the iah-ewr (and ewr-iah) routes are heavily trafficed...i've done this twice on 777's and was able to upgrade once(barely) when I called within the 3 day platinum window...if you are not elite; but just have coupons I think the chances of an upgrade are slim....

coach does have the individual entertainment units....but they don't show as many movies as BF...i found the seats in coach comperable to a 757....of course...my son was at the window; and I was stuck in the middle...