Author Topic: Blu-ray News (Read 158946 times)

pchin · « **Reply #30 on:** May 17, 2007 at 07:04 AM »

Shhhh! Universal Brings 'Dead Silence' HD DVD Two Weeks Early

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced a rare street date advancement for the upcoming HD DVD combo release of 'Dead Silence,' which will now street two weeks ahead of schedule.

First announced late last month for a July 10 release, the studio has decided to move the horror flick up to June 26.

No reason was given for the switch, but now fans of the evil puppet epic won't have to wait as long for the feature-packed combo release.

pchin · « **Reply #31 on:** May 17, 2007 at 04:18 PM »

Warner to Debut Elvis Presley Classics 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Viva Las Vegas' on HD DVD

Elvis Presley will make his high-def debut this September, when Warner Home Video brings the classics 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Viva Las Vegas' to HD DVD.

The first-ever Elvis films to hit the next-gen formats, Warner will debut the title on September 18.

Full tech specs and supplemental details are not yet available. However, Warner will be debuting the high-def versions only weeks after it unveils new "Deluxe Editions" of both 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Viva Las Vegas' on standard-def DVD, so expectations are for exciting new extras.

pchin · « **Reply #32 on:** May 18, 2007 at 05:49 PM »

'Blade Runner' Comes to Blu-ray, HD DVD This October

In a new promotional flyer housed inside next week's HD DVD release of 'Ultimate Matrix Collection,' Warner is touting an October arrival date for the highly-anticipated upcoming next-gen release of 'Blade Runner.'

Ridley Scott's seminal sci-fi classic has long been available on video, but for remained for years as one of the studio's most highly-requested library titles to receive the special edition treatment.

After over a decade of legal wrangling, Warner announced last fall that the road was finally cleared for a deluxe version of 'Blade Runner' to hit standard-def DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD sometime in 2007, to mark the 25th anniversary of the film's original theatrical release.

However, no details have since been forthcoming -- until now.

Inside copies of the 'Ultimate Matrix Collection' (streeting this Tuesday, May 22), Warner has included the following advert that gives the first official confirmation of an arrival window for 'Blade Runner' (which is now being dubbed 'The Essential 25th Anniversary Edition'):

We've contacted Warner in hopes of more details, but as of now, the flyer is the only taster fans are going to get -- at least until the full announcement for 'Blade Runner,' which the studio says should arrive "later this summer."

Still, it's exciting news for 'Blade Runner' cultists, who have waited over two decades for what is sure to be the definitive release of the film on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Moks007 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 20, 2007 at 05:39 PM »

get more out of hd matrix with xbox live
http://www.dvdtown.com/news/get-more-out-of-hd-matrix-with-xbox-live/4474

pchin · « **Reply #34 on:** May 21, 2007 at 12:24 PM »

Xbox Live Offers 'Animatrix' Downloads Free with Purchase of 'Complete Matrix Trilogy' HD DVD

Microsoft says it will offer free downloads of the entire 'Animatrix' series on Xbox Live with purchase of 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' on HD DVD.

The offer, which was first revealed on the Xbox.com website late last week, comes on the eve of this week's much-hyped HD DVD-exclusive release of the two Matrix box sets -- the 40+ hour 'Ultimate Matrix Collection' and 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy.'

First released on DVD in 2003, 'The Animatrix' was designed to expand and deepen the 'Matrix' mythology as preparation began on the two sequels. Comprised of nine short films utilizing different animation forms and styles, the series was produced by a hand-picked stable of top Japanimation artists.

According to this page on the Xbox.com website, consumers purchasing 'The Complete Matrix Trilogy' will receive a token in the box to download the entire 'Animatrix' series from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. HD trailers, select scenes and themes from all three 'Matrix' movies are also available for download through May 25th, 2007.

While 'The Animatrix' is already included as one of the 35 hours worth of extras on the 'Ultimate Matrix Collection,' it is not part of the 'Complete Matrix Trilogy,' making this deal that much sweeter for owners of the Xbox 360 hd dvd add-on player who may have opted for the less expensive box set.

pchin · « **Reply #35 on:** May 21, 2007 at 05:06 PM »

'Shooter' Takes Aim on Blu-ray, HD DVD This July

Paramount Home Entertainment will bring the Mark Wahlberg action flick 'Shooter' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this July, the studio has announced.

The controversial thriller, directed by 'Training Day' and 'King Arthur' helmer Antoine Fuqua, earned nearly $50 million at the domestic box office this past winter.

Paramount has not yet announced tech specs or supplemental details for 'Shooter,' but the studio is billing the release as a special edition, so we can expect bonus features when the title hits Blu-ray and HD DVD simultaneously with the standard-def DVD on July 31.

pchin · « **Reply #36 on:** May 22, 2007 at 06:11 AM »

Lucasfilm to 'Star Wars' Fans: No Blu-ray, HD DVD on the Horizon

Responding to persistent rumors of a pending release of the 'Star Wars' films on high-def disc, Lucasfilm has issued a statement denying any such plans for the series in the foreseeable future.

Ever since both next-gen formats launched last year, George Lucas' blockbuster space saga has been one of the most highly-requested "holy grails" on high-def.

But hopes hit a new high several weeks ago when early adopters started buzzing about this Amazon.com listing for the Star Wars Trilogy on Blu-ray. Such "placeholder" pages for highly anticipated titles are common practice with the web's biggest retailer, enabling customers to sign up for an email alert when the item in question becomes available. Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion for some consumers, who mistake these placeholders to mean the title has been officially announced.

Hoping to quell the web wildfire, the folks at PC World contacted Lucasfilm for comment early last week, and were told the following by company spokesperson John Singh:

"Lucasfilm Ltd. has no plans to release any of the Star Wars movies on Blu-ray or HD DVD. Listings on Amazon.com or any other Web site are purely speculative and erroneous."

It's worth noting that such a statement should not be much of a surprise (if still a disappointment) to long-time industry watchers. Lucas was one of the longest hold-outs on DVD despite that format's fast-growing mainstream acceptance, waiting over four years after launch before he allowed the first 'Star Wars' film to be released on disc (which turned out to be 'Episode I: The Phantom Menace' in September 2001).

Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any future news of a 'Star Wars' release on high-def disc. Stay tuned...

pchin · « **Reply #37 on:** May 22, 2007 at 06:16 AM »

'Heroes' HD DVD Specs Revealed

Universal Studios Home Entertainment today unveiled the full specs for its upcoming HD DVD debut of 'Heroes: Season One' box set.

One of the most buzzed-about HD DVD releases of the summer, Universal announced earlier this month that it would debut the breakout series in high-def on August 28, day-and-date with the standard def release.

Now, they've issued a full press release detailing the contents of the set, which makes good on comments made earlier this year by the show's creators that it would contain a well of never-before-seen bonus content.

In addition to 1080p transfers and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround (1.5mbps) soundtracks on every episode, the supplemental features are extensive. Goodies include the original 73-minute version of the show's pilot (with optional filmmaker commentary), five making-of featurettes, and no fewer than fifty deleted scenes.

Universal has set a $79.95 list price for the HD DVD version, about $20 more than the DVD.

pchin · « **Reply #38 on:** May 22, 2007 at 01:20 PM »

'Zodiac' to Stalk Blu-ray, HD DVD This July

The hunt for the 'Zodiac' killer is coming to high-def, with Paramount Home Entertainment announcing a summer Blu-ray and HD DVD release for the David Fincher thriller.

Despite widespread critical acclaim, Fincher's meticulous serial killer docudrama failed to make much of a dent at the box office this past winter. However, all of the director's other efforts (including 'Se7en,' 'The Game' and 'Fight Club') have enjoyed a healthy afterlife on video, which would seem to bode well for 'Zodiac.'

pchin · « **Reply #39 on:** May 23, 2007 at 01:21 PM »

Magnolia Offically Announces 'The Host' for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Full details are in for the high-def release of the Asian horror hit 'The Host,' which Magnolia says it will unleash on Blu-ray and HD DVD this July.

Pre-release information had indicated only an HD DVD version of 'The Host,' but the studio has now officially announced that the title will make its debut on both next-gen formats simultaneous with standard-def DVD on July 24.

Tech specs are snot yet available, but the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions should see a wealth of matching supplements. Among the feastings are an audio commentary with the filmmakers, four featurettes, deleted scenes and a gag reel.

Magnolia has set a $34.95 list price for each version.

pchin · « **Reply #40 on:** May 24, 2007 at 07:30 AM »

Warner Preps More Classic Catalog for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Warner has announced plans to undergo major restorations of a number of its classic catalog titles, in anticipation of future next-gen release on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio has extensive plans in the works to create 4k restorations of some of its biggest vault titles. That's a quality four times greater than today's more commonly-used 2k resolution, which is standard for most catalog remasters.

Among the classics cited by Warner for pending re-issue include 'Bonnie & Clyde,' 'Cool Hand Luke' and the Dirty Harry films 'Sudden Impact' and 'Magnum Force.'

Also on the list is 'Blade Runner,' which Warner has already slated for high-def release this coming October in a new 'Essential 25th Anniversary Edition.'

"When you are doing restoration, you want to re-create a new element to support the title for years to come," Chris Cookson, president of Warner Bros. Technical Operations and chief technology officer of the Warner Bros. Entertainment Group, told the Hollywood Reporter.

"It is critical that you retain as much of the original information that the filmmaker created as possible. Unless you are willing to work at 4k, it is inevitable that you will lose a great deal of the information that was created and included in the (original) finished film," he added.

Aside from 'Blade Runner,' no formal announcement has been made of release dates for any of Warner's 4k remasters. However, the studio is eyeing an eventual cross-format bow on Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard-def DVD.

pchin · « **Reply #41 on:** May 24, 2007 at 04:58 PM »

Warner Says 'Departed' is Most Sold High-Def Title; Studio Trumpets Dual Support of HD DVD

Warner Home Entertainment today announced that their dual-format release of 'The Departed' is the highest selling high-def disc title, having moved over 100,000 units since its release in February of this year.

Those who keep track of such things may remember that back in March, Sony issued its own press release saying that the Blu-ray edition of 'Casino Royale' (released a full month after 'The Departed') had shipped 100,000 units. The key difference between the two announcements is that Sony's referred to the number of discs shipped, whereas Warner's refers to the number of discs sold.

The other key difference when comparing sales totals for 'The Departed' with any other release from a format-exclusive studio is that Warner's sales count for 'The Departed' includes sales of both the Blu-ray edition *and* the HD DVD edition, since Warner supports both high-def formats, a fact emphasized in the studio's press release, issued early Thursday morning.

"It's no accident that Warner is the first studio to reach this benchmark. We owe this success to a combination of great content and our decision to support both high definition formats... By releasing titles on HD DVD and Blu-ray, Warner Home Video not only increases our potential audience reach, but also offers consumers assurance that regardless of the format they choose they can enjoy our movies."

While Warner is not the only format-neutral studio, it has been the most aggressive, releasing more titles than any other studio, and even planning to release (and license to other studios) its own hybrid format (dubbed "Total Hi-Def") sometime later this year.

"High definition media represents an incredible opportunity for the industry, and we, as content providers, can help push mainstream adoption by producing in both formats and giving the consumer a simple choice," said Sanders. "At a time when the home video business is flat and high definition media presents our best hope for near term growth, it is unfortunate that we as an industry continue to perpetuate consumer confusion."

pchin · « **Reply #42 on:** May 24, 2007 at 05:00 PM »

Universal to Unleash 'Shaun of the Dead' on HD DVD

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced it will bring the British cult favorite 'Shaun of the Dead' to HD DVD on July 31.

The zombie spoof, conceived by 'Hot Fuzz' cohorts Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, because a surprise sleeper in the U.S. during its original 2004 theatrical run. But it's since enjoyed an even greater afterlife on video, which should bode well for strong sales on HD DVD.

Universal will present the film in a 1080p/VC-1 transfer, along with a Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround track (at 1.5mbps).

Extras will mirror the standard-def DVD version, which includes a wealth of "Raw Meat" bonus features: audio commentary with the filmmakers, a director video diary, deleted scenes, outtakes, zombie trivia and more.

pchin · « **Reply #43 on:** May 25, 2007 at 05:16 AM »

HD DVD Group Responds to Erroneous Report of 2007 Release Count

Tongues have been wagging since late last week over a published report that the HD DVD camp was planning to release nearly 800 high-def titles between now and the end of the year, but it turns out that number was wrong.

First published in the trade publication Home Media Magazine, the erroneous report listed a month-by-month breakdown of title counts from May of this year through December that seemed to increase exponentially by the month, with a total of 500 titles planned for the fourth quarter of this year alone.

Contacted for comment, the HD DVD Promotional Group told us that the Home Media Magazine report was incorrect. The group says it "conservatively" projects a worldwide total of 600 HD DVD releases for the entirety of 2007, and that the error in the report appeared to stem from a slide in an HD DVD powerpoint presentation that listed the cumulative number of titles by month for 2006.

The Home Media Magazine report also quoted a Blu-ray spokesperson as saying that Blu-ray-affiliated studios will release a total of 43 titles in 2007. This number also appears to be incorrect, given that 160 titles have already been announced through September in the U.S. alone.

The HD DVD Promotional Group told us it was seeking a published correction to the article.

pchin · « **Reply #44 on:** May 25, 2007 at 06:00 PM »

Universal Gives 'Big Lebowski' HD DVD a Street Date Bump

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has confirmed a street date shift for its HD DVD debut of 'The Big Lebowski,' which had been planned for next Tuesday, but will now street June 26.

The studio originally announced the Coen brothers comedy for a Memorial Day release back in March, and it seemed all systems go until earlier this week, when eagle-eyed early adopters took note that retailers had shifted their ship dates.

pchin · « **Reply #45 on:** May 29, 2007 at 07:53 AM »

This should make BD fan boys very happy:

High-Def Egg Hunt: Latest Blu-ray, HD DVD Easter Egg Finds

A series of hidden features on both 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Blu-ray releases topline our latest collection of easter egg reports.

While we always list easter eggs as they're discovered on our individual disc reviews, every once in a while we try to post an overview of the most recent easter egg reports in this space. 'Pirates of the Caribbean' takes center stage in today's round-up, boasting a total of five hidden features spotted (so far) on each of its two Blu-ray releases. Granted, none are exclusive to the high-def release, but we'll take our 'Pirates' booty any way we can get it.

Click the linked disc titles below to view detailed instructions on how to access the easter eggs listed. And remember, most easter eggs are reported by our readers, so if you spot an egg that isn't already published in our review for that title, please let us know, using our tips and submissions form -- if we publish your report, we'll credit you with the find. Happy hunting!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Blu-ray)
- "Catering" vignette
- "Coconut Man" featurette
- "Chopper the Dog" featurette
- "Prop Painter" featurette
- "The Twin Pirates" featurette

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (Blu-ray)
- Interview with Keith Richards
- 3D animatic
- Japanese Trailer
- "Treasure Cave Set" featurette
- Vintage radio ad for Disneyland "Pirates" ride

Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (HD DVD)
- Alternate projection footage

Rocky Balboa (Blu-ray)
- "Fight Makeup Of 'Rocky Balboa'" Featurette

The Rundown (HD DVD)
- Interview with Rosario Dawson
- Two interviews with The Rock
- Two interviews with Sean William Scott

pchin · « **Reply #46 on:** May 29, 2007 at 08:00 AM »

As most news are involving both HD DVD & Blu-ray, hence I think it's more appropriate to combine the two format news into one thread.

Pls feel free to contribute any interesting/juicy news or hot gossips that you may come across. Thanks.

Munskie · « **Reply #47 on:** May 29, 2007 at 08:19 AM »

Quote from: pchin on May 29, 2007 at 08:00 AM

As most news are involving both HD DVD & Blu-ray, hence I think it's more appropriate to combine the two format news into one thread.

Pls feel free to contribute any interesting/juicy news or hot gossips that you may come across. Thanks.

I really have a feeling someones going BI soon!!!!!!

pchin · « **Reply #48 on:** May 29, 2007 at 09:05 AM »

Yep, I'm having the same feeling too someone will...

As John says, the Dark Force is strong....

pchin · « **Reply #49 on:** May 29, 2007 at 07:17 PM »

HD DVD to Get a Little 'Hot Fuzz' This July

Confirming rumors that we first reported in early May, Universal has officially announced that the cult comedy 'Hot Fuzz' will hit HD DVD July 24.

The brainchild of 'Shaun of the Dead' co-creators Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, 'Hot Fuzz' received strong critical notice and break-out box office during its limited theatrical run this spring. But as with 'Shaun,' the film should enjoy an even stronger audience when it hits HD DVD day-and-date with the standard DVD release.

Universal will grant the film the special edition treatment on high-def, with a 1080p/VC-1 transfer and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround (1.5mbps) soundtrack.

Extras are set to include audio commentary with Pegg and Wright, two making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes and more.

Universal has set a $39.98 list price for the HD DVD/DVD combo release.

pchin · « **Reply #50 on:** May 29, 2007 at 07:18 PM »

'TMNT' Ninja Turtle Redux to Hit Blu-ray, HD DVD This August

Get ready for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to hit high-def this summer, when Warner Home Video debuts the big-screen redux 'TMNT' on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

An all-CGI animated retooling of the live-action 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle' trilogy that scored big in the late '80s, 'TMNT' opened to a strong $24 million take at the box office this past February, but quickly wilted with a worldwide gross of barely $85 million.

Warner hopes to reverse the Turtles' fortunes when it gives the film a simultaneous bow on Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard-def DVD on August 8.

No specs have yet been announced, but Warner is billing the releases as special editions, so we look forward to significant bonus materials.

List price will be $34.95 for the Blu-ray version, and $39.98 for the HD DVD, which will be a combo platter.

NeilNo · « **Reply #51 on:** May 29, 2007 at 07:55 PM »

Nice bro pchin..

pchin · « **Reply #52 on:** May 30, 2007 at 06:09 AM »

'Blades of Glory' to Hit High-Def Ice on Blu-ray, HD DVD

The comedy blockbuster 'Blades of Glory' will hit high-def this August on Blu-ray and HD DVD, Paramount Home Entertainment announced today.

The latest from funnymen Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, 'Blades of Glory' scored big at the box office this past winter, earning over $120 million in laughs.

Paramount is giving the smash hit the special edition treatment on disc, when it hits Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard DVD simultaneously on August 28.

pchin · « **Reply #53 on:** May 30, 2007 at 06:11 AM »

'Erin Brockovich,' 'Meet the Fockers' Lead Universal August HD DVD Catalog Slate

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is adding a quartet of new catalog faves to its growing HD DVD library this August, including the blockbuster hits 'Erin Brockovich' and 'Meet the Fockers'

The four-strong line-up is due August 14, and includes Julia Roberts Oscar-winning turn in 'Erin Brockovich,' the smash comedy sequel 'Meet the Fockers,' the Bruce Willis action thriller 'Mercury Rising,' and the fantasy 'What Dreams May Come.'

Universal will offer each title in 1080p/VC-1 video and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround (1.5mpbs).

Extras will match the standard-def versions, with each title enjoying a host of bonus features including audio commentary, multiple featurettes and more.

Universal has set a $29.98 list price for each title.

NeilNo · « **Reply #54 on:** May 30, 2007 at 08:07 PM »

Sony to Debut 'Arlington Road,' 'Final Fantasy' on Blu-ray this August

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced its next wave of Blu-ray catalog releases due August 7, led by the hit thriller 'Arlington Road' and 'Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within'

A sleeper hit in theaters and a big seller on DVD, 'Arlington Road' will see a streamlined Blu-ray release in terms of extras, featuring only a lone making-of featurette but none of the audio commentaries and other bonus material that graced the standard-def version.

'Final Fantasy,' however, will come loaded with supplements. Among the copious bonus materials bound for Blu-ray are multiple audio commentaries, an interactive documentary, additional featurettes, deleted footage, "joke" outtakes, and more.

Both titles will receive full 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks (48kHz/16-bit/4.6mbps).

john5479 · « **Reply #55 on:** May 30, 2007 at 10:09 PM »

yipee!!! advent children in HD

pchin · « **Reply #56 on:** May 31, 2007 at 07:44 AM »

Universal to Bring 'Elizabeth' to HD DVD this Fall

Make way for a new queen on high-def, when Universal Studios Home Entertainment debuts the acclaimed epic 'Elizabeth' on September 18.

Featuring an Oscar-nominated performance by Cate Blanchett, 'Elizabeth's HD DVD debut is timed to coincide with the upcoming theatrical release of the long-awaited sequel, also due this September.

No supplemental details have yet been released by Universal for the title, though tech specs include the studio's usual 1080p/VC-1 transfer and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround track (1.5mbps).

Moks007 · « **Reply #57 on:** May 31, 2007 at 03:48 PM »

battle rages on
http://www.smarthousenews.com.au/Home_Cinema/HDTV?Article=/Home%20Cinema/HDTV/P9A9N8D8

pchin · « **Reply #58 on:** May 31, 2007 at 04:47 PM »

Looks like in Australia, HD DVD is still leading.

NeilNo · « **Reply #59 on:** May 31, 2007 at 11:06 PM »

'Lost' to Make Blu-ray Debut This December

Bringing one of TV's biggest hits to high-def, Disney Home Entertainment has announced it will debut 'Lost: The Complete Third Season' on Blu-ray this December.

According to a rundown by The Hollywood Reporter of new TV-on-DVD releases due in late-2007, the third season of ABC's high-rated 'Lost' will make its next-gen bow on December 11, simultaneous with the standard-def DVD version.

Among the extensive bonus features on the seven-disc set are a documentary chronicling twenty-four hours in the production of the show, a one-on-one interview with star Matthew Fox, a selection of never-before-seen flashbacks, additional behind-the-scenes looks at ten episodes, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, bloopers and more.

No tech specs nor pricing details are yet available for the Blu-ray version of 'Lost: The Complete Third Season,' as Disney has not yet issued any sort of official press release or announcement for the set. We'll certainly keep you posted as soon as further details are confirmed.