The Format War

[Timstuff]

Cover Art^

Lord of the Rings Pre-order Now Available!

In an early announcement to retailers, New Line Home Entertainment in conjunction with Warner Home Video have revealed the cover art for 'The Lord of the Rings Trilogy' Blu-ray and Amazon has begun taking pre-orders. The release currently does not have a release date, but it is expected to be released later this year - most likely during the holiday season.

No technical specs or special features have been revealed at this time, but you can expect to see 1080p VC-1 video accompanied by a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

The only potentially negative news here is that the films will be presented in their theatrical versions instead of the more popular (and more faithful) extended versions. This is not entirely surprising as Warner made it well known early on that the theatrical versions would be released first, with the extended versions coming sometime later (likely around the theatrical release of 'The Hobbit'). However, any hope of the 2009 release using seamless branching to show both versions has now been washed away.

But, that doesn't take away from the fact that this is indeed 'The Lord of the Rings' - three films which together grossed more than $1B domestically - in high definition. This is one of the releases Blu-ray fans have been begging for, and you can bet this is going to be one of the best selling Blu-ray titles this year.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2589

Why the EFF can't we have both versions on the same disc!?

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Why the EFF can't we have both versions on the same disc!?

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Just to give everyone a heads up if you are a Star Trek fan. The 6 movie (but 7 disc) Star Trek Collection is down to $79.99 on Amazon.com which is like $13.33 per movie.

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Ori...ef=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1239960225&sr=8-9

 

[X-Maniac]

I never thought the visual beauty of Blu-ray would be enough to wow me on its own.

But then i watched the Blu-ray of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which i got cheap, and found it a fantastic, rip-roaring adventure movie.

Just goes to show that aesthetics do improve a movie!

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I never thought the visual beauty of Blu-ray would be enough to wow me on its own.

But then i watched the Blu-ray of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which i got cheap, and found it a fantastic, rip-roaring adventure movie.

Just goes to show that aesthetics do improve a movie!

Is that the only Blu-ray you've seen? Because I would say there is tons better visually out there.

 

[Timstuff]

Sadly, I think you're right.

I can only afford to get one, so it'll probably be the extended edition. It would sure be nice if they would let us watch the standard version on the extended version's disc, because there is absolutely no technological reason why they can't. Also, it will be stupid if they can't fit the extended cuts onto single discs, because as we all know BDRs have more then enough space to fit a 3.5 hour long movie, especially with the 75 GB discs.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Sadly, I think you're right.

I can only afford to get one, so it'll probably be the extended edition. It would sure be nice if they would let us watch the standard version on the extended version's disc, because there is absolutely no technological reason why they can't. Also, it will be stupid if they can't fit the extended cuts onto single discs, because as we all know BDRs have more then enough space to fit a 3.5 hour long movie, especially with the 75 GB discs.

Well its gonna be quite some time considering they are holding off to cross promote with The Hobbit. And 75GB Blu-ray's don't exist only 25GB and 50GB. But yeah that certainly is enough to do the extended versions justice. And I don't think I am right...I KNOW I am right. It is purely money motivated. People have been clamoring for LOTR on Blu-ray and they are getting it and WB is cashing in on the demand. But for the hardcore fans that want the extended versions down the line your gonna have to live with the theatrical versions for now.

People really shouldn't be surprised though this is common with a successful franchise. The same thing is happening with Spider-Man. You can get the movies on Blu-ray but they practically have no special features. But they will almost certainly get a re-release around the time Spider-Man 4 comes out.

But like I said the rare thing happening with LOTR is that WB is being upfront and honest about their double dipping strategy while most studios try to make even more money by leaving consumers guessing. So in that respect I give them credit for at least telling the fans of LOTR.

 

[X-Maniac]

Is that the only Blu-ray you've seen? Because I would say there is tons better visually out there.

I'm struggling to find the part where i said or implied 'this is the only Blu-ray I've ever seen.'

No, it isn't.

But if you want to give your list of top visual feasts on Blu-ray, go ahead and I'll check them out.

(Was not overly impressed with the Bram Stoker's Dracula visual presentation...until i watched the deleted scenes which are in the murky non high-def presentation)

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I'm struggling to find the part where i said or implied 'this is the only Blu-ray I've ever seen.'

No, it isn't.

But if you want to give your list of top visual feasts on Blu-ray, go ahead and I'll check them out.

(Was not overly impressed with the Bram Stoker's Dracula visual presentation...until i watched the deleted scenes which are in the murky non high-def presentation)

I didn't say you said that which is why I was asking...lol. Your post almost seemed like you might have been making it out as it was your first Blu-ray you ever saw in action.

And yeah Dracula got a lot of hate for how the transfer was handled.

I would say some of the demo Blu-ray discs out there right now off the top of my head are...

Cloverfield
The Dark Knight (The chase scene is both visually and audibly impressive)
Kill Bill 1 & 2
Superbad
Pretty much any Disney Blu-ray
Rescue Dawn
Shoot Em Up
Hulk
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Office Space (This isn't filled with special effects or action but I can't imagine this movie looking or sounding any better.)

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Blu-ray Players to Hit $99 This Holiday Season
As previously reported, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has recently brought the high definition format to China. In order to accomplish this, they had to not only provide the technology to create Blu-ray Discs and players to Chinese manufacturers, but also create a licensing format which would lower costs and streamline the production process. One of the advantages to the rest of the Blu-ray buying world, commented Mark Leathan, Marketing Director at Samsung, was that we will soon see the "entry of the Chinese manufacturers into the Blu ray market that we will have a $99 Blu ray player."

During last year's holiday season, Blu-ray players could be found for as low as $128, though quantities were limited due to the availability of product and the high demand for the high definition players. With sales this year predicted to be at least twice of what they were last year, it is expected that the $99 price point will become the norm for entry-level players, rather than as part of a special sales promotion.

These lower priced entries, however, will likely have little effect on major consumer electronic manufacturers. It is highly unlikely that Sony, Panasonic, and Samung will participate in entry-level game of slim-margins, and will likely leave that to the new Chinese manufactures and new products from Magnavox or Sylvania.

As you can see from the magnitude of the announcements over the past few days, the Blu-ray format is expected to be the hot ticket item this holiday season. The only question is, how many millions of people will wake-up to a new Blu-ray Disc player and Blu-ray copy of 'Lord of the Rings'?

 

[Kable24]

I didn't say you said that which is why I was asking...lol. Your post almost seemed like you might have been making it out as it was your first Blu-ray you ever saw in action.

And yeah Dracula got a lot of hate for how the transfer was handled.

I would say some of the demo Blu-ray discs out there right now off the top of my head are...

Cloverfield
The Dark Knight (The chase scene is both visually and audibly impressive)
Kill Bill 1 & 2
Superbad
Pretty much any Disney Blu-ray
Rescue Dawn
Shoot Em Up
Hulk
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Office Space (This isn't filled with special effects or action but I can't imagine this movie looking or sounding any better.)

I would add Punisher War Zone to that list. Amazing picture. To bad the movie wasn't amazing.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I would add Punisher War Zone to that list. Amazing picture. To bad the movie wasn't amazing.

Well I do have that one just haven't checked it our for myself yet. Heard the quality was great but have heard nothing but bad things so can't be too disappointed since my expectations are so low...haha.

 

[Downhere]

I just got War Zone in from Netflix, I'm not expecting much. I don't know when I will be able to watch it though. I have a gazillion things that need to get done this weekend for school and all. *sighs* I'm glad this semester is finally coming to an end, although a new one begins right after. lol.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Uh-oh. Having my first major Blu-ray playback problem. Hulk is now giving me the message "This video cannot be played. (80029940)"

 

[Downhere]

Uh-oh. Having my first major Blu-ray playback problem. Hulk is now giving me the message "This video cannot be played. (80029940)"

Your using a PS3 right?

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Your using a PS3 right?

Yep.

 

[Downhere]

Yep.

Ok, if you haven't already. Power down the ps3 and then turn it off using the switch in the back. Wait a few minutes and then turn it back on again. If that doesn't work, then try turning off the Super-White setting and see if that works. If that doesn't work, then it's the disc.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Ok, if you haven't already. Power down the ps3 and then turn it off using the switch in the back. Wait a few minutes and then turn it back on again. If that doesn't work, then try turning off the Super-White setting and see if that works. If that doesn't work, then it's the disc.

Yeah tried both of those and they didn't work. The thing is when I first got this disc it worked just fine. It even worked fine today when I popped it in and when I went to select a scene the screen just went black and nothing played so I turned off my PS3 and tried to start the disc again and it just gives me that message now.

 

[imdaly]

People really shouldn't be surprised though this is common with a successful franchise. The same thing is happening with Spider-Man. You can get the movies on Blu-ray but they practically have no special features. But they will almost certainly get a re-release around the time Spider-Man 4 comes out.

And I cannot WAIT for that day.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

And I cannot WAIT for that day.

I am just getting sick of waiting for Spidey 4 at this point. They need to hurry up and shoot it before Tobey turns 50, gets overweight, and his hair turns grey.

 

[Downhere]

I am just getting sick of waiting for Spidey 4 at this point. They need to hurry up and shoot it before Tobey turns 50, gets overweight, and his hair turns grey.

That's a little over-dramatic now isn't it? I mean, Spidey 4 is slated for 2011 and Tobey isn't that old now.

 

[Downhere]

And I cannot WAIT for that day.

Your missing out man.

 

[Symbiotic]

I am just getting sick of waiting for Spidey 4 at this point. They need to hurry up and shoot it before Tobey turns 50, gets overweight, and his hair turns grey.

He looked a bit out of shape in Spidey 3 I thought. In certain scenes.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

That's a little over-dramatic now isn't it? I mean, Spidey 4 is slated for 2011 and Tobey isn't that old now.

Of course its over-dramatic thats what I am all about.

But Tobey is turning 34 in June and was already complaining of back problems in Spidey 2 so just saying. Unlike Batman Spider-Man isn't really a character that probably wouldn't age well on screen...lol.

 

[Downhere]

Of course its over-dramatic thats what I am all about.

But Tobey is turning 34 in June and was already complaining of back problems in Spidey 2 so just saying. Unlike Batman Spider-Man isn't really a character that probably wouldn't age well on screen...lol.

LOL...they should shoot Spidey 4-5 back to back...that way we get a whole bunch of films with the same actors.