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[distantmantra]

i dunno.. dr strangelove and lolita are mia too.

Sony has Dr. Strangelove. Might be why.

 

[chubigans]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/21423304

I don't see it happening either. A FOURTH sku? There's no reason for it, not to mention it would cut into the Video Marketplace a bit by having HD-DVD built in.

And if you have that TV tuner, it'd need a large HDD...so you're looking at a price of at least $550, probably more. What on earth would the benefit be? It'd dramatically change all the SKUs into a huge confusing mess.

 

[HyperionX]

if microsoft are really getting behind hd-dvd, that could pretty well guarantee a TWO FORMAT FUTURE -- i don't know how big a hd-dvd 360 would be, but they're going to need a high capacity optical disc for their next console, and i doubt they're too keen on blu ray

If we have a dual-format future, it would be retarded if MS doesn't have a dual format player by next gen.

 

[drohne]

for some reason a dual-format console never occurred to me. i guess that would make more sense

 

[Warm Machine]

I can see it happening if Toshiba subsidized it with no cost to the end consumer. Hell, pack it in all current Skus and act like nothing has changed.

I watched The Departed for the first time on HD-DVD tonight. Good movie but I didn't think the movie or transfer really took advantage of HD. Shooter was a far more impressive disc.

 

[DC R1D3R]

Holy cow! 190k!!!!! Hd-dvd wins the week. No contest. I hated the movie, but damn, that is impressive.

Great stats for the HD DVD camp! Transformers panned out a lot better than I expected tbh. Not a bad movie at all. And the PQ is IMMENSE. Most impressive HD movie I've seen to date.

 

[Raistlin]

Based on the original article posted - here - ... I'm repeating my response from that thread ...

The device is being developed in response to the PS3 driving sales of games software and Blu-ray content in several countries. A recent Sony Brand Wave study conducted in five countries including the UK, Australia, France Germany and Spain revealed that a key reason that consumers are buying a PS3 is because it includes a Blu-ray player.

Recent GFK research reveals that the recently launched Xbox 360 HD DVD attach player is not selling well. Another factor that impacted early sales of the Xbox 360 was that Microsoft failed to include a HDMI port - omitted because Microsoft wanted to cut down the costs of the console in an effort to compete up against the PS3.

The new Xbox device, while allowing for extensive gaming capability, will be positioned as an entertainment hub that includes gaming and extensive wireless networking capability as well as 1080p playback. There is also talk of it including a dual HD TV tuner and EPG capability and a docking port for an MP3 player. For Toshiba, the device is critical if it is to be successful in beating Sony and the Blu-ray promoters.

Does not compute.


The reason BD is being helped by PS3 is due to its pricepoint. What the hell is this gonna cost? Expanded wireless, huge HDD, DUAL HD TUNERS? :lol They are completely missing the point. This thing will be priced WAY more than current 360 SKU's ... way above the new PS3 SKU (which will serve to sell more BD's) ... and way above the price of HD-DVD players.


Seriously, wtf? I'm sure it will sell to some people, but to assume this is what HD DVD needs to jumpstart it versus BD just doesn't make sense.


Then there's the timing of it. Who's to say late '08, early '09, will even be relevant to the format war? By then other BD players (and maybe even the PS3) will have dropped in price even more. Bringing out something expensive then serves what purpose?

 

[Kolgar]

Well, if this new 360/HD DVD machine is in the works, it's nothing but GOOD news for HD DVD.

It's a little puzzling to me, however, for the aforementioned reasons of 1) What if the format fails? 2) What about MS's download service?

For MS to move forward with this would seem like a big vote of confidence, however. I can see why they wouldn't have wanted to saddle 360 with HD DVD from the start (cost, uncertainty), but to do it NOW... that tells me they're feeling bullish on the format.

In the end, it's nothing more than a possible annoyance for early adopters and yet another choice for the prospective 360/HD media/tech head buyer. It won't likely harm anything, not the 360 platform nor HD DVD, so what the hell.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Right after the heels of Transformer's record setting release on HD DVD, Director Michael Bay declares his preference for the Blu-ray format.

http://usatoday.com/life/movies/dvd/2007-10-22-transformers-bay_N.htm

"[The format war] is short-sighted and it has delayed consumers' moving to HD (home video)," he says. "As a director, my critical eye is that Blu-ray is where my money is. Consumers are smart, and they are going to wait it out."

 

[Zombie James]

Right after the heels of Transformer's record setting release on HD DVD, Director Michael Bay declares his preference for the Blu-ray format.

http://usatoday.com/life/movies/dvd/2007-10-22-transformers-bay_N.htm

Again? He said something similar months ago but then retracted it hours later :lol

 

[Snah]

Right after the heels of Transformer's record setting release on HD DVD, Director Michael Bay declares his preference for the Blu-ray format.

http://usatoday.com/life/movies/dvd/2007-10-22-transformers-bay_N.htm

Too bad for Bay, the Blu-Ray sales in combination with HD-DVD sales of Transformers would have been huge.

 

[VanMardigan]

"consumers are going to wait it out"? Doesn't seem like a vote of confidence for either format. And it doesn't take a "director's eye" to see that Blu Ray currently has the advantage. :lol

Too bad for Bay, the Blu-Ray sales in combination with HD-DVD sales of Transformers would have been huge.

Yeah, I'm sure that extra 300k would've have been a "huge" addition to the 8.3 million in dvd sales. :lol

I know BR sales would've pushed this title to half a mil, easily, but I'm sure Bay isn't losing any sleep over that with the record-setting way the dvd sold.

 

[TerryLee81]

Did anyone get Starship Troopers?

I love this movie and would consider rebuying it if the transfer is good.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

Again? He said something similar months ago but then retracted it hours later :lol

He said that he wasn't going to direct Transformers 2 over it.

... It's fair to say that he's not so dumb that he's going to drop it, but at the same time, it's also fair to say that he and many other film industry insiders (including Spielberg) see BD as the better horse in this two horse race called HD media.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Again? He said something similar months ago but then retracted it hours later :lol

Yes, it's in the article:

Bay caused a brouhaha on his blog (michaelbay.com) by voicing his displeasure that Transformers would not be available on Blu-ray and that he was rethinking his plan to direct a sequel. The next day he backpedaled, but he is still upset about the format war.

I'm glad that directors are just as upset about this war as I am.

 

[Walshicus]

Right after the heels of Transformer's record setting release on HD DVD, Director Michael Bay declares his preference for the Blu-ray format.

http://usatoday.com/life/movies/dvd/2007-10-22-transformers-bay_N.htm

And then flaming motor cycles came speeding out of Blu-Ray discs, all WHHOOSH with ninja swords splashing LIGHTNING METEORS spiraling out of control into a giant CG bridge full of nuns who cry HELP HELP with the rocking guitar riff WAILING background, alien mothership comes crashing to the ground SCREEECH, WWWEEOOOOWWW! BOOM!

 

[borghe]

so any impressions on Meet the Robinsons yet? That and Ratatouille were my primary reasons for purchasing my PS3. Yeah I'll watch it tonight, but while I sit at work just wondering if anyone has any impressions on the PQ and audio..

for the record it will be my first owned BRD. CAN'T WAIT!

 

[dalyr95]

I was surprised the other day, there was a Blu Ray advert on UK mainstream TV (iTV I think), plus every Spiderman advert has Blu Ray logo plastered over it, and they are really pushing the £299 PS3 with every advert stating "Feel the full force of HD Games and Movies"

They must be really gearing up for XMas

 

[RaidenZR]

so any impressions on Meet the Robinsons yet? That and Ratatouille were my primary reasons for purchasing my PS3. Yeah I'll watch it tonight, but while I sit at work just wondering if anyone has any impressions on the PQ and audio..

for the record it will be my first owned BRD. CAN'T WAIT!

Early word on the hi-def forums is that Meet The Robinsons looks pretty damn incredible. Should be a high-rated transfer.

Still too early for Ratatouille.

Edit: Here's a MTR Review

 

[VanMardigan]

Ratatouille disappointed me in theaters, but I'll be giving this movie a second chance. I think my expectations were too high or too different from what the movie turned out being. It should look fantastic in HD.

 

[Matrix]

Looks like Warner f-ed up the release of the Kubrick movies on Blu-ray and Hd-dvd.Besides 2001 on Hd-dvd and Full Metal Jacket on Blu-ray which are both in stock,everything else ships in 8-11 days to 5-6 weeks on amazon.com.Looks like they had shipping issues again,tons of bitching on the avs forums and dvdtalk.

My copies of 2001 and Eyes Wide Shut which I pre-ordered awhile ago havent even gone into the shipping procces

 

[Raistlin]

What if the format fails?

To me, it sounds like Toshiba will be releasing it ... not MS. Regardless, there are no plans to release games in the format, so I'm not sure it matters.

What about MS's download service?

IMO, the are catering to two different markets ... or should I at least say, two different uses.

For MS to move forward with this would seem like a big vote of confidence, however. I can see why they wouldn't have wanted to saddle 360 with HD DVD from the start (cost, uncertainty), but to do it NOW... that tells me they're feeling bullish on the format.

How? Are they replacing the 360 lines with these? Its n high-end media system, not unlike the Sony PSX was. And in this case, it sounds like it will be a Toshiba player.

In the end, it's nothing more than a possible annoyance for early adopters and yet another choice for the prospective 360/HD media/tech head buyer. It won't likely harm anything, not the 360 platform nor HD DVD, so what the hell.

Why would it be an annoyance to early adopters?

 

[Christoff Yurievich]

hey guys, check this out:

wina a custom 360 + HD-DVD add-on.

 

[VanMardigan]

To me, it sounds like Toshiba will be releasing it ... not MS. Regardless, there are no plans to release games in the format, so I'm not sure it matters.

IMO, the are catering to wo different markets ... or should I at least say, two different uses.

How? Are they replacing the 360 lines with these? Its an high-end media system, not unlike the Sony PSX was. And in this case, it sounds like it will be a Toshiba player.

Actually, the rumor states that Toshiba MIGHT sell a version of this device under their brand. The rumor explicitly states that this will be a version of Xbox 360. And as far as the games not being in the HD DVD format, it doesn't matter to the end user. So long as both Xbox 360 games and HD DVD movies play on the same built-in drive, the end user experience is the same as it is to a Ps3 owner.

The only question left is price and release date. I agree that there will still be 360 lines without HD DVD, so in that sense, Sony's Ps3 will still have the upper hand in propagating their format. It doesn't sound like the HD DVD internal drive will be included in any other Xbox 360 sku.

 

[maynerd]

What's up with WB having such a suckass online store?

 

[StoOgE]

The only question left is price and release date. I agree that there will still be 360 lines without HD DVD, so in that sense, Sony's Ps3 will still have the upper hand in propagating their format. It doesn't sound like the HD DVD internal drive will be included in any other Xbox 360 sku.

thats why this just sounds wierd to me. I dont get the point. If its the high end 360 that is going to have this device built in, its not going to reach anyone who doesnt allready have an intrest in HDM. I.E. the hardcore. The PS3 effect is essentially getting j6ps foot in the door whether he wants it or not.

If Toshiba and MS are going to do this and have it mean something, they are going to have to go all out with it in every SKU.

What's up with WB having such a suckass online store?

Yeah, their store isnt great.. all the problems AVSers have had with it have led me to never buy from them.

 

[StoOgE]

Has anyone seen inside man? Im thinking about a blind buy. I like the actors, spike lee is awesome and the transfer is supposed to be good.

 

[ThePeter]

Microsoft launches Xbox 360 four years after Xbox 1 in 2005.
Microsoft supports HD-DVD with garbage trucks full of cash in 2007.
Microsoft releases Xbox720 in 2009 with a disk format not completely obliterated or anything.

Seems smart to me.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

What's up with WB having such a suckass online store?

While it's far from ideal, their store isn't to blame: they've had numerous [supposedly] computer-related distribution delays since late August, resulting in many of their releases showing up late to brick-and-mortars and online retailers. Troy: DC, Twlight Zone, the Reaping, Studio 60, and now the Sopranos and the Kubrick titles. It's the latter that could turn it into a PR issue, given how high profile these reissues are.

It isn't as though I've never seen the ones I ordered, though, and the prices couldn't be beat ($14 each for 2001, EWS and the Shining HD-DVDs) so I'm content to wait for them to get this mess straightened out. The other items I've had ordered from them directly came through just fine and in a pretty standard amount of time, so assuming they can keep offering such great prices, I'll probably continue to use them periodically.

 

[polyh3dron]

Paramount has been fooling some of you with their trickery. When they say that 190k Transformers HD DVDs were sold they mean that's how many they sold to retailers, or "shipped". We'll see the real numbers of how many real people bought them soon.

 

[RaidenZR]

Looks like Warner f-ed up the release of the Kubrick movies on Blu-ray and Hd-dvd.Besides 2001 on Hd-dvd and Full Metal Jacket on Blu-ray which are both in stock,everything else ships in 8-11 days to 5-6 weeks on amazon.com.Looks like they had shipping issues again,tons of bitching on the avs forums and dvdtalk.

My copies of 2001 and Eyes Wide Shut which I pre-ordered awhile ago havent even gone into the shipping procces

I don't think this is true. People on other forums are reporting they've received some of the movies and have even picked up a few at Best Buy. It seems like it's just the usual isolated cases shipping BS.

 

[ChrisJames]

Has anyone seen inside man? Im thinking about a blind buy. I like the actors, spike lee is awesome and the transfer is supposed to be good.

Yeah. It's an awesome movie. Very highly recommended.

 

[maynerd]

While it's far from ideal, their store isn't to blame: they've had numerous [supposedly] computer-related distribution delays since late August, resulting in many of their releases showing up late to brick-and-mortars and online retailers. Troy: DC, Twlight Zone, the Reaping, Studio 60, and now the Sopranos and the Kubrick titles. It's the latter that could turn it into a PR issue, given how high profile these reissues are.

Umm..so WB isn't to blame for their computer related problems? I wish I could be a business and just blame everyone else for what's wrong with my company.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Paramount has been fooling some of you with their trickery. When they say that 190k Transformers HD DVDs were sold they mean that's how many they sold to retailers, or "shipped". We'll see the real numbers of how many real people bought them soon.

Got any proof?

Anyways, the Resident Evil 1 & the RE Trillogy pack has been formally announced for Blu-ray:

http://dvd.themanroom.com/dvd-newsview.php?id=763

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the original 'Resident Evil' will be released Wednesday, January 2 on Blu-ray Disc with an SRP of $28.95, joining the previously released sequel 'Resident Evil: Apocalypse.'

The studio has also announced a package containing all three Resident Evil films, including recently theatrically released 'Resident Evil: Extinction,' will be available the same date with a MAP of $58.95. Although no official announcement was made for a standalone version of Extinction, it's a safe bet January 2 will mark its arrival.

Resident Evil will be presented in widescreen 1.85:1 1080p video and PCM 5.1 audio. Supplemental features has yet to be revealed.

 

[StoOgE]

Microsoft launches Xbox 360 four years after Xbox 1 in 2005.
Microsoft supports HD-DVD with garbage trucks full of cash in 2007.
Microsoft releases Xbox720 in 2009 with a disk format not completely obliterated or anything.

Seems smart to me.

Yeah, when you make stuff up you sure can make people look dumb.

 

[borghe]

so I'm kind of new to this thread, but there is really a war on in here? really? It seemed to me like most in this thread have both. If you have both, do you really care which one comes out on top (if either do)?

 

[Kolgar]

If Toshiba and MS are going to do this and have it mean something, they are going to have to go all out with it in every SKU.

While this machine, if it even happens, won't be a game-changer for HD DVD, there's something to be said for connecting the format to a game console as successful as 360 (relatively speaking).

Whereas Blu-ray has perhaps slowed the adoption of PS3 as a game console (but got a boost from it), 360 may yet give HD DVD a boost without the risks inherent in building the format into all SKUs.

Then again, I don't see great success for this idea and in any case, Toshiba had better focus on selling its standalones because at this rate, I expect Blu-ray standalone sales to outpace HD DVD this holiday.

 

[mrkapawutzis]

Has anyone seen inside man? Im thinking about a blind buy. I like the actors, spike lee is awesome and the transfer is supposed to be good.

I thought the movie was excellent. A sort of "non-traditional" Spike Lee Joint but he does a really good job of directing a 70's style crime caper, reminded me of The Parallax View or The Taking Of Pellham. Also the opening montage with the use of Chaiya Chaiya is cool.

 

[Matrix]

I don't think this is true. People on other forums are reporting they've received some of the movies and have even picked up a few at Best Buy. It seems like it's just the usual isolated cases shipping BS.

Sorry,I didnt mean to say you cant find them anywhere,its just you can only find some of them,not all of them instores and online.Amazon.com is a huge online retailer and this has happened with Warner and them before.Happened with Smallville on Blu-ray and Troy.

edit- and the other titles Hota/Cosmic Bus mentioned.


Another exmaple is BarnesandNoble.com has Eyes Wide Shut HD-DVD in stock for example,but the Blu-ray takes 1-2 weeks to get.

 

[Flo_Evans]

Has anyone seen inside man? Im thinking about a blind buy. I like the actors, spike lee is awesome and the transfer is supposed to be good.

Its been on cable recently, I would say rent it. Not spike lees best work. I wasn't even aware he made it. I think he was trying to hard to make an interesting twist and it kinda ruined the movie. Most people seem to like it though so I dunno.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

My order from Warner just arrived as I was heading out the door. The standard DVD boxset I'd ordered for a friend wasn't included, but the Kubrick HD discs are here. *drool*

 

[maynerd]

My order from Warner just arrived as I was heading out the door. The standard DVD boxset I'd ordered for a friend wasn't included, but the Kubrick HD discs are here. *drool*

When did you order and how were they shipped?

 

[Matrix]

My order from Warner just arrived as I was heading out the door. The standard DVD boxset I'd ordered for a friend wasn't included, but the Kubrick HD discs are here. *drool*

Which HD Kubrick movies did you order?

 

[Days like these...]

Just picked up The Shining and 2001. brick and mortar ftw! I cant wait to get home.

 

[polyh3dron]

Yeah, this week for BD releases is gonna hurt my wallet yet again. 2001, FMJ, Mr. Brooks, Meet The Robinsons... damn.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

maynerd/Matrix: I ordered them from WB's online store because of the 25%-off coupon code that was available at the time. Came UPS, although the shipping info that was e-mailed to me doesn't even show the order as being sent yet. :lol

I got the Shining, 2001 and Eyes Wide Shut HD-DVDs, and O Lucky Man on DVD for a friend. The Kubrick DVD set for the same person didn't show, so I went out and picked one up at Best Buy (and the last two Sopranos sets... *splurge*). I'll just keep the receipt and return the one from Warner whenever it arrives.

In regards to A Clockwork Orange, the aspect ratio is 1.66:1, not 1.78:1 like DVD Beaver's review originally stated. He's since corrected the review.

[edit] Apparently, the covers are different in the boxset than for the individual releases and they're ugly as sin. Odd decision.

 

[jjasper]

Got my Spiderman pack today. I probably won't get a chance to watch any of them till tomorrow though.

 

[maynerd]

maynerd/Matrix: I ordered them from WB's online store because of the 25%-off coupon code that was available at the time. Came UPS, although the shipping info that was e-mailed to me doesn't even show the order as being sent yet. :lol

I got the Shining, 2001 and Eyes Wide Shut HD-DVDs, and O Lucky Man on DVD for a friend. The Kubrick DVD set for the same person didn't show, so I went out and picked one up at Best Buy (and the last two Sopranos sets... *splurge*). I'll just keep the receipt and return the one from Warner whenever it arrives.

In regards to A Clockwork Orange, the aspect ratio is 1.66:1, not 1.78:1 like DVD Beaver's review originally stated. He's since corrected the review.

[edit] Apparently, the covers are different in the boxset than for the individual releases and they're ugly as sin. Odd decision.

Do you know when you ordered from WB?

He corrected one portion of the review stating that it is 1.66 but he references the incorrect ratio in other portions. He needs to rewrite the damn thing.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

Do you know when you ordered from WB?

Early September. I'd originally done it back in July but had to cancel that one because the credit card it was under was stolen.

 

[Raistlin]

so I'm kind of new to this thread, but there is really a war on in here? really? It seemed to me like most in this thread have both. If you have both, do you really care which one comes out on top (if either do)?

There are several of us that are concered both may end up dying (or at least niche) unless one comes out on top.

So yeah ... a lot of us care.