It used to be that big money was spent on the finding (or building) the perfect hutch to hide away our ugly TV’s when they weren’t being used. These days, with everyone (but us) plunking down ten grand for stadium-sized plasma screens, seems like the acceptable etiquette of hiding one’s TV has shifted to huge pride over the monstrosities.
Plasma Window has those rolling DVDs of fish tanks, et al. But if those are too shticky for you, try a Hide and Chic from Media Decor that rolls up when it’s time for Desperate Housewives…er, we mean 60 Minutes.
I love having a plasma screen, especially when entertaining. The old standby for me is Colorcalm's "Skies" DVD--set on the random color function. Pretty unobtrusive visually, but helps to set a chillout vibe.
But when I want a more upbeat mood for a bigger party, I'll usually program in a minutes-long loop from a movie to run continuously throughout the party. [You need to have a DVD player with a programmable play feature.] Here's a short list of sequences I use...
Faster Pussycat Kill Kill--opening go-go dance sequence, or the drag-race in the desert scene.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls--flash-cut "In L.A." montage at the beginning of the film or party at Z-Man's pad in which all of the L.A. characters are introduced (gratuitous semi-nude go-go).
Xanadu--"Xanadu" performance sequence at the end of the film or "Dancin'" sequence featuring The Tubes and a '40s big band.
Eyes of Laura Mars--lingerie-and-fur modeling sequence at a car crash site or the in-studio modeling sequence with the disco "Arabian Nights" motif.
2046--futuristic travel sequence featuring Faye Wong as an android stewardess or the tracking/panning sequence in which ex-lovers Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi pass each other at a supper club while in the company of other lovers in mid-'60s Hong Kong.
Pink Narcissus--entire film.
Un Chant d'Amour--entire film
Raquel!(1970 TV Special)--"Age of Curious"/"Let the Sunshine In" medley. Gratuitous go-go on the Mayan pyramids with costumes by Bob Mackie.
Dobermann--opening portion of the gangster/police showdown at a drag queen nightclub.
Barbarella--opening credits with Jane Fonda.
Embrace your big screen (if you have one)! Don't hide it when company comes over. Yes, big-screen TV's may considered crass by some, but the technology is here, and people love having them.
There are some sequences in "Diary of a Lost Girl" that would go perfectly with those above. Definitely, definitely the staring scene at the nightclub auction. Also possibly the reform school escape scene and the first brothel party scene, where everyone is dancing.
(Yes, I'm reading the AT-LA archives tonight!)