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[Forsete]

I didn't know you had an HD DVD player.

My wife rented it, but I didn't watch anything past the intro and that looked pretty good.

Me? I dont. The movie is out in Europe, I bought the UK import.

Why didnt you watch past the intro? Too much manly love?

 

[distantmantra]

Anybody picking up any HD discs today? Kind of a paltry week. Where is hotarubi and his complete release thread?

Blu-ray

* Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City (Sony BMG)
* Delta Farce (Lionsgate)
* Nip/Tuck: The Complete Fourth Season (Warner)
* Remember the Titans (Buena Vista)

HD DVD

* Nip/Tuck: The Complete Fourth Season (Warner)

Nothing for me this week. Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise (Blu-ray) next week, and then Black Book (Blu-ray) and Tekkon Kinkreet (Blu-ray) on the 25th.

 

[SonnyBoy]

Guys, if I buy the HD DVD addon for my 360 what will be my options IF BluRay wins the war? Will there be players that will be able to play both formats? I'll eventually purchase a PS3 so I guess I'll be covered either way. I'd just like some advice.

 

[distantmantra]

Guys, if I buy the HD DVD addon for my 360 what will be my options IF BluRay wins the war? Will there be players that will be able to play both formats? I'll eventually purchase a PS3 so I guess I'll be covered either way. I'd just like some advice.

There are a few dual format players already available/coming soon.

 

[Manmademan]

Guys, if I buy the HD DVD addon for my 360 what will be my options IF BluRay wins the war? Will there be players that will be able to play both formats? I'll eventually purchase a PS3 so I guess I'll be covered either way. I'd just like some advice.

If bluRay wins outright? Don't expect to see anyone developing hybrid players.

Clarification: some exist/are in development now, but they're expensive and in the minority.

They're more likely to make an appearance if the two formats end up stalemating like DVDAudio/SACD did.

 

[theBishop]

Guys, if I buy the HD DVD addon for my 360 what will be my options IF BluRay wins the war? Will there be players that will be able to play both formats? I'll eventually purchase a PS3 so I guess I'll be covered either way. I'd just like some advice.

Personally, I really don't want to see dual-format players. Those things are the reason stores still have to carry "DVD+R" media.

One of these formats needs to "win" decisively and then the other needs to die a swift death.

 

[Manmademan]

Except then you're NOT talking about the same audience.

YES, there is overlap among PS3 buyers between gamers and movie enthusiasts. However, gamers are still the primary audience and that demographic (predominantly male, ages 14-36, with a penchant for action movies) isn't broad enough to sustain a movie format.

So Blu-ray needs to get more standalones out there. If they can do that before Toshiba makes sufficient inroads, they're good to go.

Doesn't the fact that there are more HD-DVD standalones out there, yet Blu-Ray software is absolutely annihilating HD-DVD discs in terms of sales sort of invalidate your argument?

PS3 users are most certainly movie enthusiasts, being responsible for the vast majority of BRD sales. One only needs to look at blu ray sales before and after the PS3 release to see this.

 

[SonnyBoy]

I understand where you're coming from Bish. Does the format war seem to be coming to an end any time soon? I may just pick up the add-on for my 360 to hold my over. Eventually Ill purchase a PS3 and have all bases covered.

I appreciate the opinions/insight.

 

[distantmantra]

I understand where you're coming from Bish. Does the format war seem to be coming to an end any time soon? I may just pick up the add-on for my 360 to hold my over. Eventually Ill purchase a PS3 and have all bases covered.

I appreciate the opinions/insight.

After some recent developments, the format war is far from over. Either stay far away, or pick the format you think might win and give them your support.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

I understand where you're coming from Bish. Does the format war seem to be coming to an end any time soon? I may just pick up the add-on for my 360 to hold my over. Eventually Ill purchase a PS3 and have all bases covered.

I appreciate the opinions/insight.

A lot will be cleared up after the holidays. Question marks:

1. Will the $199 and lower HD DVD player prices boost sales significantly?
2. Can Blu-ray make any significan't ground on HD DVD in player sales with higher prices.
3. Can the PS3 sales help boost Blu-ray past a 2:1 software lead?
4. How big of an effect will Transformers and Shrek 3 be for HD DVD, vs say Pirates 3 and Ratatouille on Blu-ray?

If you're uncomfortable. Don't dive in, wait until numbers come out in Jan. Otherwise, you're gambling.

It is very possible that HD DVD can close the gap, and it's also very possible that Blu-ray's big titles will cancel out the Paramount effect and push Blu-ray even further. The format that does a better job this holiday season IMO will be the front runner for the "1 format future" goal.

 

[theBishop]

I understand where you're coming from Bish. Does the format war seem to be coming to an end any time soon? I may just pick up the add-on for my 360 to hold my over. Eventually Ill purchase a PS3 and have all bases covered.

I appreciate the opinions/insight.

I think by the end of 2008, the winner will be clear. The recent Paramout deal has definitely made things cloudier.

(everything after this is open to fanboy interpretation)

Coming out of the IFA tradeshow, it still looks like Blu-Ray is very much in the driver's seat. Electronics manufacturers, are lining up behind it in a big way.

Personally, I would not feel confident buying an HD-DVD player right now.

 

[Christoff Yurievich]

I read the review for the Dave Matthews disc at HTD and it sounds great. If I weren't getting the Oblivion: GOTY Edition with my RewardZone credits I'd get that this week.

 

[SonnyBoy]

Thanks again guys. =( Man...maybe I will hold out. I just want to view the planet earth special in a bad way. I have a friend with a PS3, I'll probably just buy it on blu-ray and borrow his unit.

I finally had the chance to hook my 360 up to a Samsung LCD via the DVI cable and was astonished. It looked good on my CRT but it was so crisp and clear on the Sammy.

Again, thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

 

[VanMardigan]

I don't see why you WOULDN'T pick up the add-on. It's inexpensive, movies look fantastic on it, and the format war is FAR from settled. You obviously are aware of the format war and you plan on eventually getting a Blu Ray player, so there really is no reason to. Plus, with Universal and Paramount as exclusive supporters, it's your ticket to their catalog in high def (including Transformers).

Dual format players are already a reality and Samsung just announced a new kick-ass dual format player about a month or so ago.

I know some here will try to put some uncertainty into your decision (Blu Ray fanboys), but I guarantee you that the small investment is worth it. Especially now that Amazon is offering 8 free movies with the drive, for $179. You can't beat that offer. You are already aware of the issues (no movies from Sony/Fox/Disney), so don't let folks act like your player will burn down in flames if either format were to flop, and that won't happen until at least 2009 (when the Paramount agreement is set to end).

HD DVD is backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, with exclusive support from Universal and Paramount/Dreamworks, and very favorable backing from Warner. For the low cost, you'll be entering the world of HD discs, just like all the regulars here, and I can guarantee you none of them regret their decision to buy into either format.

 

[captive]

I don't see why you WOULDN'T pick up the add-on. It's inexpensive, movies look fantastic on it, and the format war is FAR from settled. You obviously are aware of the format war and you plan on eventually getting a Blu Ray player, so there really is no reason to. Plus, with Universal and Paramount as exclusive supporters, it's your ticket to their catalog in high def (including Transformers).

Dual format players are already a reality and Samsung just announced a new kick-ass dual format player about a month or so ago.

I know some here will try to put some uncertainty into your decision (Blu Ray fanboys), but I guarantee you that the small investment is worth it. Especially now that Amazon is offering 8 free movies with the drive, for $179. You can't beat that offer. You are already aware of the issues (no movies from Sony/Fox/Disney), so don't let folks act like your player will burn down in flames if either format were to flop, and that won't happen until at least 2009 (when the Paramount agreement is set to end).

HD DVD is backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, with exclusive support from Universal and Paramount/Dreamworks, and very favorable backing from Warner. For the low cost, you'll be entering the world of HD discs, just like all the regulars here, and I can guarantee you none of them regret their decision to buy into either format.

Move over Amir, you gots some competition.

 

[jjasper]

I don't see why you WOULDN'T pick up the add-on. It's inexpensive, movies look fantastic on it, and the format war is FAR from settled. You....

This is reason enough to not want to pick it up

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

While I see that some are still trying to spin the PS3 factor as a disadvantage, consider this:

The majority of HD movies on either format is being played on a game system, the vast majority of those are PS3s.

Without PS3, HD formats *period* would be dead in the water.

 

[VanMardigan]

This is reason enough to not want to pick it up

Yeah, but he KNOWS about the format war, so then what? It's an affordable way to jump in to HD discs, while knowing the risks involved in buying into EITHER format.

Why hold off indefinitely if you can get in cheaply and enjoying high definition movies NOW? I'd understand if he were trying to buy a standalone (somewhat), but there is no reason to hold off if you can get in on the game cheaply and adjust from there once you know what the score is.

 

[thaivo]

Thanks again guys. =( Man...maybe I will hold out. I just want to view the planet earth special in a bad way. I have a friend with a PS3, I'll probably just buy it on blu-ray and borrow his unit.

You should check out the deal at Amazon for the Add On.. . It's really a stunningly good deal. Since you already have a 360, the present deal on the Add On makes the player almost free. Although, I'd rather choose the stand-alone unit, because of the noise of the 360.

A lot of BD supporters will tell you to wait, and although that isn't a bad idea, it isn't the greatest either. If you are jonesing for HD content, you can ask any HD DVD supporter, and find that none regret their purchases. Most have renewed confidence in the format since the Paramount/DW announcement. In my opinion, if you want to experience HD today, and are on a budget, HD DVD is definitely the way to go.

 

[jjasper]

That is true van, it is the cheapest to get movies and if he is knows about the war and is willing to take a chance the add on is the way to go for HD DVD.

If you are jonesing for HD content, you can ask any HD DVD supporter, and find that none regret their purchases.

That's because most supporters of either format will bend over backwards to get more sales for their choice.

 

[mollipen]

I don't see why you WOULDN'T pick up the add-on.

My hope that Blu-Ray wins aside, for me, it'd be totally mental. With the PS3, I'm buying the PS3, and I happen to be getting a Blu-Ray player along with it. With the 360 HD-DVD add-on, I'm spending money specifically on one of the two formats when a winner hasn't been declaired yet. In the same way, at this point, I wouldn't spend any money specifically on a Blu-Ray player either.

Plus, well... the add-on is ugly. Had the 360 had a built-in HD-DVD drive, I'd be far more willing to take a chance by buying HD-DVDs.

 

[distantmantra]

That's because most supporters of either format will bend over backwards to get more sales for their choice.

Most, but not all. I'm a Blu-ray supporter, but I don't want to convince people to jump into the format war if they're not willing to possibly admit defeat at some point in the future and have to switch to the other format. That's even if they were leaning towards picking up a Blu-ray player. Just know what you're getting yourself into, and support whatever format you choose. If you end up with an HD-DVD player, great, and if you end up with a Blu-ray player, great.

 

[Petrarca]

I think by the end of 2008, the winner will be clear. The recent Paramout deal has definitely made things cloudier.

(everything after this is open to fanboy interpretation)

Coming out of the IFA tradeshow, it still looks like Blu-Ray is very much in the driver's seat. Electronics manufacturers, are lining up behind it in a big way.

Personally, I would not feel confident buying an HD-DVD player right now.

Personal camcorder will spawn independent or individual content-creators

 

[jjasper]

Most, but not all. I'm a Blu-ray supporter, but I don't want to convince people to jump into the format war if they're not willing to possibly admit defeat at some point in the future and have to switch to the other format. That's even if they were leaning towards picking up a Blu-ray player. Just know what you're getting yourself into, and support whatever format you choose. If you end up with an HD-DVD player, great, and if you end up with a Blu-ray player, great.

I tell people to wait unless they want both a HD movie player (and have to have it now) and a videogame system then I suggest the PS3 or 360+add on.

 

[VanMardigan]

Yeah, guys, the add-on is ugly and people who own the format are lying through their teeth when they say how much they enjoy HD DVD just to get other people to buy into the format. :lol

Let's try for some legitimate concerns now.

edit:

I tell people to wait unless they want both a HD movie player and a videogame system then I suggest the PS3 or 360+add on.

This dude has a 360 already, so what's your issue then?

 

[gkryhewy]

Personal camcorder will spawn independent or individual content-creators

I think your postbot may be broken.

 

[jjasper]

Yeah, guys, the add-on is ugly and people who own the format are lying through their teeth when they say how much they enjoy HD DVD just to get other people to buy into the format. :lol

Let's try for some legitimate concerns now.

If you don't think people are trying to sell their product they choose to others you haven't been around the internet much or wander over to the other side of the forum recently. It goes both ways too though I am not saying HD DVD people are the only ones to do this.

 

[mollipen]

Let's try for some legitimate concerns now.

Well, screw you, but having to deal with an additional drive floating around next to my Xbox 360 IS a legitimate concern to me. I think it's a ridiculous solution.

 

[Oni Jazar]

My hope that Blu-Ray wins aside, for me, it'd be totally mental. With the PS3, I'm buying the PS3, and I happen to be getting a Blu-Ray player along with it. With the 360 HD-DVD add-on, I'm spending money specifically on one of the two formats when a winner hasn't been declaired yet. In the same way, at this point, I wouldn't spend any money specifically on a Blu-Ray player either.

Yea, format neutral sounds great, but I do not want to own discs that could be for a dead format.

 

[VanMardigan]

If you don't think people are trying to sell their product they choose to others you haven't been around the internet much or wander over to the other side of the forum recently. It goes both ways too though I am not saying HD DVD people are the only ones to do this.

I think that's console war mentality, and yes, I've seen it in both camps. I think, however, that the regulars here have gone through enough lengths talking about the format and the movies they've enjoyed on it to ensure that no one here is lying when they recommend their format of choice.

Well, screw you, but having to deal with an additional drive floating around next to my Xbox 360 IS a legitimate concern to me. I think it's a ridiculous solution.

It's not an elegant solution, I'll agree. But a legitimate deterrent if you're trying to get into HD discs cheaply? I think not.

 

[jjasper]

My personal beef with the add on and why I sold mine is because there is a chance that MS might not support it in the next console and I don't always keep old systems and don't have a PC that could use it.

 

[distantmantra]

Yea, format neutral sounds great, but I do not want to own discs that could be for a dead format.

I don't like the idea of format neutrality, it just keeps this crappy feud going. Support HD-DVD or Blu-ray, I want one of the them to win, even if I end up "losing" because of my personal choice.

 

[VanMardigan]

My personal beef with the add on and why I sold mine is because there is a chance that MS might not support it in the next console and I don't always keep old systems and don't have a PC that could use it.

There's no guarantee that Sony will support BR in its next console either. Based on their past performance, I'd think they would, but who knows what their next format will be, if they put another console out. What if their next console doesn't have a disk drive at all, as one of their execs suggested? It's all speculation, but I'm just saying that if you're looking that far ahead, both formats have question marks, but both will have cheaper alternatives in the form of dual format players and standalones.

 

[mollipen]

It's not an elegant solution, I'll agree. But a legitimate deterrent if you're trying to get into HD discs cheaply? I think not.

For me, it would be, even if that sounds totally nutty. I'd rather have a full-on HD-DVD player that looks proper then the 360 HD-DVD add-on. (At that point, though, the last thing I want in my living room is ANOTHER additional piece of video hardware.) Even with stuff like the Sega CD or whatnot, it ended up looking like part of the bigger whole. There's just no better example of a piece of additional hardware that looks like a complete afterthought than the HD-DVD add-on.

Sony gave us removable hard drives with the PS3; would have been nice had Microsoft been able to do the same with the 360 and optical drives.

Yea, format neutral sounds great, but I do not want to own discs that could be for a dead format.

I'm getting the eight free Blu-ray discs with my new PS3, but beyond that, I'm seriously considering waiting before I buy anything more to see what happens next in the "war." I mean, I'm going to have the PS3 for some time, it isn't going to go anywhere, so any discs I buy won't instantly be worthless should Blu-ray lose. If it does, though, and HD-DVD wins, then I want my library to completely be HD-DVD, not a hodge-podge mixture of both formats. (Same if Blu-ray wins.)

 

[VanMardigan]

Just to be clear, I'm not disputing that an internal drive is an infinitely better alternative, but:

I lay my HD DVD drive next to my 360 (both horizontally) rather than on top of the 360, so it at least appears like a separate component rather than an add-on. But then, I have the space to lay it out separately, I know some don't and just have to stack it on top of the 360, which is not very elegant at all. Having them standing vertically beside each other is a decent option as well.

 

[jjasper]

There's no guarantee that Sony will support BR in its next console either. Based on their past performance, I'd think they would, but who knows what their next format will be, if they put another console out. What if their next console doesn't have a disk drive at all, as one of their execs suggested? It's all speculation, but I'm just saying that if you're looking that far ahead, both formats have question marks, but both will have cheaper alternatives in the form of dual format players and standalones.

Part of the reason I didn't think MS would support though is because HD DVD will probably still be around but by that time it will be cheap enough to inculde in the system, or it will be dead and they will move on to something else. There is also that aspect with the PS3 but because of the way Sony advocates BC (or tries to) I would expect there to be some support for the blu ray.

 

[VanMardigan]

Part of the reason I didn't think MS would support though is because HD DVD will probably still be around but by that time it will be cheap enough to inculde in the system, or it will be dead and they will move on to something else. There is also that aspect with the PS3 but because of the way Sony advocates BC (or tries to) I would expect there to be some support for the blu ray.

I understand that angle, but like you mentioned, there will be cheap alternatives. Also, Microsoft doesn't have to include ANY hardware (besides USB) to support the HD DVD add-on in the next iteration of their Xbox. They just need to include the same software decoding they have already developed and a USB port. Besides, even if the next Xbox doesn't include the software support (for reasons which I don't know how to justify), then the drive will still work on capable Windows machines once that's standardized (in terms of the software solutions).

 

[thaivo]

That's because most supporters of either format will bend over backwards to get more sales for their choice.

Perhaps, but most here would be honest about their impressions. I mean what does one more supporter mean in the grand scheme of things. There's really nothing any of us can do to influence the outcome of this format war, as we're the early adopters. The final decision is going to be made by the mainstream public. Hopefully they take the "red pill"

 

[thaivo]

I'm getting the eight free Blu-ray discs with my new PS3, but beyond that, I'm seriously considering waiting before I buy anything more to see what happens next in the "war." I mean, I'm going to have the PS3 for some time, it isn't going to go anywhere, so any discs I buy won't instantly be worthless should Blu-ray lose.

I do something similar. I rent through BB Online, and that definitely gives me enough HD content. I can also go into a brick and mortar store and exchange the envelopes for HD discs. That being said, I already have 10 HD DVD's.

I don't totally agree with you that your BD disks will be worthless if BD loses, as you have said, you're going to have your PS3 for some time. Therefore you'll have a BD player hooked up to your TV for some time.

As for having movies of one format, I agree with you mostly. However, I do have a bunch of SD DVD's and HD DVD's, it doesn't bother me. Yes, I know they all can be played on one player, as opposed to BD and HD..

 

[maynerd]

What's this crap all about?

Title: Live Free or Die Hard (IMDb)
Starring: Bruce Willis
Released: 20th November 2007
SRP: $34.98 (2-Disc SE)

Further Details:
Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced Live Free or Die Hard which stars Bruce Willis and Justin Long. The film will be available in three DVD configurations – a single-disc full screen rated version ($29.98), a single-disc widescreen unrated edition ($29.98), and a unrated two-disc edition ($34.98). Each will carry English Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 Surround tracks. The single-disc editions will each include a commentary by Bruce Willis, Director Len Wiseman and Editor Nicolas De Toth, a “Die Hard” by Guyz Nite music video, and a behind-the-scenes with Guyz Nite featurette. The two-disc special edition will include all that, along with a ten-part Analog Hero in a Digital World: Making of Live Free or Die Hard documentary (“Prelude”, “Attack of the Franchise”, “Casting and Characters”, “Texture and Tone”, “Unimaginable Feats”, “The Cutting Room”, “Eye Candy”, “The World of D.I.”, “Sound and Fury”, and “Symphonic Boom”), a Yippee-Ki-Yay Mother F*****! one-on-one conversation with Bruce Willis & Kevin Smith (23 minutes), and the trailer. We've attached our first look at the official package artwork below.

A Blu-ray release of the film will also be available from the 20th. This one will only include the PG-13 rated theatrical version of the film, along with all of the above standard definition special features plus D-Box motion sensor capabilities, several high-definition trailers and the exclusive high definition BD-Java multi-level strategy game “Black Hat Intercept!”. Retail will be $39.98. Lastly, the 20th will also see the debut of the Die Hard Trilogy which comes locked and loaded with numerous bonus features including deleted scenes, featurettes, actor and director commentaries, visual effect breakdowns, alternate endings, side-by-side comparisons and much more. We'll bring you the artwork for this one shortly.

 

[SRG01]

What's this crap all about?

There's a non-PG13 rated version out there?!

 

[ManaByte]

Thank you Fox, I'll be buying the two-disc Unrated for $5 less.

 

[ManaByte]

Video of the Star Trek: TOS HD-DVD features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-X5c7c3yzE

 

[JB1981]

Video of the Star Trek: TOS HD-DVD features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-X5c7c3yzE

very cool

where the fuck is bd-java.

one of these fucking formats needs to die already so we can see what next-gen dvd can really do.

so sick of this shit.

 

[YYZ]

Is Fox retarded? Movie enthusiiasts (those who actually own hi-def hardware) would want the unrated version. WOW. The masses buying the DVDs won't even care (the majority of them anyway).

 

[OokieSpookie]

Before people start going ape shit and either snapping into troll asshat mode or super defense mode just relax and realize that the movie is not out for a while and I would wait for confirmation.

 

[captive]

Is Fox retarded?

Short answers: yes
Long answer: yes with a what teh hell

OokieSpookie, this was the confirmation. The only thing thats going to change it now is if we bitch long and loud enough.

 

[ManaByte]

Before people start going ape shit and either snapping into troll asshat mode or super defense mode just relax and realize that the movie is not out for a while and I would wait for confirmation.

Is the Press Release enough confirmation for you?

CENTURY CITY, Calif. –He’s still an easy man to like and still a hard man to kill - the action never lets up when John McClane finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time once again in Live Free or Die Hard, the fourth installment in Fox’s rockin’ and celebrated Billion Dollar plus global franchise. This non-stop action adventure with a smirk explodes onto DVD and Blu-Ray Disc (BD) on November 20th from Fox Home Entertainment and stars Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award-winner Bruce Willis is a character that launched his film career - as wise-cracking super-cop Detective John McClane. Director Len Wiseman (Underworld) takes the series into the new millennium with a seamless composite of explosive scenes, jaw-dropping stunt work, groundbreaking special effects and the ever popular clever quips. Live Free or Die Hard also stars Justin Long (Dodgeball, Accepted), Timothy Olyphant (“Deadwood,” The Girl Next Door), Cliff Curtis (Training Day), Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Death Proof, Final Destination 3).

Live Free or Die Hard will be available in three DVD configurations – a single-disc full screen rated version and single-disc widescreen unrated edition, both highlighted by audio commentary with Bruce Willis and director Len Wiseman, music video by super fans Guyz Nite as well as a special Live Free or Die Hard Unrated Two-Disc Edition, highlighted by never-before-seen footage not seen in the theatrical version and a second disc locked and loaded with exclusive elements such as “Conversation with Bruce Willis and Kevin Smith,” a feature-length Making-Of documentary and more. The Live Free or Die Hard single-disc DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada and the Unrated Two-Disc Edition for $34.98 U.S. / $45.98 Canada. Plus, the Live Free or Die Hard Blu-Ray Disc (BD) will debut day-and-date priced at $39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada.

Marketing Support:
TCFHE will blow out the release of Live Free or Die Hard with a multi-million dollar comprehensive marketing campaign targeting adults 13-54, along with original and new John McClane fans from pre-street awareness through Q4 holiday season. The planned media spend will be seen everywhere via national television, print, radio and online outlets. In addition, TCFHE will blast an aggressive publicity campaign targeting men, women, teens via print and broadcast editorial placements and news generating events.

DVD Specs:

Live Free or Die Hard – Single-Disc Full Screen Edition:
• 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Spanish, French Dolby Surround Audio
• English, Spanish and French Subtitles.
• Commentary by Bruce Willis, Director Len Wiseman and Editor Nicolas De Toth
• Music Video - “Die Hard” by Guyz Nite
• Behind-the-Scenes with Guyz Nite
Live Free or Die Hard Unrated and Rated (widescreen only)

Two-Disc Edition:

• Commentary by Bruce Willis, Director Len Wiseman and Editor Nicolas De Toth
• Music Video - “Die Hard” by Guyz Nite
• Behind-the-Scenes with Guyz Nite
• Analog Hero in a Digital World: Making of Live Free or Die Hard documentary
o “Prelude”
o “Attack of the Franchise”
o “Casting and Characters”
o “Texture and Tone”
o “Unimaginable Feats”
o “The Cutting Room”
o “Eye Candy”
o “The World of D.I.”
o “Sound and Fury”
o “Symphonic Boom”
• Yippee-Ki-Yay Mother F*****! - One-on-One Conversation with Bruce Willis & Kevin Smith (23 minutes)
• Fox Movie Channel Presents Fox Legacy
• Theatrical trailer
• 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Spanish, French Dolby Surround Audio
• English, Spanish and French Subtitles.

Blu-Ray Exclusive

The Live Free or Die Hard BD release includes the PG-13 rated theatrical version of the film and all of the above standard definition special features plus D-Box motion sensor capabilities, several high-definition trailers and the exclusive high definition BD-Java multi-level strategy game “Black Hat Intercept!”. The disc will be authored in BD-J with AVC (MPEG 4) compression and presented on 50 GB dual-layer disc with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Master Audio plus English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound.

Synopsis:

“The best of the best is back and better than ever” (WNYW-TV) in the latest installment of the pulse-pounding, thrill-a-minute Die Hard action films. New York City detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) delivers old-school justice to a new breed of terrorists when a massive computer attack on the U.S. infrastructure threatens to shut down the entire country over Independence Day weekend. Locked and loaded with real stunts, genuine humor and nonstop excitement, Live Free or Die Hard is “a slick piece of action entertainment” (Los Angeles Times). Yippee-ki-yay!

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

 

[Kolgar]

First of all, don't make a generalization about "gamers". When supposedly 1 in 3 US households owns a PS2, there is no generalization to be made about what makes a "gamer".

Second, a quick search of google will turn up dozens of PS3 reviews as a blu-ray player, and stacking up favorably to standalone players. Even if a blu-ray owner has no interest in games, the PS3 should still be a consideration.

I don't disagree that more standalone players would be good for the format. But if CE makers can't make them cheaper than the PS3, there's not much reason to buy one. DLNA alone is enough of a reason to buy the PS3 over any other Blu-Ray player.

I agree that PS3 is a helluva value as a BD player; that was certainly my primary reason for purchasing the console and has been the machine's primary use in my home to date.

That said, it's psychological, man. Despite the quality hardware, despite the attractive value, lots of average folk out there just won't buy a game console, PS3 or otherwise, if what they want is a movie player. Call it ignorance or whatever you want, but a lot of people just won't do it.

And as an aside: I know quite a few PS2 owners myself, and every last one of them is a male in his teens, twenties, or thirties.

Doesn't the fact that there are more HD-DVD standalones out there, yet Blu-Ray software is absolutely annihilating HD-DVD discs in terms of sales sort of invalidate your argument?

PS3 users are most certainly movie enthusiasts, being responsible for the vast majority of BRD sales. One only needs to look at blu ray sales before and after the PS3 release to see this.

A 2:1 ratio with the paltry numbers HD/BD are putting up is hardly "annihilating." And I'm just guessing about the install base for hardware, but aren't we talking about more than a million PS3s sold in the U.S., plus whatever has been sold in BD standalones? Compared to a half a million or fewer HD DVD players?

Also seems to me that the BD library in general is a little heavier on action-style flicks targeted at the PS3 demographic, so it's not surprising that those movies sell well. I still think the BD base needs to become heavier with standalones before the format can support a diverse library of releases in other genres, such as Casablanca and other movies typically purchased by movie lovers.

 

[neojubei]

Why do some people here downplay the ps3 as a factor in the HD war, but go to lengths to promote the crap out of the HD-DVD add on to the 360?

My hope that Blu-Ray wins aside, for me, it'd be totally mental. With the PS3, I'm buying the PS3, and I happen to be getting a Blu-Ray player along with it. With the 360 HD-DVD add-on, I'm spending money specifically on one of the two formats when a winner hasn't been declaired yet. In the same way, at this point, I wouldn't spend any money specifically on a Blu-Ray player either.

Plus, well... the add-on is ugly. Had the 360 had a built-in HD-DVD drive, I'd be far more willing to take a chance by buying HD-DVDs.

I would have to agree with you.

Blu-Ray Exclusive

The Live Free or Die Hard BD release includes the PG-13 rated theatrical version of the film and all of the above standard definition special features plus D-Box motion sensor capabilities, several high-definition trailers and the exclusive high definition BD-Java multi-level strategy game “Black Hat Intercept!”. The disc will be authored in BD-J with AVC (MPEG 4) compression and presented on 50 GB dual-layer disc with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Master Audio plus English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound.

Does this mean only the PG-13 version or PG-13 with the unrated version? I hope it is the latter.