HD DVDs and BLU-RAYs

so on an 800 x 1280 14.1" monitor, can you really tell the difference between standard and HD movies? also what are the dimensions of standard movies?

Yeah, you could. Remember, 1080p is only 1920x1080. 720p, which still looks much better, is 720x1280. So essentially you have an HD screen (sort of). Standard DVD's are 480x620, or something like that. It will look alot better, but you will need a somewhat strong computer.

Your laptop should be strong enough.

In terms of image quality you're right, but at that size of screen you better have some really good eyes. Not to mention the screen won't really have to physical space to show off the true detail of 1080p.

Although the screen's resolution is high enough your eye's will most likely not be able to see all the particles that you would on a large screen (56"+) TV.

Standard definition / DVDs are 720x480. HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray disks are 1920 x 1080 tops. 720p is 1280x720; so you're basically running this resolution. Anything above that wouldn't be all that noticeable as it must be scaled down. But you will see a difference when compared to SD movies, that is for sure.