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

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March is a dry month for me anyway, with the exception of this Tuesday (Revenge of the Nerds boxset, South Park 9). I have PLENTY of HD/BR movies to watch, so no new releases is fine with me.

Remember, today is the LAST DAY to get 9 free movies with purchase of HD-A2 at Best Buy. 4 free INSTORE and 5 free from the new mail-in rebate.
 
I rented Discovery Atlas: Brazil. And wow, it looked amazing. I guess it's true what they say that HD Video cam films generally look a lot better than HD movies. I highly recommend this series to anyone.

Does anyone know of a cheap place to get the Discovery series?
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Revenge of the Nerds boxset[/QUOTE]

Hell yeah! As godawful as the second one was, and as painful as 3 and 4 must be (never seen them), I'm all over this. Step aside momma, I wanna see some of that muff!
 
Universal is pissing me off by not releasing Scarface, I dont have a HD DVD player yet, but I have The Departed on HD DVD, but Im considering going Blu Ray now
 
[quote name='anomynous']Universal is pissing me off by not releasing Scarface, I dont have a HD DVD player yet, but I have The Departed on HD DVD, but Im considering going Blu Ray now[/QUOTE]

A massive title like Scarface would for sure be held for holiday season release.

As for Blu-Ray, it may have had a software surge lately but if you look at the titles the extras pale in comparison to HD DVD - I'd say around 50% or more of the Blu-Ray releases have no more than commentary and/or trailer for $30-$40! Quality is the emphasis with HD DVD!
 
what i have: * bolded movies are my must have recommendations

Bullitt
The Departed
Half Baked
The Sting
Excalibur
Clerks II
The Deer Hunter
The Breakfast Club
The Matador
Casino
Hulk
Dune
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
An American Werewolf in London
King Kong
Casablanca
Under Siege
Spartacus
Reds
V for Vendetta
Out of Sight
12 Monkeys
The Thing
The Break-Up
Waist Deep
Army of Darkness
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Batman Begins
2 Fast 2 Furious
Land of the Dead
The Dirty Dozen
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
The Fast and the Furious
Dazed and Confused
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Lethal Weapon 2
Troy
Red Dragon
The Bone Collector
The Searchers
Good Night, and Good Luck
Spy Game
Caddyshack
Unleashed
National Lampoon's Animal House
We Were Soldiers
The Manchurian Candidate
Sleepy Hollow
Enter the Dragon
Pitch Black
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Syriana
Lethal Weapon
16 Blocks
The Perfect Storm
The Chronicles of Riddick
Constantine
U-571
The Bourne Supremacy
Blazing Saddles
The Fugitive
Van Helsing
Training Day
Unforgiven
Full Metal Jacket
Jarhead
GoodFellas
Doom
Million Dollar Baby
Apollo 13
The Phantom of the Opera
Serenity
 
[quote name='Ruined']A massive title like Scarface would for sure be held for holiday season release.[/QUOTE]

...Yes, because Scarface just screams Christmas. POTC and both Spider-Mans could be considered 'massive' but they are coming out in a few months on BR. Universal announced a pretty nice list....and its not complete yet.
 
[quote name='Ruined']A massive title like Scarface would for sure be held for holiday season release.

As for Blu-Ray, it may have had a software surge lately but if you look at the titles the extras pale in comparison to HD DVD - I'd say around 50% or more of the Blu-Ray releases have no more than commentary and/or trailer for $30-$40! Quality is the emphasis with HD DVD![/QUOTE]
I dont really give a shit about bonus features. plus getting Blu Ray would give me an excuse to get a PS3
 
[quote name='anomynous']I dont really give a shit about bonus features. plus getting Blu Ray would give me an excuse to get a PS3[/QUOTE]

And everyone definitely needs an excuse to get a PS3, lord knows there is no game worth $600.

If the PS3 didn't exist, bluray would have failed before it began. That's the part that sickens me.
 
Just announced on HD DVD:

The Big Lebowski
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Dragonheart
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

The Frighteners Director's Cut
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Lost In Translation
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Midnight Run
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

The River
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

http://hddvdformat.blogspot.com/
 
[quote name='Ruined']Just announced on HD DVD:

The Big Lebowski
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Dragonheart
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

The Frighteners Director's Cut
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Lost In Translation
1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

Midnight Run
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

The River
1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
English [SDH] & French subtitles

http://hddvdformat.blogspot.com/[/QUOTE]

Looks like that leaked Universal list was correct.
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']Taken from the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray deals thread thanks to TheRock88:

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=485790

Some Blu-Ray exclusives are making their way to HD-DVD...overseas that is, but there's no region protection so you can import the movies and play them on your HD-DVD player or drive.[/QUOTE]

Yeah the only problem is importing them typically runs you roughly about $35+ (shipped that is) a title currently. Next gen DVDs or no, I just can't justify paying that much for a single film (perhaps if it was really an all-time personal fave or a title that will never be released even in SD DVD here, then maybe). But for me at least, importing will need to wait til the prices for the titles fall more, I'll live with it upconverting some titles in the mean time.
 
I don't know how I missed this:

Announcing their second wave of May HD DVD releases, Universal Studios Home Entertainment says they will release six more catalog releases on May 29.
Due in stores will be a diverse assortment of hits and cult favorites, including 'The Big Lebowski,' 'Dragonheart,' 'Midnight Run,' 'The River,' the director's cut edition of Peter Jackson's 'The Frighteners,' and Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning 'Lost in Translation.'
Full specs include Dolby Digital 1080p/VC-1 transfers, Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks (at 1.5mbps) and all of the same extras as their standard DVD counterparts.
Note that although Universal previously pledged that an estimated 90 percent of it its 2007 HD DVD releases would be combo discs, all six of these titles are straight-up HD-30 dual-layer, HD DVD-only platters.
Universal has set a suggested $28.95 list price for each title.
Click to expand...
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/

I'll be getting The Frighteners for sure.
 
I thought I posted that, I guess not. Thanks.

For me, the really good news in that blurb is the fact that they are NOT COMBO DISCS. $19.99 on Amazon = yes please.

Also, wait for reviews on HD-DVDs you plan on importing from a PAL region. Sometimes the audio has an unnaturally high pitch due to the speed difference. This isn't ALWAYS the case but for the 40 bucks you'll be spending on an import, it's worth waiting. The HD-DVD software section of AVSforum usually designates which ones are screwy like that.
 
wow movies are coming out on DVD so much faster now

i just saw smoking aces last week in theater (and it came out jan 29th i think) and its already coming out april 17th on HD DVD

less than 3 month turn around
 
[quote name='rsigley']wow movies are coming out on DVD so much faster now

i just saw smoking aces last week in theater (and it came out jan 29th i think) and its already coming out april 17th on HD DVD

less than 3 month turn around[/quote]

Yup. This is due to all the movie piracy. Its forcing studios to release stuff a lot sooner in order to maximize profits. I like it this way :D
 
they need to get rid of that combo disk... do they actually think ppl want those... these discs are keeping the prices too high and suck because of no disc art
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']Yup. This is due to all the movie piracy. Its forcing studios to release stuff a lot sooner in order to maximize profits. I like it this way :D[/QUOTE]
Me too. Rocky Balboa is going to be out before the end of the month and just came out at the end of December. Thank you pirates! Wait, no.

[quote name='guyver2077']they need to get rid of that combo disk... do they actually think ppl want those... these discs are keeping the prices too high and suck because of no disc art[/QUOTE]
Judging by the backlash to it, and the way they've announced stuff previously thought to be in combo format as straight up HD-DVD, they may indeed be getting rid of it.
 
HD-DVD is REALLY lacking in releases. Not sure how they plan on competing if they have NO new releases. It's a shame too, Blu-Ray is starting to edge them out. Oh well.....no new releases :(
 
[quote name='doubledown']HD-DVD is REALLY lacking in releases. Not sure how they plan on competing if they have NO new releases. It's a shame too, Blu-Ray is starting to edge them out. Oh well.....no new releases :([/QUOTE]
Actually, I think things are looking a bit better after this month. Universal just announced a bunch of stuff, and Warner is due to give a big upcoming release announcement within the next few days as well.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']they need to get rid of that combo disk... do they actually think ppl want those... these discs are keeping the prices too high and suck because of no disc art[/QUOTE]

Some people actually do want them. To build up their HD-DVD collection before they get one or to let their friends borrow it.

The prices aren't too bad on older releases and no disc art isn't that big of a deal.

---------

Just received Fast Time At Ridgemont High from Blockbuster.com

Is it normal for older movies to have that much grain? I means it's a definite improvement over the SD version but it nowhere near as impressive as most HD-DVDs I've seen so far.
 
true. if i didnt already have the 360/HD-DVD i wouldnt want to spend $500 on a standalone player right now. i'd buy the dual discs and just watch them on DVD so i dont have to rebuy them when i got a standalone HD-DVD player next year when they're $250
 
The Fountain has been announced for HD-DVD/Blu-Ray, May 5th.

Warner Home Video has officially announced The Fountain which stars Hugh Jackman, and Rachel Weisz. This Darren Aronofsky directed film will be available to own from the 15th May, and should retail at around $27.95. The film itself will be presented in 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround tracks. As far as we know, the only extra material will be a six part Inside The Fountain: Death and Rebirth feature exploring the movie's various periods and settings. English, French and Spanish subtitles will also be provided. HD DVD/Combo and Blu-ray releases will also be available seperately for $39.99, and $34.99 respectively.
Click to expand...

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/the-fountain.html
 
Just picked up the HD-DVD player along with the following hd-dvds

The Departed
The Thing
Van Helsing
King Kong (came with it)

Cant wait to try it out right now.:D
 
nice on The Fountain, thats one movie I wanted to see and didn't get a chance and I think it will look awesome in HD

can't wait for that

does anyone watch the movies on 1080i/720p? Is it still good?

I'm thinking about buying a smaller HDTV (27 inch or so) for my bedroom and wondering if its worth it

All I would really use it for is HD DVD's anyway, I don't watch TV.

Or should I just stick with the 1080p downstairs
 
[quote name='rsigley']nice on The Fountain, thats one movie I wanted to see and didn't get a chance and I think it will look awesome in HD

can't wait for that

does anyone watch the movies on 1080i/720p? Is it still good?

I'm thinking about buying a smaller HDTV (27 inch or so) for my bedroom and wondering if its worth it

All I would really use it for is HD DVD's anyway, I don't watch TV.

Or should I just stick with the 1080p downstairs[/quote]
they look good in 720p & 1080i too. 1080i on LCDs that have 1920x1080 pixels is exactly the same as 1080p for movies. see here

http://hometheatermag.com/gearworks/1106gear

you may not even be able to see a diff depending on how far you sit
resolution_chart.jpg
 
[quote name='guyver2077']they need to get rid of that combo disk... do they actually think ppl want those... these discs are keeping the prices too high and suck because of no disc art[/QUOTE]

There are rumors that Universal, at least, is going to start pricing their combo disks the same as HD DVD releases.

I don't see disc art as a big deal. Who ever sees them? I want my disks protected. If they aren't in their cases, they are in a player = nobody sees them. It's kind of like wanting flashy underwear. Pointless.
 
[quote name='rsigley']does anyone watch the movies on 1080i/720p? Is it still good?

I'm thinking about buying a smaller HDTV (27 inch or so) for my bedroom and wondering if its worth it

All I would really use it for is HD DVD's anyway, I don't watch TV.

Or should I just stick with the 1080p downstairs[/QUOTE]

I'm watching them on a 19" widescreen monitor at 720p and it's still impressive as hell.

A definite upgrade from upscaled DVDs.
 
“You can’t look at the last two months as a trend or as what the consumer wants to do in this format,” Graffeo said. “It’s really an artificial, short time period.”

Graffeo said Blu-ray numbers also are getting a boost from two-for-one specials offered by retailers and Blu-ray studios and noted that Amazon has halved the price of Blu-ray movies.
Click to expand...

Thank god the HD-DVD people haven't lost their minds.
 
[quote name='PyroGamer']Newsflash:

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6422898.html

Blu-Ray continues to pwn HD-DVD.[/quote]
news flash, the buy 1 get one free sales theyve been running since jan; they count the free DVD as a sale.

news flash, because of the PS3 there are quadruple the number of BR players out.

news flash, the total amount of players out now is only 1% percent of what the overall landscape will look like when stand alone players hit the $200 mark.

news flash, news flash is irrelevant
 
[quote name='propeller_head']news flash, the buy 1 get one free sales theyve been running since jan; they count the free DVD as a sale.

news flash, because of the PS3 there are quadruple the number of BR players out.

news flash, the total amount of players out now is only 1% percent of what the overall landscape will look like when stand alone players hit the $200 mark.

news flash, news flash is irrelevant[/QUOTE]

Agreed. When Fry's has a Buy 1 get 1 Free and people literally buy every damn movie ("Its $10! Knights Tale MUST be worth it!) then yes, numbers will inflate. Amazon has recently given 50% on 40+ titles...its either to boost numbers or a big clearance sale. Kinda like UMD...?
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Agreed. When Fry's has a Buy 1 get 1 Free and people literally buy every damn movie ("Its $10! Knights Tale MUST be worth it!) then yes, numbers will inflate. Amazon has recently given 50% on 40+ titles...its either to boost numbers or a big clearance sale. Kinda like UMD...?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I've gotta believe that Sony themselves is offering some kind of rebate to retailers so that they'll do these Buy 1 Get 1. I obviously don't have any specific evidence but given that most of the B1G1 sales have been for Sony Pictures movies, it seems pretty obvious that it isn't Best Buy deciding to take a loss on the blu-ray but rather Sony enticing a boost in sales...
 
The NIN: Live Beside You in Time transfer is excellent. I've only watched a couple of songs so far, but it's easily the best looking HD-DVD in my collection of about 8. (Including King Kong.)
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']Yeah, I've gotta believe that Sony themselves is offering some kind of rebate to retailers so that they'll do these Buy 1 Get 1. I obviously don't have any specific evidence but given that most of the B1G1 sales have been for Sony Pictures movies, it seems pretty obvious that it isn't Best Buy deciding to take a loss on the blu-ray but rather Sony enticing a boost in sales...[/QUOTE]

Of course its Sony who is 'paying back' the retailers. It just seems kinda sad they have to do this (and that BR fanboys will buy crappy movies because they are $10-$15). To anyone with no real knowledge of the 'war' it could seem like a 'clearance sale' type event where the product is now discontinued. Especially considering how fast the UMD failed and frequent sales followed shortly after.
 
[quote name='Trakan']The NIN: Live Beside You in Time transfer is excellent. I've only watched a couple of songs so far, but it's easily the best looking HD-DVD in my collection of about 8. (Including King Kong.)[/quote]

i just picked it up.. while i dont think its better than king kong or atl.. it does look good

there just isnt anything lately thats a must own for hd dvd.. the amazon sale was pretty decent so i had to pick up some br\,,

One movie that i know will be a must own for me is tmnt movie whenever it comes out... its made by weinstein bros so hd dvd will have that axclusively for the time being..kinda sad though that im looking forward to a movie thats not even out yet
 
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