Undergoing Change
Welcome to the new look of www.dvd-film-review.co.uk
I’m revamping the current site and there are still a few more changes that are required.
If there are any things that you’d like to see as extras on the site, please leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks,
DVD-Reviewer
The Incredible Hulk
After reading some bad reviews over the past few weeks on The Incredible Hulk I decided to go and watch the film for myself. I watched the previous Marvel film release “Iron Man” and I was very impressed, although unfortunately this film doesn’t seem to have the same impact. Edward Norton acts as the same style of character he is in “Fight Club” in this. Some crazy guy with a split personality. The only difference between his character in “The Incredible Hulk” and “Fight Club” is that “Fight Club” is actually a good movie.
The problem with this movie is that it seems very disjointed right from the start you can’t quite see what’s happened, as for walking into this movie late! Don’t do it! Or you’ll miss 1/2 the relevance as to what is going on in this film. It’s a bad idea to try and put in a small story at the beginning of a film as it’s hard to follow what’s actually going on.
Liv Tyler is very animated, more animated than the Hulk monster at times, really, not great acting. As far as special effects go, it’s very good, I like the way they have depicted the Hulk character and there are some pretty cool testosterone fuelled fight scenes, but that’s all this film has to offer for me. I understand that this is a Marvel superhero movie, but it seems to lack real substance.
In the end they try to tie in some relevance into other films, and it almost seems like a badly edited in after thought. The people in my cinema got up to leave and then it played on with the last and pretty pointless scene. Not really worth seeing in the cinema in my opinion. Just wait for the DVD release and watch it when you’re bored or fancy doing some press ups or “smashing something”.
Watch the trailer below for all the best bits of the film compiled and edited together better than the film itself.
DVD-Film-Review.co.uk’s rating:
DVD-Film-Review.co.uk’s Users:
(4 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
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Film Information
Director: Louis Leterrier
Year: 2008
Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell
Runtime: 114 min
Lemonade Cake
This one might sound a little unusual but believe me it is yummy…
Ingredients:
3 cups of flower
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of sunflower oil
1 cup of lemonade
4 eggs
a little bit of salt
1 small packet of baking powder
1 small packet of vanilla sugar
Mix everything together in a bowl and stir until smooth. Bake mixture in the oven at 180 degrees for about 40 to 45 minutes.
Top the cake with whatever you fancy
I’d recommend Icing sugar with some lemon zest
hmmmm…
ENJOY!
How To Make Popcorn
Here are two methods on how to make your very own popcorn for a good night in with a DVD.
Method One
You will need:
Popcorn Kernels
Paper Bag, Microwave,
Butter, sugar, salt (according to preference).
Instructions:
1. Pour a quarter cup of popcorn kernels into a paper bag.
2. Fold the top of the bag three times.
3. Place the paper bag in the microwave.
4. Set the timer for 40 to 60 seconds.
5. Wait and have fun.
6. Remove the bag and pour the popcorn into a dish.
7. Cook unbaked kernels for about 15 to 20 seconds.
8. Add the extra popcorn to the other batch.
9. Pour melted butter and salt onto the popcorn.
10. Serve.
Method Two
You will need:
Popcorn Kernels.
Frying pan with lid.
Grease.
Butter, sugar, salt (according to preference).
Instructions:
1. Take a frying pan and a fitting lid.
2. Put some grease in it to make sure your corns won’t stick to your pan.
3. Wait until the pan is hot.
4. Put in the corns, make sure you use corns which are meant to use in a pan.
5. Put on the lid fast! Make sure no corns flip out. Shake your pan a few times to make sure all corns are loose.
6. Now you hear a lot of pops, just wait until all sound is gone.
7. When nothing happens quickly take of the pan and put your corns in a bowl.
8. Put on salt/sugar.
9. Serve.
If you’re a popcorn fanatic you’ll be better off buying a popcorn machine.
How To Make Crisps
Peel the potatoes and trim them to an even size.
Cut into very thin slices only 2 mm thick or use a food processor with the fine slicing disc.
Wash for a long time under running cold water, then dry them thoroughly on a clean tea towel.
Cook in batches.
Place a layer of potato slices in the base of the basket and deep fry for about 4 minutes.
If you overload the basket they will stick together.
Drain and season with salt or paprika.
Serve
Muffins
Here is an all time favourite that is bound to be hit at any movie night:
Ingredients:
300 g of flower
300 g of sugar
300 g of margarine
5 eggs
1 small packet of baking powder
1 small packet of vanilla sugar a splash of milk
extra bits for decorations for example kakao powder, pieces of fruit, nuts, etc.
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees and place paper muffin forms in muffin tray (if you have one) - mix all the above ingredients one by one until you end up with a smooth mixture - place the mixture into the paper muffin forms - bake the muffins for about 20 to 25 minutes ENJOY!
DVD Player/Recorder Review
PANASONIC DMR-EX77 DVD Player/Recorder
Able to record more than 280 hours of video on its 160 GB hard drive, the DVD DMR-EX77 player from Panasonic will let you enjoy exceptional quality for all your films and television programmes. This player/recorder employs the latest technological innovations from Panasonic to provide you with clear and true-to-life images. What’s more, the DVD DMR-EX77 player/recorder comes with an SDHC compatible SD card reader so you can play your JPEG files or video sequences on your television. The HD-ready DVD DMR-EX77 also features an HDMI connection for an extraordinary video experience!
SONY RDR-HXD870 DVD Player/Recorder
The RDR-HXD870 player/recorder can record hours of high-definition video in resolutions of up to 1080p! With Sony’s technologies, such as Bravia Theatre and Theatre Sync, this player/recorder will let you discover the new face of digital videos, as it incorporates a Freeview tuner that allows you to tune in and record free digital television channels. It can also record high-quality images onto DVD-R and DVD-RW discs or CDs, and is compatible with Pictbridge and other multimedia applications, thanks to its USB port. You can store your JPEG images and MP3 files on its hard drive and make DVD backups of your home videos. By connecting your camcorder to its i.Link input, you’ll be able to increase the quality of your creations. Also equipped with an HDMI output, the RDR-HXD870 will set off your audio/video system a treat!
SONY RDR-HXD970 DVD Player/Recorder
You can record hours of films and TV programmes on the 250 GB internal hard drive of the RDR-HXD970 player! This DVD player from Sony employs Bravia Theatre and Theatre Sync technology to give you high definition images through upscaling to 1080p for all your DVDs. Its also plays DivX formats, as well as DVD-R and DVD-RW discs, and includes a digital tuner so you can watch free digital TV channels. It stores JPEG images and MP3 files and transfers them quickly to your computer via its built-in USB 2.0 port. The RDR-HXD970 is also PictBridge compatible, so you can print your pictures really easily. With the RDR-HXD970, you can make copies of your video creations and receive data from your digital camcorder thanks to its DV input. Enjoy your favourite TV programmes in digital quality with this DVD player!
PANASONIC DMREZ25 DVD Player/Recorder
Record hours of TV programmes on DVD supports with the DMREZ25 player/recorder that offers numerous possibilities for filing your videos including the TimeSlip function. In addition, you can access free digital terrestrial television channels with its built-in TNT tuner.
The DMREZ25 has a multistandard writer that is compatible with most writable DVD supports.
If you have a camcorder, the DMREZ25 has a specific DV input thereby enabling you to archive your family videos on digital support.
The DMREZ25 gives you ultimate quality High Definition image thanks to its HDMI digital connection system.
The DMREZ25 DVD recorder player offers you ease of use, comfort and powerful features that will allow you to create your own domestic digital video library.
LG RH-277H DVD Player/Recorder
The RH-277H DVD/DivX player/recorder offers you the possibility of recording several hours of video onto DVD or the 160 GB in-built hard drive. In recording mode, the RH-277H handles DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, as well as DVD+R dual layer discs. The DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW has 5 recording speeds letting you record up to 11 hours of video on DVD and up to 477 hours of video on hard drive. The TimeShift function lets you record one programme and replay exactly where you left it when you paused. The RH-277H also lets you record and watch another programme simultaneously. Thanks to the chaptering functions, you can customise your own DVDs. As for all the practical functions, the RH-277H offers a quick copy from hard drive to DVD function. The VPS/PDC mode lets you pre-programme your recordings. The RH-277H includes complete connectivity, including a High-Definition HDMi output, a frontal DV input for a camcorder and a USB port. With the RH-277H DVD/DivX player/recorder, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of TV programmes, films and video at your own speed.
SAMSUNG DVD-SH853 DVD player recorder.
Enjoy digital TV channels in complete freedom and record up to 272 hours of programming with the DVD-SH853 DVD player recorder from Samsung. This device features a Freeview tuner and a 160 GB hard drive so you will never run out of memory!
You can programme the player to record your favourite TV programmes and watch them in your own time without the trouble of rewinding or fast forwarding through those annoying advertisements.
Plus, the DVD-SH853 ‘s HDMi connection ensures that the image and sound are transmitted clearly and in their original quality. What’s more, your DVDs and DivX films are projected perfectly on your TV screen.
Finally, this device makes transferring data from your camcorder simple thanks to its DV input and two SCART connectors. With the DVD-SH853 DVD player recorder from Samsung, you will discover a new way of watching television.
PANASONIC DMR-EZ27EB DVD player/recorder
Opt for high definition with the DMR-EZ27EB DVD player/recorder from Panasonic! Equipped with HDMI connectivity and compatible with Full HD, the DMR-EZ27EB gives you a high quality player for all of your favourite films. Plus, this device records your TV programmes directly to DVD, and includes a digital tuner for FreeView reception, as well as an electronic programme guide for user-friendliness. Equipped with a DV input for a digital camcorder connection, the DMR-EZ27EB will complete your audio/video installation so you can fully enjoy your high-definition television.
PHILIPS DVDR3480 DVD player/recorder
Not only does the DVDR3480 DVD player/recorder from Philips play your films on DVD, but the USB Direct port allows you to view other multimedia formats, such as MP3, DivX and JPEG files on your television. This device is compatible with the latest DivX Ultra format to ensure optimum visual quality.
The DVDR3480 from Philips records films and TV programmes, while the i.Link input lets you transfer videos from a camcorder to a DVD.
It also features various compression modes for recording, and an extended recording time using dual-layer DVDs.
The DVDR3480 player/recorder is a complete recording system with the ability to run with digital devices for an even greater range of applications. Finally, the stylish design of the DVDR3480 will add a touch of class to your hifi set-up.
THOMSON DTH8750 DVD player/recorder
With the DTH8750 DVD/DivX player/recorder from Thomson, you’ll easily be able to archive up to 260 hours of recordings on its in-built 160 GB hard drive, or to any other recordable DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. Its dual-layer compatibility lets you increase the storage capacity on a single DVD. Easy to use and practical, the DTH8750 also lets you enjoy optimum playing quality for all of your video and audio formats, including MP3 and DivX. The Progressive Scan offers jolt reduction, for amazingly realistic visual rendering. The DTH8750 includes a frontal S-video input and a frontal A/V input so you can connect an external source (such as a camcorder), for personal video archiving. With its remote control for user-friendliness, the DTH8750 offers all the simplicity of a video recorder, with DVD quality!
LG DR275 DVD player/recorder
The DR275 DVD/DivX player/recorder lets you archive your favourite films and TV programmes at any time onto DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs. The DR275 offers 5 different recording speeds for variable recording times. In play-mode, the DR275 has excellent audio/video quality thanks to the progressive sweep and 3D Surround sound. Connectivity-wise, the DR275 includes a frontal audio/video input as well as 2 scart sockets. The DR275 DVD/DivX player/recorder lets you build your own user-friendly digital video library.
TOSHIBA RDX-V47 DVD/VHS player/recorder
Recording both to DVD and VHS formats the RDX-V47 combines 3 devices in 1. This player includes a 160 GB in-built memory for hours of programmes. DivX-compatible, the RDX-V47 lets you watch your videos as well as your old VHS cassettes. You’ll save space with this complete and incredibly practical appliance.
LG RH-278H DVD/DivX/HDMI/USB Player/Recorder with 250 GB hard drive
Treat yourself to a real home digital entertainment masterpiece with the RH-278H DVD player/recorder.
Equipped with a 250 GB hard drive, the RH-278H enables you to stay up to date with developments in your favourite soaps and TV programmes.
In recording mode, the RH-278H records to DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW and dual layer DVD+R supports.
The RH-278H comes with 5 compression modes, enabling you to file 1 to 11 hours of video on a single DVD.
These 5 modes allow you to store up to 726 hours of video in digital format on its hard drive.
With its Time Shift function, you can record a film or programme at any point.
The RH-278H also includes a content copy feature from hard drive to DVD at a speed of 130x.
Connectivity-wise, the RH-278H can guarantee unique high-definition images via its HDMI output.
Its DV input for camcorder and its USB port increase its connection possibilities even further so you can easily hook up other audio, video and multimedia external devices.
The RH-278H player/recorder is sure to provide you with hours of amusement in front of digital quality media!
THOMSON DTH8654E DVD Player/Recorder
With the DTH8654E player/recorder, you’ll have a complete audio video recording unit that will allow you to file hours of film, video and TV programmes on one DVD or on its 160 GB internal hard drive.
The DTH8654E provides you with a number of recording features including 6 compression modes and a Pause Live feature.
This system will also transfer data from your hard drive to a DVD support, with simultaneous recording and play possibilities.
In addition, the DTH8654E is equipped with audio video inputs, a DV output for camcorder and even a USB port enabling you to read and transfer multimedia content from your hard drive to your USB portable external devices.
When in play mode, the DTH8654E provides excellent image quality thanks to its Progressive Scan mode and a unique sound experience thanks to NICAM sound.
The Naviclick programme guide and the Picture in Picture video inlay mode allow for optimal comfort of use.
The DTH8654E will let you enjoy a unique quality high definition image with its HDMI output.
The DTH8654E recorder/player is a powerful entertainment centre that will let you make your own digital video library.
SONY RDR-HX825S DVD Player/Recorder
Not only does the RDR-HX825S DVD recorder play all types of DVDs, including dual layer RWs, it also contains a 160 GB hard drive so you can record all your programmes.
The RDR-HX825S is very practical and contains an EPG function which tells you what programmes are on at the moment. In addition, you can even start watching your programme while recording. No need to wait until the recording has finished to begin watching your films or series from the beginning!
The DR-HX825S also has an HDMI output for high definition and two scart sockets, which enable you to connect your DVD player to all your video appliances.
Equipped with several functions that will improve your picture, you can also programme up to 40 events a month.
PHILIPS DVDR3577H DVD player/recorder
The DVDR3577H DVD player/recorder from Philips offers high-definition image quality and the ability to record your favourite films and TV programmes directly on DVD or the built-in 160 GB hard drive.
The DVDR3577H is equipped with an HDMI jack and is DivX Ultra-certified to support various formats and supports. It also features 1080p high-definition video oversampling, so you can enjoy top-quality images on your LCD or plasma screen.
The DVDR3577H includes a USB 2.0 port and a DV input, so you can connect it to an external device for added versatility. Meanwhile, the “GUIDE Plus+” TV guide lets you consult the programme schedule for the days ahead so you can plan your recordings.
The stylish and elegant DVDR3577H is just what you need to complete your high-performance audio/video configuration.
PHILIPS DVDR3400 DVD Player/Recorder
The DVDR3400 DVD player recorder enables you to make a real DVD film collection. It has a Direct USB port that plays multimedia content on your television.
The DVDR3400 in itself is a wonderful recording equipment at home that gives you the choice of recording films and TV programmes. You can also archive your videos on DVD thanks to its i.Link IEEE 1394 input.
With respect to the recording modes, you have different compression modes and a longer recording duration thanks to the double layer DVD supports.
The DVDR3400 also has ShowView and VPS/PDC recording.
The DVDR3400 has a high definition HDMI digital output thanks to which you get exceptional image quality.
The DVDR3400 DVD player recorder is an ultra complete recording unit with which you can also enjoy digital entertainment applications.
LITE ON LVW1106HC DVD Player/Recorder
The DVD LVW1106HC player/recorder is the ideal solution for archiving your favourite films and TV programmes on DVD. It’s also great for transferring videos from your camcorder and even gives you access to Freeview channels.
The LVW1106HC allows you to store up to 6 hours of programmes on DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW media.
The LVW1106HC DVD player/recorder will give you hours of entertainment.
source: prixmania.co.uk
Blu-Ray Beats HD DVD
Another month, another consumer electronics show, and once again the backers of the rival HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats come to attempt to persuade us their favoured format is winning the war. The IFA show in Berlin last week was no exception - so how is battle faring now?
The BD boys were up first, pointing to their format’s lead in US for the 12-month period from 12 August 2006. According to Nielsen VideoScan sales stats, HD DVD outsold BD until around Christmas, but since then BD has been ahead - though it’s come very close to falling behind on a couple of occasions.
Over 2m BDs have been sold in the US up to 12 August 2007, 1.71m of them in 2007 alone. Ignoring sales before 1 January 2007, some 66.3 per cent of next-gen discs sales were BDs. That figure rises to 70 per cent in Europe, according to numbers from market watcher GfK, whose stats were used by the Blu-ray camp to claim BD has been outselling HD DVD here by a factor of 3:1 since the PS3 arrived in Europe in March.
The following day, the HD DVD team had its chance. It claimed HD DVD has 70 per cent of the European IT market - drives for PCs, basically - and 70 per cent of the European “standalone player” market.
That focus on “standalone players” was a key theme for the HD DVD Promotional Group’s presentation, and its representatives were at pains to point out how they’re a more important metric for success than console sales. Why? Because, they claimed, every HD DVD player owner here has bought, on average, four discs. BD hardware owners have bought, on average, half a disc.
That, the HD DVD PG’s Ken Graffeo said, proved that HD DVD is a better bet for content providers, because HD DVD players owners buy more discs than BD player owners do.
Maybe that is indeed the case, but if there are many more BD player owners than HD DVD player owners - which there are, because by all accounts rather more PS3s have been bough in Europe than HD DVD players - the more BDs will have been sold than HD DVDs: 2.3 times more, if GfK’s 70 per cent media market share figure is accurate.
GfK numbers were also used by the BD camp to claim so far in 2007 among Europe’s six biggest economies, 94 per cent of devices capable of playing next-gen optical media were compatible with BD, to just six per cent for HD DVD.
The BD supporters also pointed to Sony’s claim to have shipped 1.3m PS3s in Europe during 2007. Since the vast majority of those are PS3s, that previously mentioned 94 per cent is a little over 1.3m units. Do the sums, and the equivalent figure for HD DVD device sales is just under 83,000 units.
Let’s go back to the HD DVD PG’s attach rate figures: half a disc for BD, four discs for HD DVD. If that claim is true, the above figures yield 332,000 HD DVDs (four times 83,000) to 650,000 BDs (half of 1.3m), so BD is outselling HD DVD. As individuals, PS3 owners may not be big disc buyers, but collectively they sure as heck are.
That’s roughly 982,000 high-definition discs in total sold in Europe in 2007, giving BD around 66 per cent of the media market here. Sony and co. claimed 70 per cent - no so far from the result of our back-of-an-envelope calculations.
The pinch-of-salt factor here is that we’re not using precise numbers. But they are based on third-party market stats, and given an indication where the market is going. And, for now, the numbers point to Blu-ray.
That may change: the arrival of a cut-price HD DVD player in Europe, and Toshiba’s continued drive to offer HD DVD players with lower price tags that equivalent Blu-ray Disc hardware, could give the format a fillip, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. But Sony is still going to sell plenty of PS3s in the same period.
source: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/09/03/ifa_bd_vs_hddvd_update/
Low-cost HD DVD Player Announced, But Would You Buy It?
Call this a dose of healthy consumer scepticism.
The HD DVD Promotions Group has often pointed to the fact that Chinese manufacturers had committed to building low-cost HD DVD players. Up until now, those manufacturers have been missing in action: Toshiba has generated all of the price activity on the HD DVD front. Venturer Electronics, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, is the North American brand for one such Hong Kong-based manufacturer, Alco Electronics. In advance of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Venturer announced it would be selling the SHD7000 HD DVD player in time for the upcoming holiday season through
national retailers with retail prices expected to be one of the lowest among entry-level HD DVD players.
If true, that’s going to make the high-def player market very interesting: Already, Toshiba’s 1080i HD-A2 player can be found for as little as $225. But it also begs, just how lost cost can Venturer go? And for a market of early adopters that’s looking to expand beyond the early adopter, well, even if they come in at $25 or $50 less, is that enough incentive in these early days to go with anything other than a name brand?
So who is Venturer? The company’s Web site goes on to say
since 1988, Venturer has focused on making the latest technologies affordable to North American consumers.
That’s fine: I might buy an inexpensive, knock-around portable DVD from Venturer, without having the backup of the company behind it. But I have to wonder how they will fare on a complex piece of home electronics intended to complement my home theater (you know, the one with expensive 42-inch plasma screen I don’t personally own, but I’m sure many potential buyers of this player do own). On the Venturer Web site, I found only the phone number for their technical support line. And the company’s technical support is handled by www.1800customersupport.com, which also covers brands like Wal-Mart’s Durabrand and Audiovox.
A low price is great—that is a win for consumers. The biggest question in my mind falls to the technical support issue. If companies like LG Electronics, which went months without updating its BH100 Blu-ray Disc player, are having problems keeping on top of issuing firmware updates, how will a manufacturer who outsources its technical support and who isn’t used to having to issue scores of firmware updates stay on top things to provide a satisfying home entertainment experience?
I wouldn’t want to buy a high-def player with the thought that the next time new features are introduced, I might be waiting a while, or even left high-and-dry, before I can get the firmware updated so I can use those new features. Or, for that matter, play the disc at all.
The reality is, both Blu-ray and HD DVD high-definition players remain complex. And the kinks are not out of the system yet. Both formats have required firmware updates in order to handle new features, and I fully expect them both to require more updates in the future, as disc developers come up with new ways to code content. This will work itself out eventually, but for now, I can’t in good conscience say I’d be willing to sacrifice an in-house technical support team for saving a few dollars.
source: Melissa Perenson, http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/005295.html
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
Nearby the border of Mexico - in Texas, the arrogant newcomer border patrolman Mike Norton by accident kills the Mexican cowboy Melquiades Estrada and buries him in the desert. When Melquiades’s body is accidentally found one week later, his best friend, the ranch foreman Pete Perkins, claims the body to fulfill his promise and bury Melquiades in his home town Jimenez. He presses the local sheriff Belmont to find the killer. Melquiades body is reburied in the local cemetery. When Rachel discloses the identity of the killer, Pete kidnaps Mike and forces him to dig the grave and bring the body to Melquiades’s family in Mexico. While in their journey to Mexico, the sad reality of the hopeless Mexicans that live in the proximity of the border with USA is disclosed.
This is a film with many surprisingly intense sad and some intensely funny moments.
Here is an example for a sad moment:
On the Texan site Mike and Pete arrive at the house of the “old man with the radio” - a blind ancient looking old man with hardly anything to eat - listening to spanish radio although he himself does not speak any Spanish:
Pete Perkins: Thank you!
Old Man with Radio: I need to ask you a favor.
Pete Perkins: Anything you want.
Old Man with Radio: I need you to go ahead and shoot me. My son, he ain’t coming back.
Pete Perkins: Oh, he’ll come back.
Old Man with Radio: He said he had cancer. Told me to go into town with him. But I don’t want to go. I’ve lived here all my life. I don’t want to offend God by shooting myself. It’s a problem, you see.
Pete Perkins: We don’t want to offend God neither.
[Pete and Mike start to leave]
Old Man with Radio: You’re good people. You need to go ahead and shoot me.
DVD-Film-Review.co.uk’s rating:
DVD-Film-Review.co.uk’s Users:
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Film Information
Director: Tommy Lee Jones
Year: 2005
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Julio Cedillo, Dwight Yoakam, January Jones, Melissa Leo, Levon Helm, Mel Rodriguez
Running Time: 121 minutes
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