I'm new to the blu-ray world and love it. I have a PS3 and have Planet Earth and it is really cool. I know most new movies look good in blu-ray but is there really a difference in older movies? The Searchers with John Wayne is one of my favorite movies and I noticed it's on blu-ray and wondered how it looks? I have it on normal DVD but are older movies, especially in black and white, really that updated and look that different in HD? This is probably a dumb question but I thought I'd ask before a blind buy.
Also, what about cartoons or Pixar movies like Disney classics or Cars? Is there that much of a difference?

this seems to be a regular topic of discussion, check out any film on HDNet Movies - movies made before 1980 and they have generally looked great, albeit not in true 1080p - film in 35mm can yield up 6K resolution of color/clarity - if transferred correctly to Hidef it can look fantastic, even at current standard 2K resolution. Animation wise, color look more vibrant and solid, CGI films look more dimensional, but standard 2D cel animation can also look great - check out 'The Simpsons Movie', 'Tekon kinkurīto' and 'Persepolis'

Huge difference in all, old movies look absolutely spectacular, as do animated and CG flicks.

It all depends on how good the transfer job is, you generally see a huge difference.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...rs_blu-ray.htm

Comparison on The Searchers DVD vs BD.

It is a common thread on here, and yes, old movies and animation benefit just as much.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...nd_blu-ray.htm

The second set of comparison shots, IMO, shows a huge/drastic change from resolution alone.

Old movies were shot on 35mm film, just like most new movies are.

As far as Pixar, go rent "Ratatouille" or "Cars" and get back to us after you pick your jaw up off the floor.

The Searchers looks pretty incredible on Blu-ray.

Agreed. Actually it is quite stunning.

The Searchers is gorgeous in HD and many of my favorites in HD are older films. Especially the ones shot in 65 or 70mm. Amazing looking transfers. Old films can look just as good as anything as long as the transfer is done well and the elements are in good condition. Adventures of Robin Hood and Casablanca are some of the older films on the format and also among the most impressive in HD.

I have both the DVD and the BD. The differences of the picture is amazing even in my 24" monitor.