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September 21, 2009 4:13 PM PDT

Top 30 must-have Blu-ray Discs

by David Carnoy
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Editors' note: Updated on September 21, 2009.

A few years ago, we used to do a feature highlighting some of the top DVDs that made your home theater really look and sound like one. Well, with Blu-ray in full swing, we thought it high time to come up with a similar roundup of our favorite Blu-ray Discs that will help show off your home theater in all its glory.

While my face is at the top of the column, the list was compiled with input from editors John Falcone, Matthew Moskovciak, and David Katzmaier, who look at a lot of content in their day-to-day testing of products. We also keep an eye on AVS Forum's Blu-ray picture- and audio-quality threads and have always appreciated the site's "tier" rating system.

This list is not set in stone, and we'll be adding and removing discs as new ones come out. As always, feel free to make comments and suggest your own personal favorites. They may get added to the list in the future.

Also: If you're someone who likes demoing your system and skipping around between scenes, you'll want a fast Blu-ray player. Right now, the fastest players we've tested are the LG BD390, Sony PlayStation 3, and the Samsung BD-P3600. Though not quite as fast as its step-up sibling, the Samsung BDP-1600 is among the fastest sub-$300 players we've tested. (See CNET's full list of best Blu-ray players.)

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  • Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter.
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    Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 3 pages (80 Comments)
    by markdoiron March 31, 2009 4:28 PM PDT
    I watch movies to see and hear a good story. DVD quality video and sound is quite good at that. Not as good as Blu-ray, but quite good. And, if the story is sufficiently compelling, I hardly notice the quality of the video and sound. That is the case with every title you list as "must have." However, there is one title that is absent that tells a great story, and for which the Blu-ray video is perfectly suited. I'm surprised that Planet Earth did not make your list. --mark d.
    Reply to this comment
    by tipoo_ May 6, 2009 4:42 PM PDT
    Agreed! Planet Earth in HD is mind blowing.
    by ofdeepestsummer July 2, 2009 7:00 AM PDT
    Actually it is on their list, you have to scroll over a few times. I agree most of the time about quality, but when I watch things on my parent's 55" tv I can tell the difference between DVD and Blu-Ray very easily, as the compression artifacts are a lot easier to spot.
    by fullhouse42 September 23, 2009 10:35 AM PDT
    You are totally correct, I actually just put Planet earth in to see what it would look like on football Sunday, I never watched a game, just Planet earth all day 5 disks,to my wife's enjoyment I might add.
    by aufox April 1, 2009 5:43 AM PDT
    The "Planet Earth" set is the first BD we bought and it should be on the list. Great to demo our system.
    Reply to this comment
    by BeepBeep6262 April 1, 2009 8:19 AM PDT
    Agreed. Probably some of the most amazing footage ever caught on film. I don't know how this didn't make the list on pure visuals alone.
    by Kendokill April 1, 2009 8:59 AM PDT
    Ya, really. Take Transformers off the list and pu P.E. on there.
    by Bowen88 April 1, 2009 12:16 PM PDT
    I agree, not putting P.E. on the list was a large oversight.
    by JFuelleman April 1, 2009 3:51 PM PDT
    Wholly agree. Planet Earth was my first, and still favorite non-action BD. Particularly when coupled with the BBC version's audio track and David Attenborough at the mic. The visual of the flock of birds flying across the wetland in what looks like a crane shot that pulls back to 5,000 feet and keeps the birds clearly delineated is just one of a phenomenal number of "How'd They Do That?", jaw-dropping scenes.
    by drifterz28 April 1, 2009 6:55 AM PDT
    i love my blu-rays. i buy them for a lot of my movies like the dark knight and ironman and i can see the difference from dvd to blu-ray. i use a PS3 for the player and it will up-convert but 1080p is better then 1080i. planet earth is a must have even if i did pay $80 for it. but not all movies need to be, in my mind stories that dont have a lot of action dont need it. just my $.02
    Reply to this comment
    by traxx09 April 1, 2009 7:52 AM PDT
    How true. I hardly think that chick flicks like 27 Dresses would be worth it on Blu-ray. I don't even know if such movies are released on Blu-ray. Don't waste the extra money on movies that don't push the audio and video system. That being said, I'd think The Matrix would do a fair job of that.
    by isuredbird07 April 1, 2009 6:58 AM PDT
    You shouldn't need to include both Planet Earth and Baraka on the same list...and Baraka is by far better quality. Shot 20 years ago using better equipment than what is used today...it's truly remarkable.

    The movie I would add to the list is Across the Universe. The "I am the Walrus" and "Adventures of Mr. Kite" scenes just jump off the screen. I love the movie...and love it even more on Blu-Ray. I recommend it to every friend I have with Blu-Ray...along with Baraka.
    Reply to this comment
    by MultiWizard April 1, 2009 8:45 AM PDT
    If you want to hear reference quality audio and near close video, Wanted is your flick. The film isn't the best but you can sure show off your system with it. Runner up would be The Incredible Hulk.
    Reply to this comment
    by Kendokill April 1, 2009 9:02 AM PDT
    Both of those recommendations are epic FAILS. :D
    by viper396 April 1, 2009 11:34 AM PDT
    @Kendokill. Who's the real failure here? The entire list is partially based on preference and opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and you only look like a complete @ss for attacking "MultiWizard" because he expressed his. I doubt anyone could ever make a list that everyone could agree to.
    by wroane September 21, 2009 6:11 PM PDT
    I agree, those are the 2 I most use to demo blu-ray.
    by pepestudio_dotmac April 1, 2009 9:22 AM PDT
    I just sold all my DVDs to Amoeba. They asked me for store credit but declined and requested for cash. I've decided to stop collecting DVDs and not buy any new BluRays at all. I will only rent them (both formats) from NetFlix. Because what's happening now that people are able to download movies. Quality's not that great but it will be soon.

    Anyway, favorite BluRays movies? Hmm, I've rented a lot and I'll have to say they're all good. My first ever Blu Ray movies (rental) was Casino Royale (new version) and it was great. Details are awesome. I feel like in a movie theater. Thereafter, all the blurays are great. Now, if a Bluray version of "Even CowGirls get the Blues" comes out then it will be the worst BluRay DVD ever to come out and I will wallow in bed with nightmares.
    Reply to this comment
    by smilez1105 April 1, 2009 9:28 AM PDT
    300. No long description. Just "300"
    Reply to this comment
    by Lakshmi Naarayanan R April 1, 2009 10:40 AM PDT
    Thats my man!!! I wonder why 300 wasn't included in this list! I got it free with my PS3 anyway :)
    by TMathuse April 1, 2009 1:36 PM PDT
    I was totallly surprised 300 wasn't on the list, a great BR movie to have!!
    by browninggold April 1, 2009 9:50 AM PDT
    Usually you purchase blu-ray movies for the audio/video performance. If you have a quality 5.1/7.1 system I would add KFP to your list that will shake your foundation. Transformers should be ahead of Iron Man IMO. Where is the good ole' King Kong listed? Everyone has their own opinions...
    Reply to this comment
    by stuntman_mike April 1, 2009 10:15 AM PDT
    I don't understand if this list is really for PQ and sound, because some of the reasons given have to do with the quality of the films themselves. If you wanted to do a best films list, then it should be labeled as such, but to switch back and forth between choosing films for reference quality one minute, and then story the next, is confusing.

    And if this is really supposed to be about PQ and sound, then Black Hawk Down should not be on this list. It was a very good movie and the sound may be great, but the transfer to BD is horrible and the PQ is fool of graniness. It's like they used the worst master they could find. Unless if they have a remastered Black Hawk BD, this title is not a feast for the eyes at all. It's up there with the 1st Fifth Element transfer for shoddiness.
    Reply to this comment
    by speed2win April 1, 2009 10:37 AM PDT
    One of my fav BR movies for sounds and quality is Crank. Great movies to watch in HD. Another movies is Miami Vice. The movie sucked but the quality is great.
    Reply to this comment
    by perkler April 1, 2009 11:02 AM PDT
    i've seen a lot of Blu-Ray movies and i have a top notch home theater system and i would say there needs to be 1. Planet Earth (many have mentioned) 2. Pearl harbor (amazing countryside scenes and fighter pilot scenes--looks amazing) and 3. John Mayer live in L.A. where the light is---amazing picture and sound. I hope you look into these 3 you won't regret it.
    Reply to this comment
    by Icejock13 April 1, 2009 11:17 AM PDT
    Madmen as your tv choice! Blasphemy! Lost was made for blu-ray. Think about it...Hawaii as a setting...Kate, Juliet, Claire, Sun, Jin, Jack, Sawyer, Sayid...all more attractive than their counterparts in Madmen. And, if you're into audio Lost has some of the best sound and scores television has ever heard!
    Reply to this comment
    by dctech08 April 1, 2009 12:20 PM PDT
    lol, there is only 4 movies on this list that are a must have. i actually thought transformers was the lowest quality blu ray disc i own. one must have especially if you have kids is Disney's Bolt. it is colorful, crystal clear and it fills up the screen! none of that pan and scan BS.
    Reply to this comment
    by SonyFanBoy April 1, 2009 12:31 PM PDT
    Needs some BARAKA !!!
    Reply to this comment
    by jeff909 April 1, 2009 12:55 PM PDT
    How about BAND OF BROTHERS.
    Reply to this comment
    by duperstar September 21, 2009 5:20 PM PDT
    Agree 100%
    by lobo65 April 1, 2009 1:13 PM PDT
    Master & Commander. You can hear every creak of the wooden ship, and the splinters flying when hit by cannon balls. Great movie too.
    Reply to this comment
    by lakofideas April 1, 2009 1:40 PM PDT
    The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
    Reply to this comment
    by Weeji July 6, 2009 12:54 PM PDT
    Not sure if its a must-own Blu-Ray, but a must own movie, definitely. Now where did I put my towel...
    by jeb69 April 1, 2009 1:55 PM PDT
    Baraka cool but how can you possibly put out this list without Planet Earth? It is in a class of its own.

    A couple other must-haves: The Godfather - The Coppola Restoration Giftset, When We Left Earth - The NASA Missions, and Band of Brothers.
    Reply to this comment
    by SonyFanBoy April 1, 2009 5:16 PM PDT
    I just watched all Planet Earth on Blu-Ray.. the thing is.... not all the content is full HD and quality is not always top notch like Baraka. Plus PE is not a movie... but Baraka is.
    by BeepBeep6262 April 2, 2009 3:34 AM PDT
    I believe the title was "Top 20 must-have Blu-Ray Discs", not movies. Plus there are a couple listed on there that aren't movies either...
    by 01f4irider April 1, 2009 2:50 PM PDT
    This is an awesome site for Blu-Ray Reviews:

    http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/reviews_overall.html
    Reply to this comment
    by sbf1 April 1, 2009 4:59 PM PDT
    Excalibur.
    Empire of the Sun.

    Some that might have made the list are yet to be released on BluRay.
    Reply to this comment
    Showing 1 of 3 pages (80 Comments)
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    About Fully Equipped

    Executive Editor David Carnoy has been covering electronics for CNET since 2000, arriving at the company just as "that whole Internet bust thing" happened. Early on, he launched CNET's cell phone coverage, earning him the nickname "Wireless Dave," then moved on to bigger and broader things. Hunkered down in New York City, he oversees CNET's Home and Hardware reviews, which includes all things related to home theater, PC, and digital imaging. Fully Equipped covers the gamut of gadgets and gizmos and, to keep things lively, Carnoy likes to alternate between writing useful, advice-oriented pieces or thought-provoking columns with inflammatory headlines designed to elicit commentary from readers. Fully Equipped is the longest continuously running column on CNET.com.

    For older columns, read the Fully Equipped archive (2002-2008).

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