Visit Pandora on Earth Day

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Posted by Jennifer B. Davis

Today’s the big day! The day that every one has been waiting for. The day when the highest grossing box office hit is released on Blu-Ray disc and DVD. The day when you can own a piece of history and hold what some has lauded as the most spectacular visual experience in movie-making in the palm of your hand. The day when the movie that put 3D squarely on the map is released….in 2D.

This may not be a surprise, as the film’s producer, Jon Landaufrom Lightstorm Entertainment estimates that in the States 60% of the viewing audience saw the film in 2D. When asked when we will see a 3D Blu-Ray version of the technology, Jon responded, “I think right now it's too premature. We would a little bit be the egg coming before the chicken. You know, we've worked with a lot of the manufacturers to ensure that there's gonna be a high quality of 3D out there in the marketplace, but the last thing you want to do is go out on some of these screens you've seen in the past where the quality just isn't there.” We, here at Runco wholeheartedly agree with that.

Industry players estimate that it might come out a year or two from now. We can’t wait, but are pleased that they are waiting for the right, high-quality 3D experience in the home.

Apparently the movie itself takes up the entire capacity of the Blu-Ray format, so these discs will not include director’s notes, special features, or the like. This is the first time that a major theatrical release has been done this way. They expect an ultimate Blu-Ray version for November. Since Avatar’s plot so closely follows that of Pocahontas, it is no surprise that the first Blu-Ray release date corresponds with Earth Day 2010.

So what’s next for the creative team? They are apparently working to convert Titanic to 3D to honor the 15^th anniversary of the original movie and the 100^th anniversary of Paramount studios which could be breathtaking! James Cameron is already working on Avatar 2 (mark your calendars for 2012 or there abouts) and the movie will be set in the ocean (keeping with their blue theme). Perhaps he’ll borrow from the plot of another Disney movie and remake “The Little Mermaid.”

~Jennifer B. Davis is all about technology innovation and is a customer advocate, business executive, mom, and loves her job as Runco’s VP of marketing.

The Value of a Home Theater is Immeasurable

Monday, April 05, 2010

Posted by Jennifer Davis

While it is difficult to assign a specific, formulaic resale value to a home theater addition, the true benefit is in the experience: the comfort and convenience a theater provides. Plus, having an impressive theater adds the “wow” factor needed to attract buyers in certain real estate markets so that they can imagine living and entertaining in the space. “A home theater certainly adds value,” says Valerie Marques of Scottsdale-based VM Concept Interior Design Studio“and that value depends on the quality of the components they choose, and having a great design.”*

As Runco clients will attest, the value of a home theater might just be summarized best in the memories, movie moments, and the lifestyle that it creates for current and future owners. To see if a home theater is right for your home (and you may be surprised by the possibilities), contact a Runco dealer.

*As quoted in the March 2010 edition of Alaska Airlines Magazine in an article by Jenny Quill entitled “Enhancing Your Home: The best design combines create comforts and greater resale value.”

Jennifer B. Davis is all about technology innovation and is a customer advocate, business executive, mom, and loves her job as Runco’s VP of marketing.

Terry's Top Twenty Blu-ray Concert Videos

Monday, March 08, 2010

Posted March 8, 2010 by Terry Paulin, Home Theatre Journalist

1. Rolling Stones - Shine a Light

2. Chris Botti - in Boston
3. Roy Orbison - Black and White Night

4. Elton John - ELTON: 60

5. Stevie Nicks - Live

6. Moody Blues - Lovely to See You

7. Tony Bennett - All American Classic

8. Michael Buble' - Caught in the Act

9. Dave Mathews/Tim Reynolds - Live at Radio City

10. Chris Botti - Live

11. Diana Krall - Live in Rio

12. K.D. Lang - with BBC Concert Orchastra

13. Neil Diamond - Hot August Night, NYC

14. Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood - Live, from M.S.G.

15. Paul Simon and Friends - Library of Congress

16. The Last Waltz - (the Band)

17.John Mayer - Where the Light Is

18. Celine Dion - Live in Las Vegas

19. Bruce Springsteen - Live in Dublin (C- video, A+ music)
20. David Foster - Hit Man