Internet Movie Database (IMDB) Website Review

Aesthetic Appeal: 7/10 - The site is sparse on aesthetic appeal, but is not visually distracting. The site is meant to be used as a tool so it lacks flair. Users will enjoy not having to surf through style or substance because they can get the information they desire quickly and cleanly. Imbedded advertising is tastefully placed, but there will be occasion pop up that takes a few seconds to close. With imdb.com less is more.

Usability/Functionality: 9/10 - The site is not difficult to use, but the search feature often leaves something to desire. Most of the page is dead space when your search results come up. This space could be used to provide additional information on each title you searched for instead you only get title and year of the film. This will require some searching especially with common names or titles. There are some Firefox add-ons that can pick up the slack, but the need for the add-ons only illustrates the sites shortcomings.

Browsers can customize some features if they register for a free account. Users can see more or less information when looking at a movie page. Not really very useful, but it is nice to have some choices to play with. You can also add films to "My Movies" where it sorts them by title and shows your rating. The user can also make separate lists for films they would like to buy, see, or their own description.

Content: 9/10 - The site lives up to its name by having a nearly complete database. I have even suggested some films and added information they were missing by clicking update and following the simple instructions. So the site continues to grow with time and its users. They are also expanding into television and video games. With actors I can see biographies and other projects they have worked on. The amount of information on any given actor/film varies though so don't expect to find everything you want here. Searching for the film "Dark Lady of Kung-Fu" users will find it has a small cast listing and a few posts on the message board. Not exactly what a browser would want, but search the net uncovered even less. It's limited, but that isn't exactly a bad thing because it is always open for new information.

Etc: Firefox users have the option to add imdb.com to their search bar and there are also lots of add-ons to make your browsing experience even better. I personally use IMDB Preview which makes titles and actors come up in a Netflix style window make it even faster while you search through actors or films. A humorous aside, if you search for the word "princess" Paris Hilton comes up.

Overall: 9/10 - imdb.com is a barebones tool with no frills that gives users exactly what they are looking for. If you want film information they have it in spades. It is personally one of the websites I visit the most.