With 2015 just around the corner, what better time to take a peek at the films you should be looking out for next year. And our focus here is on the movies that we think will be extra special when viewed in high definition. Therefore, you’re either going to need to take a trip to the cinema or experience them in the comfort of your own home on a blu-ray player.
Don’t have a blu-ray player yet? That’s easily remedied and with so many fantastic makes and models available, you’ll find one that suits your needs and budget with ease. For example, the range of blu-ray players available at Toshiba is extensive and definitely worth a look.
So with your blu-ray player secured it’s time to take a look at our top picks of films that are coming out next year and will look especially awesome in high definition.
1. Star Wars Episode VII
Nothing says science-fiction quite like the Star Wars movie franchise and in 2015 fans of the blockbusting space series are set for a new installment.
Star Wars Episode VII is packed with famous actors and actresses but it’s especially nostalgic to see three from the original movies feature. Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are all back in their roles as Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker respectively.
2. Jurassic World
It is 24 years after the original Jurassic Park was released back in 1993 and was a box office smash. Based on the Michael Crichton novel, it was our first glimpse into what life would be like if dinosaurs roamed the earth once more. So far few plot details have been revealed.
It seems following the disaster in the first movie, the Island was salvaged and is up and running as a theme-park attraction, with the prehistoric beasts as the main attraction. But obviously everything goes awry, with dinosaurs escaping and killing a bunch of people (as usual). Jurassic World has been in pre-production for over a decade and is probably the most anticipated movie on the list.
There are many rumours out there and most are unconfirmed and dubious. Universal appear to be gradually revealing more information in the lead up to a release. So far the only confirmed cast have been Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy), Bryce Dallas Howard (Terminator Salvation), and, of course, T-Rex.
3. The Avengers: Age of Ultron
Marvel’s Avengers movies have always proved popular and The Avengers: Age of Ultron is likely to be no exception. Your favourite superhero team is up once more to save the world and this is going to be a film that will definitely do your blu-ray player justice.
Thor, Captain America, Iron Man and The Hulk battle against the sentient robot known as Ultron. It’s sure to be an action-packed adventure that’ll have you thrilled from the start.
4. Fast & Furious 7
Few movies scream, “watch me in high definition or you’ll regret it” like the Fast & Furious ones. Vin Diesel and his crew of adrenaline junkies are back in the seventh Fast & Furious incarnation. The film was originally due out this year but production was halted following the tragic death of Paul Walker at the end of 2013.
The script was altered and lots of discussions took place as how best to proceed following the star’s death. The film’s director, James Wan, and Universal executives held a conference call to agree on how to proceed with production in a manner respectful to Walker’s death.
5. Ant-Man
After discovering a group of sub-atomic particles, biochemist Dr Hank Pym develops a size altering formula. Not the catchiest or most impressive name for a superhero, Ant-Man also creates a device which allows him to control insects.
We’ll trust Marvel with this one, they haven’t let us down in the past and the trailers actually look pretty awesome. The role of Ant-Man will be played by actor/comedian Paul Rudd.
6. Fifty Shades of Grey
The long awaited and much anticipated movie adaptation of E.L. James’ notorious bestseller, having sold over 100million copies worldwide. The role of Christian Grey will be the first big break for Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan, allowing readers to put a face to their fantasies. So High Definition is a must for diehard fans.
The movie will be unashamed visual gratification for any reader of the book and has a lot to live up to. Due to be released in time for Valentine’s Day, how…errr… Romantic.
7. Seventh Son
In this supernatural fantasy, Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian, Dorian Gray) stars as Tomas Ward, the seventh son of the seventh son, gifted with special powers. He sets off with his mentor, known as the Spook (Jeff bridges) and embarks on a journey to fight a powerful witch (Julianne Moore) and her army of darkness.
Also starring Game of Thrones favourite, Kit Harrington, it’s definitely worth watching out for. Scheduled for 3D and IMAX release, it promises to be a visual treat.
8. Terminator Genisys
The fifth installment in the long-running Terminator series is due for release in July 2015.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will reprise his role as the titular robot assassin and if the previous Terminator films are anything to go by, this one is sure to be an action packed treat for the eyes. As yet no plot details have been released, but Paramount has revealed plans for a revival trilogy.
9. Mad Max Fury Road
The first Mad Max film in nearly 30 years, Fury Road stars Tom Hardy as Mad Max, the eponymous lone desert wanderer in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Mad Max’s solitary life is compromised when he is approached by the mysterious Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman looking to cross the perilous desert wasteland. On the release of the trailer this summer, critics called it “awesome” and “explosive”. The trailer alone deserves to be viewed in full HD.
10. Jupiter Ascending
Starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, this space opera epic tells the story of Jupiter Jones, an unassuming young woman working as a housemaid in Chicago. That is until one day a genetically engineered space soldier (Tatum) arrives and changes her world –or rather her universe- forever.
Described by critics as a cross between The Matrix and Star Wars and using the same visual effects techniques as the 2013 hit Gravity, this is definitely one to watch out for. In cinemas February.