HD DVD thread - Toshiba: HD DVD DISCONTINUED, REPAIR/SUPPORT CONTINUES, NO BLU PLANS

[rodeojones903]

I'm wondering how good they will sell...no one seemed to like Spidey 3 or Pirates 3.

They will sell extremely well for a blu-ray movie. I think the biggest seller will be the box set with Spiderman 1, 2, 2.1, and 3 all together.

[LinkinPrime]

Caved in and blindly got Hot Fuzz at Best Buy...they had 2 left...Can't believe it actually sold out, thats good for HD DVD.

To anyone that's watched 300 (I asked this a few posts back...) are you guys having any issues with the sound? The battles sound fine, but on the quiter scenes the dialog is extremely low. Is this normal or is my HD DVD f'd up?

[terribledeli]

Aren't all of the previous Platinum releases in the vault? I thought Disney had some weird thing where once they went in they never came out.


There's a slight loop hole. Sleeping Beauty was never released as a Platinum release. The 2003 DVD was just a Special Edition (Lion King was the Platinum release during that span). Same goes for Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo. Disney could feasibly release these titles as Platinum titles on blu-ray without violating their own vault rules. Even then, I'd expect Snow White to show up in 2009 on blu-ray once its required 10 years in the vault expires.

So what are the chances of a Bourne box set at Christmas? I want to pick up the first two, but I'll hold off if a box set is coming.

[Sporadic]

Return To House On Haunted Hill is up on WB's site.

Bad news though, they want 26.95 for it, the same price as a combo.

http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=23035

[bill123]

Caved in and blindly got Hot Fuzz at Best Buy...they had 2 left...Can't believe it actually sold out, thats good for HD DVD.

To anyone that's watched 300 (I asked this a few posts back...) are you guys having any issues with the sound? The battles sound fine, but on the quiter scenes the dialog is extremely low. Is this normal or is my HD DVD f'd up?


Great choice on hot fuzz you wont be disapointed. As for 300 I too had problems with the low audio during the slow parts, I thought it was just my set up. I have the hd-dvd add on maybe that might be the problem?

bill123

[Duo_Maxwell]

For those experiencing low volumes problems, if you don't have a home theatre system and just use the TV speakers you might check to see if your TV has simulated surround (like SRS Surround). If so you maybe able to tinker with that (changing audio on the disc and TV) and/or disable it and maybe see if the dialogue comes through better. I fought with that using DD 5.1 tracks on DVDs with my Samsung that used SRS, it seemed to do a poor job of simulating a center channel. Conversely if you do have a HT setup at home, custom calibrating (if you haven't done so) the speakers if possible, in particular the center channel, may help.

[guyver2077]

just picked up hoit fuxx...


had 2 go to a far azz walmart 4 it

[LinkinPrime]

Guess the 300 sound issue is a standard one than. Thanks.

On a good note, Hot Fuzz kicked ass, now I gotta get Shaun of the Dead...haven't seen that one either.

[guyver2077]

i actually have shaun here 2... i rented it but havent seen it yet

[Malik112099]

my copy of 300 fucks up around chapter 13....sending it back to buy.com on Monday for a new copy

[thrustbucket]

They will sell extremely well for a blu-ray movie. I think the biggest seller will be the box set with Spiderman 1, 2, 2.1, and 3 all together.

I'm still very skeptical of this. I believe the demographic of people investing in Blu-ray (and HD DVD) are mostly people that appreciate fine films than big pop-corn poorly reviewed blockbusters.

Don't get me wrong, I think it will sell very well, but I don't think it will be the blow -the-lids-off-the-market runnaway success people make it sound like it will be. I honestly don't think it will do much better than Casino Royale.

[geko29]

WTF are you talking about? Did I say that my xbox was working weirdly? Or not as intended? My television upscales all non 1080p sources to 1080p. Hence, my original comment of wanting an elite, to get 1080p source straight through to HDMI and into a 1080p native tv. I never said your Xbox was malfunctioning. I was saying it's doing the job (deinterlacing) that your TV is apparently incapable of performing correctly. If it COULD deinterlace properly, there would be no need to set the 360 for 720p (losing half the resolution in the process), because 1080i would look perfect.

But you might want to think about getting a standalone HD DVD player instead of upgrading to the Elite. It'd probably be vastly cheaper to sell the addon and buy an HD-A20 for <$300 than it would be to sell your 360 and buy an Elite. There are other benefits as well. You wouldn't have to go through the hassle of re-purchasing all the XBL content you've acquired (in order to use it offline), you'd have a better deinterlacer/upscaler for SD DVDs than the 360 is, and (most importantly) you'd actually get to enjoy the advanced audio codecs used in HD DVD, which all versions of the 360 (including the Elite) are completely incapable of transmitting to a receiver without downsampling and transcoding. The advances in sound quality on HD DVD/Blu-Ray over SD DVD are FAR more impressive than the advances in PQ, and I'm kinda sad that most people can't take full advantage of them.

If you think that there is no difference between 1080i and 1080p you need more first hand experience. I've had two 1080p TVs sitting next to each other with multiple copies of the same dvds and hd dvds on both and I can assure you that 1080p blows 1080i out of the water.
Trust me, I have plenty of first hand experience. I've had my HD DVD player for about a year now, watched close to 100 movies on it, and test driven dozens of sets. I've invested roughly $20k in equipment for my modest home theater. What I stated was a FACT. I'm sorry if you're offended or you think I'm trying to insult your TV, but it's the plain truth. There is ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE between the amount of information contained HD DVD/Blu-Ray content, whether it is transmitted at 1080i or 1080p. Unfortunately, many sets (including mine and yours) have crappy deinterlacers. This is also a FACT. If 1080p content scaled down to 720p and handed to a 1080p set (to be scaled back up) looks better than when its handed off as 1080i, the deinterlacer sucks. PERIOD.

Crappy deinterlacers (such as the Faroujida/Genesis FLi23xx and many others) don't properly detect the 3:2 film cadence and combine non-matching fields to make an ugly-looking frame. Particularly bad ones (such as those Sony employed in the first two generations of their SXRD sets) don't bother to deinterlace at 1080i at all. Instead they bob down to 540p, then scale back up to 1080p by interpolating the missing lines. Good deinterlacers (such as the Silicon Optix Reon and Realta) know which fields match up and can PERFECTLY re-create the original frames as stored on the disc.

This is why many people buy expensive DVD players with high-end scalers/deinterlacers, standalone video processors ($3k and up), and receivers with advanced video circuitry (like the new Onkyo 875 and 905 with the Reon). Not too many displays (especially less-expensive ones) have decent scalers, and VERY few have decent deinterlacers. So the job has to be done elsewhere.

I knew my LCD had a crappy deinterlacer before I bought it. But since it's duties are 95% PC, 5% Xbox and 0% TV/DVD, everything is done at 1080p (DVI for the PC, first component and now VGA for the 360), the interlacer is irrelevant. If I were planning on watching movies on it, I would never consider hooking the HD-A1 that runs my living-room set up to it, because it would look awful. Instead, I'd either have to have bought a more expensive set with a better deinterlacer, or upgrade to a better HD DVD player (like the $600 HD-XA2 with the Reon).

[guyver2077]

finally got to see shaun of the dead... it was pretty cool...the disc also looks like it has alot of extras..

havent had a chance to see fuzz yet... and yes for tmnt tomorrow!

[LinkinPrime]

finally got to see shaun of the dead... it was pretty cool...the disc also looks like it has alot of extras..

havent had a chance to see fuzz yet... and yes for tmnt tomorrow!

Is the PQ on Shaun of the Dead pretty good?

[Sporadic]

Heads up, there is a 25% off coupon avaliable for Warner's online store and it expires tomorrow.

http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/browsesearchtitles.jsp?functionmode=11&formatType=HD-DVD

promo code = TVWS

I'm going to get all of the Kubrick films, Blade Runner, The Wild Bunch and Best Of HD-DVD vol. 3 boxset.

Is the PQ on Shaun of the Dead pretty good?

It's ok, reminds me of a worst Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

[guyver2077]

Heads up, there is a 25% off coupon avaliable for Warner's online store and it expires tomorrow.

http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/browsesearchtitles.jsp?functionmode=11&formatType=HD-DVD

promo code = TVWS

I'm going to get all of the Kubrick films, Blade Runner, The Wild Bunch and Best Of HD-DVD vol. 3 boxset.



It's ok, reminds me of a worst Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

fuck.. here i go again..

crap.. i still cant add haunted hill to cart..

[guyver2077]

so far..

troy directors cut-$20.21

smallville season 6
$44.97

[guyver2077]

what can anyone tell me about bladerunner.. i know nothing about it.


final order..

Haunted Hill $20.21
Smallville: The Complete Sixth Season (HD)
$44.96
Troy Director's Cut (HD) $20.22

too bad gay tax comes in.. figure in an extra $2 per movie..

still comes out cheaper than amazon
$91.37 total.

i swear this is the first year ever that i spend more money on movies then on games...

now to work on heroes...

[KaneRobot]

rabidmonkeys, really - unless you know what you're talking about, don't start spouting off nonsense about how learned you are in HD technology.

I'll be grabbing this barring bad reviews... (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Eagle_Rock/Music_on_High-Def/Disc_Announcements/Queen_Rocks_Montreal_Headed_to_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD/841) (Queen Rocks Montreal announcement)

[geko29]

what can anyone tell me about bladerunner.. i know nothing about it. The basic premise is mankind has made androids called "replicants" for various purposes (menial tasks, sex, etc). This is fine and legal as long as everybody knows they're replicants, and they don't try to pass themselves off as human. Deckard (Harrison Ford) hunts down the ones that go brezerk or do pretend to be human and "kills" them.

I can't get too much more into the plot without giving away some major spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. It's pretty much a morality tale about what makes one "human", and whether machines can have "life" or a "soul". It's based on a Philip K. Dick (A Scanner Darkly, Total Recall) story called "Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep?".

It's coming out later this year (December IIRC), in several SD and two HD/BR versions. The actual content of both HD/BR sets is exactly the same. 5 discs, 5 versions of the film, tons of special features. The basic set ($27.95 at Amazon) contains just the discs. The special edition ($69.95) comes in a replica of Deckard's briefcase and contains some other memoribilia related to the film. I'm tempted by the fancy version because I'm such a huge fan of the film, but pricing the regular 5-disc set the same as any combo has to be the most incredible deal in the short history of High-Def optical media.

[Sporadic]

what can anyone tell me about bladerunner.. i know nothing about it.

It's directed by Sir Ridley Scott (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000631/#director) and using a Phillip K. Dick story (A Scanner Darkly/Total Recall/Next)

I've never seen it before but those two factors are making me blind buy it.

[GizmoGC]

Not software...but still good news for the format.

Toshiba Announced the A3x Line...
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20070806/tos2_3.jpg

Toshiba takes the Hi Def movie experience to a whole new level with 24 frames per second support, CE-Link connectivity, High Bit Rate Audio
capabilities and unmatched interactivity functionality

WAYNE, N.J., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products,
L.L.C. ("Toshiba"), announced today its third generation of HD DVD players
for the U.S. market. Continuing to outpace the competition in sales of
dedicated high definition players and responding to increased consumer
demand, Toshiba revealed three new sleek and stylish models for an ultimate
HD home movie experience. With all three new models priced under $500
(MSRP), Toshiba is delivering a powerful line-up of HD DVD players designed
to meet the aggressive growth in demand for high definition TVs.

"With a majority market share in unit sales of next generation DVD
players, consumers are speaking loud and clear, and they are adopting HD
DVD as their HD movie format of choice," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of
Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Because of the proven
manufacturing efficiencies of the HD DVD format, Toshiba can bring this
level of innovation in technology to a new generation of players with
cutting-edge functionality at affordable prices."

Building on the success of its first and second generation players, new
leading enhancements in select models in the third generation line include
an improvement in video performance with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p)
support. Movie films are traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and
select Toshiba third generation HD DVD players will be able to maintain
this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native frame
rate.

Also added to the line is "CE-Link" (HDMI(TM)-CEC) connectivity which
offers the capability to communicate with and control another CE device in
a whole new way. For instance, using "CE-Link" with "One Touch Play"
consumers will be able to turn on a CEC capable HDTV and a Toshiba HD DVD
player, and start playing a movie, with a single touch of a button on the
player remote.

Toshiba Third Generation HD DVD Models

Toshiba's third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3
player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models,
Toshiba's HD-A30 and HD-A35, will output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p),
the highest HD signal currently available. Both models are capable of
outputing signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy
movies in their native frame rate. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also
feature "CE-Link" (HDMI-CEC), allowing two- way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

The top-of-the-line HD-A35 also adds support for Deep Color via HDMI
allowing compatible display devices to deliver outstanding video quality -
displaying millions of possible colors to billions of possible colors.

Additionally, the HD-A35 offers 5.1 channel analog output and High Bit
Rate Audio (up to 7.1 channel) via HDMI. With content encoded in 7.1ch,
this advanced surround sound is achieved through the HDMI connection
bypassing the player's internal audio processor and sending the signal to a
7.1 capable A/V receiver. High Bit Rate Audio will allow the consumer to
integrate the HD-A35 with the latest multi-channel A/V receivers and enjoy
a whole new dimension of high definition home entertainment.

All of Toshiba's third generation HD DVD players are refined with new
cosmetic designs. Rounded edges, slim chassis (only 59.5 mm - nearly half
as tall as first generation players) and high gloss, black acrylic face
plates create very sleek devices - a perfect complement to Toshiba's award
winning REGZA(R) HD LCD televisions.

Beyond the Hi Def Movie Experience

Starting with 1st generation players, all of Toshiba's HD DVD players
support the enhanced features of the HD DVD format mandated by the DVD
Forum including picture-in-picture video, audio commentary and the ability
to allow web-enabled network capabilities. Using the Ethernet ports found
on all Toshiba HD DVD players, once connected to the network, users can
access bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This
data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed
by the user. In addition to accessing new bonus features, some HD DVD discs
may include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a
downloadable key from the studio's online server. Web-enabled capability is
now opening the door to a new entertainment experience beyond hi def video
and audio.

"Consumers will always have a consistent experience with HD DVD as we
have an established platform to keep the players updated to ensure the
ultimate HD movie experience," said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President,
Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "A mandatory Ethernet port in all HD DVD
players ensures that consumers can receive updates to their units to
support the latest offerings from the studios and maximizing their
investment in the format."

All of Toshiba's HD DVD models are backward compatible allowing users
to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software while enhancing the
look of regular DVDs by upconverting them to near high definition quality.

For more information on HD DVD, please visit http://www.toshibahddvd.com.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)

Nice blow against Blu-Ray in there. Remember, come October BD-J will be at 1.1 ....meaning all standalone players, including the new Samsung Dual Player (!), will be unable to play certain features of new discs. Only the $2,000 Denon Blu-Ray player will be able to use BD-J 1.1.

[ryanbph]

well my 300 disc came in from amazon, and it was freezing about 1/2 way thru dammit....I have very rarely ordered from amazon, but I was very impressed with how they handle the returns. I should be getting my new 300 disc in tmro, and I will be shipping my copy out tmro as well

[Sporadic]

2001: A Space Odyssey: Special Edition (HD) $14.96
A Clockwork Orange: Special Edition (Dbl HD) $14.96
Eyes Wide Shut: Special Edition (HD) $14.96
Full Metal Jacket: Deluxe Edition (HD) $14.96
The Shining: Special Edition (HD) $14.96
Blade Runner: Complete Collector's Edition (HD) $22.46
The Wild Bunch $14.96
The Best of HD DVD Vol. 3 $44.98

PRODUCT SUBTOTAL: $157.20
Tax: $9.43
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
ORDER TOTAL: $166.63

-----------

Tax sucks but you still can't beat that deal with a stick.

$15.15 a movie.

[LinkinPrime]

Looks like I'll have to wait for TMNT a tad longer, WB didn't ship mine out today :cry:

[doctorfaustus]

Regarding the WB home video website pre-orders, do they charge up-front or when the movies ship?

[CocheseUGA]

Nice blow against Blu-Ray in there. Remember, come October BD-J will be at 1.1 ....meaning all standalone players, including the new Samsung Dual Player (!), will be unable to play certain features of new discs. Only the $2,000 Denon Blu-Ray player will be able to use BD-J 1.1.

Whoa, I know this is the HD-DVD thread, but could you explain that?

[Sporadic]

Regarding the WB home video website pre-orders, do they charge up-front or when the movies ship?

When the movies ship.

They put a hold in when you first order them but after a few days, the charge goes away and then they charge when the movies go out.

[guyver2077]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/guyver2077/006.jpgyou never fail me wb..

[DomLando]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/guyver2077/006.jpgyou never fail me wb..
So does this include anything the Blu Ray version does not?

[guyver2077]

doubtful... i think they are both identical...

[DomLando]

doubtful... i think they are both identical...
Ok thanks for the info.

[LinkinPrime]

Got Disturbia today from Buy.com...I'll watch it late tonight.

[Ruined]

So does this include anything the Blu Ray version does not?

Easily rippable DVD version of the movie.

[rodeojones903]

Are we ever going to see HD DVD players not from Toshiba?


Nice blow against Blu-Ray in there. Remember, come October BD-J will be at 1.1 ....meaning all standalone players, including the new Samsung Dual Player (!), will be unable to play certain features of new discs. Only the $2,000 Denon Blu-Ray player will be able to use BD-J 1.1.

True, but that does not mean all of the current players can not be fixed with a firmware upgrade.

[guyver2077]

Easily rippable DVD version of the movie.

lol..


anyways for anyone that cares.. the movie itself does look pretty good. There isnt much in the extras category.. the disc itself is only 12 gb so that bummed me out.. im betting its a 15gb/9gb double sided disc.. for my $27 (23 at wb) it doesnt feel like im getting moneys worth..

[seanr1221]

Was that picture taken at a football field? :lol:

[geko29]

True, but that does not mean all of the current players can not be fixed with a firmware upgrade.
Not only can CURRENT players not be brought up to 1.1 with a firmware upgrade, UPCOMING players (Sony BDP-S500, Samsung BD-P1400, BDP-2400, and BD-UP5000) will not. They simply do not possess the requisite hardware (256MB of Persistent Storage and a secondary video decoder). I'll have to search for who from Sony let slip about their player, but Samsung's noncompliance was confirmed by Reid Sullivan, vice president of marketing, who said they will not have any players capable of meeting the 1.1 spec until 2008. The BD-UP5000 (dual-format player) WILL have the required amount of storage and a secondary decoder, but they've confirmed they're usable by HD DVD discs ONLY.

This is the reason that the 1.1 implementation date was pushed back from July to November--to enable the manufacturers to rush out third-generation players that don't meet the new spec.

[ryanbph]

has anyone seen disturbia...is a good movie...I really don't care about the transfer quality, I was just wondering if it was worth a purchase as a movie

[guyver2077]

Was that picture taken at a football field? :lol:

actually just outside my house..damn cheap cell phone camera

[LinkinPrime]

has anyone seen disturbia...is a good movie...I really don't care about the transfer quality, I was just wondering if it was worth a purchase as a movie

I blindly purchased it and saw it last night, I loved it! The PQ and SQ are amazing too.

[ryanbph]

thanks linkin...i guess I will be ordering it today :)

[LinkinPrime]

'300' Breaks Blu-ray, HD DVD Sales Records

In a press release issued this morning, the studio boasts that '300' now joins five other Warner titles in the top ten best selling high definition titles -- a list that includes 'The Departed,' 'Superman Returns,' 'Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series,' 'Batman Begins,' and 'Happy Feet.'


The studio was quick to point to its dual-format support as the reason for its success. "This phenomenal response to '300’'is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today’s market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales," said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video.


Warner says it now has a more than 30% market share of high-def disc sales thanks to its dual-format strategy.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Sales/300_Breaks_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_Sales_Records/844

This is the kind of stuff that will make "exclusive" companies go multiformat. Come on Disney :pray:...then again, Universal could go multiformat as well #-o

[ryanbph]

any info on which is the leading product in revenue and or sales

[rodeojones903]

Not only can CURRENT players not be brought up to 1.1 with a firmware upgrade, UPCOMING players (Sony BDP-S500, Samsung BD-P1400, BDP-2400, and BD-UP5000) will not. They simply do not possess the requisite hardware (256MB of Persistent Storage and a secondary video decoder). I'll have to search for who from Sony let slip about their player, but Samsung's noncompliance was confirmed by Reid Sullivan, vice president of marketing, who said they will not have any players capable of meeting the 1.1 spec until 2008. The BD-UP5000 (dual-format player) WILL have the required amount of storage and a secondary decoder, but they've confirmed they're usable by HD DVD discs ONLY.

This is the reason that the 1.1 implementation date was pushed back from July to November--to enable the manufacturers to rush out third-generation players that don't meet the new spec.

Thanks for the info. I'm guessing this is the reason why I can not even order a blu-ray player at work. Best Buy must not want their customers pissed off that a $500-600 movie player to be obsolete so fast or the manufacturers just are not producing that many for the same reason.

Thats a shame because (atleast here in Little Rock) there is a large demand for the Blu-ray stand alones.

[LinkinPrime]

any info on which is the leading product in revenue and or sales

Although not official numbers...Amazon sales rankings are: Blu-Ray #3 and HD DVD #7.

http://amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/dvd/ref=pd_ts_c_th_head/105-2846622-0930853?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_r=10QCE5X3CKV5G4N4SNKE&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=236859601&pf_rd_i=130

[Duo_Maxwell]

Although not official numbers...Amazon sales rankings are: Blu-Ray #3 and HD DVD #7.

http://amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/dvd/ref=pd_ts_c_th_head/105-2846622-0930853?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_r=10QCE5X3CKV5G4N4SNKE&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=236859601&pf_rd_i=130

Slipped to #10 now, I figured it'd be the other way around on Amazon at least cuz I figured that's where everyone would turn to to buy it on HD DVD. I knopw they had the best price out of all the places I saw (save for the WB store's coupon codes).

[LinkinPrime]

Another day and WB still hasn't shipped TMNT...have any of you guys seen the HD DVD yet? How's the PQ/SQ transfer?

[rodeojones903]

Another day and WB still hasn't shipped TMNT...have any of you guys seen the HD DVD yet? How's the PQ/SQ transfer?

Watched the BR today and it looked amazing. Its probably the same transfer so its a good buy. Can't comment on the sound quality since I just moved and have not set up my surround yet. Watching a movie without a good audio set up is torture.

[Ruined]

woot, sendit.com just shipped the UK version of T2 HD DVD :)

[Sporadic]

woot, sendit.com just shipped the UK version of T2 HD DVD :)

Why did you get the UK version?

It's the same thing as the French version but with the packaging in English and missing the theatical cut (disc 1)

[KaneRobot]

I don't know his reasons, but I'll probably get it too (it would be my first import). Between the forced subtitles on the theatrical cut and French-language packaging, I'd rather get the UK version.

Is sendit.com the best place to get it?

[Sporadic]

I don't know his reasons, but I'll probably get it too (it would be my first import). Between the forced subtitles on the theatrical cut and French-language packaging, I'd rather get the UK version.

The forced subtitles on the theatrical are resizeable, you can make them sit solely in the black bar.

Plus it's just a bonus on top of the director's cut (disc from the UK version).

If you really hated it, you could always sell it. I've seen it go for $15/20 for disc only.

[Ruined]

BDA disabling BD-R/RE playback in new Blu-Ray standalones & firmwares to curb piracy!

The Blu-Ray Disc Association is permanently crippling BD-R playback in new players now. It is being done to curb piracy, at the expense of people who like to produce their own hidef discs (for weddings, sports events, backups, etc). They are apparently coming out with special AACS blanks, but they aren't available now and it is unknown how compatible they will be - and they could be very expensive.

Say goodbye to open formats like DVD-R/DVD+R if Blu-Ray wins the format war:

Blu-ray players were never supposed to support BDMV authored content using ordinary data type BD-R or BD-RE media. An exemption was made for a number of months so that available blank discs could be used for testing and other promotional activities; this exemption expired recently...

...The players were not permitted to play movie content from the current blank media to begin with. There was an exception made for a short period of time to help facilitate testing and demonstrations. This issues has been given consideration since before the launch of the format. The fundamental issue is easy to understand. The studios cannot accept the use of blank media for making clones of copyrighted discs. The computer industry wants to empower consumers to fully utilize the format and that is fine, so long as measures are taken to protect copyright...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11237686&&#post11237686
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11240083&&#post11240083
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=886153
http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?showtopic=25294
http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?showtopic=23713

Just another reason to keep full support for HD DVD! No crippled recordable discs!

[LinkinPrime]

BDA disabling BD-R/RE playback in new Blu-Ray standalones & firmwares to curb piracy!

The Blu-Ray Disc Association is permanently crippling BD-R playback in new players now. It is being done to curb piracy, at the expense of people who like to produce their own hidef discs (for weddings, sports events, backups, etc). They are apparently coming out with special AACS blanks, but they aren't available now and it is unknown how compatible they will be - and they could be very expensive.

Say goodbye to open formats like DVD-R/DVD+R if Blu-Ray wins the format war:



http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11237686&&#post11237686
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11240083&&#post11240083
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=886153
http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?showtopic=25294
http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?showtopic=23713

Just another reason to keep full support for HD DVD! No crippled recordable discs!

Holly fuck...thats a horrible move. I understand the piracy portion of it but not allowing people to make their own home movies is just plain retarted.

[thrustbucket]

Holly fuck...thats a horrible move. I understand the piracy portion of it but not allowing people to make their own home movies is just plain retarted.

What is funny is watching the two main Sony insiders try and explain the details in the insiders forum and they are contradicting each other.

[LinkinPrime]

TMNT got reviewd by HighdefDigest.com
4 1/2 stars out of 5 for PQ and SQ :applause:
Want your jaw to drop? Skip to the scene where Leo fights Raph atop a neon-lit building in the rain -- note the droplets of water as they splash on the turtles and cascade to the ground. Even better, black levels and contrast are dead on (as they are throughout the film) and the flicker of the lights make this one of the most impressive high-def scenes I've had the pleasure of watching. The entire image is much darker than one might expect from an animated film, but it provides the picture with dimension that crafts a considerable illusion of depth.

...

While 'TMNT' may be convoluted and nonsensical at times, it has some of the finest animated fight scenes and CG animation I've seen in a long time. Likewise, this HD DVD release is a technical wonder with an excellent video transfer and an impressive Dolby TrueHD audio mix.
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/902/tmnt.html

[rodeojones903]

Then what is the point of making blu-ray camcorders?

http://hometheater.about.com/b/a/211390.htm

http://news.com.com/Hitachi+concocting+Blu-ray+camcorder/2100-1041_3-6122116.html

[thrustbucket]

Then what is the point of making blu-ray camcorders?

http://hometheater.about.com/b/a/211390.htm

http://news.com.com/Hitachi+concocting+Blu-ray+camcorder/2100-1041_3-6122116.html

Exactly everyone's question.

Nobody knows for sure yet, not even Sony insiders, but it appears that camcorder discs should play on BD players. The problem is when people try to use some advanced mode of authoring to do their own professional menus. There is question that it won't work. They are blaming the studios for demanding AACS for burnable media.

[CocheseUGA]

Sony makes yet another dumb copy-protection move. Not surprising.

[Ruined]

Exactly everyone's question.

Nobody knows for sure yet, not even Sony insiders, but it appears that camcorder discs should play on BD players. The problem is when people try to use some advanced mode of authoring to do their own professional menus. There is question that it won't work. They are blaming the studios for demanding AACS for burnable media.

Basically you can playback a dumbed down camcorder movie but if you try to use any of the new hidef features such as nice menus, pip, or virtually anything more than standard DVD is capable of, you are out of luck.

[Sporadic]

Oh, if anybody is thinking about importing The Pianist, do it as quickly as possible.

Fantastic movie that pisses all over Schindler's List and the picture quality is pretty decent for imports.

[LinkinPrime]

On an interesting turn of events...I checked myexpresscheckout.com for the status on my TMNT and it now says it shipped Monday with a delivery date of today. Hopefully I'll be able to stay up tonight to watch it.

[KaneRobot]

The forced subtitles on the theatrical are resizeable, you can make them sit solely in the black bar.
I am aware of this...but they're still visible, correct? No thanks.

[Sporadic]

I am aware of this...but they're still visible, correct? No thanks.

Again, in the black bar....on the Theatrical version (disc 1) only.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/291/54369283lf8.jpg

You could take a black piece of paper and prop it in front of your TV or if the thought of them being there really send you up the walls, you could sell the bonus disc for just about half the price of the whole thing.

Buying the UK version is basically buying a gimped French copy with English packaging for the same amount of money.

[guyver2077]

just finished watching the ralph leo fight in tmnt.... fucking bad ass

[terribledeli]

Picked up TMNT, Hot Fuzz, 40 Year Old Virgin, and Bourne Identity this week.

Kevin Monroe is extremely boring on the TMNT features. Maybe I'm completely retarded, but is there any way to watch the delete scenes, etc. without him talking over them? Fantastic transfer though.

I'm a little disappointed with the special features on Hot Fuzz. There's an insane amount of them,yes, but they all feel like Universal Exec's sat around and said "Take all the Shaun neat features (botched censor, etc.) and redo them for this movie"

Nick Frost stole the movie though. I really thought it'd be Shaun of the Dead with Cop movies, but Pegg and Wright really did their homework. All the little things officers quirks are in the movie.

I'm sure its been covered infinitely amount of times, but how are the HD DVD exclusive features on Smoking Aces? The Assassin tracker looked cool on the back, but is it pretty useless?

[rabidmonkeys]

rabidmonkeys, really - unless you know what you're talking about, don't start spouting off nonsense about how learned you are in HD technology.

I'll be grabbing this barring bad reviews... (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Eagle_Rock/Music_on_High-Def/Disc_Announcements/Queen_Rocks_Montreal_Headed_to_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD/841) (Queen Rocks Montreal announcement)

Right, because that is exactly what I did... Thank you for continually driving this OT. If you want to speak to me feel free to PM me. Don't bring it back here.

[rsigley]

Oh, if anybody is thinking about importing The Pianist, do it as quickly as possible.

Fantastic movie that pisses all over Schindler's List and the picture quality is pretty decent for imports.

mine actually just got here today, can't wait to watch it

not much i'm looking to pick up for HD DVD this month, maybe Dawn of the Dead and that Bell Witch movie if it gets good reviews

might pick up lookout and vacancy on blu ray, liked both of those in theater

[Sporadic]

mine actually just got here today, can't wait to watch it

not much i'm looking to pick up for HD DVD this month, maybe Dawn of the Dead and that Bell Witch movie if it gets good reviews

might pick up lookout and vacancy on the other formats, liked both of those in theater

I don't think you will be disappointed with it.

--------

Yeah, this month doesn't have alot that I want either but after that it's going to ramp up.

August: What Dreams May Come, Dawn Of The Dead
September: Best Of HD-DVD Vol 3, Next, The Wild Bunch
October: A Room With A View, Galapagos, 2001, A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut, Full Metal Jacket, The Shining
November: Queen Rocks Montreal
December: Blade Runner: Complete Collection

Thankfully most of those are already paid for. :)

[terribledeli]

Discovery's version of Planet Earth reviewed
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/984/planetearth_us.html

Once again, we're left out in the cold regarding "Planet Earth - The Future"

This Discovery Channel domestic version of the series ends up being quite different from its next-gen predecessor. On the content side, over 50 minutes worth of content has been snipped, yet a half hour of supplements have been added. And while some may prefer Sigourney Weaver's narration over the BBC's David Attenborough, the video on this edition is clearly inferior to the five star BBC version.

I was holding out on Planet Earth just in case Discovery added a hi-def version of "Planet Earth - The Future"

[LinkinPrime]

Wow, the BBC version has better PQ according to both reviews...guess it was good to be an early adopter on that one :D

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone think that Universal will eventually stop selling their movies on DVD and sell them strictly on HD DVD/DVD combos? I read a thread over on the HighDefDigest.com forums and this guy brought up a great point...if they dropped the HD DVD/DVD combos to at the most $19.99 and released the movie only in the combo format, DVD consumers would be forced to buy the HD DVD/DVD combo and thus would help out the HD DVD camp...when average Joe consumer buys "The Bourne Ultimatum" on HD DVD/DVD and other titles...later down the road when he's looking to upgrading to HD, he can look at his collection and the obvious choice would be HD DVD.

Does anyone think that can potentially happen in the near future?

[Sporadic]

Anyone think that Universal will eventually stop selling their movies on DVD and sell them strictly on HD DVD/DVD combos? I read a thread over on the HighDefDigest.com forums and this guy brought up a great point...if they dropped the HD DVD/DVD combos to at the most $19.99 and released the movie only in the combo format, DVD consumers would be forced to buy the HD DVD/DVD combo and thus would help out the HD DVD camp...when average Joe consumer buys "The Bourne Ultimatum" on HD DVD/DVD and other titles...later down the road when he's looking to upgrading to HD, he can look at his collection and the obvious choice would be HD DVD.

Does anyone think that can potentially happen in the near future?

That will never ever happen.

They aren't going to risk sales from their DVD cash cow for what is basically 1% of the market.

At this point I don't believe that Universal is trying to win the "format war", they are just holding on until combo players become the standard.

[LinkinPrime]

That will never ever happen.

They aren't going to risk sales from their DVD cash cow for what is basically 1% of the market.

At this point I don't believe that Universal is trying to win the "format war", they are just holding on until combo players become the standard.

I'm just saying if they drop it down to the MSRP of a regular DVD...they could drive HD DVD up, though I could see how the red HD DVD cases will confuse certain consumers.

[terribledeli]

Does anyone think that can potentially happen in the near future?

Not a chance. The average consumer is too uninformed. If it did take place, I'd imagine the Target Customer Service area would be full of people complaining one side of their DVD wouldn't play in their player. To this day, many consumers are still blown away by "Black bars ruining my pictures"

There was a discussion on some forum (AVS maybe?) about Sony's upcoming Blu-ray displays during this Christmas season. Someone pointed out three plausible scenarios that will most likely happen (I'm paraphrasing of course)

1) A customer will pick up the blu-ray disc. Ask a worker for more information. Be turned off by the price of the player and put it back.

2) A customer will pick up the blu-ray disc. Ask a worker for more information. Will purchase the player and the disc.

and the third option, and most reaslistic

3) A customer will pick up the blu-ray disc. Ask a worker for more information. Take it home. Return it two hours later complaining it won't work in their DVD player.

I'd like to see more "downgrading" from Universal like they did with Army of Darkness and Unleashed. Maybe offer the combo discs for a six month period, giving everyone who'd want a combo disc ample time to purchase them.

[thrustbucket]

That will never ever happen.

They aren't going to risk sales from their DVD cash cow for what is basically 1% of the market.



I disagree. I think HD DVD must do this if they want to stay in the market, it's just a question of when.

From what I understand, the price of making HD DVD's is really quite low. Simply selling combos instead of DVD's wouldn't cost that much more if they replaced DVD's, because they would sell as much as DVD's. They would also not be any more expensive than DVD's to the consumer.

I would also think they would put combos in entirely different packaging than HD DVD's so DVD consumers could know they are getting a DVD with HD DVD as a bonus, to avoid confusion.

At this point I don't believe that Universal is trying to win the "format war", they are just holding on until combo players become the standard.
Combos can't become the standard until they replace dvd's on shelves.

All I know is it's got to be well known to all in the HD DVD camp that if something like that happened, they would win the war hands down almost immediately. It's just a question of how much the studios care about HD adoption.

My greatest hope for HD DVD is that this happens sooner than later.

[ryanbph]

what dreams may come should be graphically stunning...I remember seeing that with my wife when it came out and the visuals, for the time, where very nice.

[Sporadic]

The preorder link for the UK HD-DVD verison of Pan's Labyrinth is up over at Amazon.co.uk

£18.74

Set for release November 12th

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pans-Labyrinth-DVD-Doug-Jones/dp/B000UYBP0A//026-9891687-3167656?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1186785095&sr=8-13

what dreams may come should be graphically stunning...I remember seeing that with my wife when it came out and the visuals, for the time, where very nice.

Yeah, mine shipped from buy.com today.

I should hopefully have it next week along with my movies from Blockbuster.com (TMNT, Matrix, Disturbia)

Combos can't become the standard until they replace dvd's on shelves.

I disagree.

As player prices come down it's only a matter of time until somebody releases a reasonable priced combo.

People don't want to fuck around with two formats or choose one. They want the easiest fix.

[terribledeli]

Evan Almighty and Knocked Up officially announced for an October and September release respectively.

How was Knocked Up, by the way?

[thrustbucket]

How was Knocked Up, by the way?

I haven't seen it, but it is pretty much the most highly rated comedy of the year so far. Superbad could replace it though.

[edison]

I really enjoyed Knocked Up in the theater, and would put it above 40 year old Virgin in preference. Superbad is really funny, reminded me a lot of movies like Porky's minus the nudity, but I rate Knocked Up a little above it too.

[armyjon99]

Ive seen Smokin Aces, Midnight Run, Bruce Almighty all very good movies except for the quality in MDR it was lacking in some parts.

[GizmoGC]

Wonder how Bell Witch will be since it was shot with HD DVD and Blu-ray in mind IIRC.

[Sporadic]

Good news for combo haters.

Warner waves bye-bye to just about all of their combo releases.

Well, on selected titles anyway... Warner Home Video have announced the US HD DVD re-release of several titles, all previously issued as HD DVD Combos, as regular single-sided HD DVD releases on 2nd October 2007. Beyond that there is absolutely no difference in terms of content, with everything previously found on the HD DVD sides present and accounted for, while retail prices are dropped in-line with their Blu-ray and non-combo counterparts (so $34.99 SRP on New Releases, and $28.99 SRP on Catalogue titles).

Titles priced at $34.99 SRP are: The Ant Bully, The Departed, The Fountain, Happy Feet, Lady in the Water, The Lake House, Letters from Iwo Jima, Rumor Has It and Superman Returns

Titles priced at $28.99 SRP are: Good Night, and Good Luck and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65599

[RedvsBlue]

Well I'll probably pick up Kiss Kiss Bang Bang now

[SteveMcQ]

Good news for combo haters.

Warner waves bye-bye to just about all of their combo releases.



http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65599HALLELUJAH!!!!

[KingDox]

Good news for combo haters.

Warner waves bye-bye to just about all of their combo releases.



http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65599


I can't wait to read that some place that spins it into another sign HD-DVD is dead.

[Ruined]

Good news for combo haters.

Warner waves bye-bye to just about all of their combo releases.



http://dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65599

Insiders have indicated that combos from Warner are not going away. Instead, they will take the "Universal" approach - combos first, then they will release them as standard HD DVDs later at a lower price.

[Sporadic]

Wow, here's a movie I never expected to see released in HD anytime soon but I guess I should have learned my lesson when Tremors was on Universal's leaked release list.

The Omega Man has been announced for November 12th

http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=23281
http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=23282

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Insiders have indicated that combos from Warner are not going away. Instead, they will take the "Universal" approach - combos first, then they will release them as standard HD DVDs later at a lower price.

But Universal doesn't do that. They only canned combos for their catalog releases, never have they re-released a day-and-date release.

[guyver2077]

finally got around to seeing hot fuzz

boy this is one good looking disc.. i actually enjoyed the movie and i thought it was alot better than shaun of the dead

[terribledeli]

I was going to pick up a couple of those Warner combos. I guess I'll hold off for now.

I found it buried a while back, but BBC's Robin Hood Series 1 is coming to HD DVD in the UK in November. Since my wife loved that series, I guess I already know what my first import will end being.

Sign me up for the Omega Man as well.

[KaneRobot]

Got The Road Warrior in the mail from the Warner sale yesterday. Love that movie. I could have sworn I saw Mad Max was coming (as in import, anyway) as well...that would be nice. Not a big fan of the third film so no big loss there if it never comes out.

I need to get Hot Fuzz, I've seen enough people I trust for opinions saying it was a solid movie so it'll be a blind buy for me.

[Deadpool]

Wow, here's a movie I never expected to see released in HD anytime soon but I guess I should have learned my lesson when Tremors was on Universal's leaked release list.

The Omega Man has been announced for November 27th

:applause: :applause: :applause:




Bad ass!!!

[thrustbucket]

That is most likely because the remake of Omega Man (I am legend) is coming out right about that time too.

[Sporadic]

That is most likely because the remake of Omega Man (I am legend) is coming out right about that time too.

Yeah, it comes with a free movie ticket to I Am Legend.

Hopefully they do the same thing with The Invasion. I would love to have the original Invasion Of The Body Snatchers or the 1976 remake in HD.

[guyver2077]

heroes is almost here.!!!!!

also cant wait for sept 18 for smallville 6

[terribledeli]

Picked up Dreamgirls, 300, Constantine, and the "Good Times with Weapons" HD DVD Best Buy was handing out a couple of months ago today.

My wife said they've pulled them from the back in preparation for Season 10 next week. She tried to scan it but it came up invalid bar code so she just took one.

[Sporadic]

Well that sucks.

My first HD-DVD porn showed up (Dreamgirlz) and AdamEve sent me the DVD version :cry:

They said it must have been a mix up at the warehouse and are sending me a prepaid label to put on the package to mail back.

[asianxcore]

heroes is almost here.!!!!!


Excitement. Hopefully I won't have trouble finding the HD version in B&M stores


I would love to have the original Invasion Of The Body Snatchers or the 1976 remake in HD.

That would be amazing.

[thrustbucket]

heroes is almost here.!!!!!

also cant wait for sept 18 for smallville 6

Don't forget BSG. The best TV show announcement for HD DVD so far.

[Deadpool]

On a side note Escape From New York was on Cinemax HD last night and it looked GLORIOUS!

[bill123]

That I definitely can't wait for. I wonder(and hope) that they'll bring the latter seasons to HD-DVD as well. That show will look fantastic in HD. I can't wait. Do we know when the first season hits yet?


Don't forget BSG. The best TV show announcement for HD DVD so far.

[RedvsBlue]

That I definitely can't wait for. I wonder(and hope) that they'll bring the latter seasons to HD-DVD as well. That show will look fantastic in HD. I can't wait. Do we know when the first season hits yet?

According to high def digest http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html its on the schedule for Dec. 4.

[guyver2077]

just finished watching shooter.. pretty bad ass movie..

may consider getting it..but why the fuck is it priced as a combo disk when its not..

[Deadpool]

just finished watching shooter.. pretty bad ass movie..

may consider getting it..but why the fuck is it priced as a combo disk when its not..

Because like Universal, Paramount hates us and won't lower any damn prices!

[GizmoGC]

Because like Universal, Paramount hates us and won't lower any damn prices!

Paramount? REALLY?

Well...

"Based on conversations with multiple sources, we believe that Paramount is set to make the vast majority of its catalog available exclusively in the HD-DVD format (unclear whether that includes titles from its sister studio DreamWorks).

While Paramount (owned by Viacom) has some on-going commitments to release new release titles in Blu-ray, it is unclear how long that commitment lasts and how comprehensive the agreement is.

Up until now, Paramount and DreamWorks (live action) were releasing in both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats. The reason for shifting catalog exclusivity to HD-DVD would appear to be substantial upfront dollars. We expect these dollars could have a meaningfully positive impact on Viacom's film profitability in 2H '07 and full-year 2008.

Separately, it appears that DreamWorks Animation is set to announced that 3-5 key titles (some catalog, some new releases, but details are still fuzzy) over the next several years will be made available exclusively in HD-DVD.

While we are somewhat surprised to see DWA favor a format given its smaller number of releases in a year similar to Paramount, we suspect the driving force of the decision was upfront payments to increase their support of HD-DVD. Given DWA's size, the financial impact on EPS in 2008-2010 could be a positive catalyst for the stock (we are still assuming that Shrek The Third is coming out in both formats in November 2007).

Prior to these revelations, we believe HD-DVD was essentially "dying a slow death," as Universal was the only studio exclusive to HD-DVD (and its box office was not strong enough this year to make a difference), far outweighed by the Blu-ray only studios (Sony, Fox, Disney, MGM, and Lionsgate.) Even though Sony's PS3 has been disappointing from a sales standpoint, Blu-ray DVD sales had begun to notably accelerate based on the content being made available. However, the Paramount/DWA moves alter the landscape meaningfully, as Paramount (Including DW/DWA titles) is the leading theatrical distributor year-to-date (enabling its catalog DVDs to "ride the coattails" of the success of successful theatrical films being released on DVD for the first time.)"\

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...vd-format-war/

Apparently a few people have heard the news on TV making it official...but we'll see. Blu-boys are going NUTS right now.

[guyver2077]

nice! but we dont need speculation.. we need damn confirmation!

[GizmoGC]

CONFIRMATION!



And now for the OFFICIAL News...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070820/ap_on_hi_te/dueling_dvd_formats;_ylt=Avyiq1znBvA61M311YWV25ms0 NUE
Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced Monday that they will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray, a move that further complicates the race between the competing technologies.


The move by the two studios will include the upcoming blockbuster "Shrek the Third" and all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Studios and retailers have been choosing sides.

"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures.

Likewise, people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.

And it has begun! HD DVD is the first format to lure a significant Neutral to HD DVD exclusive (at least how the Yahoo article seems). Transformers....HD DVD only? Damn...

[Sporadic]

CONFIRMATION!



And now for the OFFICIAL News...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070820/ap_on_hi_te/dueling_dvd_formats;_ylt=Avyiq1znBvA61M311YWV25ms0 NUE


And it has begun! HD DVD is the first format to lure a significant Neutral to HD DVD exclusive (at least how the Yahoo article seems). Transformers....HD DVD only? Damn...

:applause: Nice.

Now let the Paramount torrent (TITANIC) begin!

[GizmoGC]

:applause: Nice.

Now let the Paramount torrent (TITANIC) begin!

Smurfs are going NUTS all over. I made sure to register and post the news on TheDigitalBits just for Bill.

[doubledown]

Yes, good news for HD-DVD, but still just confirms that the dual format is not going away anytime soon. I have both, so either way is fine with me....although, I feel my PS3 is a bit better than the 360-HD DVD player I have.

[GizmoGC]

Its Official as of TODAY!!!!


PARAMOUNT AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION EACH DECLARE EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR HD DVD

Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD

Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of “Blades of Glory,” Followed by “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third,” Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office.

Los Angeles, CA, August 20, 2007 – Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSEWA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit “Blades of Glory” on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third”. These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.

“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. “Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.

“We decided to release “Shrek the Third” and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience – families,” stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We believe the combination of this year’s low- priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.”

With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans.

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today’s announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fourteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, and Shrek the Third. DreamWorks Animation’s newest release, Bee Movie, opens in theaters November 2, 2007.

[doubledown]

I find it odd that they would start with Blades of Glory. I would assume they already pressed though discs for Blu-Ray. Who knows, maybe it will be a rare title if some get leaked.

[GizmoGC]

I find it odd that they would start with Blades of Glory. I would assume they already pressed though discs for Blu-Ray. Who knows, maybe it will be a rare title if some get leaked.

Exactly...Time to hit up Suncoast for an early copy...8-)

[Sporadic]

Smurfs are going NUTS all over. I made sure to register and post the news on TheDigitalBits just for Bill.

Yeah, I'm not too excited over this (I would have preferred a Blu exclusive studio to go neutral) but it's nice to see the "UNIVERSAL IS THE ONLY REASON HD-DVD IS ALIVE AND I HAVE A FEELING IN MY BUM KNEE THAT THEY ARE GOING NEUTRAL BY THE END OF THE YEAR" argument finally be put to rest.

[LinkinPrime]

Fuck! Paramount has my full support now...Transformers exclusive to HD DVD :bouncy:

[Mr. Anderson]

Wow, this is quite a blow to Blu-ray. I may actually pick up a 360 HD-DVD player sooner than later. :D

[wckddudeman]

Transformers HD-DVD exclusive may even manage to sell the sony fanboy in my group of friends.

[LinkinPrime]

Wow, this is quite a blow to Blu-ray. I may actually pick up a 360 HD-DVD player sooner than later. :D

Get it this week at Best Buy and you'll get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free + King Kong and 5 other movies = $179.99

[Ruined]

I have an idea. Everyone who is hardcore HD DVD in this thread preorder/order every damn Paramount title you want right now to show them your support!

[Mr. Anderson]

Get it this week at Best Buy and you'll get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free + King Kong and 5 other movies = $179.99

Geez, that's an amazing deal. I might just take advantage; thanks for the tip Linkin.

[GizmoGC]

Get it this week at Best Buy and you'll get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free + King Kong and 5 other movies = $179.99

I'm on my way now to get another one!

Linkin, can you change this thread title to include Paramount exclusive?

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4662/hddvdknockoutbd1.jpg

[thrustbucket]

Wow. That is exactly the news I had been waiting for. Awesome. Very Awesome.

I thought Transformers was WB though?

[KaneRobot]

I'm on it.

Oh, and HELL YEAH.

[Sporadic]

I just went through the list of Paramount movies on Wiki and I would love to see these movies released.

The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Nutty Professor (1963)
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965)
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
The Godfather 1-3
Chinatown (1974)
Charlotte's Web (1973 film)
Indiana Jones 1-3
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Pet Sematary (1989)
Naked Gun 1-3
The Addams Family (1991)
Wayne's World (1992)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Tommy Boy (1995)
Congo (1995)
Beavis and Butt-head Do America (1996)
Titanic (1997)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The Truman Show (1998)
Dead Man on Campus (1998)
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Shaft (2000)
Vanilla Sky (2001)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Collateral (2004)
The Weather Man (2005)

[KaneRobot]

I'm on my way now to get another one!

Linkin, can you change this thread title to include Paramount exclusive?

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4662/hddvdknockoutbd1.jpg

haha. I enjoyed this one myself...

http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/callback_issues/211_1.gif

[benjamouth]

Anyone think the Paramount release already on Blu-Ray might become rare and valuable?

Not that I'm looking to make a quick buck or anything ;)

EDIT - I hate this dual format crap, but if there's cash to be made...................

[GizmoGC]

Anyone think the Paramount release already on Blu-Ray might become rare and valuable?

Not that I'm looking to make a quick buck or anything ;)

EDIT - I hate this dual format crap, but if there's cash to be made...................

Blades of Glory has already been produced and is in back rooms right now...I'm sure some will trickle out...

[benjamouth]

Blades of Glory has already been produced and is in back rooms right now...I'm sure some will trickle out...

What about the stuff they've already released, worth raiding Amazon for ?

[Sporadic]

Blades of Glory has already been produced and is in back rooms right now...I'm sure some will trickle out...

It wouldn't surprise me.

A few Blu-Ray Robocop s got leaked out even though MGM did a recall before it was released.

What about the stuff they've already released, worth raiding Amazon for ?

I would guess, no.

[asianxcore]

Wow.

Thankfully I am a dual-supporter. Gotta have my Transformers on HD-DVD

[guyver2077]

finally! some good news!

transformers exclusive is huge.. hopefully the marketing campaign follows through

[Maynard]

meh

[guyver2077]

I have an idea. Everyone who is hardcore HD DVD in this thread preorder/order every damn Paramount title you want right now to show them your support!

i agree.. order away...

start with shooter!

what else is coming soon?

[Sporadic]

i agree.. order away...

start with shooter!

what else is coming soon?

Blades Of Glory
Saturday Night Fever
Next
Top Gun
The Jack Ryan Collection (The Sum of All Fears/Clear and Present Danger/Patriot Games/The Hunt For Red October)
Face/Off
Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One

[thrustbucket]

meh

Says thousands of PS3/Bluray supporters.

[guyver2077]

was next any good?

[KaneRobot]

meh
LOL, yes, clearly this is totally insignificant news.


For a highly amusing read, go check out Bill Cunt's latest column at thedigitalbits.com...his infantile whining and shell-shocked reaction is awesome. Among the points made:

1) Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is what did this, and Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is only harming the HD disc industry. Unlike Sony's squeaky-clean money, some of which seems to go into his pocket.

2) OMG SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AREN'T NECESSARILY INCLUDED IN THIS DEAL SO THE ENTIRE DEAL IS WORTHLESS BECAUSE ALL THAT MATTERS IS SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AND OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING ELSE IN PARAMOUNT ISN'T WORTH A PILE OF SHIT

3) HD DVD "still isn't going to win." This is the most amusing change of all that I have seen so far - people going from "HD DVD is dead" to "HD DVD isn't going to win" and acting like there's no change. Sorry, but that's a big difference.

[Sporadic]

was next any good?

I've never seen it before.

It's based off a Philip K. Dick book and has Nick Cage, so I was just planning on blind buying it.

[GizmoGC]

LOL, yes, clearly this is totally insignificant news.


For a highly amusing read, go check out Bill Cunt's latest column at thedigitalbits.com...his infantile whining and shell-shocked reaction is awesome. Among the points made:

1) Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is what did this, and Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is only harming the HD disc industry. Unlike Sony's squeaky-clean money, some of which seems to go into his pocket.

2) OMG SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AREN'T NECESSARILY INCLUDED IN THIS DEAL SO THE ENTIRE DEAL IS WORTHLESS BECAUSE ALL THAT MATTERS IS SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AND OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING ELSE IN PARAMOUNT ISN'T WORTH A PILE OF SHIT

3) HD DVD "still isn't going to win." This is the most amusing change of all that I have seen so far - people going from "HD DVD is dead" to "HD DVD isn't going to win" and acting like there's no change. Sorry, but that's a big difference.

Gotta love Blu-Biill :lol:

[Blitz]

Wow.

Thankfully I am a dual-supporter. Gotta have my Transformers on HD-DVD


I support both also. Competition is always good IMO.

[GizmoGC]

My god! Some people are really on the verge of suicide on some forums (AVS, Blu-Ray.com, TDB). Holy crap.

[benjamouth]

I support both also. Competition is always good IMO.

Yeah great, I wish there was 4 formats so I could by 4 different players.

Sooner MS kills HD-DVD and Blu-ray the better ;).

[GizmoGC]

I should note, again, every single Paramount/Dreamworks Blu-ray announcement is now done and gone. Blades of Glory, Tom Clancy set, Jack Ryan Collection, EVERYTHING. Their all dead Jim.

[benjamouth]

I should note, again, every single Paramount/Dreamworks Blu-ray announcement is now done and gone. Blades of Glory, Tom Clancy set, Jack Ryan Collection, EVERYTHING. Their all dead Jim.

:lol:

Dude, you're loving this aren't you ?

[thrustbucket]

I've never seen it before.

It's based off a Philip K. Dick book and has Nick Cage, so I was just planning on blind buying it.

It was ok. Probably not worth buying to be honest. A rental.

[Blitz]

Yeah great, I wish there was 4 formats so I could by 4 different players.

Sooner MS kills HD-DVD and Blu-ray the better ;).

Hey don't hate me because I'm bi-discual. ;)

[thrustbucket]

LOL, yes, clearly this is totally insignificant news.


For a highly amusing read, go check out Bill Cunt's latest column at thedigitalbits.com...his infantile whining and shell-shocked reaction is awesome. Among the points made:

1) Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is what did this, and Microsoft's DIRTY MONEY is only harming the HD disc industry. Unlike Sony's squeaky-clean money, some of which seems to go into his pocket.

2) OMG SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AREN'T NECESSARILY INCLUDED IN THIS DEAL SO THE ENTIRE DEAL IS WORTHLESS BECAUSE ALL THAT MATTERS IS SPIELBERG'S MOVIES AND OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING ELSE IN PARAMOUNT ISN'T WORTH A PILE OF SHIT

3) HD DVD "still isn't going to win." This is the most amusing change of all that I have seen so far - people going from "HD DVD is dead" to "HD DVD isn't going to win" and acting like there's no change. Sorry, but that's a big difference.

I actually just asked Amir what he thought of Bill's post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11357078&postcount=2183

That's so sad. I know he has passion about this space but really. He is totally, and absolutely wrong about his assertions regarding Microsoft in that blog. I can't be more clear than this.

He is a member of AVS. I hope he comes here and asks me direct questions and I will give him the direct answers I have already. And then let's hope he does the same with the other camp.

[Sporadic]

It was ok. Probably not worth buying to be honest. A rental.

How would you compare it story-wise to A Scanner Darkly and Total Recall?

[benjamouth]

Hey don't hate me because I'm bi-discual. ;)

Yeah sorry, that sounded like I was having a go, the dual format thing pisses me off but what the hell do I know eh ?

Just watched Miami Vice on HD-DVD at the the weekend, if it taught me one thing it's that HD doesn't make films any better, what a steaming turd of a movie that was.

[Blitz]

Yeah sorry, that sounded like I was having a go, the dual format thing pisses me off but what the hell do I know eh ?

Just watched Miami Vice on HD-DVD at the the weekend, if it taught me one thing it's that HD doesn't make films any better, what a steaming turd of a movie that was.


Never did see it and after your glowing review, I think I'll pass.

A turd is still a turd no matter how much you try and shine it.

[GizmoGC]

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3852/thingstocomevj0ek3.jpg

[thrustbucket]

How would you compare it story-wise to A Scanner Darkly and Total Recall?

On par with Scanner Darkley. Not nearly as good as Total Recall.

The story was fine. But the movie felt kind of short. And if you saw any of the trailers, it gave away everything. For some reason it kind of reminded me of Jet Li's "One". I would say if you liked Scanner Darkly you will like it.

[GizmoGC]

Ive collected some of the response from Blu-Ray.com...Some are just to damn hysterical

Did someone just hack the Blu-ray.com website? I don't think this is true at all. WTF is going on here?

I guess those those suitcases full of cash and "models" from Exotic Escorts worked.

Good going Microsoft! Now this HD optical media situation is one big f#*king mess!

(And that's exactly what they wanted by the way.)

This announcement does not appear on the HD DVD website. I don't believe it. Some yahoo on yahoo must have posted this crap...

**** **** ****

sorry I am a little P****d off right now! Where are the Paramount headquarters? Boys pick up those picketing signs. The only thing that could be worse would be Disney going ne- sorry I just can't say it.

F**K Paramount and their dirty little dealings behind closed doors and F**K the HD DVD Forum for needlessly prolonging this useless format war.

god fucking damn it( I DONT WANT A FUCKING HD-DVD PLAYER ) what is going on im lost this hurts, shitty ass toshiba here i come FUCK NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS P......ES me off!! F..K Paramount. not buying any Paramount movie ANYMORE! they can go die in a F...ing hole!!!!!! :@

This was a huge mistake by Paramount. All Theatrical, DVD, and Blu-ray movies from Paramount should be boycott until they switch back. Toshiba and GE/Universal are trying to buy a win instead of letting consumers make the decision. We need to through stronger support behind Blu-Ray by purchasing 5 Blu-Ray movies each month. If we all did that HD DVD will be dead by Christmas. Let’s send a powerful message. Click if you agree. Cheers,

This really dosent suprise me, anyone remember Divix? Paramount was a huge supporter of that pile
of junk (as was Disney) seems like they would have learned there lesson. I guess not. (obviously forgetting so was Fox as well, but I'm sure the poster was only 5 or 6 when Divx was launched)

Come on guys, you know what this means... we have to step up our Blu-ray purchases to combat the effects of this awful news. Don't get angry (even though it is very disappointing), but rather support the inferior format. Think ahead: PS3! Not only is this the next generation optical player, but there are millions and millions of them out there. Millions and millions more to come. We haven't seen anything yet. The HD market is still a very tiny niche, so keep your heads high, and go Blu!!!!

***Remember:*** Blu-ray BUY-A-THON on September 18th 2007. Now is the time to get your name added to the list, and show the HD-DVD'ers who is boss!

Ahhh...only through page 4 of those posts.

[seanr1221]

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3852/thingstocomevj0ek3.jpg

So do you like being the 360 version of ManaKnight?

[thrustbucket]

That's some funny shit. My favorite is:


This was a huge mistake by Paramount. All Theatrical, DVD, and Blu-ray movies from Paramount should be boycott until they switch back. Toshiba and GE/Universal are trying to buy a win instead of letting consumers make the decision. We need to through stronger support behind Blu-Ray by purchasing 5 Blu-Ray movies each month. If we all did that HD DVD will be dead by Christmas. Let’s send a powerful message. Click if you agree. Cheers,

Letting consumers make the decision? How can anyone think that is possible with studios divided? Somehow having more studios on BD lets consumers decide which format is best? Amazing.

And I love the double standard shockwave going from bill hunt all the way down the comunity. Somehow it's just fine for Sony to buy support for BDA (which they have never denied) but they get all up in arms about the possibility of HD DVD doing the same (which they do deny).

[GizmoGC]

So do you like being the 360 version of ManaKnight?

If you support Blu-Ray feel free to start a Blu-Ray software thread in the PS3 forums. This is for HD DVD discussion only. If you want to argue, do it in the VS. thread.

[seanr1221]

If you support Blu-Ray feel free to start a Blu-Ray software thread in the PS3 forums. This is for HD DVD discussion only. If you want to argue, do it in the VS. thread.

K so....do you enjoy being the 360 version of ManaKnight?

[thrustbucket]

http://home.comcast.net/~audi-fan/TYVMP009LG_copy.gif

[Sporadic]

Letting consumers make the decision? How can anyone think that is possible with studios divided? Somehow having more studios on BD lets consumers decide which format is best? Amazing.

Come on man, you have to let the consumers decide.

What's that? Sony owns 3 movie studios and put Blu-Ray in the PS3 for no other reason then to push Blu-Ray into homes.

That's no big deal but let's focus of M$ DIRTY MONEY AND GODDAMN UNIVERSAL PROLONGING THE WAR!!!112!!

[cleaver]

Godfather and Raiders of the Lost Ark are my 2 favorite movies, huge news.

[2Fast]

:-k

If I were to pick up the add-on for the 360 from Best Buy, would anyone be willing to trade Batman Begins or The Departed for 300?

[GizmoGC]

K so....do you enjoy being the 360 version of ManaKnight?

I, unlike The Mana Knight, own all videogames systems and all movie formats. He does not. Like I said, go start a BR Software thread or GTFO.

[CocheseUGA]

I, unlike The Mana Knight, own all videogames systems and all movie formats. He does not. Like I said, go start a BR Software thread or GTFO.

Owning multiple consoles =/= objectivity.

You're living proof.

[Maynard]

I, unlike The Mana Knight, own all videogames systems and all movie formats. He does not. Like I said, go start a BR Software thread or GTFO.

Your signiture says it all man your the walking version of a male penis, but a short and diseased one. Your quite possibly the only member of CAG that I would love to kick in the face.

[gunm]

Wow, big big news from Paramount! Ever since getting a PS3, I've been slowly moving away from HD-DVD, but now I can continue to provide justification for my HD-DVD drive add-on. Good news, and I hope this facilitates more dual format players in the future so everyone can get the movies they want.

[PyroGamer]

Sales be damned, with Paramount behind HD-DVD, whether or not HD-DVD "wins", it's sure as hell here to stay.

[Sporadic]

Your signiture says it all man your the walking version of a male penis, but a short and diseased one. Your quite possibly the only member of CAG that I would love to kick in the face.

:roll: Hooray hypocrisy!

[KaneRobot]

So do you like being the 360 version of ManaKnight?
Hey now, let's not make ridiculous statements we can't take back. This is supposed to be a happy time.

[Maynard]

:roll: Hooray hypocrisy!
dont you start space giraffe

and it would be hypocrisy if I was a PS3 lover and bashed 360 or a bluray sex monger, but I am not. Perhaps use dictionary.com spree of lover.

[thrustbucket]

Godfather and Raiders of the Lost Ark are my 2 favorite movies, huge news.

The very last part of the press release sort of excludes Spielberg movies. He has full control of his movies and so far they aren't going to either format.

[Sporadic]

dont you start space giraffe

Why not?

Yeah, GizmoGC is kind of annoying but don't think you aren't right beside him on the opposite side of the fence.

[GizmoGC]

Your signiture says it all man your the walking version of a male penis, but a short and diseased one. Your quite possibly the only member of CAG that I would love to kick in the face.

Awww. Blu-Ray fanboy is down :cry:
Don't worry, I heard Sony will be coming out with atleast 1 good game this year for the PS3. Be happy. :roll:

[KaneRobot]

:-k

If I were to pick up the add-on for the 360 from Best Buy, would anyone be willing to trade Batman Begins or The Departed for 300?
300 unopened? PM me if/when you do it.

[terribledeli]

For a highly amusing read, go check out Bill Cunt's latest column at thedigitalbits.com...his infantile whining and shell-shocked reaction is awesome.



He's become a total embarrassment now. I used to worship at the house of The Digital Bits, now its complete shit. I'm a little surprised he didn't start saying "M$", though he gets an extra douchebag point for using the term "Moneysoft"

Clever guys.

Edit: He's changed his original article. Its more civil. My favorite Bill comment "Consumers are so confused by the two colors! How will they ever know what to buy?!?!"

Its called research. Its a basic skill learned in high school.

[Maynard]

Why not?

Yeah, GizmoGC is kind of annoying but don't think you aren't right beside him on the opposite side of the fence.

Hey hey I just bought my HD DVD player so I am definately not on the opposite side of the fence. Just find it obnoxious everytime something happens to Sony he posts all these silly messages and stupid pictures about SONY IS DOOMED. Sooooooo annoying.

[LinkinPrime]

Wow, didn't think we would see bickering here in the HD DVD/X360 forums...Its awesome news and its hilarious to see the reaction of the Sony fanboys. Now...where's the release date for Transformers on HD DVD? I'll gladly pay full price for that puppy!

[Deadpool]

http://home.comcast.net/~audi-fan/TYVMP009LG_copy.gif

:lol: awesome!

[2Fast]

300 unopened? PM me if/when you do it.

Yep, made 300 my first Blu-Ray purchase, so no real need for the HD-DVD I suppose.

I'll let you know if I get it.

[Deadpool]

Godfather and Raiders of the Lost Ark are my 2 favorite movies, huge news.

Spielberg has final say on if and how his movies are released, not Paramount. But it's still good news and i'm sure Paramount can convince him to release them.

[KaneRobot]

Edit: He's changed his original article. Its more civil. My favorite Bill comment "Consumers are so confused by the two colors! How will they ever know what to buy?!?!"

Absolutely fucking pathetic. If there was ANY doubt whatsoever that this idiot thinks with his heart instead of his brain, that doubt was washed away today. He even replaced "Moneysoft" with "Microsoft."

I never write to people on websites over stuff like that, but once I saw he changed his article, I could not resist.

[GizmoGC]

Absolutely fucking pathetic. If there was ANY doubt whatsoever that this idiot thinks with his heart instead of his brain, that doubt was washed away today. He even replaced "Moneysoft" with "Microsoft."

I never write to people on websites over stuff like that, but once I saw he changed his article, I could not resist.

Atleast his original whine-fest was quoted many times over in various forums.

[Megalith]

Transformers exclusive to HD-DVD.

'Nuff said.

[PKRipp3r]

this is hilarious

[KaneRobot]

Just bought Bourne Identity (at a B&M store no less) on impulse to "celebrate."

[anomynous]

Good Im most likely getting the HD DVD add on for my birthday soon, Transformers HD DVD exclusive = win


not to mention Indiana Jones & The Godfather

[LinkinPrime]

Good Im most likely getting the HD DVD add on for my birthday soon, Transformers HD DVD exclusive = win


not to mention Indiana Jones & The Godfather

If someone is buying the HD DVD add-on for you, I suggest you tell them to get it this week @ Best Buy as you will get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free, this week only!

[GizmoGC]

If someone is buying the HD DVD add-on for you, I suggest you tell them to get it this week @ Best Buy as you will get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free, this week only!

I am holding out as I feel better deals will be coming fairly soon.

[guyver2077]

noo..buy now!

heck i want them to make a black addon!

[Maynard]

although I own both players I am disappointed by this news. I am hoping for some sort of unified branding here and this news is just making it drag out longer, which is why I dont undertand everyones cheers? This is bad news for the consumer, you guys/gals shouldn't be applauding this at ALL!

[benjamouth]

although I own both players I am disappointed by this news. I am hoping for some sort of unified branding here and this news is just making it drag out longer, which is why I dont undertand everyones cheers? This is bad news for the consumer, you guys/gals shouldn't be applauding this at ALL!

No they shouldn't, but as with many things this has become a "them or us" thing, and you're usually either them or us.

[Sporadic]

although I own both players I am disappointed by this news. I am hoping for some sort of unified branding here and this news is just making it drag out longer, which is why I dont undertand everyones cheers? This is bad news for the consumer, you guys/gals shouldn't be applauding this at ALL!

Yeah Sporadic, I'm not a Blu-Ray fanboy at all, I'm completely neutral. Look at me, I own both formats! Now let me tell you why Blu-Ray is the best, why HD-DVD staying the course is bad news for the consumer and why Paramount going HD-DVD exclusive is "meh" news.

:roll:

Sorry, brother, just like I have been telling you since the beginning, both formats are here to stay. Toshiba and Sony have too much money tied up in them just to roll over a year after they've just started.

And that's a fantastic thing. It forces all of the companies to bring their A game to the table, forces the prices to go down much faster than they would have otherwise and eventually combo players will be the standard so it won't even matter in the end.

[Maynard]

Yeah Sporadic, I'm not a Blu-Ray fanboy at all, I'm completely neutral. Look at me, I own both formats! Now let me tell you why Blu-Ray is the best, why HD-DVD staying the course is bad news for the consumer and why Paramount going HD-DVD exclusive is "meh" news.

:roll:

Sorry, brother, just like I have been telling you since the beginning, both formats are here to stay. Toshiba and Sony have too much money tied up in them just to roll over a year after they've just started.

And that's a fantastic thing. It forces all of the companies to bring their A game to the table, forces the prices to go down much faster than they would have otherwise and eventually combo players will be the standard so it won't even matter in the end.

Sorry Sista :roll: eventually it will go one way or another, and I predict the two of them merging someday. I never said Blu-ray was the best in any of my posts did I? This is bad news for the consumer, spin it anyway you want this is still just bad news.

[Sporadic]

Sorry Sista :roll: eventually it will go one way or another, and I predict the two of them merging someday.

They won't.

They had the chance to come together before launch but Sony wants it all and just wants Toshiba to fuck off.

Honestly, I don't ever see them bending about this issue. Even if combo players become the standard and every movie company goes HD-DVD to cut production cost, I can still see Sony releasing only on Blu-Ray.

I never said Blu-ray was the best in any of my posts did I?

You imply it pretty heavily since you are completely negative in all of your posts when it regards anything about HD-DVD.

This is bad news for the consumer, spin it anyway you want this is still just bad news.

Why?

There is no spin, competition is good for the consumer. Always. I can't think of a time when competition isn't good.

[anomynous]

If someone is buying the HD DVD add-on for you, I suggest you tell them to get it this week @ Best Buy as you will get 300 HD DVD/DVD for free, this week only!
Don't worry, I already did, that's where I told them to buy because of that deal...........

[GizmoGC]

Blu-Ray boys will tell you its bad news because Blu-Ray SHOULD have won and now, apparently, the evil M$ (need the money sign of course) will push digital downloads.

Apparently, Blu-Ray is a better format because today they have 50GB discs and more studio support. What they fail to mention is the fact that all HD DVD players have a built-in ethernet port, and the players can play all current and future discs unlike Blu-Ray players. If a 45GB or 51GB HD DVD disc comes out...guess what? You're launch HD-A1 can play it. If Finding Nemo comes with a bonus game...guess what? Your $500 Blu-Ray you just bought may not be able to use it. But pfff, who cares.

THAT'S the problem. Blu-Ray is a format that is not finished. 300 clearly shows this. Blood Diamond does. Heroes does. Neither format will win and Dual Players will be the norm in the coming months. I don't expect WB to become HD DVD exclusive, but Newline may change their mind.

[mykevermin]

competition is good for the consumer. Always. I can't think of a time when competition isn't good.

Y'know, I bristle at this. Not because I disagree, and not because the competition has brought HDTV sets and HD/BR players dropped in price at an unexpected rate (and they aren't done yet), but because Paramount going HD is not "competition." In fact, IMO, it is the precise *opposite* of competition.

Now, you can point out that I support BR and disregard anything I have to say, and that's fine. If that's you, go ahead and skip on to the next post now.

*elevator music*

Alright, now that that's out of the way, the reason I say it is not competition is because Paramount's decision to go HD DVD exclusive was not dictated by the consumer. The decision was made by the HD DVD association (whatever their actual group name is). The consumers were saying "Blu-Ray all the way" via their choices, so, on by itself, being HD-exclusive is akin to saying "we want to make 67% less profit than the format-neutral groups, or 50% less (half of 67%) than BR-exclusive groups." The same argument can be made of BR-exclusive groups as well: "we want to make 33% less profit than format neutral groups." Just to be fair.

So, a massive financial incentive was given to Paramount. To paraphrase the now HD-exclusive Godfather (:lol:), it was an offer they couldn't refuse. Up front, $150 million is a hell of a lot more money than they would earn from 67% of the Hidef video market at this point. At $20 a movie, they'd have to sell 7.5 million discs to make that kind of cash (not counting all the costs of producing said 7.5m discs). 7.5 million discs? To put that in perspective, that's 2.5 times the number of *total* hidef discs (irrespective of format) sold thus far. Again, this offer to Paramount was something they'd be damned foolish to turn down.

In the end, though, I do bristle that this can be considered "competition," at least in the laissez-faire sense; it goes against the grain of the consumers dictating what the market looks like. The consumer had no say in this decision, simply put.

Full disclosure for those who don't follow the "format war" thread: I own a PS3, and am a de facto BR supporter. Feel free to reread my post and interpret as a braying fanatic BR fanboy if you so choose. After that, I encourage you to join the format war thread, as I'd like to continue the conversation over there: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132555&page=36

[getmyrunon]

Way to go Paramount!

[jovherye]

Yay! Transformers on HD-DVD! 'Nuff said!

[guyver2077]

Y'know, I bristle at this. Not because I disagree, and not because the competition has brought HDTV sets and HD/BR players dropped in price at an unexpected rate (and they aren't done yet), but because Paramount going HD is not "competition." In fact, IMO, it is the precise *opposite* of competition.

Now, you can point out that I support BR and disregard anything I have to say, and that's fine. If that's you, go ahead and skip on to the next post now.

*elevator music*

Alright, now that that's out of the way, the reason I say it is not competition is because Paramount's decision to go HD DVD exclusive was not dictated by the consumer. The decision was made by the HD DVD association (whatever their actual group name is). The consumers were saying "Blu-Ray all the way" via their choices, so, on by itself, being HD-exclusive is akin to saying "we want to make 67% less profit than the format-neutral groups, or 50% less (half of 67%) than BR-exclusive groups." The same argument can be made of BR-exclusive groups as well: "we want to make 33% less profit than format neutral groups." Just to be fair.

So, a massive financial incentive was given to Paramount. To paraphrase the now HD-exclusive Godfather (:lol:), it was an offer they couldn't refuse. Up front, $150 million is a hell of a lot more money than they would earn from 67% of the Hidef video market at this point. At $20 a movie, they'd have to sell 7.5 million discs to make that kind of cash (not counting all the costs of producing said 7.5m discs). 7.5 million discs? To put that in perspective, that's 2.5 times the number of *total* hidef discs (irrespective of format) sold thus far. Again, this offer to Paramount was something they'd be damned foolish to turn down.

In the end, though, I do bristle that this can be considered "competition," at least in the laissez-faire sense; it goes against the grain of the consumers dictating what the market looks like. The consumer had no say in this decision, simply put.

Full disclosure for those who don't follow the "format war" thread: I own a PS3, and am a de facto BR supporter. Feel free to reread my post and interpret as a braying fanatic BR fanboy if you so choose. After that, I encourage you to join the format war thread, as I'd like to continue the conversation over there: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132555&page=36

WHATS YOUR KIND DOIN 'ROUND HERE

[GizmoGC]

Y'know, I bristle at this. Not because I disagree, and not because the competition has brought HDTV sets and HD/BR players dropped in price at an unexpected rate (and they aren't done yet), but because Paramount going HD is not "competition." In fact, IMO, it is the precise *opposite* of competition.

Now, you can point out that I support BR and disregard anything I have to say, and that's fine. If that's you, go ahead and skip on to the next post now.

*elevator music*

Alright, now that that's out of the way, the reason I say it is not competition is because Paramount's decision to go HD DVD exclusive was not dictated by the consumer. The decision was made by the HD DVD association (whatever their actual group name is). The consumers were saying "Blu-Ray all the way" via their choices, so, on by itself, being HD-exclusive is akin to saying "we want to make 67% less profit than the format-neutral groups, or 50% less (half of 67%) than BR-exclusive groups." The same argument can be made of BR-exclusive groups as well: "we want to make 33% less profit than format neutral groups." Just to be fair.

So, a massive financial incentive was given to Paramount. To paraphrase the now HD-exclusive Godfather (:lol:), it was an offer they couldn't refuse. Up front, $150 million is a hell of a lot more money than they would earn from 67% of the Hidef video market at this point. At $20 a movie, they'd have to sell 7.5 million discs to make that kind of cash (not counting all the costs of producing said 7.5m discs). 7.5 million discs? To put that in perspective, that's 2.5 times the number of *total* hidef discs (irrespective of format) sold thus far. Again, this offer to Paramount was something they'd be damned foolish to turn down.

In the end, though, I do bristle that this can be considered "competition," at least in the laissez-faire sense; it goes against the grain of the consumers dictating what the market looks like. The consumer had no say in this decision, simply put.

Full disclosure for those who don't follow the "format war" thread: I own a PS3, and am a de facto BR supporter. Feel free to reread my post and interpret as a braying fanatic BR fanboy if you so choose. After that, I encourage you to join the format war thread, as I'd like to continue the conversation over there: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132555&page=36

As of right now, that $150 Million offer is a rumor. It was mentioned, but not in any press releases.

As for 'consumer choice', is that what Sony did when it stuck Blu-Ray inside of it? I don't think so.

[mykevermin]

WHATS YOUR KIND DOIN 'ROUND HERE

When did you become John Wayne? :lol:

As of right now, that $150 Million offer is a rumor. It was mentioned, but not in any press releases.

As for 'consumer choice', is that what Sony did when it stuck Blu-Ray inside of it? I don't think so.

I don't think Paramount was offered a round of milkshakes to go HD DVD exclusive. The same rumors that preceded this official announcement mentioned that amount ($50m for Paramount, $100m for Dreamworks). In the format war thread, you're more than happy to engage in conjecture about BR "payola," so let's not get so defensive when the shoe is on the other foot.

As for the PS3, that's a poor comparison. I do think, however, that, had the rumors of Microsoft buying out Capcom come to fruition, then it would have been the same kind of scenario. Imagine if Sony bought out, say, Rockstar, and how the gamer community would react (outrage, followed by a mass exodus to the PS3). That's more akin to what I'm getting at.

[defiance_17]

Neither format will win and Dual Players will be the norm in the coming months.
Bingo. There's really no use in whining about two formats. Just get a player that supports both formats, or use your PS3 and get an HD DVD add-on for your 360. Yeah, it kind of sucks having to deal with both, but we've all been doing it with video games for years. You'll survive.

[CocheseUGA]

Bingo. There's really no use in whining about two formats. Just get a player that supports both formats, or use your PS3 and get an HD DVD add-on for your 360. Yeah, it kind of sucks having to deal with both, but we've all been doing it with video games for years. You'll survive.

Yeah, I don't really care who wins eventually, it just sucks for now until I can afford a PS3.

[GizmoGC]

When did you become John Wayne? :lol:



I don't think Paramount was offered a round of milkshakes to go HD DVD exclusive. The same rumors that preceded this official announcement mentioned that amount ($50m for Paramount, $100m for Dreamworks). In the format war thread, you're more than happy to engage in conjecture about BR "payola," so let's not get so defensive when the shoe is on the other foot.

As for the PS3, that's a poor comparison. I do think, however, that, had the rumors of Microsoft buying out Capcom come to fruition, then it would have been the same kind of scenario. Imagine if Sony bought out, say, Rockstar, and how the gamer community would react (outrage, followed by a mass exodus to the PS3). That's more akin to what I'm getting at.

I imagine they bought them Rasberry Slurpees...but...

The $150mm payout is still a rumor. Amir over at AVS who works for MS made claim to this being a rumor and send Bill at TDB an e-mail telling him to remove it as there is no proof any patout was done.

Now, if there was...Way to go HD DVD. Good for them. The BDA already paid Blockbuster and Target some money to be exclusive in some way, and the HD group did the same thing. If the BDA is going to be dirty so should the HD Group.

[mykevermin]

Now, if there was...Way to go HD DVD. Good for them. The BDA already paid Blockbuster and Target some money to be exclusive in some way, and the HD group did the same thing. If the BDA is going to be dirty so should the HD Group.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3262070&postcount=1782

[defiance_17]

Yeah, I don't really care who wins eventually, it just sucks for now until I can afford a PS3.
I can easily wait another year or two. There are only a couple of BD exclusives out now that I want (Pirates, Casino Royale), and my current TV doesn't even offer 1080p. I only have eight HD DVDs, and two of them were "free" (the Matrix Trilogy price mistake at CC). The point: There's very little out now worth the $25-$35 tags.

[CocheseUGA]

I can easily wait another year or two. There are only a couple of BD exclusives out now that I want (Pirates, Casino Royale), and my current TV doesn't even offer 1080p. I only have eight HD DVDs, and two of them were "free" (the Matrix Trilogy price mistake at CC). The point: There's very little out now worth the $25-$35 tags.

Oh, agreed. I don't have an HDTV either...yet. Probably a graduation present next year. But that's at least two years worth of movies that I might rebuy at some point.

[GizmoGC]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3262070&postcount=1782

Again,
BDA paying Target is confirmed.
Blockbuster being paid is still unknown, but likely.

Feel free to prove me wrong on either. Maybe in the VS. forum as this is not the place...yet the Blu-Ray boys just can't stay away together. Wonder why? 8-)

[mykevermin]

Maybe in the VS. forum as this is not the place.

Which is why I put my response in that thread, genius.

[GizmoGC]

Which is why I put my response in that thread, genius.

Good. Now stay there. Feel free to start a Blu-Ray thread in the PS3 forum if you like. This thread is not for Pro-BR supporters.

[mykevermin]

Good. Now stay there. Feel free to start a Blu-Ray thread in the PS3 forum if you like. This thread is not for Pro-BR supporters.

When you become a mod, you can dictate where and when I post.

[GizmoGC]

When you become a mod, you can dictate where and when I post.

Ok, Ok. Gotcha. Let me go thread crap in the PS3 forum on some of their crappy news for that crappy system you actually bought to play games on :lol:

And...done. Thanks Myke, its been fun.

[KaneRobot]

OH NO, ONE COMPANY POSSIBLY SPENT MONEY TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE!

Fuck, what will they think of next?!

Seriously, "the consumers were saying Blu-Ray all the way?" Based on an (approximate) 2:1 ratio less than one year into the "war?" The only thing the consumers have said so far is "this is only for the hardcore nerds." Since Blu-Ray sold more players and had a shit attach rate, HD DVD should just give up? Remind me never to employ you in a high-ranking, decision-making position when KaneRobot Industries takes over the world.

[anomynous]

This is not the versus thread.........

[Sporadic]

Y'know, I bristle at this. Not because I disagree, and not because the competition has brought HDTV sets and HD/BR players dropped in price at an unexpected rate (and they aren't done yet), but because Paramount going HD is not "competition." In fact, IMO, it is the precise *opposite* of competition.

Now, you can point out that I support BR and disregard anything I have to say, and that's fine. If that's you, go ahead and skip on to the next post now.

*elevator music*

Alright, now that that's out of the way, the reason I say it is not competition is because Paramount's decision to go HD DVD exclusive was not dictated by the consumer. The decision was made by the HD DVD association (whatever their actual group name is). The consumers were saying "Blu-Ray all the way" via their choices, so, on by itself, being HD-exclusive is akin to saying "we want to make 67% less profit than the format-neutral groups, or 50% less (half of 67%) than BR-exclusive groups." The same argument can be made of BR-exclusive groups as well: "we want to make 33% less profit than format neutral groups." Just to be fair.

So, a massive financial incentive was given to Paramount. To paraphrase the now HD-exclusive Godfather (:lol:), it was an offer they couldn't refuse. Up front, $150 million is a hell of a lot more money than they would earn from 67% of the Hidef video market at this point. At $20 a movie, they'd have to sell 7.5 million discs to make that kind of cash (not counting all the costs of producing said 7.5m discs). 7.5 million discs? To put that in perspective, that's 2.5 times the number of *total* hidef discs (irrespective of format) sold thus far. Again, this offer to Paramount was something they'd be damned foolish to turn down.

In the end, though, I do bristle that this can be considered "competition," at least in the laissez-faire sense; it goes against the grain of the consumers dictating what the market looks like. The consumer had no say in this decision, simply put.

Full disclosure for those who don't follow the "format war" thread: I own a PS3, and am a de facto BR supporter. Feel free to reread my post and interpret as a braying fanatic BR fanboy if you so choose. After that, I encourage you to join the format war thread, as I'd like to continue the conversation over there: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132555&page=36

I've never said anything about Paramount going exclusive being good for competition.

In fact, my competition comment had nothing to do with just about any of that except for the fact that Maynard thinks the fact that HD-DVD is still kicking is bad for the consumer.

I've posted all over the place that I would have rather of had a Blu exclusive studio go neutral then Paramount going exclusive.

I've posted all over that Paramount did this mainly for the money

Money.

They get cheaper manufacturing cost and a giant check from Toshiba? Why wouldn't they jump ship?

If you believe that just anything about this war has been "decided by the consumer", I would call you a goddamn fool.

The consumer did not pick for Fox or Disney or Universal or Paramount or any of the studios to go exclusive, bonuses and the almighty dollar did. The consumer did not vote for Blu-Ray to be added to the PS3 (fuck 40% of owners don't even know they have the damn thing), Sony's greed did.

Now don't get me wrong, I would love for the consumer to decide what's best without being slathered in propaganda or coercion (Project Hydra) but it's just not going to happen.

What we are seeing is multi-billion dollar companies (Sony specifically) having a pissing contest. Nobody's going to back down, nobody's going to play fair.

[terribledeli]

What we are seeing is multi-billion dollar companies (Sony specifically) having a pissing contest. Nobody's going to back down, nobody's going to play fair.

But said pissing contest is going to look fantastic in high definition.

[mykevermin]

OH NO, ONE COMPANY POSSIBLY SPENT MONEY TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE!

Fuck, what will they think of next?!

Seriously, "the consumers were saying Blu-Ray all the way?" Based on an (approximate) 2:1 ratio less than one year into the "war?" The only thing the consumers have said so far is "this is only for the hardcore nerds." Since Blu-Ray sold more players and had a shit attach rate, HD DVD should just give up? Remind me never to employ you in a high-ranking, decision-making position when KaneRobot Industries takes over the world.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3262357&postcount=1793

[KingDox]

Well I think this is great news. Becuase I can now watch Transformers in HD and it will only cost me an additional 180 bucks. Maybe even less by the time the movie comes out. I already own a 360 so the add on at this point seems like a good deal.

I knew after watching Transformers that I would buy what ever format had that movie. I loved it that much.

I'm also with the camp that belives the combo player will eventually win. So I hope this "war" drags on for a very long time. I'm sorry to the PS3 owners I have a feeling that they will have to sooner or later have to buy a combo player down the line. It looks like Sony's all in one box solution isn't going to happen when it comes to HD movies.

[FLSHADOW74]

Here's the link to a better article over at Video Business.
http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6470298.html?nid=2705

[Mechafenris]

Here's the link to a better article over at Video Business.
http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6470298.html?nid=2705


Now only Warner Bros. is the only studio going dual format....

I hadn't noticed how the camps had solidified like that... mainly because most HD movies on my list are pretty short... (Blade Runner, the Alien movies... Raiders, and of course the poorly named "Star Wars Trilogy"... heh).

Platform agnosticism is no big deal for me, because I really didn't invest that much in HD DVD thanks to Microsoft's add-on, and the PS3 is still a game system more than a movie player...) So no matter who wins... I'm not going to sob over it. ;)

[thrustbucket]

Alright, now that that's out of the way, the reason I say it is not competition is because Paramount's decision to go HD DVD exclusive was not dictated by the consumer. The decision was made by the HD DVD association (whatever their actual group name is). The consumers were saying "Blu-Ray all the way" via their choices, so, on by itself, being HD-exclusive is akin to saying "we want to make 67% less profit than the format-neutral groups, or 50% less (half of 67%) than BR-exclusive groups." The same argument can be made of BR-exclusive groups as well: "we want to make 33% less profit than format neutral groups." Just to be fair.

Ok I had a hard time making it past that paragraph. Your first mistake was assuming that anything has been "fair" in this war.

If all studios were neutral, so consumers could indeed choose the best format, then you could bring up fair.

Unfortunately both sides have been buying exclusive deals with studios, stores and many other company's from the get go.

You say that the HD DVD association made the decision for Paramount to be exclusive? Are you serious? I don't even know where to begin.
First of all though, why is it ok for Sony and the BDA to do this kind of stuff but it's not ok if HD DVD does it? What's up with this huge double standard?

You know as well as I do that both sides have been doing this. Arguably BDA has done it far more. So why get so upset about the other side doing it?

BD gets beaten at their own favorite game and all their defenders come and cry foul. How quaint.

[Mechafenris]

BD gets beaten at their own favorite game and all their defenders come and cry foul. How quaint.

Admittedly, the whining is atrocious (on both sides, as I've seen it), but saying that HD DVD is just now "fighting with gloves off" or, "beating BD at their own game" is overlooking the consortium in general (like BDA, made up of big studios who are no more loyal to HD than the Blu-ray studios, besides Sony, to their respective format.) There is no "white knight" in this fight (and I don't think you're implying that, but for those who might... let me explain...)

Paramount, as was said before, was originally an HD DVD only member when the formats were being hashed out at trade shows... then for whatever reason, they became dual format supporter for what, not quite a year? Now they're back where they started in this format war... It's really not a coup for HD DVD, as much as a PR win for the format... We'll see how much leg this gives to the format this holiday season, I suppose... I don't think Paramount's Blu-Ray offerings were altogether must-haves, but to each his own, I suppose. Not many movies in either format are true "must-haves" as of yet... since some of the bigger blockbusters of the past (of which there are 703039823 different DVD "editions") still remain off the HD roadmap... With Spielberg and Lucas sitting this round out, as far as I can tell.

Both sides have had the gloves off for quite some time... and we're only now seeing reporting of it more frequently since the formats (both of them) are taking off... albeit still wandering the realm of "early adopter" and "geek" formats. :)

It's still fun to watch, you gotta admit. :) And if you're not emotionally invested in either format, the dedication some people have as fans is entertaining to a fault. :)

[thrustbucket]

My own opinion is that Paramount originally went neutral because of incentives given by the BDA. Most likely these incentives had to do with covering manufacture costs (as I truly believe Disney and possibly Fox have the same deal).

Something probably happened such as their incentive time ran out, and BDA was no longer offering their extended hand, so Paramount just simply reverted back to the cheaper format to develop for.

I honestly think it is mostly simple as that.

[Mechafenris]

My own opinion is that Paramount originally went neutral because of incentives given by the BDA. Most likely these incentives had to do with covering manufacture costs (as I truly believe Disney and possibly Fox have the same deal).

Something probably happened such as their incentive time ran out, and BDA was no longer offering their extended hand, so Paramount just simply reverted back to the cheaper format to develop for.

I honestly think it is mostly simple as that.

True, they all do... as part of the "group" they belong. It's how they subsidize the adoption, and spread among the group the amortized costs of getting up to snuff (so to speak) on the new format. Paramount and those under its umbrella simply hedged their bets early on, previous to that they announced an HD DVD only membership.. now they feel they can go back to their original agreement with the HD DVD group, most likely led by Toshiba's running the costs down for HD DVD players (thus far being the most prominent player.)

You're right... it's business. It's not necessarily Boy Scout style business, but then again, what is these days? :) At least it's not gotten as bad as payola. ;)

[thrustbucket]

Just FYI, don't know if it was covered yet.....

NYT is reporting: (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/21/technology/21disney.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin)

But money talks: Paramount and DreamWorks Animation together will receive about $150 million in financial incentives for their commitment to HD DVD, according to two Viacom executives with knowledge of the deal but who asked not to be identified.

They also say the deal is for 18 months of exclusivity.

[mykevermin]

Very nice of you to report that, given your previous incredulity, a few posts up, about that very idea being the case.

As for me "selecting" whom to chastise for their support, so far as I can tell, only two studio shifts happened in the past 9 months, since I became a BR owner: this deal, and Fox's stepping away from BR (which also just changed yesterday - oy vey). The remainder of those exclusivity deals happened outside of my interest or involvement, so I can't, simply put, speak to them.

[seanr1221]

I think what I'm afraid of the most is not spending 180.00 on a player. That's really no big deal. It's investing in the movies. I'm the same way with Blu-ray. I only have 3 movies which I've spent next to nothing on.

[geko29]

I think what I'm afraid of the most is not spending 180.00 on a player. That's really no big deal. It's investing in the movies. I'm the same way with Blu-ray. I only have 3 movies which I've spent next to nothing on.
You don't have to worry. In that respect, this isn't like Beta vs. VHS, where the formats are physically incompatible. Instead (from a physical standpoint) it's like DVD-A and SACD, where they're entirely compatible and just a different manner of reading data. Now, even though BOTH of those formats failed miserably (far worse than if both HiDef formats failed today), pretty much every DVD player over $80 can read both formats. If one side or the other wins, I guarantee you several companies will want your money when your player finally dies. By the time anything actually happens, the cost to integrate both standards instead of only one will be extremely small, so many companies will do it for the marketing advantage.

Any investment you make in movies (on either format) will not be wasted.

[seanr1221]

Really? Hmmm, thats pretty interesting. Might push me to buy the HDdvd add on.

[cleaver]

Let's all celebrate the cheerleader turning 18 today by buying Heroes S1 HD DVD from fye.com for $53 + applicable tax shipped after rebate.
http://www.fye.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=17954919
Coupon code WELCOMECCTEN
Props to liquiddvds from slickdeals

[seanr1221]

Geko, I was thinking, for what you are saying to happen, wouldn't the two formats have to merge?

[terribledeli]

Let's all celebrate the cheerleader turning 18 today by buying Heroes S1 HD DVD from fye.com for $53 + applicable tax shipped.
http://www.fye.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=17954919
Coupon code WELCOMECCTEN
Props to liquiddvds from slickdeals

Hot damn, that's fantastic.

[cleaver]

Hot damn, that's fantastic.
Yes, Hayden turning 18 is fantastic.

I meant to say after $10 rebate

[Mechafenris]

Michael Bay's apparently none too pleased that Transformers won't be on Blu-Ray...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no-t/

[geko29]

Geko, I was thinking, for what you are saying to happen, wouldn't the two formats have to merge?
No. The same laser can be used to read both discs simply by reaiming and refocusing the pickup head. Combo players are already available (the awful LG) and announced (the Samsung that should be pretty decent), and no matter what direction the war goes, combo players won't be going away. Just like combo DVD-A/SACD players are EVERYWHERE despite the fact that almost no one wants them. Basically every manufacturer except Sony--who of course only supports SACD--makes dual-format players for hi rez audio. The same will be true for HiDef video whether:

1) Blu-Ray wins
2) HD DVD wins
3) Both stick around
4) Both fail

And granted, combo players are expensive right now because they're bleeding edge, but none of those four things is going to fully flesh out in the next 12-18 months, so prices are going to come down drastically and a dual-format player will carry a modest premium over a single-format one. It'll be an added feature just like upscaling or divx playback is now.

[geko29]

Michael Bay's apparently none too pleased that Transformers won't be on Blu-Ray...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no-t/
And he's so upset that his movies won't be on Blu-Ray that he's currently in production on a film for UNIVERSAL. Transformers was Bay's last part in a multi-film deal for Dreamworks, his relationship with which was reportedly souring. Yesterday's annoucement gave him the opportunity to make him look all hard like he's taking a stand for Blu-Ray and walking away from Dreamworks, even though he was going to do it anyway.

[LinkinPrime]

Michael Bay's apparently none too pleased that Transformers won't be on Blu-Ray...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no-t/

"No Transformers 2 for me!"

What a fucking diva...as long as Paramount has access to alll of the models and rights to TF, they can always find another director that can do as well as him, if not better.

[Mechafenris]

And he's so upset that his movies won't be on Blu-Ray that he's currently in production on a film for UNIVERSAL. Transformers was Bay's last part in a multi-film deal for Dreamworks, his relationship with which was reportedly souring. Yesterday's annoucement gave him the opportunity to make him look all hard like he's taking a stand for Blu-Ray and walking away from Dreamworks, even though he was going to do it anyway.

Well he is making them quite a pile with Transformers... so this is most likely a negotiation tactic for whatever reason.

But regardless of how it's spun, a big director weighs in quite fast after the announcement is news.... In spite of how it may be perceived by the faithful.

[Mechafenris]

What a fucking diva...as long as Paramount has access to alll of the models and rights to TF, they can always find another director that can do as well as him, if not better.

He's like every other director, Scott, Spielberg, Dante... but the fact that he decided to publicly say something about it while the success of Transformers is still warm says this war's just starting.

[benjamouth]

Maybe if they release all his films exclusively on HD-DVD he'll stop making films completely.

I wonder if the same thing will work with Uwe Boll, Joel Schumacher and Paul Anderson :-s

[guyver2077]

Let's all celebrate the cheerleader turning 18 today by buying Heroes S1 HD DVD from fye.com for $53 + applicable tax shipped after rebate.
http://www.fye.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=17954919
Coupon code WELCOMECCTEN
Props to liquiddvds from slickdeals

crap..too bad its a rebate

[doubledown]

I agree with Michael Bay. He probably gets backend money on DVD/BD/HD sales, so if Paramount is giving up possibly 66% of HD sales by getting rid of Blu-Ray, I would be a bit pissed also.

Dual support was NICE....give the consumer a choice between HD and BD.

[Sporadic]

I agree with Michael Bay. He probably gets backend money on DVD/BD/HD sales, so if Paramount is giving up possibly 66% of HD sales by getting rid of Blu-Ray, I would be a bit pissed also.

Yeah, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to DVD sales.

Let's be super nice and say that Transformers is going to sell on par with 300, they are going to miss out on 200,000 sales and still sell 100,000 copies. Well the grande sized check Paramount got should cover the 200,000 sales they missed out on plus just about everything else they sell because honastly the HD market isn't a cash cow yet.

DVD sales on the other hand are going to be in the millions.

For him to flip his shit over 200,000 copies (which he could have easily made up for by asking for a raise to do Transformers 2 or you know the box office/DVD sales of Transformers 2), he's going to walk away? What a retard.

[asianxcore]

Let's all celebrate the cheerleader turning 18 today by buying Heroes S1 HD DVD from fye.com for $53 + applicable tax shipped after rebate.
http://www.fye.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=17954919
Coupon code WELCOMECCTEN
Props to liquiddvds from slickdeals

Nice. I'm hoping at least it'll be $69.99 in-store next Tuesday.

Reason being, I traded in $52 worth of DVD's out my collection and put it all towards a pre-order of Heroes (HD-DVD)

The less I pay out of my pocket the better :)

[LinkinPrime]

I agree with Michael Bay. He probably gets backend money on DVD/BD/HD sales, so if Paramount is giving up possibly 66% of HD sales by getting rid of Blu-Ray, I would be a bit pissed also.

Dual support was NICE....give the consumer a choice between HD and BD.

Ok, than if you want the consumer to have a choice, then Disney, Fox, Lionsgate...etc. should go dual as well ;)

[cleaver]

Nice. I'm hoping at least it'll be $69.99 in-store next Tuesday.

Reason being, I traded in $52 worth of DVD's out my collection and put it all towards a pre-order of Heroes (HD-DVD)

The less I pay out of my pocket the better :)
If you're talking about FYE I'm sure they will, but why not use the credit online and save 10% and the trip?

[Sporadic]

Alright, the first new movie has been announced by Paramount.

A Mighty Heart - October 16th

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced it will bring the Angelina Jolie drama 'A Mighty Heart' to HD DVD this October.

Starring Jolie as Marianne Pearl, the wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, 'A Mighty Heart' earned strong critical buzz and early Oscar talk, but ultimately fizzled at the summer box office, barely scraping up a $15 million domestic gross.

The studio's first newly-announced title following its switch to HD DVD exclusivity, Paramount will hope to rev up the Oscar buzz once again with a October 16 video release, day-and-date on standard-def DVD and HD DVD only.

Specs for the high-def version include 1080p video and uncompressed PCM 5.1 audio.

Extras -- all presented in full HD video -- include two featurettes, a public service announcement and the original theatrical trailer.

Retail will list for $39.98.

We've added full specs for 'A Mighty Heart' to our HD DVD Release Schedule, under October 16.

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Paramount/Disc_Announcements/A_Mighty_Heart_to_Beat_on_HD_DVD_this_October/880

Pretty cool.

[KaneRobot]

Michael Bay won't direct Transformers 2! Until they give him some money to shut the fuck up and do it, then he will direct it.

[CocheseUGA]

500 exp points to anyone who registers and thanks him for not directing it.