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[Cheebs]

Cheebs is railing against a few, but not all.

Yes. There are many (most really) in this topic who are fine but there are a bunch who have it in their heads this niche format will replace dvd.

It is a niche format, is it a good niche format? Hell yes, I plan to buy one when prices go down. But the idea it is in the same playing field as DVD or will be in the near future is something that MUST be let go. Joe Consumer won't buy it. Someone brought up DTS. Does anyone think a 40 year old mother of two knows or cares what DTS is? Because she is the person who is buying the majority of DVD's on the market.

 

[Zoe]

My Australian friend says his copy it has no special marks or something like that on the back, yet he talked about other Blu-ray give away and discounts for PS3 owners, don't know if that happened in NA and EU?

The only official thing in the US is the studio rebates that went out with the first batch.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Someone brought up DTS. Does anyone think a 40 year old mother of two knows or cares what DTS is? Because she is the person who is buying the majority of DVD's on the market.

That someone was me. You completely missed my point. You know what, dude, I'm done with you. You don't ****ing read! Ironic, that YOU were the one going around calling others IDIOTS.

To the rest of you.

That crappy TMNT movie is coming to Blu and HD. Includes Dolby True HD as well. I know some of you were hoping it was Warner, not Weinstein who distributed, well now you've got your answer. Stupid looking cover too. This one was far cooler.

 

[Raistlin]

Yes. There are many (most really) in this topic who are fine but there are a bunch who have it in their heads this niche format will replace dvd.

Meh ... I don't know if it will ever entirely replace DVD, but assuming BD is flying solo in the HD realm in relatively short order ... I can easily see it eventually splitting the market, if not having a majority.

At that point, it will be up to the studios whether or not they keep on releasing DVD. At some point, I could see it being like VHS ... where only big releases come out.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

We're just at the beginning baby.

If HD media can get over the hump of this format war, it'll have a good future to itself.

Even DVD wasn't been adopted at this rate; and you know what HD media has to contend with? Majority of TVs been incompatible (as opposed with DVDs, where all TVs were), market confusion, and simply not as big a leap between the practicals as DVD and VHS (easier storage, fast disc access, no rewinding, etc, etc).

As HDTV adoption rate grows, so to will the desire for media that can take advantage of it.

As that desire grows, so to will the level of informativeness in the market.

I mean... do you still see people plugging DVD players into RF because it's easier; that it was the standard for a while? It's not even possible to do it now.

 

[Sanjuro]

That someone was me. You completely missed my point. You know what, dude, I'm done with you. You don't ****ing read! Ironic, that YOU were the one going around calling others IDIOTS.

To the rest of you.

That crappy TMNT movie is coming to Blu and HD. Includes Dolby True HD as well. I know some of you were hoping it was Warner, not Weinstein who distributed, well now you've got your answer. Stupid looking cover too. This one was far cooler.

Actually the cover should be the one I posted before..

The other image is some fan art from DeviantArt.

 

[Sanjuro]

We're just at the beginning baby.

If HD media can get over the hump of this format war, it'll have a good future to itself.

Even DVD wasn't been adopted at this rate; and you know what HD media has to contend with? Majority of TVs been incompatible (as opposed with DVDs, where all TVs were), market confusion, and simply not as big a leap between the practicals as DVD and VHS (easier storage, fast disc access, no rewinding, etc, etc).

As HDTV adoption rate grows, so to will the desire for media that can take advantage of it.

As that desire grows, so to will the level of informativeness in the market.

I mean... do you still see people plugging DVD players into RF because it's easier; that it was the standard for a while? It's not even possible to do it now.

The problem lies less with the media and digital discs its more the television hardware. You have many people who either
A. Don't have a HDTV
B. Own one but doesn't have it calibrated properly.
C. People not sure what they even have.

While I embrace new technology and excited for what it will bring, I use the word "half-assed computers". All these devices have menus, navigation, and close to identical hardware of computers that alone that scare the living **** out of average joes that they usually give up and just wing it hoping it will all go away.

 

[captive]

The problem lies less with the media and digital discs its more the television hardware. You have many people who either
A. Don't have a HDTV
B. Own one but doesn't have it calibrated properly.
C. People not sure what they even have.

While I embrace new technology and excited for what it will bring, I use the word "half-assed computers". All these devices have menus, navigation, and close to identical hardware of computers that alone that scare the living **** out of average joes that they usually give up and just wing it hoping it will all go away.

B, has absolutly positively no bearing on HD.
I would bet not even 1% of HDTV owners have their TVs properly calibrated, i sure as hell dont, i just made it look as good as possible to me, it would probably make some of the other video people in here cringe.

One thing no one mentions is retailers have started doing promotions of giving away or giving out deals and rebates to people who buy HDTVs where they get HD cable or HD satellite when you buy any HDTV and sometimes blu-ray or HD DVD players depending on the TV you buy.
A friend of mine got the deal for time warner HD cable, and was completly sold on HD afterwards, and he only bought an HDTV to hook up to his 360.
He isnt buying HD movies yet, but him seeing the difference in HD content on TV is a start.

A radio station, 99.5 Kiss FM in San Antonio is doing 40 days of High def. Which is actually pretty cool. They are giving away a 42" toshiba 1080p TV with a toshiba HD DVD player and one free year of Time warner HD with an HD DVR.
Stuff like this is what needs to happen.

 

[Sanjuro]

B, has absolutly positively no bearing on HD.
I would bet not even 1% of HDTV owners have their TVs properly calibrated, i sure as hell dont, i just made it look as good as possible to me, it would probably make some of the other video people in here cringe.

One thing no one mentions is retailers have started doing promotions of giving away or giving out deals and rebates to people who buy HDTVs where they get HD cable or HD satellite when you buy any HDTV and sometimes blu-ray or HD DVD players depending on the TV you buy.
A friend of mine got the deal for time warner HD cable, and was completly sold on HD afterwards, and he only bought an HDTV to hook up to his 360.
He isnt buying HD movies yet, but him seeing the difference in HD content on TV is a start.

A radio station, 99.5 Kiss FM in San Antonio is doing 40 days of High def. Which is actually pretty cool. They are giving away a 42" toshiba 1080p TV with a toshiba HD DVD player and one free year of Time warner HD with an HD DVR.
Stuff like this is what needs to happen.

Well when I mean calibrated I guess I mean that and as well as other settings. Example not utilizing progressive scan or a resolution. I've met 2-4 people in the last couple weeks who failed to do so after owning the TV for some time. So Joe buys an HDTV and fails to secure the proper cables, or enable widescreen, or leaves it at 480i or maybe P.

 

[distantmantra]

My 300 Blu Ray preorder is still open with Fry's... anyone else?

 

[captive]

Well when I mean calibrated I guess I mean that and as well as other settings. Example not utilizing progressive scan or a resolution. I've met 2-4 people in the last couple weeks who failed to do so after owning the TV for some time. So Joe buys an HDTV and fails to secure the proper cables, or enable widescreen, or leaves it at 480i or maybe P.

i would blame part of that on retailers. Yes theres always going to be people who dont give two shits about making their stuff work to their full potential, but retailers need to be educating people on what HD is, why they should consider it, considering they are already buying an HDTV, and they need to do it in a way that doesnt sound like they are just trying to shill more hardware/cables/whatever for the store.
For instance, for HD satellite or cable and blu-ray/hd dvd players thrown in is a great start.

 

[distantmantra]

Bandai Visual USA is starting to come to their senses.

HD Wings of Honneamise, Akira Slated for North America
At this past weekend's A-Kon convention, Tatsunori Konno, the president of Bandai Visual USA, confirmed that the next anime title the company plans to release on new high-definition media will be Wings of Honneamise. According to Bandai Visual after the convention, it is planning both HD DVD and Blu-Ray Disc releases for September 11. Bandai Visual is also planning a Blu-Ray Disc release of Akira, but it has not set the release date.

Now let's look at lowering your prices to North American levels and you'll be completely sane, BVUSA.

 

[XMonkey]

My 300 Blu Ray preorder is still open with Fry's... anyone else?

Same here.

 

[Sanjuro]

i would blame part of that on retailers. Yes theres always going to be people who dont give two shits about making their stuff work to their full potential, but retailers need to be educating people on what HD is, why they should consider it, considering they are already buying an HDTV, and they need to do it in a way that doesnt sound like they are just trying to shill more hardware/cables/whatever for the store.
For instance, for HD satellite or cable and blu-ray/hd dvd players thrown in is a great start.

Like the ****tard at BestBuy who wanted me to purchase a $200 power surge protector for my $800 30" HDTV. Guy must have told me 3 or 4 times he doesnt get commission. I think they have changed it a bit but its still YMMV.

I try my best and help people when they ask me questions. If I get one of those people who already have another question while they don't listen to their last answer I usually brush them off. But some people who want to learn I'm happy to tell.

 

[distantmantra]

And in more Anime on Blu Ray news, Sony is starting to acknowledge something we've unofficially known for a while now. Paprika is more than likely coming to North America this fall.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Donnie Eldridge
Paidgeek,

Is a domestic release of Paprika on the schedule for this year?


Yes, it is being considered for release later this year.

__________________
Sony Pictures BD Insider

 

[Fafalada]

Actually, there is a difference between the Casino Royale sent out with PSN signups and the ones in store.

So I take it that means free discs in every region were different from retail?
I'm asking because Korean PS3 ships with a movie I absolutely don't want(no, not even for free) - but if it's a special disc it won't be possible to exchange it for something more civil in any store I guess.

 

[distantmantra]

So I take it that means free discs in every region were different from retail?
I'm asking because Korean PS3 ships with a movie I absolutely don't want(no, not even for free) - but if it's a special disc it won't be possible to exchange it for something more civil I guess.

What does it come with?

 

[Fafalada]

UltraViolet.
(+ HDMI cable + some other extras).

It's oddly conflicting to see a bundle like that isn't it.

 

[distantmantra]

Sony must have made way too many copies of Ultraviolet that they can't unload...

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

The problem lies less with the media and digital discs its more the television hardware. You have many people who either
A. Don't have a HDTV
B. Own one but doesn't have it calibrated properly.
C. People not sure what they even have.

While I embrace new technology and excited for what it will bring, I use the word "half-assed computers". All these devices have menus, navigation, and close to identical hardware of computers that alone that scare the living **** out of average joes that they usually give up and just wing it hoping it will all go away.

You're right. And that's the point; Given the barriers for HDTV understanding and adoption right now, HD media is doing pretty damn well.

When time progresses, and there's greater HDTV adoption and understanding (as more people become familiar with the technology, the more casuals will be able to access it; have access to a knowledgable friend/family member), the faster HD media will grow.

 

[rubso]

* Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Shaun of the Dead on HD DVD, July 31. Details of the release can be accessed via this blogpost. It will be a non-combo release and will be priced at $29.98 SRP.
* After a couple of changes to their HD DVD release dates previously, Studio Canal has finally announced that Babel will now be on HD DVD in France, June 25 (delayed from June 4). The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1 video with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless (Original theatrical track containing various languages) and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio 5.1 (French). Only French subtitles are provided. Bonus materials may include a making-of documentary and theatrical trailers.

 

[Days like these...]

Geez some of you guys can be pretty rabid. Remind me to never sell my PS3, oh wait... Anyways isnt it abou time microsoft drop the price of their add on? I think it'll be down to $150 or $99 by this fall. What do you guys think?

 

[jjasper]

* Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced Shaun of the Dead on HD DVD, July 31. Details of the release can be accessed via this blogpost. It will be a non-combo release and will be priced at $29.98 SRP.
* After a couple of changes to their HD DVD release dates previously, Studio Canal has finally announced that Babel will now be on HD DVD in France, June 25 (delayed from June 4). The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1 video with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless (Original theatrical track containing various languages) and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio 5.1 (French). Only French subtitles are provided. Bonus materials may include a making-of documentary and theatrical trailers.

Shaun of the dead is old news, Hot Fuzz is coming too.

Also Babel is already out in the US

 

[Cheebs]

At that point, it will be up to the studios whether or not they keep on releasing DVD. At some point, I could see it being like VHS ... where only big releases come out.

Except that only happened after DVD was outselling VHS by a good margin for over a year or two. It wasn't till around 2005 that studio's stopped releasing VHS's for most movies.

DVD has only been the market leader for 3 years remember.

 

[kaching]

DVD has only been the market leader for 3 years remember.

So? Is there some defined amount of time a market leader is supposed to remain market leader after it takes the position? It's not an elected term in office...

 

[heavy liquid]

So? Is there some defined amount of time a market leader is supposed to remain market leader after it takes the position? It's not an elected term in office...

Cheebs' point is that the mainstream has only just re-bought their favorite movies on DVD in the past few years, replacing their VHS tapes which they had been buying for 15+ years.

No way are people like my mom and dad going to buy a Blu-ray player anytime soon. Like millions of other people, they just bought their DVD player about 3 years ago and have a nice collection now. They have a nice Sharp HD projector with an upscaling DVD player and their happy with it, and I'd be willing to bet the mainstream is, too.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for HD. I have a PS3 and HD DVD player, but I'm with Cheebs. At best this will be like Laserdisc; a format for the HT enthusiasts for quite a while.

 

[mrklaw]

Cheebs' point is that the mainstream has only just re-bought their favorite movies on DVD in the past few years, replacing their VHS tapes which they had been buying for 15+ years.

No way are people like my mom and dad going to buy a Blu-ray player anytime soon. Like millions of other people, they just bought their DVD player about 3 years ago and have a nice collection now. They have a nice Sharp HD projector with an upscaling DVD player and their happy with it, and I'd be willing to bet the mainstream is, too.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for HD. I have a PS3 and HD DVD player, but I'm with Cheebs. At best this will be like Laserdisc; a format for the HT enthusiasts for quite a while.

right. And I bought my DVD player 7+ years ago, so I *am* ready to rebuy (I've stopped buying DVDs)

Its cyclical. Hopefully nobody expects HD to take over the reigns overnight.

But I do think that HD will replace DVD, simply by default. Just like VHS was eventually taken off the shelves, retailers will eventually pull DVD. It'll take years of course, but I think it'll happen

 

[Cheebs]

right. And I bought my DVD player 7+ years ago, so I *am* ready to rebuy (I've stopped buying DVDs)

Its cyclical. Hopefully nobody expects HD to take over the reigns overnight.

Yeah but you and people like you (including myself) make up likely less than 5% of the market. DVD's bread and butter is the same as VHS. Middle income families with kids, its not the game market with young adult males having a significant impact.

And the point is like you said you hope nobody thinks it will take the reigns overnight there are people here saying it will happen in under 3 years, I even saw one say BY THIS CHRISTMAS. It took DVD 5 years to do that and VHS was a much older product and DVD had almost no competition. If it took DVD 5 years under prime condidtions there is no way it will be even shorter for Blu-Ray.

*IF* Blu-Ray does take over it will likely take a little under 10 years. This isnt the game market, there is absolutely no rush at all.

 

[distantmantra]

Looks like Fry's might be honoring my 300 Blu Ray preorder. I got an email this morning saying it's out of stock, but they'll fulfill it once it comes out.

 

[jjasper]

Looks like Fry's might be honoring my 300 Blu Ray preorder. I got an email this morning saying it's out of stock, but they'll fulfill it once it comes out.

:lol I got both at the same time:

Thank you for your recent Frys.com order. Unfortunately, a
clerical error was made during the composition of the Ad for an
item contained in order # ***********
Due to the error we will be unable to fulfill your request.
Your order has been cancelled. Please note that your credit card
has not been charged. For further assistance you may contact us
by phone at 1-877-688-7678 or Email at service@outpost.com

Additional information regarding errors and omissions policy can
be obtained at:

http://shop4.outpost.com/template/help/index/FE30/Service3/Assist
ance/Middle_Topics/C6LegalNotices

We apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused.


Sincerely,

Frys.com
Customer Service Team

Thank you for your order. We apologize but the item(s) you
ordered are currently out of stock and we are unable to provide
a definite ship date at this time. However, we continually
receive new merchandise in our warehouse and we hope to fulfill
your order within the next thirty days or sooner if possible.

At this time, your order is still pending and will ship as soon
as the item(s) are in stock. Your order number is ******** .

If you would prefer to cancel, change, or check the status of
your order, you may do so at anytime prior to shipment by
calling customer service at 1-(877)688-7678 (International
customers may call 1(408)350-1484, or e-mail us at
backorders@outpost.com. If you choose to cancel your order
we will provide a full and prompt refund of any charges which
you may have incurred for unshipped items.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for choosing Frys.com


Sincerely,

Frys.com
Customer Service

sent 20 mins apart

 

[djkimothy]

So are you guys getting it for $9 or what? I pre-ordered mine on Amazon, so hopefully it'll arrive in a timely fashion. Not like the Planet Earth crap I got.

 

[jjasper]

So are you guys getting it for $9 or what? I pre-ordered mine on Amazon, so hopefully it'll arrive in a timely fashion. Not like the Planet Earth crap I got.

I just checked the website and it shows mine as cancelled now

 

[distantmantra]

I haven't received a cancellation email from Fry's yet, but I'm sure it will come sometime today.

 

[djkimothy]

It was too good to be true. Serves you guys right, Canada never gets any HDM deals. ...

 

[The Main Event]

Flags of our Fathers HD DVD (low bitrate VC-1) vs BD (high bitrate AVC):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/flagsofourfathers_bd-vs-hd/01.html

The Prestige HD DVD (Warner Bros Europe) vs BD (Buena Vista US):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/theprestige_bd-vs-hd/04.html

 

[rubso]

Flags of our Fathers HD DVD (low bitrate VC-1) vs BD (high bitrate AVC):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/flagsofourfathers_bd-vs-hd/01.html

The Prestige HD DVD (Warner Bros Europe) vs BD (Buena Vista US):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/theprestige_bd-vs-hd/04.html

*FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD*

 

[captive]

*FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD*

except for his unnecessary "high bitrate vs low bitrate"
they look exactly the same to me. Who ****ing cares if one is higher bitrate i mean seriously? Does it ****ing matter, does the disk some how cost you more because the bitrate is higher? No, ok then stfu.

 

[JB1981]

Flags of our Fathers HD DVD (low bitrate VC-1) vs BD (high bitrate AVC):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/flagsofourfathers_bd-vs-hd/01.html

The Prestige HD DVD (Warner Bros Europe) vs BD (Buena Vista US):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/theprestige_bd-vs-hd/04.html

HD-DVD version has more red push.

 

[kaching]

Cheebs' point is that the mainstream has only just re-bought their favorite movies on DVD in the past few years, replacing their VHS tapes which they had been buying for 15+ years.

"Mainstream" is a moving target, it's not a completely static group of people who monolithically move together to do the same thing at the same time. Saying DVD just became market leader 3 years ago is indicative of nothing by itself. It speaks not at all to the fact that this mainstream has been coming onboard with DVD for years prior to the establishment of its market leadership.

The other problem with Cheebs' argument is that he continues to try to silo DVD and HD movie players as distinctly different product markets. But BD or HD-DVD players are nothing more than DVD players with high-end featuresets, when you get right down to it. If someone is in the market for a DVD player today, they could just as easily buy a BD or HD-DVD player to fulfill their needs as a DVD-only player. Look at retailer sales catalogs and you already see that that's exactly how they're positining these players - you'll find BD and HD-DVD players on Best Buy's site by clicking "DVD Players", for example.

Obviously, pricing is still a barrier for most, but those prices will drop significantly within the next couple of years, as will prices on content. There's a natural migration path here that makes this less of a DVD replacement scenario (which is what rankles Cheebs so, but is just a strawman he likes to hang his BD/HDDVD negativity on) and more of a DVD upgrade scenario.

 

[djkimothy]

except for his unnecessary "high bitrate vs low bitrate"
they look exactly the same to me. Who ****ing cares if one is higher bitrate i mean seriously? Does it ****ing matter, does the disk some how cost you more because the bitrate is higher? No, ok then stfu.

It's damage controlfor this:

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/blooddiamond.html

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

Flags of our Fathers HD DVD (low bitrate VC-1) vs BD (high bitrate AVC):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/flagsofourfathers_bd-vs-hd/01.html

The Prestige HD DVD (Warner Bros Europe) vs BD (Buena Vista US):

http://www.mbmg.de/hd-discs/theprestige_bd-vs-hd/04.html

FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD!

No just kidding.

Seriously, codec differences are so overblown; well encoded movie, will look as good as it can regardless. Sure, I can spot minute differences in the 200% blow up, in favour of Bluray... but it's imperceptible unless I spend a minute at 200% mulling over the differences, flipping back and forth between the two.

But stills aren't exactly the best indicator of bitrates I'd think; differences may be more apparent in motion. Or not.


Technical differences aren't going to win the war. Studio support is. No PS3, no Studio support. No studio support no bluray.

Little studio support, little HD-DVD support.

 

[AgentOtaku]

FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD!

No just kidding.

Seriously, codec differences are so overblown; well encoded movie, will look as good as it can regardless. Sure, I can spot minute differences in the 200% blow up, in favour of Bluray... but it's imperceptible unless I spend a minute at 200% mulling over the differences, flipping back and forth between the two.

But stills aren't exactly the best indicator of bitrates I'd think; differences may be more apparent in motion. Or not.


Technical differences aren't going to win the war. Studio support is. No PS3, no Studio support. No studio support no bluray.

Little studio support, little HD-DVD support.

I concur

 

[mollipen]

except for his unnecessary "high bitrate vs low bitrate"
they look exactly the same to me. Who ****ing cares if one is higher bitrate i mean seriously? Does it ****ing matter, does the disk some how cost you more because the bitrate is higher? No, ok then stfu.

Two screenshots. Putting aside the entire bitrate argument, do you really think two screenshot comparisons really gives a solid answer? Also, if they're going to compare, compare scenes with a lot of action going on. I've seen neither of those movies, but from those shots, I'm guessing those scenes really aren't carchase or gunfight-level scenes.

 

[Bebpo]

Two screenshots. Putting aside the entire bitrate argument, do you really think two screenshot comparisons really gives a solid answer? Also, if they're going to compare, compare scenes with a lot of action going on. I've seen neither of those movies, but from those shots, I'm guessing those scenes really aren't carchase or gunfight-level scenes.

Well that's because the maker had an agenda to push.

Sadly in this format war you're not going to find any valid comparisons from non-biased people. I don't think I've seen or met a single dual-format owner who doesn't want one side to win; which makes sense because even if you own both you know that HD discs would be doing much better if only one format existed.

 

[captive]

It's damage controlfor this:

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/blooddiamond.html

That is actually disappointing, I'm buying my dad a PS3 for his birthday, and my mom enjoyed that movie, but i will not subject them to such poor quality.
So far going to get him Planet Earth, Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. To go with their brand new 7.1 Polk surround system im piecing together for them coupled with at least a 60" TV.

 

[Raistlin]

Except that only happened after DVD was outselling VHS by a good margin for over a year or two. It wasn't till around 2005 that studio's stopped releasing VHS's for most movies.

DVD has only been the market leader for 3 years remember.

Unlike some of the nuts here ... I'm talking about >5 years from now.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

Shaun of the dead is old news, Hot Fuzz is coming too.

This may have already been touched on, but someone mentioned earlier in the thread about studios gimping the standard DVD releases in order to draw attention to their HD or Blu-Ray equivalents. This is, more or less, what Universal is doing with Hot Fuzz: the standard DVD is pretty light on extras, whereas the HD-DVD contains everything from the UK two-disc release. It's not going to cause a huge impact on sale, I wouldn't think, but this is likely to become more commonplace.

 

[djkimothy]

That is actually disappointing, I'm buying my dad a PS3 for his birthday, and my mom enjoyed that movie, but i will not subject them to such poor quality.
So far going to get him Planet Earth, Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. To go with their brand new 7.1 Polk surround system im piecing together for them coupled with at least a 60" TV.

Lucky parents.

I've placed Flags of Our Fathers and Letters on my zip list here. I'm awaiting those to be dispatched. I'm only now getting Deja Vu on BD.

 

[Raistlin]

except for his unnecessary "high bitrate vs low bitrate"
they look exactly the same to me. Who ****ing cares if one is higher bitrate i mean seriously? Does it ****ing matter, does the disk some how cost you more because the bitrate is higher? No, ok then stfu.

Actually they don't look exactly the same. For Flags, take note of the suit-coat fabric.

The AVC version does appear to resolve a bit more detail (most likely due to the higher bitrate).


For the Prestige, the VC-1 version looks a bit more detailed. The color is just slightly different ... so that could also play a factor.





Regardless, picking a single frame from a movie probably isn't the best way to compare codecs

 

[The Main Event]

That is actually disappointing, I'm buying my dad a PS3 for his birthday, and my mom enjoyed that movie, but i will not subject them to such poor quality.
So far going to get him Planet Earth, Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. To go with their brand new 7.1 Polk surround system im piecing together for them coupled with at least a 60" TV.

Several people have their Blood Diamond copy in hand already and think that the PQ is nowhere as bad as mentioned in those reviews. Some find the transfer to be great actually.

Sure it might not be perfect, but if the transfer is consistent 90% of the time it's still a must buy if you're fan of the movie.