UPDATE!
My Blu-ray player arrived today, and I have to say, that was a fantastic turnaround from Sony's customer service/repair team.
I filled out the form online, submitted it, 3 days later they sent me an empty box with shipping instructions, I loaded it up, dropped it at a drop-off center, and 3 days after that it was on its way back to me. Actually a NEW player was on its way back to me. But they put an HD trailer that I had downloaded on it, plus my PS3 login stuff. It was ready to go!
I just hooked it up, and it worked! I had to redo my Wi-Fi settings (which took all of 2 minutes), and once I was on the Internet I downloaded the latest version of BD-Live and that was it.
And I just watched "Sleeping Beauty" on BD, and I have to say, this is (without question) my favorite Blu-ray Disc yet released. They have such fantastic special features! (And no, I'm not a shill. I didn't work on this disc. In fact, I just did my first Disney title ever, right before I left my full-time job.)
The best feature (so far) is the Cinexplore (picture-in-picture). It's like watching a first-rate behind-the-scenes documentary while you're watching the film at the same time. They use stills, new interviews and archival interviews in a constant stream of entertaining information. It's intelligent, light, fun and first-rate quality.
I guess this is my 10/10 review! But if you have a BD player or a PS3, this is a must-own disc. Without question. It's also a 2-disc set with a "free third disc" standard-def DVD of the movie thrown in for good measure. Disney did it right, on their first classic release! Pinocchio is coming out in early 2009, and I already can't wait to see what they do with that one! There is an HD trailer on this BD, and the transfer looks stunning. They are treating their "catalog" titles (an industry term for anything that isn't a brand new release) as GOLD. As well they should!
So... I'm a happy camper tonight.
I should also add that I noticed a huge difference in this new PS3 player. My old one heated up very quickly after only a half hour's play (usually). It made the discs hot, and the fan would often kick in, and sometimes it was very noisy. This new player stayed relatively cool (no hotter than your average DVD player) and no fan kicked in! And I was watching for over 2 hours.
I think I just had a lemon player, the first time.
So now, I want to keep my fingers crossed that this PS3 lasts for the duration (7-10 consumer years, which it SHOULD!). I absolutely love having it, and it is a huge difference (not just in picture and sound quality) from DVD. Owning a disc like Sleeping Beauty shows you what's possible in this new format. And this is only the beginning. I hope other studios take note. Actually, I KNOW they are watching this release like a hawk right now.
It really has set the bar for everything to come.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22