The Format War

[Zenien]

Cars to debut in Blu-ray November 6

http://www.hollywoodinhighdef.com/blog_detail.php?id=95


Cars to Make DeBlu on Nov. 6


"Cars" will debut in Blu on Nov. 6, according to a Disney exec with whom I was just chatting.
This sounds like it will be a pretty special Blu-ray Disc release with director John Lasseter taking a very hands-on approach to every nuance of the entire Blu-ray edition from the transfer to the Blu bonus features (in addition to all the extras from last year's DVD).
The coolest-sounding BD extra is maybe the most elaborate BD-J interactivity yet called "Car Finder," allowing users to search for the more than 200 different cars featured in the movie and even race the clock to find a specific car in a frozen frame of fill

Details of the makes and models of each car will also be accessible. (Sounds like a feature devised by reported car-nut Lasseter, doesn't it?)
All the featurettes and audio commentaries of the DVD, plus a previously unreleased Traffic School scene, are presented in a "Cinemavision" dashboard interface that allows users to view them any way they want, popping up during relevant parts of the movie or stand-alone.

Several of the shorts on the original DVD will be in hi-def on the Blu-ray version, which, by the way, I'm told is encoded in AVC.
And Disney is pricing it at $34.99 suggested retail, only $5 higher than last year's DVD edition. That DVD version was the big winner last night at the Entertainment Merchants Association's Home Media Expo in Las Vegas with three Home Entertainment Awards -- family, children's and sell-through title of the year.
Disney already reported yesterday (see my Tuesday blog) that they will be offering demos and hands-on play of the "Cars" bonus features at their 18-city road show tour of malls starting soon, so maybe some of you can feed us your early first-hand reports about the bonus features!

 

[Zenien]

From someone who attended EMA.

"Well, I just left this particular panel. One thing is for certain: Ken Griffeo is wavering a bit on his support of HD DVD. He even went so far as to mention the daily pressure he is under from GE to go neutral.

Zohn continued to spew complete disinformation about his support of HD DVD. He went so far as to say this:

"At my company we are neutral - - we support both formats. However, the reason we favor HD DVD..."

Uh... someone needs to look up the definition of "neutral".

He also went so far as to call the people at Sony: "A bunch of jerks... they are just terrible people"

He labeled them as such because he says they don't return his phone calls.

There will be a full video of this event posted on HTF in the next few days. I think you'll all enjoy Bill Hunt jumping down Griffeo's throat for a solid 30 minutes. Griffeo even made an early exit from the panel... I think the pressure got to him."

Well the video will tell the tail.

 

[Downhere]

And then there's this:



Source

Glad to see Toshiba continuing with the 5 free movie deal. That, coupled with the fact that you can get an HD-A2 for around 250 street price is a great value.

 

[Downhere]

Interesting article from CNET...

Why I was wrong about HD DVD

By David Carnoy
Executive editor, CNET Reviews
(July 17, 2007)

EXCERPTS:

"As the format war enters its next phase--the lead-up to the holiday buying season--Toshiba and its partners (read: Microsoft) have gone with a two-pronged attack: they're touting new, long-promised special features along with lower prices on the players. (The new features work even on the oldest HD DVD players, so long as they have the latest firmware.) It's a good strategy--if not their only strategy--though I think the whole special-features angle will only give HD DVD a short-term boost, and a very small one at that.

All marketing stories have a history, and this one is no exception. Before we got into this whole format war, the HD DVD camp went out and did some sort of study and came back with data that said that consumers were going to replace their existing DVDs with HD DVDs only if the new disc offered something beyond better video quality. And better sound quality--lossless DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD soundtracks that go beyond what you can hear on standard DVDs--wasn't going to cut it either. No, what people wanted was snazzy, new extras and more interactivity. Or so I've been told.

It seems Blu-ray backers did a similar study, because they also like to talk up their format's special features. Sadly, however, a lot of them haven't come to fruition yet or simply don't work with existing players. While I've been accused of being a Blu-ray fanboy (one reader recently suggested I was enjoying time on the Sony yacht this summer), I'm unbiased enough to point out that the HD DVD specification is better in a lot of ways. For example, all HD DVD players are required to support Ethernet connections, dual video streams (picture-in-picture), Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD soundtrack decoding, and "persistent storage" (onboard flash memory). That makes for a much more uniform experience on HD DVD players (of course, it helps when only one company is making them). By comparison, none of those features are required on Blu-ray players. And while Blu-ray uses Java for its discs' special features, HD DVD uses a Microsoft alternative called HDi. It's great that Java is a widely used standard, but when it doesn't work, who cares?"
____________________________________________________________ _____

"Marketing hijinks aside, with DVD being as good as it is, it's hard to get users to kick the habit. Ultimately, what 90 percent of people are looking for is a DVD replacement that costs basically the same as what they have now. They want a sub-$100 HD DVD or Blu-ray player and movies that are priced the same as DVDs--or less. Yeah, some folks might go out and replace a few of their favorite DVDs with the new improved HD DVD versions, but the reality is someday--and sooner than Toshiba or Sony might like--an HD DVD or Blu-Ray player isn't going to be a premium purchase; it's going to cost $99, and all this extra money studios are talking about spending on snazzy extra features isn't going to make economic sense for the majority of titles produced.

In other words, Toshiba, the HD DVD Promotion Group, and Microsoft can talk all they want about interactivity and in-movie experiences, but the only way HD DVD is winning this war is on price. As it stands, this is a race to the bottom, and the more I look at it, the more I realize that I was wrong to think that a format war was bad. We need these guys to beat each other up. We need Toshiba and Microsoft to push Sony and its allies to make better and cheaper Blu-ray players. We need Universal to stay red. We need this war, folks. Give it a chance."

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6754683-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

 

[Fading]

The more I think about it, the more the, "People are just waiting for $100 players" doesn't work as well. Most people probably realize by now that HD-DVD or Blu-ray mean they have to get HD TV's to get the most out of it. Until they upgrade their TV I think most ppl will skip next gen players, because on lower res TV's theres no point as both formats will look almost the same as DVD, and who wants to replace 1 similar set of movies for another with more features? I have a feeling now that a lot of ppl are waiting for cheap HD read TV's, and will buy next gen players to test their new TV out. I mean older TV's are being phased out anyway so it won't mean a lot 5 to 10 years or so as more and more TV's will be HD ready anyway.

I could be wrong, but just a thought. Still tho the current format war can still be won or lost obviously by the group of ppl that are currently, and will soon buy into it. I just don't think the bulk of ppl would upgrade until they had compliant TV's, where before I was thinking ppl would just buy because it's new and an upgrade.

 

[imdaly]

Considering BR Java will be done by october and BR will have the movies people actually want to buy en mass where as this upcoming christams will be a masacre of HD-DVD?

Unfortunately for Blu-ray supporters, the PS3 is the ONLY Blu-ray player out so far that MIGHT be able to support such features. Everyone else is going to suddenly find that, if they want to be able to take advantage of these cool new features, they'll need to by another player.

And "movies people actually want"?? I suppose I'll be sobbing like a baby this fall when all I'll be able to buy are crap like "Heroes: Season 1", "Star Trek: The Original Series - As You've Never Seen It Before, "Harry Potter 1-5", "TMNT", "300", "Blades of Glory", "Blade Runner", "Knocked Up", "The Bourne Ultimatum", "Evan Almighty", "Transformers", "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", etc

don't. Wait for Ridley scott to release his REAL cut. Both versions out now are not the way they were intended to be. Nor are they worth purchasing unless you're a die-hard fan. Give it a rent, and if you love it, go ahead and buy it. If not, wait for Ridley's real version like I am.

This 5-disc set that's coming out on DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray is going to have 4 cuts of the film in the set: the European cut, teh Director's Cut, the Theatrical Cut, and The Ultimate cut.

Are none of these the "real" Ridley version??

 

[Zenien]

Unfortunately for Blu-ray supporters, the PS3 is the ONLY Blu-ray player out so far that MIGHT be able to support such features. Everyone else is going to suddenly find that, if they want to be able to take advantage of these cool new features, they'll need to by another player.

And "movies people actually want"?? I suppose I'll be sobbing like a baby this fall when all I'll be able to buy are crap like "Heroes: Season 1", "Star Trek: The Original Series - As You've Never Seen It Before, "Harry Potter 1-5", "TMNT", "300", "Blades of Glory", "Blade Runner", "Knocked Up", "The Bourne Ultimatum", "Evan Almighty", "Transformers", "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", etc

Only 3-4 of them will have a real impact on the market that is still going to be overshadowed by the bigger BR releases. I'm not talking about your personal tastes Imdaly, just the market as a whole. Bourne Ultimatum will do great.

 

[WeeZiTe]

www.gamerrejects.com

 

[Fading]

From someone who attended EMA.

"Well, I just left this particular panel. One thing is for certain: Ken Griffeo is wavering a bit on his support of HD DVD. He even went so far as to mention the daily pressure he is under from GE to go neutral.

Zohn continued to spew complete disinformation about his support of HD DVD. He went so far as to say this:

"At my company we are neutral - - we support both formats. However, the reason we favor HD DVD..."

Uh... someone needs to look up the definition of "neutral".

He also went so far as to call the people at Sony: "A bunch of jerks... they are just terrible people"

He labeled them as such because he says they don't return his phone calls.

There will be a full video of this event posted on HTF in the next few days. I think you'll all enjoy Bill Hunt jumping down Griffeo's throat for a solid 30 minutes. Griffeo even made an early exit from the panel... I think the pressure got to him."

Well the video will tell the tail.

Lol, I wonder how much Zohn is getting paid to call Sony a bunch of jerks, because saying they won't return his phone calls is a sad excuse when you're speaking for a company.

Also says something when Graffeo was wavering and the other guys jumped all over him. If I was on the edge about a decision while being pressured, and then the side I was unsure about supporting starting arguing with me...it'd help my decision, I'll just say that lol.

If you get a full link to this video I'd like to see some of it. If it's like 2 hours I wouldn't, but it might be interesting to watch the bits mentioned above.

 

[KALEL114]

HDScape? What movies do they have? Oh well, they are Bluray exclusive now.

http://www.n4g.com/ClickOut.aspx?ObjID=53097

 

[imdaly]

HDScape? What movies do they have? Oh well, they are Bluray exclusive now.

http://www.n4g.com/ClickOut.aspx?ObjID=53097

No, they are just going neutral, releasing on both formats.







And here's some further news about how much Universal is showing obvious signs that they are faltering on their stance with supporting HD DVD:

Universal Pledges Web-Enabled Features on All New HD DVD Titles
July 19, 2007

Committing to target "the MySpace generation," Universal VP Ken Graffeo announced Wednesday that the studio plans to include web-enabled features in all of its new releases on HD DVD, starting with 'Heroes: Season One' on August 28.

The move appears to be intended to emphasize a technical advantage of HD DVD over rival format Blu-ray, which has yet to roll out any discs with features that utilize internet connectivity.

Pointing out that Blu-ray players "don’t have the consistency in their machines to be able to handle this," Graffeo's remarks came as attendees at the Home Media Expo got the very first peek at scenes and features from the highly anticipated 'Heroes' HD DVD release.

Although execs at the show remained tight-lipped about exactly what type of web-connected features the 'Heroes' HD DVD will include, Universal's Graffeo likened them to those of the massive social network MySpace. "We are developing that same community," explained Graffeo. "With 'Heroes,' producer Tim Kring is very involved in letting HD DVD users exclusively participate in the Heroes community."

Expect more complete details about the 'Heroes' HD DVD release later this month from Comic-Con, where NBC-Universal is planning a session with the show's cast and crew.

Source

Man, if THAT doesn't spell out "We're not so sure about HD DVD anymore" then I don't know what does!





And more details about the upcoming exclusive HD DVD of "Heroes: Season 1":

"Heroes" HD DVD Previewed at Home Media Expo
July 18, 2007

Although it was just a teaser of what's promised to come later this month at Comic-Con, attendees at the Home Media Expo yesterday were treated to the very first peek at the 'Heroes: Season One' HD DVD.

Universal has been unusually coy regarding HD DVD exclusives planned for the title (due in stores Aug 28), delaying release of complete disc details until a special session at Comic-Con in late July, so you can imagine the surprise of attendees at the Home Media Expo when Microsoft's HD DVD evangelist Kevin Collins pulled out a check disc for the highly anticipated title and previewed about five minutes worth of content.

According to a report by Gord Lacey at TVShowsOnDVD.com, Collins showed a few scenes from the show, and then demo'd several of the disc's special features.

Among the previewed supplements: an interactive "Character Connections" screen, which provides a visual guide to the interconnections of the various characters on the show; the first of two "U-Control" features that allow viewers to take a closer look at Isaac's paintings (in scenes where they're included); and a second "U-Control" feature that displays the show's signature hidden helix when it appears in a given scene.

The surprise reveal came during one of several special sessions held this year for a delegation of DVD and high-def enthusiasts from a number of web sites, including the Home Theater Forum, The Digital Bits and TVShowsOnDVD.com.

And here come the HD DVD notebook computers!

Free HD DVD up to a $29.99 value, when you buy the Toshiba P205-S6347 notebook (Sale $1,299.99)

This high-powered Toshiba Satellite notebook features HD DVD-ROM playback and a 17" high-resolution widescreen display for a vivid entertainment experience. It also offers high-speed wireless-N networking and a built-in Web cam to stay in touch with your favorite people.

Order yours today and get an HD DVD movie of your choice for free!

Source

 

[BatMatt]

I still don't get HD notebooks (Blu-Ray included) how big can the difference be on a 17" screen?

 

[imdaly]

I still don't get HD notebooks (Blu-Ray included) how big can the difference be on a 17" screen?

- Special Features
- Web-enabled Features
- More storage space compared to DVD

But I agree, I wouldn't be one to be watching movies on a laptop much at all.

 

[BatMatt]

yea you would get those bonus features, just not the picture difference. People can backup their entire harddrive on a BD-RW though so I guess thats a cool advantage

 

[imdaly]

yea you would get those bonus features, just not the picture difference. People can backup their entire harddrive on a BD-RW though so I guess thats a cool advantage

So I just got back from work and I noticed a nice little surprise addition to our laptop selection today...

Our very first laptop with a built-in HD DVD drive!

$1,599 after a $50 rebate.

Click here for details

It's also important to note that we do not have any computers/laptops in our store with built-in Blu-ray yet at all.


I have to say I'm VERY surprised to see this in our store, and to see it so soon! It's got its own little place on the end of an isle with nice signage all over it stating that it's a HD DVD player.

I tested it out with our copy of "Happy Feet" and it plays wonderfully!

 

[BatMatt]

you may want to edit the price on that computer

 

[imdaly]

AHAHA. yeah...whoops!

 

[BatMatt]

The HD-DVD camp would look silly if they're using their price advantage argument while having a computer that costs 16 grand

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I still don't get HD notebooks (Blu-Ray included) how big can the difference be on a 17" screen?

Well I would like to have one just for the ability to write high def content alone. But right now the cost of blank discs and the laptop itself are ridiculous. I will wait until the prices become more reasonable.

 

[Downhere]

From someone who attended EMA.

"Well, I just left this particular panel. One thing is for certain: Ken Griffeo is wavering a bit on his support of HD DVD. He even went so far as to mention the daily pressure he is under from GE to go neutral.

Zohn continued to spew complete disinformation about his support of HD DVD. He went so far as to say this:

"At my company we are neutral - - we support both formats. However, the reason we favor HD DVD..."

Uh... someone needs to look up the definition of "neutral".

He also went so far as to call the people at Sony: "A bunch of jerks... they are just terrible people"

He labeled them as such because he says they don't return his phone calls.

There will be a full video of this event posted on HTF in the next few days. I think you'll all enjoy Bill Hunt jumping down Griffeo's throat for a solid 30 minutes. Griffeo even made an early exit from the panel... I think the pressure got to him."

Well the video will tell the tail.

Apparently, some of what was said about this event was off-base. Especially about Ken Graffeo and Universal.

From Home Theater Forum:

I can't believe that ANYONE that was at this would consider Ken to be wavering. Is he under daily pressure to go neutral? Yes! just read the Digitalbits, and HTF! Everyday people are asking (some screaming) for Universal to go neutral. Is he under daily pressure from GE? He never said that. He said he ultimately reports to GE (and I'm sure he and other Universal executives have had to justify their stance to GE), but this is taken way out of context by drsiebling. When the video posts (give Ron a chance to get home and catch his breath) you all can judge for yourself. The general point is no one from either side is wavering yet!


http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showpost.php?p=3196248&postcount=19

 

[imdaly]

This post is for no other reason than to show off this pretty awesome boxart

That's freaking sweet!

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Time for my daily creepy moment. Anna Sophia Robb is going to be so hott when she grows up.

 

[imdaly]

Time for my daily creepy moment. Anna Sophia Robb is going to be so hott when she grows up.

Aww come on if we're gonna be creepy, go all out:

She's hot now.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Aww come on if we're gonna be creepy, go all out:

She's hot now.

Nah she needs to develop. Dakota Fanning is going to be ugly when she grows up on a side note.

 

[Speedball]

This post is for no other reason than to show off this pretty awesome boxart

That's freaking sweet!

That is pretty damn awesome.
I don't wanna see the film though.