Following on from previous reports about HD DVD conceding defeat to BLU - RAY, Toshiba have officially announced that they are to pull the plug on HD DVD. Extracts of the press release can be found on the next-gen website here

On another note, managed to grind slightly further through my DVD collection. Caught Half Nelson today, after being put off by watching Crash (the multi-story one, not the sex in cars one). This from the same person that expressed the sentiment that ‘The Last Kiss’ made his gf as a girl want to sew her vagina up. I think I gotta stop flagging films with him before I watch them.

However ‘Half Nelson’ is a fantastic film, it comes with its flaws of course but it really is fantastic cinema. Addressing the storyline it’s a refreshing take on the increasingly popular US genre of ‘teacher meets and bonds with trouble student / class’. Instead we have an examination of a flawed teacher struggling to control his drug addiction whilst maintaining his job. It’s a fascinating examination of addiction and friendship. The story is an incredibly well told through some strong performances, not least of all Ryan Gosling in the lead roll.

The story does lack pacing in a couple of places, you start to get the feeling that its all slowed a little but it then picks right back up again very quickly.  Part of what helps move this along so much is the fantastic direction and editing throughout the film. During the the scenes in which he is clearly high the camera cuts tight to areas, chopping in and out of focus giving a real edge to the scene.

It really was a great film to watch, as I’ve said above it’s well directed and edited. Not the easiest film in terms of story, but worth your time.