Alternate title: Astro is the Coolest Person in the World Right Now.

Had a surprise1 package featuring the two Blu-ray movies above. In fact, these are the first two Blu-ray movies that I own now. I got a Blu-ray player2 for Christmas from my Girlfriend, and I've only had one Blu-ray disk play through it: Appleseed: Ex Machina from Netflix.

As for whether Astro should make the jump to Blu-ray, I'd say "It depends." I only have a 27" CRT TV (though it's capable of 1080i and has HDMI input). There's a visible difference in visual quality from Blu-ray disks compared to DVDs on the TV, but I don't think most people would really notice right off on it. I'd say not bother with Blu-ray unless you have a TV larger than around 35" that can support high-definition resolutions. Maybe get a Blu-ray player if you have to replace your DVD, but I wouldn't go out and buy one if you have a functional entertainment setup. Being able to import R1 Blu-ray from Japan might also be a consideration. In fact, my girlfriend didn't get this player for the Blu-ray capabilities but for the Netflix streaming capabilities, which I use quite often now.

In any case, thanks Astro for a great Christmas present3! I'll have to return the favor.

For now, time to get to watching them4!

1. 1. Ok, not entirely a surprise, as Astro had been hinting at it. I am surprised at what was in it...
2. 2. Specifically, the Samsung BD-P2550
3. 3. So it's a bit late. I don't care or mind at all. Maybe we can call it an early Mardi Gras present, instead.
4. 4. Ok, so no English subtitles, but I've watched these movies many times already.