time, they don't move. You see more go for DVD and Blu-Rays, but that has more to due with it being so common and the ability to play them on a lot more machines and computers. The thing with VHS is that they are simply to watch the movie and that's it. Being amazed with special features and lowered costs over time made the DVD a hot commodity.
A VCR can break down easily over time. Tapes can get worn out depending on how often you watch a film. You can't easily have a season's worth of shows on tape. Some movies required two tapes, though a few may have been for special features. In the waning days of VHS, some studios did try to include some stuff at the end of movies to keep people enticed. Some of the same things can happen to DVD and Blu-Ray players, but there are more to them then simply watching movies. Accessing the Internet, watching YouTube and other apps.
However, there are certain films you can't get on DVD and vice versa. But is it worth getting a VCR? That's up to you. And I do see a time where DVDs will be in the same shoes as VHS. And I see a lot of people struggling to sell them despite how cheap you can get them. It is what it is unfortunately. There might be a joy to watching something on tape, but it's a lot easier to have disc machines.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Friday, July 12, 2019
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Switch Lite... Could It?
Down the road, I do want a Nintendo Switch. I figured down the road, they would have a revision of the hardware and the past year or so has had stories regarding that. With the news regarding the Switch Lite, I'm not too sure how I feel about it.
I just looked at the design and it looks like a mix of the PSP, Game Gear, and the gamepad of the Wii U. Not necessarily a bad a thing, but it's going to be as the reports are saying a handheld only system. That would mean no docking station or any extra stuff to plug the system into a television or any of that. I do wonder what the numbers are and what skews into which part is favored. I'm guessing Nintendo thinks the portability should be a bigger emphasis. It also means the joycon controller is now hardwired into the system. I'm not sure if this will be a cost cutting measure or not, but who knows.
I would think the system would go for 200 or 250 dollars. It could be a little boost, but without knowing the reception outside of the hardcore gamers, it's hard to know whether people will bite. This should do decent, but how much people will actually play this revision, I don't know. But it is something that will be interesting come November and December.
My guess: Should do well, but it's a gutsy guess.
I just looked at the design and it looks like a mix of the PSP, Game Gear, and the gamepad of the Wii U. Not necessarily a bad a thing, but it's going to be as the reports are saying a handheld only system. That would mean no docking station or any extra stuff to plug the system into a television or any of that. I do wonder what the numbers are and what skews into which part is favored. I'm guessing Nintendo thinks the portability should be a bigger emphasis. It also means the joycon controller is now hardwired into the system. I'm not sure if this will be a cost cutting measure or not, but who knows.
I would think the system would go for 200 or 250 dollars. It could be a little boost, but without knowing the reception outside of the hardcore gamers, it's hard to know whether people will bite. This should do decent, but how much people will actually play this revision, I don't know. But it is something that will be interesting come November and December.
My guess: Should do well, but it's a gutsy guess.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Stop Crying, Women's Soccer!
I think there are some parts of equal pay that are necessary. I would love to see my best friend get paid quite a bit for being a teacher and support her family. She worked hard to get to where she was. Same with some family members of mine that are in healthcare. That's where I see women should be given equal opportunity in salary. Not the whiny brats of the US Women's Soccer Team.
In sports, lots of people complain about athletes getting overpaid. Typically, I agree. That Carson Wentz deal will be a huge bust if he doesn't stay healthy. It's also ridiculous a few baseball players are getting paid 30 plus million. Stephen Curry of the NBA is making 40 plus mil a year. How is that not overboard? But the thing with women's sports is that they don't draw squat. And it has nothing to do with them being women. Anytime someone uses that excuse, I just shake my head. Some are like that, but it's not as exaggerated as they make it out to be.
Does the Soccer team expect everyone to tune in and watch them? From what is seems like, yes. But you can't predict the damn future that you will make it to the Final and expect everyone to change their schedules around just because you're in it. And how many people actually give a shit about them? How many? Because it more than likely dies off after the Cup Final and you don't hear too much until the next Cup Final. Europe is a much bigger deal for soccer. Same with Africa. Now, there are female players that have very good talent. But without any big attendances and lack of interest, it's a hard sell to get a lot more money.
These FIFA tournaments for women is sill young. I'm sure at some point, more audiences will tune in as it keeps growing as it has since 1991. But there's bigger fish to fry in equal pay. This is my theory. I feel like any big women's leagues like the WNBA would crumble if they gave a few of their players huge contracts. A bunch of babies on a soccer team is a very low priority to me. I'd rather see other women professions get better pay and show their efforts. Teachers, scientists, health care, and a handful of other professions. If by any chance the soccer team does get their wish, they better expect a lot of bitching about being overpaid. Because a lot of players are not worth the salaries they ask for.
In sports, lots of people complain about athletes getting overpaid. Typically, I agree. That Carson Wentz deal will be a huge bust if he doesn't stay healthy. It's also ridiculous a few baseball players are getting paid 30 plus million. Stephen Curry of the NBA is making 40 plus mil a year. How is that not overboard? But the thing with women's sports is that they don't draw squat. And it has nothing to do with them being women. Anytime someone uses that excuse, I just shake my head. Some are like that, but it's not as exaggerated as they make it out to be.
Does the Soccer team expect everyone to tune in and watch them? From what is seems like, yes. But you can't predict the damn future that you will make it to the Final and expect everyone to change their schedules around just because you're in it. And how many people actually give a shit about them? How many? Because it more than likely dies off after the Cup Final and you don't hear too much until the next Cup Final. Europe is a much bigger deal for soccer. Same with Africa. Now, there are female players that have very good talent. But without any big attendances and lack of interest, it's a hard sell to get a lot more money.
These FIFA tournaments for women is sill young. I'm sure at some point, more audiences will tune in as it keeps growing as it has since 1991. But there's bigger fish to fry in equal pay. This is my theory. I feel like any big women's leagues like the WNBA would crumble if they gave a few of their players huge contracts. A bunch of babies on a soccer team is a very low priority to me. I'd rather see other women professions get better pay and show their efforts. Teachers, scientists, health care, and a handful of other professions. If by any chance the soccer team does get their wish, they better expect a lot of bitching about being overpaid. Because a lot of players are not worth the salaries they ask for.
Monday, July 8, 2019
NBA California 2019
If the Warriors stock hasn't dropped a lot, the Clippers and Lakers has risen.
California might be movies, the beach, and other things, but basketball is cherished. Getting Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to play for the Clippers helps them quite a bit. Even though they have been very good this decade, they can't get past the first or second round. I don't know if it's a lack of players for support or Doc Rivers inability to get further the last ten years, but they look poised to make a good run.
Plenty of new faces are going to the Lakers. Anthony Davis will make a huge impact in theory. There is also Demarcus Cousins and he can be a third guy to go to. Add in some other guys for support and this could be a team that likely goes back to the playoffs for the first time in about six, seven years. The Pacific Division could be lead with both teams and the Warriors. Sacramento will still struggle.
Keep your sights on whether Houston gets Russell Westbrook via trade. Most of the Western Conference are in contention to make an impact for the upcoming 2019-20 season. At least ten have a chance to make the postseason.
California might be movies, the beach, and other things, but basketball is cherished. Getting Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to play for the Clippers helps them quite a bit. Even though they have been very good this decade, they can't get past the first or second round. I don't know if it's a lack of players for support or Doc Rivers inability to get further the last ten years, but they look poised to make a good run.
Plenty of new faces are going to the Lakers. Anthony Davis will make a huge impact in theory. There is also Demarcus Cousins and he can be a third guy to go to. Add in some other guys for support and this could be a team that likely goes back to the playoffs for the first time in about six, seven years. The Pacific Division could be lead with both teams and the Warriors. Sacramento will still struggle.
Keep your sights on whether Houston gets Russell Westbrook via trade. Most of the Western Conference are in contention to make an impact for the upcoming 2019-20 season. At least ten have a chance to make the postseason.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Afraid of The Revivals?
Being born in 1992, I didn't grow up on early 90s Nickelodeon. To be honest, my memory is a little flaky at when I first started watching the channel, which was roughly around 1996 or 97. At the earliest, 96 at least. But, I do have some appreciation for some of their stuff from the first half of that decade.
We don't see much sketch comedy anymore in the style of Saturday Night Live. Back in April, All That turned 25 and recently got revived with original member Kenan Thompson as a producer. It was a staple for Nickelodeon and I remember a little bit seeing it in the late part of the 90s and when it was brought back around 2001-02. I think it's important to have. They are not only appealing to new audiences, but some of the older ones. Obviously, Kenan as a producer, but bringing back some of the old cast members to pop up in a sketch every once in a while. You get nostalgia for the old and memories for the new. In the midst of that, also there is that Are You Afraid of the Dark? revival.
I vaguely remember Afraid of the Dark, but I did have it on at times. This was back when you could try horror on a kids network and it had a decent sized run beginning in 1990. Basically, horror stories similar what audiences watched back in the 50s and 60s. There is a revival set for October, but I would have a bit of concern. Not so much the show, but how audiences will react. There has to be a perfect balance between being entertaining for kids, but also providing some scares. But it is coming in at a time with horror movies being the trendy thing and actually doing well in theaters and critics loving them. Who knows where this will land.
I do have my concerns about the Rocko's Modern Life movie. That was supposed to air last year and nothing has materialized. Speculation on it airing this year is there, but will it is the question. There are other projects Nickelodeon has in mind. You hear plenty of things. There are plans for Rugrats for both the small and big screen. A movie in the fall next year. Also one that could be revived is the cult hit, Invader Zim. Nickelodeon knows what their hits are. It's only a matter of when they will bring them back.
I think these revivals or attempted ones at least will stir up a lot of memories, good and bad. More power if they can stick to newer audiences. That being said, it shouldn't be used as a crutch as there should be some original shows in the mix, too. But, a few of these projects should be vital and just as important. Move over, SpongeBob. The 90s is coming back... maybe.
Friday, July 5, 2019
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Toy Story 4 Review
I have been a huge fan of the Toy Story series since 1995/96. I view the first as the best of Pixar's work and the sequels to be fantastic. Was it necessary to have a fourth movie? No, but if done right, it can still hang with the best for greatest franchises, and it does. They hit all the right spots and it's more original without relying on a ton of repeated gags.
Woody and the gang belong to little Bonnie Anderson, following what happened at the end of 3. She now attends school and the cowboy toy secretly helps her with creating a new toy, Forky. The Andersons go on vacation and the spork jumps out the window of the family's RV. So now, it's a race to get Forky back to Bonnie or else things won't be the same when heading back to school. As always, it's becomes an adventure and encountering all sorts of other toys in the process.
This is mainly a Woody movie. You don't see too much of Buzz Lightyear and a lot of the other toys, though Buzz does get his share of screentime. The other toys, they have a few moments, especially towards the end. You will be laughing hard at a few scenes. Returning for the first time since the second film, we get to see Bo Peep and her sheep. She has a lot of scenes for this film and it's not purely a romantic angle. They turned her into an adventurous toy that does things her way and can handle a lot of stuff. One thing they do address is her absence in 3 and what happened to her. Honestly, she was one of the highlights for the movie.
Regarding new toys, there is Duke Caboom. This is the summer of Keanu Reeves, and despite the small amount of scenes, this was a great and funny toy. Even funnier are Ducky and Bunny, played by Key and Peele, Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele. Though their humor is a bit more adult oriented, to entertain kids with these characters is a surprise and its effective. They actually provide some of the adult type humor that sneaks up in Pixar films. Then there is Gabby Gabby, who is kind of a villain, but not in the way of like a Sid or Lotso or even Stinky Pete.
That's the thing, really. There's nothing really evil in the movie. It's not a bad thing and it's refreshing for a kids film. Not much anger, either. Maybe one or two scary parts, but not to the level of 3. As far as CGI goes, it's amazing the improvements that has been made since 1995 with the original. Little details make it very noticeable and more real every year. And the cast, as usual, is phenomenal.
They do reuse quite a bit of Randy Newman's scores from the trilogy. Normally, it's a bad thing, but it's not overused, and they use it in the right spots. The only thing I'll without spoiling is that the ending will surprise you. Whether or not it will make you cry, I don't know. But what I can tell you is that this is a movie you should be seeing in the theater. This is a franchise that has stood the test of time, and this fourth one will for a very long time. Probably the best movie of 2019.
Score: 10 out of 10
Woody and the gang belong to little Bonnie Anderson, following what happened at the end of 3. She now attends school and the cowboy toy secretly helps her with creating a new toy, Forky. The Andersons go on vacation and the spork jumps out the window of the family's RV. So now, it's a race to get Forky back to Bonnie or else things won't be the same when heading back to school. As always, it's becomes an adventure and encountering all sorts of other toys in the process.
This is mainly a Woody movie. You don't see too much of Buzz Lightyear and a lot of the other toys, though Buzz does get his share of screentime. The other toys, they have a few moments, especially towards the end. You will be laughing hard at a few scenes. Returning for the first time since the second film, we get to see Bo Peep and her sheep. She has a lot of scenes for this film and it's not purely a romantic angle. They turned her into an adventurous toy that does things her way and can handle a lot of stuff. One thing they do address is her absence in 3 and what happened to her. Honestly, she was one of the highlights for the movie.
Regarding new toys, there is Duke Caboom. This is the summer of Keanu Reeves, and despite the small amount of scenes, this was a great and funny toy. Even funnier are Ducky and Bunny, played by Key and Peele, Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele. Though their humor is a bit more adult oriented, to entertain kids with these characters is a surprise and its effective. They actually provide some of the adult type humor that sneaks up in Pixar films. Then there is Gabby Gabby, who is kind of a villain, but not in the way of like a Sid or Lotso or even Stinky Pete.
That's the thing, really. There's nothing really evil in the movie. It's not a bad thing and it's refreshing for a kids film. Not much anger, either. Maybe one or two scary parts, but not to the level of 3. As far as CGI goes, it's amazing the improvements that has been made since 1995 with the original. Little details make it very noticeable and more real every year. And the cast, as usual, is phenomenal.
They do reuse quite a bit of Randy Newman's scores from the trilogy. Normally, it's a bad thing, but it's not overused, and they use it in the right spots. The only thing I'll without spoiling is that the ending will surprise you. Whether or not it will make you cry, I don't know. But what I can tell you is that this is a movie you should be seeing in the theater. This is a franchise that has stood the test of time, and this fourth one will for a very long time. Probably the best movie of 2019.
Score: 10 out of 10
The Secret Life of Pets 2 Review
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have seen it in theaters, but this was more so for my sister and niece. I've seen bits and pieces of the first Pets film and I thought it was good. Kind of hard to think that there would be a second one. Like most movies, it's not as good as the first, but it holds its own quite a bit. What I like is similar to Seinfeld in that there are multiple stories that connect together in the end.
Dogs Max and Duke enjoy life with their owner, Katie. Things change within a few years as she meets and marries a guy, Chuck. They have a child and it becomes a stress induced life now for Max. Not from being annoyed by baby Liam, but making sure things are okay. The family decides a vacation to Chuck's uncle's farm for a few days before Liam goes to preschool and it also serves as a series of lessons for Max about life as a whole, learning from Rooster, the farm's dog.
As far as other stories, you wouldn't think of them as big deals, but they are. A dog friend of Max and Duke, Gidget, is tasked with keeping eye on Max's favorite toy, and you can guess what happens. Then there is Snowball the rabbit. His owner makes him a superhero and tries to be an actual one when a dog comes to him about saving a tiger from the circus. That might be the funniest story of the trio and it all comes together in the end with the tiger story being the main thing.
It's amazing the amount of people they got to do the movie and not require a 200 million dollar budget. But they all put on solid performances. I won't say it's a total gut buster, but you can at least smile at some of the antics that these animals go through. Visually, it's beautiful and even a little 2D type animation for a scene or two is a nice bonus.
This is a pretty short movie, clocking at under an hour and a half, but you'll be there longer because of the trailers before the film. There's not much I can complain about. The only things I can think of is the obnoxious aspects of Snowball in a couple scenes, but it's not going to hurt the movie. I do think this could have worked as a TV show and serve as a pilot and a couple of additional episodes to begin. But I would try and see it before it's taken out of theaters. It's a nice little film that is a good alternative to other kids films.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Dogs Max and Duke enjoy life with their owner, Katie. Things change within a few years as she meets and marries a guy, Chuck. They have a child and it becomes a stress induced life now for Max. Not from being annoyed by baby Liam, but making sure things are okay. The family decides a vacation to Chuck's uncle's farm for a few days before Liam goes to preschool and it also serves as a series of lessons for Max about life as a whole, learning from Rooster, the farm's dog.
As far as other stories, you wouldn't think of them as big deals, but they are. A dog friend of Max and Duke, Gidget, is tasked with keeping eye on Max's favorite toy, and you can guess what happens. Then there is Snowball the rabbit. His owner makes him a superhero and tries to be an actual one when a dog comes to him about saving a tiger from the circus. That might be the funniest story of the trio and it all comes together in the end with the tiger story being the main thing.
It's amazing the amount of people they got to do the movie and not require a 200 million dollar budget. But they all put on solid performances. I won't say it's a total gut buster, but you can at least smile at some of the antics that these animals go through. Visually, it's beautiful and even a little 2D type animation for a scene or two is a nice bonus.
This is a pretty short movie, clocking at under an hour and a half, but you'll be there longer because of the trailers before the film. There's not much I can complain about. The only things I can think of is the obnoxious aspects of Snowball in a couple scenes, but it's not going to hurt the movie. I do think this could have worked as a TV show and serve as a pilot and a couple of additional episodes to begin. But I would try and see it before it's taken out of theaters. It's a nice little film that is a good alternative to other kids films.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Monday, July 1, 2019
Brooklyn Better Than Manhattan
If the trades from this weekend were a sign for New York City, it means one thing. The Brooklyn Nets are a team that has a lot more going than the lowly New York Knicks. And this comes after a time in march where Knicks owner James Dolan was looking to make a splash in free agency.
The Nets are going to have Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and DeAndre Jordan. That alone could make them advance in the playoffs in theory. For the Knicks, they got some scraps. Taj Gibson, Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Reggie Bullock. Not horrible, but anywhere what I think fans and the organization envisioned. What I see is a problem with the culture of the Knicks and what the Nets avoid.
For one thing, the Nets don't have huge issues with the press. It's a series of hoops to go through and red tape just to talk to Knicks players and staff. Public relations is a nightmare at Madison Square Garden. You can thank jackass Jonathan Supranowitz for not wanting to hear any negativity and having the public relations crew not want to hear criticism. Dolan hates criticism. That's what happens when you own a team that has been horrible for roughly 20 years and the owner does nothing about it.
There's a lot more that I can say, but the Nets are nowhere to the level of dysfunction compared to the Knicks. The players they got are capable of a good five to seven year run if they can all stay healthy and play on a high level. The borough of Brooklyn may just be superior to Manhattan with its basketball. But it's a wait and see situation.
The Nets are going to have Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and DeAndre Jordan. That alone could make them advance in the playoffs in theory. For the Knicks, they got some scraps. Taj Gibson, Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Reggie Bullock. Not horrible, but anywhere what I think fans and the organization envisioned. What I see is a problem with the culture of the Knicks and what the Nets avoid.
For one thing, the Nets don't have huge issues with the press. It's a series of hoops to go through and red tape just to talk to Knicks players and staff. Public relations is a nightmare at Madison Square Garden. You can thank jackass Jonathan Supranowitz for not wanting to hear any negativity and having the public relations crew not want to hear criticism. Dolan hates criticism. That's what happens when you own a team that has been horrible for roughly 20 years and the owner does nothing about it.
There's a lot more that I can say, but the Nets are nowhere to the level of dysfunction compared to the Knicks. The players they got are capable of a good five to seven year run if they can all stay healthy and play on a high level. The borough of Brooklyn may just be superior to Manhattan with its basketball. But it's a wait and see situation.
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