The Thrill of the Hunt: Uncovering Hidden Gems in Physical Media
As a self-proclaimed aficionado of physical media, I still get a rush from scouring online marketplaces for rare finds and unbeatable deals. My latest discovery was a real showstopper: a ROCKY Blu-ray box set featuring all six films in the iconic franchise for a mere $15.98. It’s a steal, considering each film would normally set you back around $4.
The Evolution of Physical Media
Remember the good old days of VHS? The introduction of DVDs was a game-changer, offering a significant upgrade in video and audio quality. But then came the format wars, with HD DVD and Blu-ray vying for dominance. In the end, Blu-ray emerged victorious, becoming the standard for high-definition physical media. Now, with the advent of 4K, some might argue that Blu-rays are outdated. But I’m not convinced. The difference between Blu-ray and 4K is negligible to the average viewer, and I’m happy to stick with what I know and love.
A Steven Seagal Marathon
When I stumbled upon a 12-movie Blu-ray collection featuring the martial arts master himself, Steven Seagal, I couldn’t resist. I grew up watching his films on repeat at my local video store, and the prospect of revisiting those glory days was too enticing to pass up. But my excitement was short-lived. Upon closer inspection, I realized that none of the titles in the collection were familiar to me, and a quick search revealed that they didn’t even exist on IMDb. It seemed I had fallen prey to a clever marketing ploy.
A Collection of Questionable Quality
The “True Justice” series, starring Seagal as Elijah Kane, leader of an elite undercover police unit, promised high-octane action and intense martial arts sequences. But the reality was far from it. With a price tag of $50, I expected a lot more than a collection of low-budget, straight-to-video films. Even the lone reviewer who braved the entire 18-hour marathon was left underwhelmed, calling the package a disappointment and suggesting a more reasonable price point of $20.
A Challenge for the Ages
I propose a challenge to my fellow cinephiles: who can sit through the most of these 12 films without losing their minds? I’ll set the over/under at 1.5. It’s a daunting task, but someone’s got to do it. And who knows, maybe we’ll discover a hidden gem amidst the dreck.
Leave a Reply