blu-ray, finally

We have assiduously avoided Blu-Ray. The Rutherford library of movies being quite extensive, the idea of purchasing a player that would make us feel like we needed to upgrade the films as well was quite a distasteful notion.

It was the marketing which began to shift us away from our firmly held position. No, I'm not talking about the astounding resolution or the dramatically increased number of pixels. I'm talking about the genius who finally figured the only way to get some of us out of our entrenched positions was to hit us where it hurt: below-the-film-geek-belt.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One was released a few months ago, creating an enormous problem for us. The bonus features, the behind the scenes & how we made stuff, was only available on Blu Ray. And our family adores these features. I mean really, really adores them. We love to watch how films are made, listen to the commentaries as the film is rolling, and will watch the Lord of the Rings Appendicies with the same fervor as the movie.  To be denied access to this holiest of holies was just downright horrid. And it worked. We bought the Blu Ray version.

However, we contentedly remained committed to not purchase the player until the last credit card was paid off. We watched the regular DVD version of the film and looked forward to the time we would be able to watch the bonus features. It was a pretty good compromise.

Until we realized that the second half of the final Harry Potter film was due to be released within weeks.

The kids began to wheedle, to beg, and to cajole. Every reason within the realm of reasons was given as to why we should just give in and buy the player we had selected after our research. Scott and I remained steadfast in front of the kids. But behind the scenes, I was just as bad as they were. Scott remained stedfast. Drat.

However, one should never underestimate the combined might of will eight children can possess. I was preparing to sort allowance into their envelopes one day when all of the kids approached.

"That's a lot of money you've got there."

I looked up at their faces and should have recognized the scheming when I saw it.

"That's almost enough money to buy the Blu-Ray player."

I reminded them that dad said we weren't spending the money.

"What if we pay for all of it. We all have some spending money."

I would still have to drive to the store, 20 miles round trip, to actually buy it. That's a lot of gas expense these days.

"What if we pay for the gas?"

Well, that sounded reasonable. But I still had some chores left to do.

"What if we do the rest of the morning chores and practice our piano while you go to the store?"

There's got to be a catch.

"You take all the littles with you, so we can work focused. And then, we'll watch the littles so you and Dawson can hook up the player before daddy wakes up."

Well, what would you have done?? Of course I took their money, loaded up the littles, walked into Sam's Club to purchase the Sony Blu-Ray, replaced the gas, and came home. Dawson and I had it installed pretty quickly and set up the Harry Potter Bonus Features disc to play on a loop while waiting for Scott to come down.

Scott responded to the explanation with a fairly typical reaction: "You've warped the kid's minds, you know."

Why yes, yes I do.