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[Andy787]

# Dawn of the Dead (1978) (Starz)
# Day of the Dead (1985) (Starz)
# 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
# A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
# Oldboy (Tartan)
# The Shining (1980) (Warner)

Damn, finally a truly great month for HD releases.

Looking forward to it. Already have 2001 and Clockwork Orange paid off from the Warner deal.

 

[AlteredBeast]

Damn, finally a truly great month for HD releases.

Looking forward to it. Already have 2001 and Clockwork Orange paid off from the Warner deal.

Yup, i preordered the Shining and 2001 from Warner. Can't wait!

 

[Petrarca]

Yup, Fall and Winter is gonna be expensive.

here's what I'm interested in:


August 07, 2007

* Disturbia (Paramount)
* Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Sony)
* TMNT (Warner)

August 14, 2007

* Wild Hogs (Buena Vista)

August 21, 2007

* Immortal Beloved (Sony)
* Perfect Stranger (Sony)

September 11, 2007

* Face/Off (Paramount)

September 18, 2007

* Deliverance (Warner)
* A Few Good Men (Sony)
* House of 1000 Corpses (Lionsgate)

September 25, 2007

* The Jack Ryan Collection (Paramount)
* Memoirs of a Geisha (Sony)
* Underworld (Sony)

October 02, 2007

* Bram Stoker's Dracula (Sony)
* Dawn of the Dead (1978) (Starz)
* Day of the Dead (1985) (Starz)
* Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (Starz)
* Halloween (1978) (Starz)
* A Room with a View (BBC)

October 09, 2007

* Twilight Zone: The Movie (Warner)

October 16, 2007

* Hollow Man (Director's Cut) (Sony)
* The Invisible (Buena Vista)
* Masters of Horror: Season One - Volume One (Starz)
* Masters of Horror: Season One - Volume Two (Starz)

October 23, 2007

* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
* King of New York (Lionsgate)
* Oldboy (Tartan)
* The Shining (1980) (Warner)
* The Sopranos: Season Six, Part Two (Warner)

October 30, 2007

* Spider-Man: The High-Definition Trilogy (Sony)

November 06, 2007

* Cars (Buena Vista)
* The Pixar Short Film Collection (Walt Disney)

November 13, 2007

* Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Sony)
* IMAX: Africa the Serengeti (Razor Digital)
* Masters of Horror: Season One - Volume Three (Starz)
* The Song Remains the Same (Warner)

December 04, 2007

* Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Buena Vista)

December 11, 2007

* Lost: The Complete Third Season - The Unexplored Experience (Disney)
* Masters of Horror: Season One - Volume Four (Starz)

December 18, 2007

* Blade Runner (Complete Collector's Edition) (Warner)

 

[Oni Jazar]

Damn Blade Runner, why are you so far away? :/

 

[rubso]

for all 300 HD-DVD owners, why don't we start an Edit Feature online buddy list ?
*my copy will arrive soon* ;_;

 

[ManaByte]

 

[DarkJediKnight]

The red case suits the cover much better.

 

[The Main Event]

The red case suits the cover much better.

Yes it does, yes it does.

Firmware 2.2 is up for G2 HD DVD players.

 

[rubso]

Yes it does, yes it does.

Firmware 2.2 is up for G2 HD DVD players.

24p for XA2?

 

[The Main Event]

24p for XA2?

Hmmm not sure what it does. Just saw it on AVS, but no one seems to know what it improves yet since it just appeared.

Hopefully it improves on certain Weinstein titles where the picture would become pixelated after about half an hour for some reasons.

Can't test it since I'm not at home unfortunately.

Edit: Yea it fixes the pixelated issue on the Weinstein titles.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

That update is just for the newer players, not the A2, right? I never did get the last one to work on mine.

 

[The Main Event]

That update is just for the newer players, not the A2, right? I never did get the last one to work on mine.

For the 2nd generation, so basically A2, A20 and the XA2. If you can't update your player make sure to set the date and clock, your ethernet configuration and then reboot the player. I think Manabyte posted a step by step process earlier in this thread.

24p output for the XA2 (and possibly the A20) is on September 4th.

http://www.dvdtown.com/news/upcoming-features-on-the-toshiba-hd-xa2/4651

With the announcement of third generation HD DVD players Toshiba introduced 1080 24P playback and HD audio bitstream to the HD DVD format.

What about the 2nd generation top model the Toshiba HD-XA2? Will it get these features in a firmware upgrade?

I talked with Toshiba about the issue and they could confirm that they don't plan to let down loyal costumers. On September 4th they will issue a firmware upgrade to the XA2 enabling it to support 1080 24P playback. They are also working HD audio bitstream over HDMI support but could not give a specific date on this upgrade.

 

[Petrarca]

Although the majority consumers have chosen blu-ray, Universal wants to prolong the war

http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=107

With Universal the only holdout in sticking with HD DVD exclusively, Kornblau reluctantly concedes that HD DVD's position is just fragile enough that if Universal decided to release in Blu-ray now, it would have a serious, if not life-threatening impact on the future of HD DVD. So in addition to weighing how his decision will impact the studio, he now must also factor in the potential demise of the HD DVD format entirely if Universal would opt to release its movies in Blu-ray

IF they want war, we give them WAR!!!!!!!!

 

[VanMardigan]

for all 300 HD-DVD owners, why don't we start an Edit Feature online buddy list ?
*my copy will arrive soon* ;_;

I just briefly messed around with that feature. I'll go ahead and register and then post my info here. My edit will basically be the entire movie without the wife/politics scenes.

I might do some more tighter cuts on some other scenes as well. The only problem I have is that I didn't bring my media remote with me on vacation and I need it to perform the editing actions, I can't use my xbox 360 controller apparently. It seems pretty straightforward though. You just decide where to start and end a scene, and then string your cuts together. Sort of like those mp3 editing software.

 

[VanMardigan]

Although the majority consumers have chosen blu-ray, Universal wants to prolong the war

I would say the majority of consumes have chosen Ps3, but that's just my take on this situation. Sony's master stroke so far was that $200 addition console fans are bitching about.

edit: I'll add that I don't necessarily mean that as a knock on Blu Ray, since it clearly is the more popular format right now. My intention is to point out that it's not necessarily Blu Ray vs. HD DVD that many consumers who buy into a Playstation 3 are deciding on.

 

[rubso]

I just briefly messed around with that feature. I'll go ahead and register and then post my info here. My edit will basically be the entire movie without the wife/politics scenes.

I might do some more tighter cuts on some other scenes as well. The only problem I have is that I didn't bring my media remote with me on vacation and I need it to perform the editing actions, I can't use my xbox 360 controller apparently. It seems pretty straightforward though. You just decide where to start and end a scene, and then string your cuts together. Sort of like those mp3 editing software.

can't wait to see your masterpiece.

 

[Mrbob]

So that’s the story. Universal did not want the format war and Kornblau believes the studio did not initiate the war, but he and the studio are now intentionally and strategically keeping the format war alive for what they believe is for the good of the consumer, retailers and studios while awaiting a clear consumer preference for Blu-ray or HD DVD once prices drop to $200. Universal chose HD DVD because costs were lower and it had about a year’s head-start on some interactive features and web connectivity

Haha, he is just running some pre damage control now to cover his ass on both sides of the fence. Nothing more. Doing this for the benefit of consumers and retailers, lawl. Retailers have already spoken back and want one format, and this is starting to happen.

 

[djkimothy]

Universal president Craig Kornblau told me this week that the studio actually wants the format war to continue.
He also said Universal is getting financial incentives to create exclusive HD DVD features such as the Xbox Live component for the upcoming "Heroes" release.
"I’m not going to tell you that we don’t cut financial deals with people every day," he says.

This is further proof that Universal is being paid off.

 

[VanMardigan]

This is further proof that Universal is being paid off.

Financial deals are new to you? Do you think neither Fox or Disney has any incentive other than goodwill towards Blu Ray to remain exclusive?

edit:

I had been hearing over the last few days that various Blu-ray Disc manufacturers have been offering Universal plenty of incentives to join the parade

Oh, look, the Blu Ray camp is offering to pony up as well. Don't you feel like a hypocrite now?

 

[djkimothy]

Financial deals are new to you? Do you think neither Fox or Disney has any incentive other than goodwill towards Blu Ray to remain exclusive?

Sigh... No, but it strengthens my stance that Universal is under the money just as Bill Hunt is.

Oh, look, the Blu Ray camp is offering to pony up as well. Don't you feel like a hypocrite now?

I think you need a time out again. Kind of defensive lately?

 

[VanMardigan]

Sigh... No, but it strengthens my stance that Universal is under the money just as Bill Hunt is.

EVERYONE is under the money as far as movie studios are concerned. Bill Hunt is supposed to be an independent journalist, which is where the problem lies. I don't care if Fox and Sony have deals going on, it's just business as usual. But the journalist who is supposed to be covering them should not be making behind-the-scenes financial arrangements with them. It compromises the credibility of their coverage.

I think you need a time out again. Kind of defensive lately?

Are you suggesting I get banned again? Can you just counter my points instead?

 

[Petrarca]

EVERYONE is under the money as far as movie studios are concerned. Bill Hunt is supposed to be an independent journalist, which is where the problem lies. I don't care if Fox and Sony have deals going on, it's just business as usual. But the journalist who is supposed to be covering them should not be making behind-the-scenes financial arrangements with them. It compromises the credibility of their coverage.

I think you need a time out again. Kind of defensive lately?

Are you suggesting I get banned again? Can you just counter my points instead?

Blockbuster chose blu-ray based on their experimentation that their customers chose blu-ray for HD format

 

[djkimothy]

EVERYONE is under the money as far as movie studios are concerned. Bill Hunt is supposed to be an independent journalist, which is where the problem lies. I don't care if Fox and Sony have deals going on, it's just business as usual. But the journalist who is supposed to be covering them should not be making behind-the-scenes financial arrangements with them. It compromises the credibility of their coverage.

I think you need a time out again. Kind of defensive lately?

Are you suggesting I get banned again? Can you just counter my points instead?

I'm just stating the facts. Universal is getting money from MS for exclusivity according to the article. Then you deflect that by throwing in Fox and Disney. I'm sure they're money hatted. I'm just stating the FACT that Universal is moneyhatted as well, that's my POINT. Cause earlier someone (either you or Mana or Main Event) was suggesting that Universal was not.

I don't see why you have to be confrontational about it. I'm not suggesting a ban on you. But my ignore list can gain another user... But I won't since I THOUGHT you were a level headed poster.

Seriously, what is your problem?

 

[maynerd]

If I was held stock in Universal I'd be pretty freakin pissed off.

 

[captive]

Hay guys wut are we talkin bout today?
Oh arguing over Bill Hunt and what he has to say again.
Carry on then gents.

 

[ManaByte]

One of my two most wanted BRDs this year (other being CE3K):

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...ebut_Blu-ray_Release_Bram_Stokers_Dracula/847

Francis Ford Coppola Goes All In for Debut Blu-ray Release 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has revealed final specs for the October Blu-ray release of 'Bram Stoker's Dracula,' which is headlined by the extensive participation of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola.

Coppola has long been one of the most forward-thinking of Hollywood's elite auteurs, having created an in-house high-definition division at his American Zoetrope production company several years ago to oversee the mastering and supplement production for all of his films on disc.

Though Coppola and Zoetrope have already remastered most of the director's films in HD for release on standard-def DVD (including such classics as 'The Godfather' trilogy, 'Apocalypse Now' and 'The Outsiders'), 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' will be his first to hit next-gen disc -- as originally announced late last month, Sony plans to debut a brand-new special edition of 'Dracula' day-and-date on Blu-ray and DVD October 2.

Now comes word of the various special features to be included in this new edition, and -- unsurprisingly -- they include the participation of Coppola himself, with the director having recorded new introduction and audio commentary expressly for this release. Also included on the disc will be deleted scenes, four featurettes ("The Blood is the Life," "The Costumes are the Sets," "In Camera: The Visual Effects of Dracula" and "Method and Madness: Visualizing Dracula"), plus a special Theatrical Trailer for the upcoming Coppola film 'Youth Without Youth.'

Tech specs will include a newly-remastered 1080p transfer at the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, as well as uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround audio.

Sony has set a $28.95 list price for the Blu-ray.

This is the first special edition of the movie ever. All previous DVD releases were bare bones.

 

[djkimothy]

If I was held stock in Universal I'd be pretty freakin pissed off.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[VanMardigan]

I'm just stating the facts. Universal is getting money from MS for exclusivity according to the article. Then you deflect that by throwing in Fox and Disney. I'm sure they're money hatted. I'm just stating the FACT that Universal is moneyhatted as well, that's my POINT. Cause earlier someone (either you or Mana or Main Event) was suggesting that Universal was not.

I don't see why you have to be confrontational about it. I'm not suggesting a ban on you. But my ignore list can gain another user... But I won't since I THOUGHT you were a level headed poster.

Seriously, what is your problem?

You sincerely think I care if you put me on your ignore list? Really??

You pointed out something that was purely hypocritical, considering that the very same article points to Blu Ray companies offering Universal incentives for them to switch. You say you're pretty sure Fox and Disney are also moneyhatted. So, again, what's the point of singling out Universal? I know, it's to make them look bad cause they're HD DVD-only. That's weak, and you know it.

If I was held stock in Universal I'd be pretty freakin pissed off.

No, you wouldn't. The market is too small right now to think that they're seriously affected by this, considering the incentives they already receive and the expenses incurred in switching to Blu Ray production. It's a non-factor right now. Let's see what happens this holiday season in terms of adoption rate and sales, and then by CES next year we'll have a pretty good idea of what Universal should do. In the meantime, they have over half of the HD DVD software market to themselves. They'll live.

 

[LRB1983]

I don't know that it's posted but:
60% of PlayStation 3 owners are oblivious of Blu-ray
Filed under: Blu-ray, News

According to a new study by the NPD Group, only 40% of PlayStation 3 owners are aware that their console plays Blu-ray discs. This is after almost 18 months of PS3/Blu-ray advertisements and announcements, not to mention significant branding of Blu-ray on PlayStation 3 products.

It's rather unsettling to think of so many people not realizing a significant portion of their console's potential due to lack of awareness. It's tough to see what Sony could do different though. It may just be one of those things where it takes some time before awareness of Blu-ray hits critical mass.

but:
300 on Blu-ray sells a ton, 300 on HD-DVD... not that much

According to Time Warner, 300 has quickly become the fastest selling high-def movie of all time, shifting more than a quarter million copies since its release a little over a week ago. The Spartan epic, easily outpaced The Departed and Casino Royale which both took a couple months to hit just 100,000 sold.

When broken down between format types, 65% of consumers picked up 300 on Blu-ray, while 300 on HD-DVD accounted for only 35% of the sales. According to the USA Today article, this mirrors sales for the year with Blu-ray handily trampling HD-DVD with solid 2:1 sales.

The HD-DVD cabal can pretend that PlayStation 3 sales don't impact the high-def format war (a point they try to make in every single press release they send out), but it's clear that they're wrong. The PS3 has made a huge impact on the ridiculous format war, and this latest piece of info just drives that home.

 

[captive]

I don't know that it's posted but:
60% of PlayStation 3 owners are oblivious of Blu-ray
Filed under: Blu-ray, News

According to a new study by the NPD Group, only 40% of PlayStation 3 owners are aware that their console plays Blu-ray discs. This is after almost 18 months of PS3/Blu-ray advertisements and announcements, not to mention significant branding of Blu-ray on PlayStation 3 products.

It's rather unsettling to think of so many people not realizing a significant portion of their console's potential due to lack of awareness. It's tough to see what Sony could do different though. It may just be one of those things where it takes some time before awareness of Blu-ray hits critical mass.

but:
300 on Blu-ray sells a ton, 300 on HD-DVD... not that much

According to Time Warner, 300 has quickly become the fastest selling high-def movie of all time, shifting more than a quarter million copies since its release a little over a week ago. The Spartan epic, easily outpaced The Departed and Casino Royale which both took a couple months to hit just 100,000 sold.

When broken down between format types, 65% of consumers picked up 300 on Blu-ray, while 300 on HD-DVD accounted for only 35% of the sales. According to the USA Today article, this mirrors sales for the year with Blu-ray handily trampling HD-DVD with solid 2:1 sales.

The HD-DVD cabal can pretend that PlayStation 3 sales don't impact the high-def format war (a point they try to make in every single press release they send out), but it's clear that they're wrong. The PS3 has made a huge impact on the ridiculous format war, and this latest piece of info just drives that home.

Im srry what? I was distracted by you avatar.

 

[VanMardigan]

40% of Ps3 owners who buy Blu Ray movies (plus those who own Blu Ray standalones) is still >> than the number who own standalones and 360 add-ons for HD DVD. By 65/35, obviously.

That's what, around 500,000 Ps3 owners IN THE US ALONE that get Blu Ray movies. Without counting the 100,000 or so who own BR standalones. Easily the deciding factor so far in the format war.


btw, I remember what I came in here for (and no, it wasn't to argue with you djkimothy):

I rented Hot Fuzz last night on dvd (couldn't find the HD DVD version) and it looked great blown up on the projector. I know the HD DVD version has been getting raves for its PQ, but darn if dvd can still impress. That's why I think just having a better picture might not be enough for these new formats. Interactivity and what they can do with the bonus features will need to step up.

btw, the Blockbuster deal was a genius move. Not only does it increase exposure, but its a big deal for folks like me who use their service and are in the store exchanging movies all the time. Here in Chicago, every Blockbuster I've been to has a clearly marked Blu Ray shelf that is mostly decently stocked.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

but:
300 on Blu-ray sells a ton, 300 on HD-DVD... not that much

Didn't the Blu-Ray only sell in the low hundreds of thousands?

 

[LRB1983]

Didn't the Blu-Ray only sell in the low hundreds of thousands?

USAToday source says:

Blu-ray continues to outpace HD DVD
The stylistic Spartan battle film 300 has charged to the fastest sales start of any high-def video disc release yet, according to Warner Home Video. Consumers have purchased more than 250,000 copies of the film in the competing Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats since its release July 31. That far surpasses the previous hot seller, also from Warner, The Departed, which took three months to sell 100,000 copies.

So far, the Blu-ray Disc version of 300 is outselling the HD DVD version, 65% to 35%. According to Home Media Research, that mirrors the overall sales pattern this year (Jan-June), with Blu-ray accounting for 67% and 33% for HD DVD,.

Warner releases movies on both of the competing formats. Sony, Disney and Fox only support Blu-ray, while Universal exclusively supports HD DVD.

The Spider-Man films (Oct. 30) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End (Dec. 4) are coming to Blu-ray later this year. Overall, released titles on Blu-ray outnumber HD DVD roughly 2-to-1. "Blu-ray tips the scales in its favor this holiday season," says Peter Bracke, editor-in-chief, High Def Digest. "It's going to be tough for HD DVD to keep pace."


Then 300 sells 162500 blu-ray units.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

24p for XA2?

Please please please!! This is the one I've been waiting for.

 

[MaX_PL]

Although the majority consumers have chosen blu-ray, Universal wants to prolong the war

http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=107



IF they want war, we give them WAR!!!!!!!!

majority of consumers own a PS3. it was forced on them, they didnt chose.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Although the majority consumers have chosen blu-ray, Universal wants to prolong the war

I would say the majority of consumes have chosen Ps3, but that's just my take on this situation. Sony's master stroke so far was that $200 addition console fans are bitching about.

edit: I'll add that I don't necessarily mean that as a knock on Blu Ray, since it clearly is the more popular format right now. My intention is to point out that it's not necessarily Blu Ray vs. HD DVD that many consumers who buy into a Playstation 3 are deciding on.

To lump all PS3 owners as gamers is pretty naive. There are plenty of HT people who bought the PS3 because it's future proof - and really the smartest choice if you're going to plunk down money. This will affect Blu-ray standalone sales until later this year.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

majority of consumers own a PS3. it was forced on them, they didnt chose.

:lol :lol :lol

Repeat with me: Without a Blu-ray drive, YOU CAN'T PLAY PS3 GAMES! For them to include Blu-ray playback was no-brainer and ANYONE in their position would have done so.

 

[rubso]

Please please please!! This is the one I've been waiting for.

sept 4th.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Then 300 sells 162500 blu-ray units.

Awesome. Next time someone tells me I need to eat more I can tell them, "You kiddin? 132 lbs, baby! I weigh a ton!"

;D

 

[LRB1983]

Awesome. Next time someone tells me I need to eat more I can tell them, "You kiddin? 132 lbs, baby! I weigh a ton!"

;D

Congratulations. - meh

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Congratulations. - meh

:O

I said ";D"

 

[bud]

Although the majority consumers have chosen blu-ray, Universal wants to prolong the war

http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=107



IF they want war, we give them WAR!!!!!!!!

you're basically blu-ray's alcibades, lol.

 

[Days like these...]

I found this pretty interesting. Thoughts? Amazon has selected Toshiba's 3rd gen HD DVD players as a top pick for the holidays

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/tech/9037077.html

 

[Matrix]

Yes it does, yes it does.

Firmware 2.2 is up for G2 HD DVD players.

Well thats kinda friggin annoying.I just updated to 2.1 the day 300 came out and everything is working fine and now another one is out :\

I always worry something bad is going to happen to my player when I download a new update.

 

[VanMardigan]

To lump all PS3 owners as gamers is pretty naive. There are plenty of HT people who bought the PS3 because it's future proof - and really the smartest choice if you're going to plunk down money. This will affect Blu-ray standalone sales until later this year.

NPD says 40% of Ps3 owners know about Blu Ray. Of that already small number (which is around what: 500,000 in the US?) how many bought the Ps3 exclusively for Blu Ray? Do you think there are hundreds of thousands of people who bought a Ps3 and have no intention of playing games on it?

If anything, Blu Ray playback is an incredible value-add to the Ps3 package, but how many here would've bought a standalone Blu Ray player instead of the Ps3 if there was one that was comparatively priced and offered the same or better Blu Ray playback than Ps3?

I guess the best way to gauge is to wait and see if the Blu Ray standalone market finally takes off this holiday season with the less expensive players and having target stock the players.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

I found this pretty interesting. Thoughts? Amazon has selected Toshiba's 3rd gen HD DVD players as a top pick for the holidays

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/tech/9037077.html

That screams: "Please buy it, since we don't think we'll be able to sell it after January." :lol

I'm sorry, that was just ripe for the picking.

 

[VanMardigan]

That screams: "Please buy it, since we don't think we'll be able to sell it after January." :lol

I'm sorry, that was just ripe for the picking.

So Amazon would order these from Toshiba, then feature them despite knowing that if they don't sell these by January, they're screwed?

You continue to show impressive insight into retail.

 

[Gary Whitta]

I found this pretty interesting. Thoughts? Amazon has selected Toshiba's 3rd gen HD DVD players as a top pick for the holidays

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/tech/9037077.html

ie great for giving to somebody else :lol

 

[DarkJediKnight]

So Amazon would order these from Toshiba, then feature them despite knowing that if they don't sell these by January, they're screwed?

You continue to show impressive insight into retail.

Wow! Can't even make a joke here. Someone seems a bit miffed at the 300 numbers.

 

[VanMardigan]

300 is fantastic on HD DVD. Keep in mind, I'm not the idiot that passed on the better version despite owning a high end machine capable of playing it.

edit: this cycle sucks

-blu ray supporter makes a smartass remark or unfunny "joke"

-comment gets kicked down in an equally smartass manner

-blu ray supporter feigns indignation and disrespected as a result of smartass comeback to their smartass comment.