Author Topic: Blu-ray News (Read 160408 times)

krazy · « **Reply #120 on:** Jul 03, 2007 at 03:30 PM »

Quote from: barrid on Jul 03, 2007 at 04:43 AM

I like this! The main reason I bought HD DVD is to see Indies and foreign films.

Blu-Ray will have it's share of indie/foreign films too:
http://www.marketwire.com/2.0/release.do?id=725225&sourceType=1
http://ipodnytt.com/2007/04/01/edge-of-light-media-opening-blu-ray-doors-for-independent-films/

krazy · « **Reply #121 on:** Jul 03, 2007 at 03:49 PM »

Quote from: pchin on Jul 03, 2007 at 06:56 AM

More HD DVD Titles Released in Q2 Than Blu-ray

Following a dry spell in the first quarter of this year, the HD DVD camp rebounded in Q2 to release more high-def titles than its next-gen rival.

According to industry tipsheet The DVD Release Report, 70 HD DVD titles hit store shelves during the period from April 1 through June 30, compared to 63 Blu-ray titles in the same timeframe.

That's quite a jump for HD DVD, which got trounced in the same metric by Blu-ray over the first three months of the year, releasing only 29 titles (compared to Blu-ray's 69). HD DVD backers have pointed to the format's dearth of new releases in the early part of the year as a primary reason for what quickly became a widening sales lead for Blu-ray.

But while Blu-ray continues to lead in overall disc sales (VideoScan numbers for the week ending June 24 indicate a continued 2:1 sales lead for the format), the good news for HD DVD fans is that Blu-ray's once-growing sales lead appears to have at least stabilized.

Primary HD DVD backer Universal Studios led the Q2 HD DVD push, releasing a total of 33 HD DVD titles on its own. Although the studio has been accused of rushing some of its more recent HD DVD catalogue titles to market at the cost of picture quality, it shows no signs of slowing down with another 23 HD DVD titles already announced for release from now through September.

Just wait for the flood of Fox/MGM titles on BD in time for the Christmas season

Mouldingo · « **Reply #122 on:** Jul 04, 2007 at 06:25 PM »

Europe Steps Up Probe of New DVD Formats]

In a move that could be key to determining the future of home cinema, European antitrust regulators are stepping up their probe into possible anticompetitive practices in the format war over high-definition DVDs.

Hollywood's studios are racing to dig up files, emails and records of telephone conversations related to the competing Blu-ray and HD DVD formats after the European Commission sent out letters last month demanding evidence of their communications and agreements on the new generation of DVD formats.

The European Commission, the European Union's executive body, appears to be particularly interested in the activities of the Blu-ray group because of its dominance in Hollywood, according to people familiar with the situation. The commission is investigating whether improper tactics were used to suppress competition and persuade the studios to back their format.

Jonathan Todd, a spokesman for the commission, confirmed that it had sent letters to the studios in mid-June trying to establish whether they have restrictive agreements to use one or the other of the standards.

Blu-ray, which is supported by Sony Corp. and partners, is in a fierce combat with the Toshiba Corp.-led HD DVD group to set the standard for the next generation of DVD. High-definition DVDs promise sharper picture quality and better sound than traditional DVDs, but they require new players. (Neither of the new formats is compatible with traditional DVD players, but traditional DVDs can be viewed on both Blu-ray and HD DVD players.)

While the HD camp has had some success in its partnership with Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 videogame consoles and by offering lower-priced machines, the Blu-ray camp has gained the upper hand in Hollywood, with more studios backing its format. Blockbuster Inc. also recently said it would exclusively stock DVDs using the Blu-ray format.

The HD DVD camp has been lobbying the commission to draw attention to Blu-ray's tactics in the movie capital in a bid to force more studios to put their product on HD DVD, according to people familiar with the situation. One issue the Commission has raised with some studios is statements made at the Consumer Electronics Show in January in Las Vegas about the exclusivity of studios to Blu-ray, according to people familiar with the situation.

Blu-ray is supported by every major studio except NBC Universal's Universal Pictures, which is backing HD DVD exclusively. Five studios are exclusive to Blu-ray: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Walt Disney Co., News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and MGM, which is owned by a consortium including Sony. Viacom Inc.'s Paramount Pictures and Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. are backing both. In its formal request to at least one studio, the commission has asked for documents related to any decision to release movies on Blu-ray exclusively and not HD DVD, as well as communications on both formats with certain individuals associated with Blu-ray.

Both new formats offer old and recent titles.
The European Commission launched a broad inquiry into the competing formats a year ago. The commission said at the time that it had sent a letter to Blu-ray and HD to request information about their licensing practices. However, the commission's recent letter to the studios signals a shift in focus to the studios and possibly Blu-ray specifically.

The battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD is expected to reach a fever pitch in the fourth quarter of this year. The run-up to the Christmas period is traditionally the most important period for DVD sales. There is a lot at stake: Whichever camp wins the battle stands to make huge profits from selling both players and DVDs.

Both camps have significantly stepped up their efforts in recent weeks. Blu-ray announced a summer promotion that gives consumers five free Blu-ray movies if they purchase a new Blu-ray player by Sept. 30. Toshiba recently announced HD DVD players would sell for as little as $299, far less than comparable Blu-ray players.

The market for next-generation DVDs of either stripe is tiny so far, though. Through June, Blu-ray had sold about 1.8 million discs, compared with 1.3 million for HD DVD, according to consultancy Adams Media Research. A top title such as Warner Bros.' "The Departed," which was out in both formats, shipped 85,000 copies in Blu-ray and 60,000 in HD DVD, compared with 7.7 million for regular DVDs.

These days, Blu-ray discs are outselling HD DVDs at a rate of about two to one, says Tom Adams, president at Adams Media. But that doesn't mean HD DVDs can't reclaim the advantage if more studios start releasing movies in both formats.

Once either format hits about two million homes, it will create a large enough incentive for any studio not releasing titles in that format to reconsider, Mr. Adams says. Currently, about 105,000 homes have Blu-ray players, and about 150,000 have HD DVD players. An additional 1.5 million homes have PlayStation 3 devices, which also play Blu-ray movies, although fewer gamers are using the machines to play movies than had been hoped for. About 160,000 consumers have bought add-on devices for Xbox machines that allow them to play HD DVDs.

The studios want a new revenue stream to compensate for slowing DVD sales. When consumers switched from the VHS tape format to DVD, it created a sales bonanza as consumers replaced their old tapes with crisper DVDs. Studios are hoping for the same sort of upgrade for new format DVDs.

But many consumers say the difference in quality between the new DVDs and the old ones isn't as impressive as the difference between VHS tapes and DVDs, prompting them to drag their feet on replacing their equipment. In addition to buying new players, consumers need expensive high-definition televisions to play the new discs.

Consumer groups have slammed the studios and the electronics companies for creating another product in which two incompatible technologies battle for supremacy in the marketplace. The situation harks back to the battle between VHS and Betamax in the 1980s. VHS tapes eventually won, but not until millions of consumers bought Betamax machines, which became obsolete.

For DVDs, the studios and electronics companies worked together to avoid a similar mess. As two competing formats for next-generation DVDs emerged, the companies involved talked about merging the formats or picking one over the other, but this time compromise proved elusive.

pchin · « **Reply #123 on:** Jul 04, 2007 at 08:34 PM »

Nice article Mouldingo

'Smallville' Sixth Season Headed to Blu-ray, HD DVD

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's 'Smallville: The Complete Sixth Season,' arriving on Blu-ray and HD DVD this fall from Warner Home Video.

Scheduled for a cross-format date-and-date release on standard-def DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD on September 18, Warner says the sixth season of the long-running TV favorite will come with a healthy package of extras.

Both next-gen versions will receive 1080p/VC-1 transfers and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks (with the HD DVD receiving the "Dolby Digital-Plus" designator, though the bitrates on both are equal at 640kbps).

Supplements include four making-of featurettes, an additional featurette on the diehard 'Smallville' cult following, plus a collection of deleted scenes.

In a high-def first,Warner will be making full use of Blu-ray's expanded disc storage capacity, with the Blu-ray version employing four discs instead of the HD DVD's five -- disc specs and extras, however, remain identical.

Warner has set a $79.95 list price for both versions.

pchin · « **Reply #124 on:** Jul 04, 2007 at 08:37 PM »

'Patch Adams,' 'Cat People' Lead Universal September HD DVD Wave

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced its second wave of September HD DVD releases, including the catalog hits 'Patch Adams,' 'Cat People' and the 1994 remake of 'The Getaway.'

Due in stores September 25, all three titles will boast the studio's standard 1080p/VC-1 transfers, and -- in what appears to be a newfound, unilateral support for high-resolution audio -- Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks.

These three new titles follow Universal's announcement last week of a first wave of two September HD DVD catalog releases, 'For the Love of the Game' and 'The Last Starfighter.'

'Patch Adams' and 'Cat People' are both set to include all of the same supplements as their standard-def DVD counterparts, including audio commentary, featurettes and more. ('The Getaway,' like the previous DVD edition, will be featureless.)

pchin · « **Reply #125 on:** Jul 06, 2007 at 07:42 AM »

More Details in on Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player

Samsung has released more information about its upcoming BDP-UP5000 hybrid player, including a targeted release date.

The company said Wednesday that it plans to unleash its new player (which was originally announced several months back) in October or November of this year. Yesterday's announcement was made at a preparation event for the IFA tradeshow in Germany, where Samsung is expected to display the player in late August.

Unlike LG's already released BH100 dual-format player, Samsung says its BDP-UP5000 will support all features of both formats (including BD-Java and HDi, as well as web-enabled supplements on both formats, via an Ethernet connection).

Samsung has yet to announce pricing for its new hybrid player, but it is expected to retail at a lower price than the LG player's current $1199.99.

aeris30 · « **Reply #126 on:** Jul 07, 2007 at 03:45 PM »

Click here for original fullsize Home Media magazine two-page spread.

kings5504 · « **Reply #127 on:** Jul 07, 2007 at 11:50 PM »

What's better than perfect? Perfecter?

pchin · « **Reply #128 on:** Jul 09, 2007 at 11:03 PM »

Warner Bumps 'IMAX: Blue Planet' Blu-ray, HD DVD Street Date

Warner Home Video has announced a three-week street date bump for the Blu-ray and HD DVD release of 'IMAX: Blue Planet.'

Originally announced for a high-def release this Tuesday, July 10, Warner has unceremoniously postponed both next-gen versions to July 31.

The title will now join the hotly-anticipated '300,' which is set to debut on Blu-ray and HD DVD from Warner on the same day.

The studio didn't offer any reason for the delay, nor did it announce any changes in specs or bonus features for 'IMAX: Blue Planet.'

Source

pchin · « **Reply #129 on:** Jul 10, 2007 at 08:17 AM »

Warner Announces 'Troy: Director's Cut' for Blu-ray, HD DVD

In the first example of a studio "double dipping" a next-gen title, Warner Home Video has announced a new 'Director's Cut' version of 'Troy' for release this fall on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The theatrical cut of 'Troy' was first released as an HD DVD-only version in September of last year, and quickly became one of the format's biggest sellers.

Now, Warner will revisit the $400 million-grossing worldwide hit in the newly-expanded 'Troy: Director's Cut,' which will see a simultaneous bow on both HD DVD and Blu-ray (as well as standard-def DVD), on September 18.

Full tech specs are not yet available for the next-gen releases, although supplemental details for the two-disc standard-def DVD version of 'Troy: Director's Cut' include a new introduction by director Wolfgang Petersen, multiple making-of featurettes and more. We'll keep you posted as soon as final specs are confirmed for the high-def versions.

Warner has not yet indicated whether the existing theatrical cut edition of 'Troy' on HD DVD will remain on the market, or be discontinued in light of the new 'Director's Cut.'

Source

pchin · « **Reply #130 on:** Jul 11, 2007 at 07:04 AM »

New 'Star Trek' HD DVD Details Revealed

Fresh details have surfaced for the highly-anticipated high-def disc release of 'Star Trek: The Original Series,' with the set now expected to include never-before-seen footage exclusive to the next-gen edition.

It was nearly a year ago that Paramount Home Entertainment first revealed plans to release 'Star Trek' on HD DVD, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi classic. At the time, the studio said the new release would feature a host of new GGI enhancements, among them redone spaceship exteriors, a rejiggered opening and even a digitally remastered version of William Shatner's classic 38-word "Space, the final frontier..." credit monologue.

Now comes news that the high-def release will also include never-before-seen behind-the-scenes 8mm footage taken during the original production of the series.

Though Paramount has yet to announce an official street date for 'The Original Series,' the just-published program guide for this year's Comic-Con reveals that the studio is planning to give convention attendees a first peek at footage from the long-awaited release on July 26 at a special event dubbed "Star Trek: The Original Series - As You've Never Seen It," which is also slated to include a panel of 'Trek' luminaries.

Strangely, Paramount has made no mention of a Blu-ray release of the series (only HD DVD), although since the studio supports both next-gen formats, we can only assume that the set will ultimately find its way to Blu-ray, as well.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #131 on:** Jul 11, 2007 at 07:05 AM »

Paramount Brings 'Next' to Blu-ray, HD DVD

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced it will bow the sci-fi thriller 'Next' on Blu-ray and HD DVD this September.

Starring Nicolas Cage and Jessica Biel, and inspired by a celebrated Philip K. Dick novel, 'Next' failed to light up the box office this past winter, grossing a relatively paltry $35 million. However, with Cage's 'Ghost Rider' currently burning up the Blu-ray charts and sci-fi often scoring big numbers on home video, 'Next' may find a new audience on high-def.

Paramount is due to bow the thriller on September 25 on both next-gen formats, day-and-date with the standard-def DVD release.

Source

av_phile1 · « **Reply #132 on:** Jul 11, 2007 at 02:22 PM »

Paul,your posts are interesting but can I ask a favor to pls indicate/paste your SOURCE? I think this is pretty much standard in all forums I've visited for the poster to link the article to their source, especially if it was lifted from another site. Thanks.

Mouldingo, your quote above on the EU commission investigating the HD formats is quite intriguing. Can you post the SOURCE? Thanks.

pchin · « **Reply #133 on:** Jul 11, 2007 at 04:05 PM »

Noted Alex, will do.

HD DVD and Blu-ray Titles to Take Center Stage at Comic-Con 2007

High-def early adopters attending this year's Comic-Con in San Diego will be treated to a first look at several of this fall's most eagerly anticipated high-def releases.

The newly-published schedule for this year's genre fest reveals at least three upcoming next-gen titles that will be getting the Comic-Con treatment when the annual conventional rolls into San Diego late this month.

As we first reported earlier this morning, kicking things off on Thursday July 26th is what organizers are calling the "worldwide debut" of the upcoming high-def disc release of the original 'Star Trek' series. The one hour session, dubbed "Star Trek - The Original Series: As You've Never Seen It" promises to be an interesting one, featuring a preview of the fully remastered HD DVD (which has yet to be given a street date), and a panel that includes Rod Roddenberry, son of the Star Trek creator.

Next up, on Friday July 27, producer Joel Silver and Spanish director Victor Garcia will preview the next-gen editions of 'Return To House on Haunted Hill,' due on HD DVD and Blu-ray this October. As we've previously reported, this direct-to-disc sequel from Warner is slated to include new "Navigational Cinema" technology that will enable the viewer to make seven choices as the story unfolds, leading to over 90 different iterations of the film.

Finally, at what's sure to be a packed session on Saturday July 28th, the entire cast of 'Heroes' will join co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb and series creator Tim Kring for a session that is expected to include a first-ever look at the August 28 HD DVD release of 'Heroes: Season One.'

Needless to say, we can expect more than a few juicy tidbits to come out of each of these sessions. If you can't make it to San Diego to see them in person, not to worry -- we've got you covered. Watch this space for complete coverage of all the Blu-ray/HD DVD news to come out of Comic-Con: 2007. Stay tuned!

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #134 on:** Jul 12, 2007 at 07:50 AM »

The PlayStation 3 $100 Price Drop and Bonus Giveaway

Much more than just a gaming console, the PlayStation 3 features Blu-ray playback, video chat, Internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video, making it a complete entertainment system. And with a recent $100 price drop it's more affordable than ever at $499.99.

Order your PlayStation 3 now and for a limited time Amazon will also include, free of charge, a Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray DVD Remote and a copy of Resident Evil - Apocalypse in Blu-ray format. In addition, customers will also be given access to their choice of five free additional Blu-ray movies via a mail in rebate form. But remember, this offer is for a limited time only, so get your PlayStation 3 today.

To get your free Remote and copy of Resident Evil - Apocalypse click the "Add to Shopping Cart" button below. Your PS3, FREE Remote and a FREE Blu-ray copy of Resident Evil - Apocalypse will be added to your cart. Proceed to checkout, where the price of your Remote and Blu-ray disc will be deducted from your subtotal before you are prompted to approve your order.

To get your additional five Blu-ray discs, visit the rebate link after you receive your PS3 and follow the instructions noted there.

aeris30 · « **Reply #135 on:** Jul 12, 2007 at 09:41 AM »

Blu-ray Backers Launch New High-Def Website

In a unique marketing move, several major Blu-ray-backing studios have teamed up to create a new consumer-focused content site called Hollywood In Hi-Def.

Mouldingo · « **Reply #136 on:** Jul 12, 2007 at 08:50 PM »

Samsung Brings Two New Players This Fall

Samsung has launched two third-generation Blu-ray Disc players, the BD-P2400 and BD-P1400.

Samsung's new BD player lineup offers full compatibility with 24 movie frames per second playback, the native format for cinematic releases.

Both the BD-P2400 and BD-P1400 work with lossless sound formats including, DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD for a variety of clear, full-bodied sound options.

The HDMI 1.3 connection also offers HDMI CEC (Anynet+) technology, allowing consumers to use a single remote control to operate the BD player, TV and other A/V products from Samsung.

Each model is able to up-convert standard DVD discs to full HD 1080p resolution via the HDMI connection, bringing consumers' DVD movie collections into the next generation.

In addition, the BD-P2400 offers a built-in "Hollywood quality" video processor, a unit apparently similar to those used by Hollywood production studios.

This enables true 1080i to 1080p HD de-interlacing for the best HD images possible - even from DVD formats.

The new players will be available in the States in the Autumn for $549 and $599.

pchin · « **Reply #137 on:** Jul 12, 2007 at 11:26 PM »

Tnx for the refreshing news Mouldingo on the new BD players. They can now decode DTS HD! I hopethey also implement the BD-J feature.

These will be my options to consider when I move to Neutral.

Mouldingo · « **Reply #138 on:** Jul 13, 2007 at 11:19 AM »

Also, could this be Denon's forthcoming Blu-ray Disc player, or is it just a marketing/design mock-up? Almost certainly, it's the latter. But the Coroflot industrial design website has posted photos of a BD player (the DVD-HD8910) and a new 7.1 media center/receiver as well (the AVR-HD8910). The text indicates that the receiver comes equipped with a 2TB (tetrabyte) built-in hard drive (!) and a direct connection to the iTunes music store. And both are... well, darned funky looking. Here's a gander...

This image is taken from a full-page Denon brochure for the units. Real or not (and we think it's almost certainly not - it's just a design flight of fancy), it's certainly... well, interesting. Yikes!

Mouldingo · « **Reply #139 on:** Jul 13, 2007 at 11:32 AM »

Here's some news that's likely to get you Disney animated fans excited - at least those of you who have (or are considering) moving into Blu-ray Disc. A press release issued over at the Disney Consumer Products website indicates that the studio is planning to release its first Platinum animated title on the format in 2008... Sleeping Beauty. In a section talking about the company's Disney Princess line of products, you'll find this text:

"The entertainment will continue as Sleeping Beauty is planned for re-release on DVD in 2008 and will be available on Blue Ray for the first time."

Also today, our industry sources have sent us word that Fox is quietly planning to release at least some of the Alien films on Blu-ray Disc in 2008.

As always, this information should be considered unofficial until the titles are actually announced by the studios in question. Stay tuned...

Mouldingo · « **Reply #140 on:** Jul 13, 2007 at 11:39 AM »

Quote from: av_phile1 on Jul 11, 2007 at 02:22 PM

Mouldingo, your quote above on the EU commission investigating the HD formats is quite intriguing. Can you post the SOURCE? Thanks.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118341745768555943.html

av_phile1 · « **Reply #141 on:** Jul 13, 2007 at 12:44 PM »

Thanks, Mouldingo. I hope you can post the sources of your future posts lifted from other sites as well.

pchin · « **Reply #142 on:** Jul 14, 2007 at 12:10 AM »

Koch Readies 'Nature's Journey' for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Koch Distributing has announced it will bring the made-for-high definition 'Nature's Journey' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on September 11.

Dubbed a "mesmerizing sensory experience" of natural wonders, 'Nature's Journey' will come sans any appreciable extras, but Koch promises to deliver reference-quality high-def video and audio.

Both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions will boast DTS HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks at a full 96kHz/24-bit. The Blu-ray will also enjoy a peak 37mbps 1080 video encode, while the HD DVD enjoys 26mpbs (due to the storage capacity differences of the two formats).

Koch has set a $29.98 list price for both versions.

'Nature's Journey' follows Koch's first high-def release, the classic IMAX experience 'Chronos,' which debuted this past year on both formats.

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #143 on:** Jul 14, 2007 at 07:42 PM »

HD DVD group says outselling Blu-ray in Europe (source)

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - HD DVD video players have outsold rival standard Blu-ray players by a three-to-one margin in Europe's main markets so far this year, according to a lobby group.

The European HD DVD Promotional Group claimed it had 74 percent market share in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland for stand-alone players, citing sales figures it commissioned from market research group GfK.

GfK said it has not published research commissioned from the trade group.

The HD DVD group, led by Toshiba Corp. and backed by Microsoft Corp. and film studios including Warner Bros., declined to give figures for how many players it had shipped to retail outlets in Europe.

The figures were for stand-alone players only and did not include sales of games consoles such as Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3, which contains a Blu-ray player.

The Sony-led Blu-ray lobby group includes Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Apple Inc. and Dell Inc.. Its discs, which are outselling HD DVD discs, can store more information and special features but the technology is more expensive.

Toshiba cut prices for its HD-E1 HD DVD player to 399 euros ($549) in Europe and $299 in the United States last month from 499 euros and $399, respectively.

Sony's BDP-S300 Blu-ray player costs $499 in the United States, and its BDP-S1E European version has recently gone on sale, with prices starting at around 900 euros. Other Blu-ray players have been on sale in Europe for longer.

According to its Web site, Blu-ray is an optical disc format developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video. It claims to offer more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs.

HD DVD (high-definition digital versatile disc) format claims to offer six times the picture resolution of normal DVDs and enhanced audio, according to its Web site.

Toshiba's spokesman for the European HD DVD group, Olivier Van Wynendaele, told Reuters that profit margins for its HD DVD players were comparable to those for its DVD players in Europe.

He declined to say whether Toshiba was selling players at a loss in the United States.

A mass market for high-definition video is still some way off. Blu-ray and HD DVD are battling for domination in a war reminiscent of the VHS-Betamax battle of the 1970s and 1980s. That war was won by VHS after about a decade.

Steve Nickerson, a Warner Bros spokesman for the HD DVD group, said still-high prices were partly to blame. "You can't get to mass-market consumption until you get to mass-market pricing," he told Reuters.

But Nickerson said the high-definition video market was developing faster than the DVD market had. "If we take a pragmatic approach, and understand we're still only selling to innovators, we are ahead of the DVD curve."

Van Wynendaele said surveys had shown 70 percent of consumers would be prepared to buy a high-definition player once prices fall below $200.

Asked when Toshiba would cut prices to that level, he answered: "I can't say if it's likely this year, but it will happen, yes."

Nickerson added: "It took nearly four years for that price point to be achieved in DVD ... anything inside three years would be significantly improved compared to the DVD."

pchin · « **Reply #144 on:** Jul 16, 2007 at 09:31 PM »

'Wings of Honneamise' to Fly on Blu-ray, HD DVD this September

One of the classics of anime will make its high-def debut when Bandai Visual brings 'Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this fall.

Due to hit both Blu-ray and HD DVD on September 11, Bandai will present the acclaimed anime masterpiece in a newly-remastered 20th Anniversary Edition.

Tech specs are identical on both versions, and are set to include a restored print remastered in full 1080p video, along with the original Japanese soundtrack in both Dolby Digital TrueHD and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround versions. (An optional English dub in standard Dolby Digital 5.1 will also be included.)

Intriguingly, both next-gen releases are being billed as "two-disc sets," with the second disc being a standard-def DVD. At press time, it wasn't clear what might appear on that second disc -- the fact that Bandai is calling both next-gen releases "combos" has led some to speculate that the standard-def DVD may just be a duplicate copy of 'Honneamise' in standard-def. Here's hoping that's not the case, and that the second disc will contain some as yet unannounced supplements, instead.

Bandai has set a rather pricey $79.99 MSRP for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions of 'Wing of Honneamise.'

Source

pchin · « **Reply #145 on:** Jul 17, 2007 at 07:54 AM »

'Planet Earth' Goes All-American in New HD DVD, Blu-ray Release

Can't get enough 'Planet Earth' on High-Def? Now there's a new edition of the groundbreaking series bound for Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The series first hit both next-gen formats back in April from the BBC, featuring the original narration by legendary nature documentarian David Attenborough. That edition went on to break High-Def sales records, generating more revenue than any other HD DVD/Blu-ray release to date.

Now a second version of 'Planet Earth' is hitting both HD DVD and Blu-ray -- the version that was presented in the series' US television run, which replaced Attenborough's narration with the decidedly less British actress/conservationist Sigourney Weaver.

This new version is being released by The Discovery Channel (which aired 'Planet Earth' in the US), although it would seem that the cable network's distribution rights to the series are limited to direct sales.

As such, the channel recently listed three separate box set editions of its version of the series at Discovery Channel Store. While the standard DVD version ($69.95) is already available, the next gen editions ($99.95 each) show an an estimated ship date of July 30, 2007.

The Discovery Channel has also been advertising a separate website (pedvd.com) that's selling the first three episodes of 'Planet Earth' on a single disc at $14.95 on both next-gen formats. It wasn't immediately clear whether additional episodes will be available as standalone discs at some point in the future.

There's no word yet on specs or supplemental features for newly configured next-gen editions of the series. Here's hoping that the various featurettes and the bonus doc that were unceremoniously dropped from the BBC high-def editions get their due this time around. (Discovery has included them in its companion standard-def edition, but they appeared on the standard-def BBC edition as well, so that's no great indicator.)

Source

pchin · « **Reply #146 on:** Jul 17, 2007 at 12:54 PM »

Universal Under Pressure to Support Blu-ray?

Washington, D.C. (July 16, 2007) -- Universal Studios is the only studio that's backing the HD DVD high-def format exclusively.

But Variety Magazine reports that the studio is being pressured to start releasing titles in the rival Blu-ray format as well.

"We understand there is a lot of persuading going on right now," Variety quotes Envisioneering Group's Richard Doherty, who adds that Universal executives might negotiate with Blu-ray backers at this summer's investment conferences.

In the Blu-ray vs HD DVD high-def disc war, four of the eight major studios are backing Blu-ray exclusively, giving the format a major advantage in the number of title releases. Universal is the sole studio supporting HD DVD exclusively while three others are releasing titles in both formats.

Although Blu-ray title sales are outpacing HD DVD by a 2-1 margin, the format war is showing no signs of ending soon. However, that could change quickly if Universal decided to support both formats.

Blockbuster, the nation's largest video retailer, this month began offering Blu-ray exclusively in 1,450 stores across the country (although it still carries HD DVD in 250 stores.)

Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, says the studio currently has no plans to support Blu-ray.
"We're still at such an early stage that it's hard to gauge how (selling Blu-ray) would have any impact," Graffeo tells Variety. "When you sell six million standard-definition units of a title, and you're selling only about 70,000 in hi-def, it's hard to say, 'Wow, look at what we're leaving on the table.' "

Source

pchin · « **Reply #147 on:** Jul 18, 2007 at 12:05 AM »

Universal Readies 'Knocked Up' for September HD DVD Release

Universal Studios Home Video is reportedly planning to bring the summer blockbuster 'Knocked Up' to HD DVD this September, day-and-date with the standard-def DVD release.

Video Business has the early details, with Universal apparently planning to debut the summer comedy smash -- which has grossed over $140 million at the domestic box office and counting -- in R-rated and Unrated versions, the latter boasting an additional four minutes of unseen footage.

The HD DVD release is expected to include both versions of the film on a HD DVD/DVD combo disc(the unrated version in high-def, and the R-rated version on the standard-def flipside), as well as extensive extras still to be announced.

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dts-HD 3D · « **Reply #148 on:** Jul 18, 2007 at 03:57 AM »

HD DVD Outpacing All Next-Gen Formats in Sales Growth

LAS VEGAS, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) Home Media Expo 2007, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group today announced that overall HD DVD hardware sales were up 37 percent from Q1 to Q2 2007, while software sales experienced a 20 percent increase in growth. The data is based on NPD reports, Nielsen Netratings reports and point of sale data from the studios. During the same time-frame, overall Blu-ray hardware sales saw a 27 percent decline from Q1 to Q2, and Blu-ray software sales were down 5 percent.

Driven by major spring marketing efforts which brought standalone HD DVD players down to an industry first $299, dedicated HD DVD CE players experienced an astounding 183 percent quarterly increase. There are currently more than 180,000 dedicated HD DVD CE players in the market.

"The numbers are clear -- HD DVD is steadily gaining momentum and market share," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment, and co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. "With HD DVD CE players now at MSRP prices starting at $299 and with strong marketing campaigns around new HD DVD titles with web-enabled interactive features, we're continuing to raise the bar for the consumer experience."

Recent studies(1) have shown most consumers are basing their purchasing decisions on pricing. Benefiting from more than a decade of DVD technology advancements and improvements, HD DVD hardware pricing has already dropped from $499 to $299 since the first players were introduced last year as a
result of manufacturing efficiencies, while still maintaining a consistent consumer experience.

"With the total number of titles available for each format differing by only 20-30 titles at this time, the real-world gap in content between the two formats is in actuality not as large as many would perceive," said Paul Erickson, market analyst with IMS Research. "Consumers in the US and Europe continue to show the greatest sensitivity to price, rather than content or branding, in their purchase decision for standalone high-definition players."

With titles like "300" coming later this month from Warner Home Video and "Heroes: Season 1" to be released in August from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, HD DVD owners will have close to 1,000 titles worldwide to choose from by the holidays.
http://www.TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect.com.

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Munskie · « **Reply #149 on:** Jul 18, 2007 at 09:50 AM »

Great News for Highdef Fans!!!!

Warner Announces 'Harry Potter' Films for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Ending months of speculation, Warner Home Video has at last announced the complete 'Harry Potter' franchise will be coming to HD DVD and Blu-ray this fall in a lavish multi-disc box set.

Dubbed 'Harry Potter Years 1-5 Limited Edition Gift Set,' Warner announced the long-awaited release during a special presentation at today's Home Media Expo in Los Angeles.

Though the studio did not have an exact street date as of yet, they did confirm that the release would include all five of the producer 'Harry Potter' films, including the current theatrical blockbuster 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'

Pricing for the five-disc set will be $149.95 for both the BLu-ray and HD DVD versions.

No specs or supplemental details have been revealed. However, the set is expected to come in collectible packaging including exclusive Harry Potter memorabilia.

The studio has also not revealed when -- or if -- the 'Potter' titles will also be made available individually outside of the box set.

Considering one of the many "holy grails" yet to hit high-def, 'Harry Potter Years 1-5' is sure to be one of the holiday's most highly-anticipated titles, if not its biggest seller.

We'll certainly keep you posted as soon as further details are officially confirmed.

source:highdefdigest