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Roku Digital Video Player

We have to admit the Roku Digital Video Player isn’t our favorite streaming device. That award goes to VUDU with its far superior audio and video. But Roku offers two features you’ll miss with VUDU.

• Free streaming of over 12,000 Netflix titles with any rental plan of $8.95 or above
• Stream or purchase over 40,000 titles from Amazon Video On Demand

If you are wondering why it’s our are favorite that’s because it has no built-in storage which restricts you to live streaming which reduces the video quality (especially with HD content) and it currently only supports stereo audio. Both of these limit its usefulness to casual viewing which isn’t a bad thing in and of itself just don’t plan on replacing your Blu-ray player with one.

Speaking of Blu-ray players quite a number of them now offer Internet based streaming including support for both Netflix and Amazon. Since the entry level players cost roughly $250 we would recommend going this route unless you are already covered with Blu-ray players or simply want to throw a box into one of the kids rooms.

Currently Netflix is the only game in town if you want to pay a subscription fee and be able to enjoy unlimited content of movies and TV series. Just keep in mind most of the latest releases aren’t included. But if you are a movie lover and already subscribe to Netflix you’ll have more movies available for viewing than you have time.

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Gran Torino (+ Digital Copy and BD-Live) [Blu-ray]

Has Clint Eastwood ever acted in, directed or produced a bad movie? Not that we know of and come June 9th you can catch yet another at home. Gran Torino is thoroughly entertaining on several levels with a strong story powerfully told and characters you care about well after the movie ends. From all reports the video and audio are stellar so there is simply no reason not to pick up a copy.

Since Clint is getting up in age (78 at last count) while writing this I thought of another favorite. The Straight Story directed by David Lynch and if you are familiar with his work you will be more than shocked by this unforgettable true story about a 73-year old man who travels 260 miles on his John Deere lawnmower to see… well we best not give away any spoilers. Unfortunately it isn’t available on Blu-ray but DVD will be just fine and be sure to invite the entire family.

Now to prove the leading man doesn’t have to be up in years for the movie to be a keeper we highly recommend Saint Ralph. This isn’t a true story but it’s seriously touching and funny at the same time. Ralph is 14 and not a saint as one of the funnier scenes in recent memory shows all too well. Again only available on DVD and combined with The Straight Story you have one of the best double features I can think of.

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Band of Brothers [Blu-ray]

Since Saving Private Ryan isn’t available on Blu-ray we’ll have to recommend another military related experience to salute our heroes in uniform. Which in this case is easy since the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers will more than do the job. The 10 episodes along with interviews of surviving veterans will bring alive their dedication to our country and the sacrifices it all too often brings.

You’ll follow Easy Company from boot camp through the end of the war. Including stops at D-Day and Battle of the Bulge but what really makes the series engulfing is the realism of Bad Company as they encounter the war on a daily basis.

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From Hell [Blu-ray]

From Hell finds Johnny Depp and Heather Graham teaming up to track down Jack the Ripper. This intriguing thriller delivers killer audio and video. The deep vivid colors and pounding bass will transport you onto the streets of London. Best viewed late at night with a friend.

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