Flat screens?

The best film like picture quality is still plasma. Lcd TV's are getting better (newer LED back lights) and will have more contrast but poorer black levels and still look somewhat artificial. After this, the sony sxrd and JVC D-ILA pictures are nice and I'd put DLP's last.
The Pioneer elite plasmas are probably the best followed by Panasonic (way less expensive) and Samsung and LG.
If you are viewing from 9-12 feet back get a 46-50" plasma.

With the holiday sales you can get a 42" panasonic plasma for less than $1000 if you want last years model in silver or for $1400-1500 in the latest black, non glare finish. Check 6th AVE electronics online as they run weekly holiday specials and are also clearing out last year's models. You can pick up a new pioneer 60" (?last year's model not an elite model) PDP6071 (1365x768) for less than $3000. 1080X1920 HD sets are probably overkill for 42" and 50" sets as well as many 60" sets. I've seen a pioneer elite 60" (1365x768) set look as good or better than some other companies 1080p sets because the final picture quality also depends on the scaler etc. not only the resolution.
Take a look at 6ave.com as I got a 50" panasonic plasma on clearance for $1400 and after adjusting the settings it has an excellent picture. You can always download their prices and see if CC or BB will match their price or get it shipped and save the taxes.