Author Topic: Blu-ray News (Read 158937 times)

pchin · « **on:** Apr 27, 2007 at 09:13 PM »

Pls feel free to contribute any latest, interesting HD-DVD/Blu-ray news or announcements and voice out any comments/feedbacks you may have. Thanks.

Magnolia to Unleash 'The Host' on HD DVD
Tue Apr 24, 2007 at 04:04 PM ET

Hide the children and pets! Magnolia Home Entertainment plans to let the Asian scare flick 'The Host' loose to feast on HD DVD this summer.

Though 'The Host' has enjoyed only a very limited theatrical release in the U.S., it has quickly earned a reputation as the biggest cult horror flick the genre has seen in years.

Magnolia says it will bring the ode to classic monster movies to HD DVD on July 24. No specs are yet available, though the preliminary info from the indie distributor indicates a special edition, so we look forward to at least some supplemental features.

List price has been set at a suggested $29.98.

Magnolia currently has no word on a comparable Blu-ray version. However, given that the majority of their past releases have ultimately been released on both formats, a Blu-ray announcement may be forthcoming.

pchin · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 27, 2007 at 09:14 PM »

'Ghost' to Haunt Blu-ray, HD DVD This Summer
Fri Apr 27, 2007 at 12:02 AM ET

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced they will bring the supernatural blockbuster 'Ghost' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on July 24.

The surprise hit of 1990, the Patrick Swayze-Demi Moore romantic thriller scared up nearly $200 million in domestic box office alone, as well as earning multiple Academy Award nominees including Best Picture (and a Best Supporting Actress win for co-star Whoopi Goldberg).

Paramount recently gave the picture a new special edition overhaul on DVD this past March; the studio will be carrying over all of those newly-produced bonus features for the next-gen release.

Among the spooky special features are an audio commentary with director Jerry Zucker and screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, four featurettes, a still gallery, and the film's original theatrical trailer.

Tech specs have not yet been announced, but stay tuned for full details in the days ahead. Paramount has set a $29.95 list price for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD editions.

pchin · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 27, 2007 at 09:50 PM »

HD DVD Title Sales Nearly Equal With Blu-ray Disc

April 26, 2007 9:32 AM

HD DVD sales are less than 2,000 behind those of Blu-ray Disc

In a recent battle of press releases, the Blu-ray Association announced that sales of Blu-ray Disc titles have surpassed one million units in less than a year since the format’s introduction. In a statement from the HD DVD Promotional Group received by DailyTech, it appears that sales of HD DVD movies are not far behind those of Blu-ray Disc.

According to stats cited by the HD DVD Group, which are based on recent data from Nielsen Videoscan, Universal, Warner and Toshiba, HD DVD titles are now at 998,059 units sold, representing less-than 2,000 units shy of Blu-ray’s announced figures. Of course, while the next-generation formats fight over claims of collective sales of one million, a single DVD title could easily sell over one million units on its own.

“Yes, these are still small numbers compared to DVD sales, but point being – HD DVD is still very much in the game,” read the HD DVD Group statement. “As more HD DVD titles hit the market (take a look at pre-order rankings for Planet Earth and The Matrix Trilogy) and as prices for HD DVD hardware continue to drop below the $400 mark, we're seeing more equal week to week movie sales ratios between the formats.”

The HD DVD Promotional Group announced last week that it has sold more than 100,000 standalone players in the U.S. since introduction, and claims to be currently outselling dedicated Blu-ray players by a four-to-one margin.

“Why are we just focusing on dedicated players? So we can compare stats on similar hardware with similar attach rates,” explained the HD DVD Group. “That's a key driver of software sales and shows that price is clearly a factor for consumers in deciding to buy dedicated high definition hardware.”

“Bottom line is that HD DVD is staying focused across the board on creating great products at great prices,” the Group added.

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7066

Moks007 · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 28, 2007 at 08:09 AM »

2000 also away from the million mark. Thats pretty good too. Good news for HDDVD. However, I think universal is shooting themselves in the foot with their recent disappointing releases with bad PQ and unplayable disc. Considering they are the only exclusive studio. They should shape up
Children of Men
The Game
The Jerk
By the way is this section just for news and not for reply? Sorry if for news only did not know whether we can reply or make comments to the news. Thanks

pchin · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 28, 2007 at 08:24 AM »

Pls feel free to reply & discuss your reaction in this section. All comments are welcome!

True Raymond... some of the recent movies released by Universal disappoint many fans. I really like the Game...

Let's hope PQ & overall disc stability will improve in future.

Fortunately, my Children of Men plays well in my Tosh HD-A2 without any problem.

pchin · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 30, 2007 at 09:22 AM »

Wal-Mart Shoots Down Cheap HD DVD Rumor

April 27, 2007

Wal-Mart denied rumors that it had placed a substantial order with a Taiwan supplier for ultra-cheap HD DVD players that could swing the format wars in that direction.
A spokesperson for the company said Thursday that reported leaks concerning Taiwan-based consumer electronics manufacturer, Fuh Yuan, partnering with TDK in China to manufacture the $250-299 players, had no merit. The report first appeared in AVS Forums , and was picked up by other Web sites.

"The article… was full of inaccuracies and we had no participation in it," the spokesman said in an e-mail to PC Magazine . "Most of the facts, including the purchase, were untrue," she added. "Not sure how it originated."

When asked to comment specifically on a statement appearing on Fuh Yuan's site, which implies the retailer is at least interested in ordering the players, the spokesperson said she could not comment on or disclose Wal-Mart's internal business with suppliers and our orders. However, the supplier said that no deal was imminent.

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, could play an important role in determining the success or failure of a particular format. So far, however, the company has at least publicly supported both camps.

On Thursday, the following statement appeared on Fuh Yuan's site:

"We are sorry to correct the statement that we have two million HD-DVD players order from Wal-Mart and manufactured by China Great Wall Group," Fuh Yuan said. "The actuality is that we had not received yet. We are asked to provide the schedule to Wal-Mart and cost to determine the quantity even more than two million, if the cost is good enough and timing is correct. So the capacity is under consideration. Any qualified manufactured base group will be welcome."

While Wal-Mart denied that any orders had been placed, the company did say that it plans to sell both Blu-ray and HD-DVD components in its stores and online, at least until a definitive winner in the format war is declared.

Currently, the retailer sells both HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, including Philips' $900 Blu-ray BDP900/37 player and Toshiba's $350 HD-D1 HD-DVD player.

"Today, we sell both Blu-ray and HD DVD in our stores nationwide (approx. 750 stores). As with all new technologies, we are committed to providing the best value on products that customers choose as most relevant to them. With new industry developments, we will make shifts in our selections as customer preferences evolve and they vote with their purchase," the company said in a statement.

The spokesperson added: "We expect that as prices decrease and new elements are added in the coming months that consumers will choose which format will dominate, and that could happen by the end of this year."

http://www.physorg.com/news96888339.html

pchin · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 30, 2007 at 10:41 PM »

First Direct-to-HD Feature 'Bell Witch' to Debut This Summer on Blu-ray, HD DVD
Mon Apr 30, 2007

In a next-gen first, the direct-to-video horror film 'Bell Witch: The Movie' will make its exclusive debut on Blu-ray and HD DVD this August.

Starring 'Friday the 13th's "Queen of the Slashers" Betsy Palmer and directed by helmer S. Shane Marr, the indie scarefest was produced with high-definition cameras, and completed entirely in the digital realm.

Though the major studios and other independents routinely release films directly to video without a theatrical release, so far there has been no such releases exclusive to high-definition.

'Bell Witch' will make history as the first direct-to-Blu-ray and HD DVD premiere movie when it debuts simultaneously on both formats on August 15 via distributor Big River Productions, three weeks ahead of its subsequent release on standard-def DVD and to high-definition cable networks on September 1.

"We shot 'Bell Witch' in 24p 1080 HD back in 2002," said Marr via a press statement. "But we decided to hold the film until it could be released in HD so that people could see it as it was meant to be viewed."

No specs, supplemental details nor pricing is yet available for 'Bell Witch: The Movie.' But we'll certainly keep you posted as soon as further details on this notable release are officially announced.

pchin · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 30, 2007 at 10:42 PM »

Paramount Brings 'An Officer and a Gentleman" to Blu-ray, HD DVD
Mon Apr 30, 2007

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced it will bring the '80s blockbuster 'An Officer and a Gentleman" to Blu-ray and HD DVD on July 24.

One of the most popular love stories of the decade, 'An Officer and a Gentleman' earned over $100 million in domestic box office receipts (back when movie tickets cost $3 a pop), turned Richard Gere into a mega-star, and earned Louis Gossett, Jr. a Best Supporting Oscar for his classic portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley.

Paramount, which is already rolling out the red carpet for the film on standard-def DVD with a new special edition (streeting tomorrow), will replicate that set's special features on both next-gen versions.

Among the new extras are five retrospective featurettes with cast and crew (including Gere, Gossett and Debra Winger), a still gallery, the film's original theatrical trailer, and an audio commentary with director Taylor Hackford that appeared on the original DVD (first released in 2001).

Both the Blu-ray and the HD DVD will also include a remastered 1080p transfer, and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks.

pchin · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2007 at 12:20 AM »

Santana, Yes, Deep Purple Topline Montreux HD DVD Triple Header from Eagle Vision
Tue May 01, 2007

A trio of new concert discs from music legends Deep Purple, Yes and Carlos Santana, all recorded live at the Montreux Rock Festival, highlight Eagle Vision's summer line-up of HD DVD releases.

Three titles are all set to debut on June 26: 'Yes: Live at Montreux,' 'Deep Purple: They All Came Down to Montreux' and 'Santana: Hymns for Peace - Live at Montreux.'

Of the three, only the Yes disc is devoid of extras. The Deep Purple release will include a complete ten-song mini-concert recorded live at the Hard Rock London, plus a band interview. Santana's 'Hymns for Peace' will also feature three bonus tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and an interview with the guitar god.

No tech specs are yet available, but stay tuned.

Note that there was no mention at presstime of any companion Blu-ray release, but Eagle Vision's two most recent high-def music titles, 'Toto: Live in Amsterdam' and 'Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux' saw simultaneous release on both next-gen formats, so there's a good chance these three titles will also make it to Blu-ray. (UPDATE: As Brian, one of our readers points out, both the Santana and Yes discs have already been released on Blu-ray in Europe, making their US release that much more likely.)

pchin · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2007 at 08:07 AM »

Universal Breaks Silence on HD DVD Playback Issues; Announces Disc Replacement Program
Tue May 01, 2007

After weeks of persistent complaints from early adopters, Universal has issued a statement regarding playback issues with several of their most recent HD DVD releases.

The issues first surfaced in late March when 'Children of Men' was released on HD DVD, and consumers experienced inconsistent playback problems on both the Xbox 360 add-on and other stand-alone HD DVD playback devices. Since then, readers have reported similar playback issues on 'The Good Shepherd' and other more recently released Universal titles.

While the studio had been mum on the topic for over a month, today they issued a statement to High-Def Digest acknowledging the problems, and initiated a disc replacement program for affected consumers. The studio's full statement follows below:

"Universal is currently investigating reports that Children of Men, The Good Shepherd, and select other discs not playing properly in some HD DVD players. While we believe this is limited to a small number of HD DVD discs, Universal is offering a replacement service for any customers who are experiencing this problem. We are still investigating the cause and will provide further updates as we get them. Any customer problems should be directed to [email protected]."

Needlesstosay, we'll continue to follow this story, and will keep you informed of any developments as they happen. We've also set up a dedicated thread in our Forums area to discuss playback problems with 'Children of Men' and other Universal discs.

pchin · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2007 at 01:30 PM »

'Black Snake Moan' Comes to Blu-ray, HD DVD
Wed May 02, 2007

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that the Samuel L. Jackson-Christina Ricci erotic drama 'Black Snake Moan' will make its Blu-ray and HD DVD debut this June.

The down 'n' dirty flick from 'Hustle & Flow' director Craig Brewer paid homage to the gritty exploitation flicks of the '70s, although it found few takers during its recent theatrical release.

Paramount plans on givinbg the flick a boost on high-def, bestowing the "special edition" banner on the title when it hits Blu-ray and HD DVD day-and-date with standard DVD release on June 26.

No specs yet, but the disc comes billed as boasting plenty of supplemental features, so we'll certainly keep you posted as more news comes in.

pchin · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2007 at 08:12 AM »

'Dante's Peak,' 'Billy Madison' Kick Off Universal July HD DVD Catalog Wave
Wed May 02, 2007

Continuing its aggressive exclusive support of HD DVD, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced a quartet of catalog titles for release on July 10.

The line-up will be an eclectic one, including the hit disaster flick 'Dante's Peak,' the romantic comedy 'The Wedding Date,' Adam Sandler's 'Billy Madison,' and the 1994 Kevin Costner Vietnam drama 'The War.'

Tech specs include 1080p/VC-1 transfers on all the releases, along with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 tracks (at 1.5mbps). 'The War' will be the sole title in the bunch to also feature a Dolby TrueHD mix.

Supplemental details are not yet available, but judging from Universal's previous track record, we expect all of the bonus features included on their standard-def DVD counterparts.

Universal has set a suggested list price of $29.95 each. This latest wave from the Universal sees the studio continuing to deliver on its pledge made earlier this year to release 100 new HD DVD titles in 2007.

These newly-announced catalog titles join the horror new release 'Dead Silence' on July 10, which Universal announced early last week for HD DVD.

pchin · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2007 at 08:14 AM »

'Face/Off' to Hit Blu-ray, HD DVD this August
Wed May 02, 2007

Bringing another top catalog title to its growing next-gen line-up, Paramount Home Entertainment will unveil a new special edition of the action blockbuster 'Face/Off' this August.

The 1997 Nicolas Cage-John Travolta smash hit was one the biggest sellers for the studio in the early days of DVD. Now, they will finally give the film the long-awaited retrospective treatment, with a new "Collector's Special Edition" due day-and-date on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD on August 28.

Unfortunately, there are no specs yet available for the release. Paramount has only specified a $29.95 list price for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions, so we'll keep you posted as more news comes in.

'Face/Off' also joins a recent spurt of new next-gen announcements from the studio, who seem intent on making it one crowded (and expensive) season for early adopters. In the past few weeks, they have unveiled a flurry of top catalog releases, including such gems as 'Ghost,' 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' 'The Warriors' and 'The Untouchables,' all due this summer.

pchin · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2007 at 09:05 PM »

Warner Shuffles June Blu-ray, HD DVD Slate; 'Bulge,' John Wayne Duo See Bumps
Thu May 03, 2007

Warner Home Entertainment is shuffling their May/June next-gen line-up, seeing minor bumps for upcoming titles 'Battle of the Bulge' and the John Wayne classics 'The Cowboys' and 'Rio Bravo.'

First on the switch list is 'Battle of the Bulge,' which Warner originally announced for a May 8 release on Blu-ray and HD DVD. The title will now street one week later, on May 15.

There it will join another original May 8 release, 'The Road Warrior,' which the studio had previously postponed by a week.

Further delays include two John Wayne classics, 'Rio Bravo' and 'The Cowboys.' The studio's initial announcement for the releases saw a May 22 arrival, timed to coincide with the double-header's re-issue on standard-def DVD. The Blu-ray and HD DVD versions will now street two weeks later, on June 5.

Specs, supplements and list prices for all of these rescheduled titles remains the same.

pchin · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2007 at 07:04 AM »

IMAX Classic 'Blue Planet' to Launch on HD DVD, Blu-ray
Thu May 03, 2007

Bringing another IMAX classic to Blu-ray and HD DVD, Warner Home Entertainment has announced a July 10 next-gen release for 'Blue Planet.'

The IMAX favorite was one of the earliest successes for the large-format attraction back in 1990. Warner will give 'Blue Planet' a new 1080p remastered transfer, and high-resolution audio. The HD DVD version will include a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, while the Blu-ray will enjoy an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround mix (both at 48kHz/16-bit).

Extras include a bonus IMAX feature, "The Dream is Alive!", which has also been remastered in 1080p.

'Blue Planet' is the latest in what seems to be a growing push by the studios to bring an increasing number of large-format IMAX and documentary titles to high-def. 'Blue Planet' follows Disney's announcement last week of another IMAX space-themed title, 'Roving Mars.'

Warner is also bringing 'Blue Planet' to high-def following its hits 'March of the Penguins' and the BBC's 'Planet Earth: The Complete Collection,' which became quite a sales surprise earlier this month when it quickly became one of the biggest-selling HD DVD and Blu-ray titles in the history of either format.

pchin · « **Reply #15 on:** May 04, 2007 at 07:06 AM »

Warner to Bring 'Amadeus,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to Blu-ray, HD DVD in 2008
Thu May 03, 2007

Already plotting its 2008 next-gen release schedule, Warner Home Entertainment has revealed plans to bring the Oscar-winning classics 'Amadeus' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to Blu-ray and HD DVD early next year.

As reported by Home Media Retailing, the news comes as part of an announcement by the studio that they have just signed a five-year renewal of their long-standing distribution pact with Saul Zaentz, the famed producer behind 'Amadeus' and 'Cuckoo's Nest.'

Warner plans to re-issue both titles as part of an extensive promotion celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Academy Awards, as well as in honor of the Best Picture Oscar wins garnered by both 'Amadeus' and 'Cuckoo's Nest.'

Warner will issue both titles sometime in February 2008, simultaneous on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Specs and further details are, of course, still in the planning stages. But we'll certainly keep you posted as soon as further news comes in on what are sure to be two eagerly-awaited titles.

pchin · « **Reply #16 on:** May 04, 2007 at 09:57 AM »

HD DVD Turns One
May 4, 2007.

Hard to believe it's been a year since the first HD DVD players and movie titles were made available to eager consumers. Ah, how quickly they grow up.

To celebrate, we announced last week that more than 100,000 dedicated HD DVD consumer electronics players have been sold in the United States — ahead of, ahem, the other high-definition format. Keep in mind that this doesn't include sales of HD DVD PC drives or sales of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player — just the nifty devices that fit into your home theater cabinet. And by the time you read this, we'll have reached another milestone, with the one millionth HD DVD movie sold. Happy birthday indeed.

Ok, you ask, but what exactly does that mean?

Well, it means people are buying HD DVD players to watch movies. Seriously. Not because they want a game console, or because that newfangled PC has a drive included — it's because they've seen (or heard about) the quality of HD DVD and they want one of their own.

Stay with us here. We know there's been a lot of talk about "volume". Total volume of players, total volume of single title movies sold in a one-week period, expected volume of high-definition movie sales over the next 25 years, expected volume of movie sales pro-rated-against-every-Kevin-Bacon-movie ... in short, too much talk about volume.

Why THIS 100,000 volume number matters is because of its statistical simplicity. When you buy a dedicated HD DVD player, you're buying it to perform a single function. For the studios, you're the best customer — a true movie lover. And that's why the "attachment rate" for HD DVD movies to HD DVD players continues to trend much higher for the format over, ahem, you know who.

So you are happy because you just bought Smokin' Aces or put in your preorder for The Ultimate Matrix Trilogy, and the studios are happy because they don't have to guess if you'll buy a video game instead of a movie. See how that works?

pchin · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2007 at 08:58 PM »

'We Are Marshall' Headed to Blu-ray, HD DVD
Fri May 04, 2007

In an early announcement, Warner Home Entertainment says it will bring the inspirational sports drama 'We Are Marshall' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on September 18th.

Based on the real-life tragedy that befell West Virginia's Marshall University football team, 'We Are Marshall' scored nearly $50 million at the domestic box office last fall.

Warner will give the film the 1080p/VC-1 treatment on both formats, though audio specs continue the studio's trend of uneven treatment of HD DVD version and Blu-ray. The former will enjoy a full-blown Dolby TrueHD (48kHz/16-bit) surround track, while its rival will have to settle for a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 mix (at 640kbps).

Mr. Hankey · « **Reply #18 on:** May 04, 2007 at 09:39 PM »

Quote from: pchin on May 04, 2007 at 08:58 PM

In an early announcement, Warner Home Entertainment says it will bring the inspirational sports drama 'We Are Marshall' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on September 18th.

Wow, this is really odd for a movie these days - on video a full 9 months after the theatrical release date!

I've been looking forward to this film since a friend of mine is actually in the movie. Since it doesn't even look like it's going to be shown in theaters localyly, I'm apparently in for a long wait.

pchin · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2007 at 08:35 AM »

Toshiba, 'Sopranos' Star Team Up for HD DVD Campaign
Fri May 04, 2007

Hoping to make next-gen fence-sitters an offer they can't refuse, Toshiba is teaming up with 'Sopranos' star Michael Imperioli for a new HD DVD marketing campaign extolling the virtues of high-definition.

The HD DVD hardware giant has just announced that it has signed Imperioli, who plays Christopher Moltisanti on the Emmy-winning HBO series, to serve as its "ambassador" for the company's new ad campaign touting HD DVD and its REGZA high-definition TV line.

The campaign will feature Imperioli in multiple TV spots espousing his passion for movies, and why HD DVD is the right format for movie buffs. (Whether or not he "whacks" any rival Blu-ray-supporting mobsters in the spot, Moltsanti-style, remains to be seen.)

In what is a notable coincidence, 'The Sopranos' also happens to be the first television title ever to receive a next-gen release -- Warner Home Entertainment debuted 'The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One' on both HD DVD and Blu-ray late last year.

The TV spots featuring Imperioli will run on national cable outlets, including during the 'Sopranos' broadcast on A&E Network and other high-def channels, beginning next month. It will also be backed by an extensive print and radio campaign across multiple outlets.

pchin · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2007 at 07:48 AM »

Universal Adds Four Catalog Titles to July HD DVD Slate
Tue May 08, 2007

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced it will bring four new catalog faves to HD DVD this July, including the hits 'In Good Company,' 'Scent of a Woman,' 'Nutty Professor II' and 'Streets of Fire.'

The quartet will each receive the 1080p/VC-1 treatment along with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks (at 1.5mbps), while 'Nutty Professor II' will also enjoy a full Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track (48kHz/16-bit).

Complete supplemental details are not yet announced, but each is expected to include all of the same supplements as their standard-def counterparts.

All four titles are schedule to street July 24, where they will join the blockbuster 'The Bourne Identity,' which Universal previously announced for HD DVD release last month.

pchin · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2007 at 07:50 AM »

'Matrix' HD DVD Teaser Trailer Now Online
Tue May 08, 2007

Warner Home Video is ramping up the promotion for its upcoming 'Matrix' trilogy box sets new 40-second teaser trailer now available online.

The clip first appeared earlier today on the official HD DVD Forum consumer website www.theLookandSoundofPerfect.com, which counts Warner among its promotional partners.

Touting the "over 35 hours of supplements" found on both 'The Ultimate Matrix Collection' and 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' box sets, the clip also promotes Toshiba HD DVD players and the HD DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360.

Both 'Matrix' sets are currently due to street on May 22, and are expected to rank as the best-selling catalog releases ever on HD DVD when they hit stores.

Warner has not yet announced a Blu-ray release of 'The Matrix,' though the title is expected to hit the format later this year.

pchin · « **Reply #22 on:** May 11, 2007 at 04:19 PM »

Universal to Bring 'Hot Fuzz' to HD DVD?
Fri May 11, 2007

A recently-added listing on the official HD DVD web site would seem to indicate that Universal Studios Home Entertainment is on the verge of announcing the cult hit 'Hot Fuzz' for HD DVD release sometime in the coming months.

A promo spot appeared for the title earlier this week on the www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com, the official promotional website of the HD DVD Forum, under the "Coming Soon" banner.

Though no specs, street date or other details are given, the listing includes box cover art for 'Hot Fuzz,' alongside a number of other yet-to-be-announced titles, including 'Shaun of the Dead,' 'Darkman,' and 'Sea of Love. Unlike 'Hot Fuzz,' however, all of the other included titles had been previewed earlier in the year at CES.

Still enjoying a hit run in theaters, Universal has not yet announced a formal video release for 'Hot Fuzz,' either on DVD or HD DVD.

For the most part, however, the Look and Sound of Perfect website has proven to be an accurate barometer of upcoming releases, and Universal is one of the site's key promotional partners. So signs look promising for a pending announcement.

pchin · « **Reply #23 on:** May 15, 2007 at 07:30 AM »

Disc Sales: 'Planet Earth' a Chart-Topper on HD DVD, Blu-ray
Mon May 14, 2007

Everything came up 'Planet Earth' on the next-gen sales chart for the week ending May 6, with the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions of the acclaimed BBC nature documentary commanding the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively.

Though the Blu-ray format still enjoyed the overall lead in market share for the week (60 percent versus HD DVD's 40 percent), the HD DVD version of 'Planet Earth' edged out its Blu rival to snag the pole position on the Nielsen chart.

However, it was still a close race, with the Blu-ray version selling 95 copies to every 100 of the HD DVD version.

'Planet Earth' has become something of a sales surprise ever since it was first announced for next-gen release back in April. It quickly ascended up the Amazon rankings for all top-selling discs (including both DVD and high-def), with the HD DVD edition eventually hitting the highest placing so far for a next-gen title.

Also scoring high on the next-gen sales chart for the week of May 6 were Fox's 'Night at the Museum' (No. 3), Buena Vista's 'Deja Vu' (No. 4) -- both Blu-ray exclusives -- and Paramount's cross-format bow of the Oscar-winner 'Dreamgirls' (No. 5).

pchin · « **Reply #24 on:** May 15, 2007 at 07:31 AM »

'Nip/Tuck' to Make HD DVD, Blu-ray Debut
Mon May 14

Warner Home Video has announced that the racy doctors of 'Nip/Tuck' will hit high-def for the first time this September, with a simultaneous DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray release of the show's fourth go-round.

Due on September 4, 'Nip/Tuck: The Complete Fourth Season' is the latest for the acclaimed F/X series, which continues to be one of cable's most controversial -- and popular -- original series.

Warner will present all 15 episodes of season four across four discs, each featuring 1080p transfers and 640kbps Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks.

Extras are identical on the standard-def and next-gen releases, with each including 3 making-of featurettes, unaired scenes, and a gag reel.

Warner has set a $79.98 MSRP each for the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions.

The debut of 'Nip/Tuck' on Blu-ray and HD DVD also sees Warner continue their commitment to TV on high-def, which so far has been a rather underserved category on both formats. The studio has been one of the few to release television programming, having already debuted 'Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season' last fall, as well as distributing 'The Sopranos: Season 6, Part One' for HBO and the top-selling documentary 'Planet Earth' for BBC.

pchin · « **Reply #25 on:** May 16, 2007 at 08:06 AM »

Xbox 360 Software Update Solves HD DVD Playback Issues, Improves Audio Output
Tue May 15, 2007

A software update released early today by Microsoft solves several disc-specific playback issues and provides a series of new audio playback options to the console's HD DVD add-on.

Owners of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player got a big present this morning from Bill Gates. The software update (which follows last week's release of the Xbox Spring Dashboard) addresses a series of frequently-requested feature upgrades -- perhaps most notably fixing incompatibility issues with 'Digital Video Essentials' and other select HD DVD releases, as well as resolving reported lip sync problems on titles like 'Batman Begins.'

Gone as well are previously reported issues with the player being stuck in "night mode," which dynamically compressed the range of the soundtrack. Amir Majidimehr, corporate VP at Microsoft’s Consumer Media Technology Group has promised that this improvement alone will provide owners of the add-one with a noticeable boost in performance.

The update also notably includes several upgrades to the add-on's ability to decode audio streams via TOSLINK or HDMI. While the player is still unable to output true lossless Dolby TrueHD streams, it now offers users the option to output all HD DVD audio (including down-sampled TrueHD) in Digital Stereo (2 channel PCM), 640 kbps Dolby Digital 5.1, and 1.5 Mbps DTS 5.1 or WMA Pro.

Finally, in a slight tweak of the player's on-screen UI, three new options have been added: subtitle, camera angle and audio, allowing users to toggle those settings directly from the Xbox 360 media remote's display button rather than having to navigate through the disc's software menu.

In order to begin taking advantage of these new features, you'll need to have access to (and be signed in to) Xbox Live. Simply load an HD DVD movie, and you should be prompted for an auto update. If you don’t have access to Xbox Live, Microsoft says the update will be available for download from Xbox.com later this week.

pchin · « **Reply #26 on:** May 16, 2007 at 08:08 AM »

'Heroes: Season One' Coming to HD DVD This August
Tue May 15, 2007

Get ready to "Save the cheerleader, save the world" in high-def late this summer, when Universal Studios Home Entertainment unleashes 'Heroes: Season One' on HD DVD.

The break-out superhero series has been one of the few bright spots for beleaguered NBC this year, where it quickly amassed a huge cult following that should devour the show in high-def.

Tailor-made for HD DVD, Universal will give the show the full box set treatment on August 28, with a seven-disc set expected to include plenty of extras.

Though the studio has not yet released any tech or supplemental details, recent public comments from the show's creators indicate some fun goodies should be in store for fans.

pchin · « **Reply #27 on:** May 16, 2007 at 08:10 AM »

'300' to Conquer Blu-ray, HD DVD This July

Tue May 15, 2007

Warner Home Video has announced it will bring the blockbuster '300' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this July in feature-laden special edition sets.

Fueled by a domestic gross of over $200 million, the ultra-violent, CGI-fueled extravaganza was the surprise hit of the winter season.

Warner will bow both a Blu-ray and HD DVD version of the spectacle on July 31, each boasting impressive tech specs and copious bonus features.

Both the BD-50 Blu-ray and HD DVD/DVD combo versions will feature identical 1080p/VC-1 transfers and, in a welcome move from Warner, matching Dolby TrueHD (48kHz/16-bit) 5.1 surround tracks.

Also comparable on each will be "over 90 minutes of bonus features," including audio commentary with director Zack Snyder and the filmmakers, multiple featurettes and more.

Things become a bit more lopsided as we move into the high-def exclusive features, with only the HD DVD edition (not the Blu-ray) also boasting a picture-in-picture video commentary, plus the exclusive "Vengeance & Valor" interactive game.

Retail will be $39.95 for the HD DVD combo, and $34.95 for the Blu-ray.

pchin · « **Reply #28 on:** May 16, 2007 at 08:13 AM »

'Darkman,' 'Sea of Love' Lead Universal Late July HD DVD Wave

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced its last wave of HD DVD titles for July, featuring the catalog favorites 'Darkman' and 'Sea of Love.'

Each will receive 1.85:1 widescreen transfers encoded in 1080p/VC-1 video. Audio specs include Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks (1.5mbps) on both, while 'Darkman will also receive a full-blown Dolby TrueHD (48kHz/16-bit) option as well.

Supplemental features will replicate those found on the standard-def DVD counterparts, which for 'Sea of Love' includes an audio commentary, retrospective featurette and deleted scenes, while on 'Darkman' means absolutely zero.

pchin · « **Reply #29 on:** May 17, 2007 at 07:02 AM »

Toshiba Offers $100 Rebate on New HD DVD Players

The HD DVD Promotions Group today announced that Toshiba will be offering a month-long $100 rebate on new HD DVD players, bringing the entry-level list price for a stand-alone HD DVD player to a record-low $299.

Beginning this Sunday (May 20th) and continuing until June 16th, consumers buying Toshiba's HD-A2 model player will receive an an instant, in-store rebate of $100. During the final week of the promotion (from June 10th through June 16th), Toshiba will extend the $100 rebate to any Toshiba HD DVD player, and will offer an additional $100 rebate to consumers purchasing both an HD DVD player and a 42 inch (or larger) Toshiba HDTV.

The HD DVD group says the rebate will be available across a wide range of retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, HHGregg and Amazon.com.

Consumers taking advantage of this Father's Day-timed rebate are also eligible to choose five free HD DVD titles (from a selection of fifteen), as part of a previously-announced promotion, which ends July 31, 2007.

This latest rebate offer comes in a particularly frenzied season for both HD DVD and Blu-ray, as both next-gen formats have bulked up their release slates leading into the summer.

The HD DVD group, which has slipped behind Blu-ray in overall disc sales since the start of 2007, has stepped up its marketing efforts in recent weeks, launching a national marketing and retail campaign anchored by the recent release of a theatrical trailer promoting the format, which has been spotted playing before such high profile titles as 'Spider-man 3.'