Notes From the Movie Room. December 19, 2025

🎬 Imagine, if you will, a man, a self-identified cinephile, who ventures out to purchase a new television and a new Blu-ray player. Imagine further that this same man has been enjoying this electronic equipment for a few months before finally realizing that he is now in possession of 4k capability. A story this bizarre, this totally unbelievable, could only happen in...The Twilight Zone.

Full disclosure: this did not take place in The Twilight Zone, but right here in my real life, which, I have to confess, sometimes seems like The Twilight Zone. But that's another blogpost. A short while ago, I did pick up a new 43" Hisense TV at Wal-Mart and followed up by getting a Blu-ray player at Best Buy. I went to Best Buy because that's where I picked up the Sony player I use in my movie room, and I wanted to get the same player for convenience and familiarity. The only one they had on the shelf was a little more advance and more expensive, but I picked it up without even thinking about it. All I cared about was that I knew how to operate it. It was easy to hook up to the TV and I threw the box into a closet without really looking at it.

In other words, I didn't notice that little 4k-HDR symbol on the box. What can I say? I never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I could easily be classified as the most impulsive shopper whoever pulled a credit card out of his wallet. I swear, both the TV and the player were bought so quickly, I didn't ask any questions or waste any time looking at details on boxes. The TV was super cheap, and the player was the right one, so I grabbed, paid, and took them home.

It was only a few days ago when I picked up the Blu-ray player box, intending to recycle it, and noticed the 4k symbol. I wish I could say I jumped with joy and jubilation upon realizing I had entered the new world of home video, but, honestly, I just felt like a fool and managed to laugh at my lack of awareness. I have a few items on 4k that came in box sets, so I decided to try one out and see how it looked. I played the 4k of the Barbara Steele classic DANZA MACABRA from Severin Video, and it looked pretty good. I can't say it blew me away with its high-def perfection, but it looked good. I then played AIRPORT 1975, the new Kino release. By mistake, I picked up the duo-combo at Barnes & Noble, another example of impulsive shopping and not paying attention to what I was doing. It also played well.

So, it appears that I have inadvertently emerged into the 4k universe. This doesn't mean that I plan to drastically change my collecting habits. I still remain skeptical regarding the new format. But the opportunity to explore now exists, and I guess we'll see how things progress from here.

My new TV, player and stand in my living room.