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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 5:52 pm Post subject: Dark Knight on Blu-ray: Dec 9 (Reference Quality disc!) |
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Another reference quality disc (and a great movie to boot as well!)
Click or hover over image for pricing info:
The Dark Knight (Warner) Video: 4.5/5 Audio: 5/5
| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture 4.5/5
Don't worry -- 'The Dark Knight' does not disappoint. Easily Warner's flagship title for the year -- if not the most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time -- this is a superlative 1080p/VC-1 encode that is guaranteed to be the new demo disc of choice in home theaters around the world. Aside from one caveat, I found nothing to complain about here.
Presented theatrically in both standard 35mm and IMAX formats, 'The Dark Knight' is framed here in alternating aspect ratios. The majority of the film is 2.40:1, while the IMAX-filmed segments open up to 1.78:1. Personally, I found the flip-flopping at times slightly distracting. While the jump between compositions isn't that jarring when it comes after long scenes (such as the opening, which is 1.78:1), there are times when a single shot will be presented in its own aspect ratio (such as the beginning of the "love boat" sequence), and that can irritate. The upside is that the IMAX material does display a noticeable uptick in clarity and resolution. The 35mm-based footage is certainly no slouch, but there is an added sharpness and depth to the IMAX-originated footage that raises the bar for what Blu-ray is capable of.
That said, the whole of the transfer is excellent. The source is absolutely spotless, with no defects and a smooth, clean veneer. Blacks are quite simply the richest I think I've seen on a Blu-ray, and contrast is never too hot or too flat. The image pops with wonderful depth -- it is never less than three-dimensional -- yet remains natural and appealing. Color saturation is likewise rich, with splashes of deep primaries and not a hint of chroma noise, bleeding or smearing. Fleshtones are also accurate, except in situations of intentional stylization. Shadow delineation is also exemplary, with even the darkest areas brimming with fine textures and detail.
Unfortunately, my caveat is that there is edge enhancement that results in visible edge halos. While the encode is otherwise rock solid -- I found no artifacts, such as aliasing or pixelization -- the edge enhancement, if slight, is clearly visible in longer shots (such as the parade sequence). It is the only element of this presentation that deserves any knocks, though hardly a fatal flaw. In all other respects, 'The Dark Knight' is a stunner.
The Audio: Rating the Sound 5/5
Warner provides a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit) track for 'The Dark Knight,' which is also sure to please. This is first-rate audio and also surely a new demo-worthy soundtrack.
'The Dark Knight' is unusual for a comic book movie in that it avoids over-the-top, wall-to-wall sonic gimmicks. The score is almost subliminal at times in its use of low tones, rumbling bass, and ominous cues. The subwoofer really gets a workout here, with some of the most effective low bass I've heard on a Blu-ray. The centerpiece action scene with the Batmobile is a stand-out, and will likely be playing in Best Buy showrooms for months. Surround use is finely-tuned both for discrete effects (the rear soundstage is active and engaging) and subtle, sustained ambiance.
Tech specs are easily up to par, with expansive dynamics. Low bass is again as tight as a drum, and depth of sound and spatiality across the front soundstage is top-notch. Dialogue is perfectly balanced and always intelligible (even the oddly-modulated voice of Batman is clear here, which wasn't always the case during theatrical showings). The source is, of course, as clean and polished as you would expect from a major studio film. There isn't a note out of place on this TrueHD mix. |
Kal
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Gino
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 1363
Location: Trinity Beach, AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:33 pm Post subject: |
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This was a great looking transfer. Got my copy last week, I'm hoping to take some screenshots soon.
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 1:07 am Post subject: |
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Hmm, I thought people had complained about EE. Not that it is going to stop me from buying it--I am.
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dropzone7
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
Posts: 1069
Location: Charlotte, NC
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:18 am Post subject: |
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One of the best movies I saw this year at the theater and can't wait to get it on BD.
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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:33 am Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | Hmm, I thought people had complained about EE. Not that it is going to stop me from buying it--I am. |
Some quotes:
| Quote: | http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1825/darkknight.html
Unfortunately, my caveat is that there is edge enhancement that results in visible edge halos. While the encode is otherwise rock solid -- I found no artifacts, such as aliasing or pixelization -- the edge enhancement, if slight, is clearly visible in longer shots (such as the parade sequence). It is the only element of this presentation that deserves any knocks, though hardly a fatal flaw. In all other respects, 'The Dark Knight' is a stunner. |
But then we have:
| Quote: | http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=743&show=review
Some have complained about the subtle use of edge enhancement as detracting from the overall picture quality, but I believe what they are seeing is an ever-so-slight glow effect that makes the bright areas of some scenes appear heightened. Deducting points for this type of brightness would be silly. |
My only complaint about the movie is that it's a bit too long. I think they could have removed one of the action scenes and trimmed it back by 20-25 minutes to make a tighter movie. But i'm nit-picking. Definitely one of the better (top 5?) movies of the year, and I'm not a comic book fan by any stretch of the imagination.
Kal
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garyfritz
Joined: 08 Apr 2006
Posts: 12088
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:15 am Post subject: Re: Dark Knight on Blu-ray: Dec 9 (Reference Quality disc!) |
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| Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture 4.5/5
Don't worry -- 'The Dark Knight' does not disappoint. Easily Warner's flagship title for the year -- if not the most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time -- |
Now there's a great bit of hyperbole. "Most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time" -- all, what, 2 years that Blu-Ray has existed!? Sheesh. Guy has a short attention span.
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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject: |
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| kal wrote: |
My only complaint about the movie is that it's a bit too long. I think they could have removed one of the action scenes and trimmed it back by 20-25 minutes to make a tighter movie. But i'm nit-picking. Definitely one of the better (top 5?) movies of the year, and I'm not a comic book fan by any stretch of the imagination.
Kal |
Really? I thought that movie was all Heath. Anything that wasn't Heath was not that good, from acting to story. Frankly his performance deserves a much better vehicle than this movie provides. I still don't see why everyone is so worked up about it.
But, I've got to rent it though as the CIH community is all worked up over the AR switches in the BD version of it. I'd like to see if the DVD just does a center crop of the IMAX stuff or is a more sophisticated framing.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: Dark Knight on Blu-ray: Dec 9 (Reference Quality disc!) |
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| garyfritz wrote: | | Quote: | The Video: Sizing Up the Picture 4.5/5
Don't worry -- 'The Dark Knight' does not disappoint. Easily Warner's flagship title for the year -- if not the most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time -- |
Now there's a great bit of hyperbole. "Most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time" -- all, what, 2 years that Blu-Ray has existed!? Sheesh. Guy has a short attention span. |
Well, it is partially bolstered because it is predicted to be the first BD to sell a million copies (the DVD honor goes the The Matrix)--which if it does WILL make it the most popular blu-ray of all time. 
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:47 am Post subject: |
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| kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99 |
I don't think an extra $0.96 to support the forum you've posted 3752 times on is asking too much.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | Target has it for $22.99 |
Let's see... $22.99 with what is probably 7% sales tax in your county brings the total to $24.59 - or 64 cents MORE than the Amazon price... AND Curt/Kal get no commission. Yep, sounds like a steal to me.
SC
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Brian Hampton
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 1173
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject: |
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I watched it Tuesday.... It was awesome....
I want to watch it again soon and the other one too.
-Brian
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:27 am Post subject: |
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| Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99 |
I don't think an extra $0.96 to support the forum you've posted 3752 times on is asking too much. |
Of course, you ignored the fact that I have placed three Amazon orders in the last 30-days.
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99 |
I don't think an extra $0.96 to support the forum you've posted 3752 times on is asking too much. |
Of course, you ignored the fact that I have placed three Amazon orders in the last 30-days. |
I did not "ignore" that. It is irrelevant information. It is not pertinent to my point.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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| Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99 |
I don't think an extra $0.96 to support the forum you've posted 3752 times on is asking too much. |
Of course, you ignored the fact that I have placed three Amazon orders in the last 30-days. |
I did not "ignore" that. It is irrelevant information. It is not pertinent to my point. |
How is it not irrelevant information. You are picking on me for not supporting this site for saving $0.96 while trying to support this site I have placed three orders for 16 Blu-ray movies vs. not.
Next you'll be calling me a Commie for spreading my wealth (purchases) around various resellers.
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Trust no one. Absolutely no one. Advice of the board.
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | Person99 wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | kal wrote: | I always love getting emails like this from Amazon:
| Quote: | You saved $1.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
The Dark Knight (+ Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Price on order date: $24.95
Price charged at shipping: $23.95
Lowest price before release date: $23.95
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $1.00
$1.00 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee. |
|
Target has it for $22.99 |
I don't think an extra $0.96 to support the forum you've posted 3752 times on is asking too much. |
Of course, you ignored the fact that I have placed three Amazon orders in the last 30-days. |
I did not "ignore" that. It is irrelevant information. It is not pertinent to my point. |
How is it not irrelevant information. You are picking on me for not supporting this site for saving $0.96 while trying to support this site I have placed three orders for 16 Blu-ray movies vs. not. |
Actually, I was picking on the single instance of possibly purchasing yourself from Target and of pointing out that people could choose to not support the site and save a whopping 96 cents (or not as was pointed out).
I have no insight into your purchasing patterns, nor do I know if in fact you purchased this disc from Target.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:48 am Post subject: |
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Tell me something. Have you bought everything from Amazon that could have been bought from them? Since I have no insight into your purchasing behavior, I am asking about it now. Help the forum better understand you and your buying habits as it relates to supporting this forum. I am pretty sure you have bought something from someone else other than Amazon when Amazon offered it.
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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| Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject: |
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Ok, Watched this last night great flix...What's the deal with bouncing between 2:40 and 1:78 aspect ratio? Or is this some my HTPC was doing it should have not been doing.
Mike
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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| MikeEby wrote: | Ok, Watched this last night great flix...What's the deal with bouncing between 2:40 and 1:78 aspect ratio? Or is this some my HTPC was doing it should have not been doing.
Mike |
About 20% of the movie was filmed with IMAX cameras. The aspect ratio of IMAX film is 1.43:1.
When this film was shown in IMAX theaters, the film was shown constant width with the IMAX parts shown in there proper format, and the other 80% letterboxed to 2.39:1.
The IMAX stuff was shot so that it could be "acceptably" center cropped to 2.39:1. When shown in most commercial theaters, the whole film was shown 2.39:1 (show you didn't see the top and bottom of the frame on the 20% of IMAX stuff).
The DVD release is a center crop to 2.39:1.
The BD release does a partial crop of the IMAX stuff (1.43:1) to 16:9 for that portion of the movie to more preserve artistic intent. It is unfortunate that the IMAX stuff is not pillarboxed which would achieve the full artistic intent.
I did not watch it in an IMAX theater, but I did see it in my local 4K digital theater. The digital "prints" offered the option to present it like the BD release which is what I saw--the movie was presented on a 1.85:1 scene with letterboxing of 80% of it.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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