The Format War

[Downhere]

But also it is a matter of convenience. Isn't it much simpler having one player and one format (one thats still alive and kicking) to own instead of having to deal with 2?

I know that for myself I will eventually move everything to Blu-ray when all the movies I owned on HD DVD are available. That is when I will sell off my HD DVD players/movies. For now I don't mind having both. Plus, I am just starting to replace my HD DVD's with Blu-ray's with the Red2Blu WB program. Eventually I'll continue when the prices are right.

 

[BatMatt]

I have 4 HD DVDs still, but that's the amount I've always had. I have the Bourne Trilogy and Hot Fuzz, and don't really plan on replacing them anytime soon. I use my HD DVD player for watching DVDs, and reserve the PS3 for games and obviously BD. It's nice using the HD DVD player in that regard because it doesn't quite heat up the room as much

 

[Agent Z]

Well a few things to point out...

1. I think you are one of the few people to actually buy Cat People in the first place...lol. Seems like a really odd choice that this was one of the release options from Universal in the thick of the format war. People weren't exactly clamoring for this one. It's not a shock it hasn't been re-issued on Blu-ray the sales of it probably were very poor on HD-DVD. So $4 sounds right for this title on any format.

t: Hey, I haven't seen this remake of Cat People, so you might be right. However, a movie's worth from a critical analysis standpoint, or from an audience's demand standpoint, is never a reason for me to select a film.

Having said that, the Cat People remake actually does have somewhat of a following in the horror community, as I have been chided for not having seen it to this point.

The point is still the same: You can't beat $4 to have an HD version of the film which you know you will at least watch one time.

2. I don't know if Army of Darkness will be a direct port. It was released on a measly 15GB HD-DVD and received poor reviews. The audio will obviously be an upgrade to lossless and Universal might re-encode this one for a 25GB or 50GB Blu-ray so it may actually come out looking better.

Good points. The lossless audio is a factor that would be a definite upgrade.

I will counter though that the Army of Darkness HD-DVD received mixed reviews. I actually wasn't going to buy the HD-DVD because I had read some reviews online giving it poor grades, but I also read user reviews to the contrary.

As someone who has seen Army of Darkness when it premiered theatrically and owns several standard dvd versions of it, I must admit that I was shocked at how nice the HD-DVD looks. It blows away the previous editions. It felt like watching the film for the first time in many respects. Very razor sharp and impressive.

Yes, the Blu-Ray release will have more space and it may even look a bit better for it, but it's also still lacking from the standard Boomstick edition.

In other words, two HD releases, both probably neck and neck in quality, but both also far from definitive in terms of material.....I'm going with the $4 option at this point. They will get my premium money when they put out a premium edition, as they did with the standard.

But also it is a matter of convenience. Isn't it much simpler having one player and one format (one thats still alive and kicking) to own instead of having to deal with 2?

You are under the assumption that Blu-Ray will always still be alive and kicking in the near forseeable future.

In my thinking, Blu-Ray is one more bad Christmas campaign away from joining HD-DVD, but that is a discussion for another time.

For this discussion, I look at how many times I actually watch a particular title. I may end up loving Cat People, but with all the books, movies, television, music, etc etc out there to enjoy, and my lifespan not getting any longer to match the breadth, I probably won't be watching it more than 3 times proper...maybe 5 times max, over my remaining years. So, $4 for an HD-DVD presentation that is probably equal or close to the Blu-Ray is the better investment for me at this point.

Now, if my HD-DVD player craps out prematurely, I'm screwed, I realize. t:

Btw guys, this is not anti-Blu, as I enjoy that format as well. Hell, I love all formats and still use my VHS and laserdisc often. My only point with the HD-DVD fire sale is that it does, at least to me, offer great deals to those with the HD-DVD players to take advantage from.

 

[War Party]

Just got Final Fantasy VII:Advent Children Complete and holy ****! It looks and sounds amazing. And the additional 25 minutes really makes it a better film. Must have for any fan of FF7.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

You are under the assumption that Blu-Ray will always still be alive and kicking in the near forseeable future.

In my thinking, Blu-Ray is one more bad Christmas campaign away from joining HD-DVD, but that is a discussion for another time.

It will be. The reports and studies show that Blu-ray is doing nothing but increasing in sales and consumer base. DVD sales have actually been declining while Blu-ray sales have slowly been climbing. I am not saying Blu-ray will last forever...every format has its dead end when something better comes along. But I would say Blu-ray has AT LEAST a healthy 10 year lifespan before being officially declared dead. DVD will probably stick around for quite some time too considering how cheap it is.

This Christmas will only increase Blu-ray players in homes...there will be players even lower than they are now which is what is holding back a lot of people.

And yes pretty much 95% of what is available in high definition is going to look better than the DVD but that doesn't mean they look their best. From what I hear Army of Darkness had lots of problems that might be cleared up with more space to work with.

I have 4 HD DVDs still, but that's the amount I've always had. I have the Bourne Trilogy and Hot Fuzz, and don't really plan on replacing them anytime soon. I use my HD DVD player for watching DVDs, and reserve the PS3 for games and obviously BD. It's nice using the HD DVD player in that regard because it doesn't quite heat up the room as much

I don't blame you for keeping The Bourne Trilogy on HD-DVD. Universal was smoking crack when they priced the Blu-ray version. $119.98 MSRP they must be kidding. And I wanted to keep my HD-DVD player too but honestly I don't have the space plus I rarely even watch DVD's anymore.

 

[Agent Z]

It will be. The reports and studies show that Blu-ray is doing nothing but increasing in sales and consumer base. DVD sales have actually been declining while Blu-ray sales have slowly been climbing. I am not saying Blu-ray will last forever...every format has its dead end when something better comes along. But I would say Blu-ray has AT LEAST a healthy 10 year lifespan before being officially declared dead. DVD will probably stick around for quite some time too considering how cheap it is.

I hope you are right, as I have invested in Blu myself. Blu-Ray may have a healthy 10 year lifespan, but so did laserdisc. Will Blu be the next laserdisc, (which isn't a bad thing btw), or will Joe Sixpack embrace it enough for it to be THE format of choice, and not a niche. My gut feeling is that outside of these forum postings, there is not much in the way of mass acceptance for a format that doesn't quite revolutionize the interactivity of home entertaiment, but provides basically increased picture quality.

Yes, I'm not even going to bother listing lossless audio as some incentive. Most "regular" people aren't going to give a rat's arse about the leap from even just 5.1 to lossless...let alone 7.1 to lossless.

And yes pretty much 95% of what is available in high definition is going to look better than the DVD but that doesn't mean they look their best. From what I hear Army of Darkness had lots of problems that might be cleared up with more space to work with.

Honestly, my HD-DVD of Army of Darkness looks better than what I saw in the theater, and I can't imagine getting that much better...(not twenty dollars better)...save of course if they want to screw it up with DNR...but, again, that's another discussion. t:

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I hope you are right, as I have invested in Blu myself. Blu-Ray may have a healthy 10 year lifespan, but so did laserdisc. Will Blu be the next laserdisc, (which isn't a bad thing btw), or will Joe Sixpack embrace it enough for it to be THE format of choice, and not a niche. My gut feeling is that outside of these forum postings, there is not much in the way of mass acceptance for a format that doesn't quite revolutionize the interactivity of home entertaiment, but provides basically increased picture quality.

Yes, I'm not even going to bother listing lossless audio as some incentive. Most "regular" people aren't going to give a rat's arse about the leap from even just 5.1 to lossless...let alone 7.1 to lossless.

I know very little about the days of laserdisc but honestly would you really say it had a HEALTHY lifespan? I mean it survived a good while but I wouldn't say it accomplished the things Blu-ray has. Like for example The Dark Knight has sold over 3 million Blu-ray copies worldwide in a matter of months can any laserdisc release claim anywhere near that kind of success? I think there is a huge acceptance of this format and the research is showing its growth is slowly building and like I said DVD has huge number but sales HAVE been declining while Blu-ray sales are increasing if only a little.

And true when it comes to lossless...that will always be in the lower priority of things but its still large enough of a crowd that WB stopped giving titles Dolby Digital because so many people were complaining about the lack of lossless on certain titles.

And as far as Army of Darkness on HD-DVD goes here is some key things in a review from a respected site that I saw pertaining to the picture quality.

1. Noticeable dirt.
2. Grain is rampant.
3. Darker scenes have a flat and fuzzy look.

And here is a sentence that pretty summed up the picture quality review...

Army of Darkness' could really use a from-the-ground-up, full-on remastering.

 

[Downhere]

While Laserdisc wasn't anywhere on DVD, or even Blu-ray level, it did have a healthy lifespan but was seen as a video/audiophile type of technology. But for it to have lasted as long as it did proves that it was a profitable product and had a healthy lifespan.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

While Laserdisc wasn't anywhere on DVD, or even Blu-ray level, it did have a healthy lifespan but was seen as a video/audiophile type of technology. But for it to have lasted as long as it did proves that it was a profitable product and had a healthy lifespan.

Yes I understand it lasted a long time and everything but what I am saying is I think I remember reading the actual numbers at some point and Blu-ray in 2 years accomplished what Laserdisc did in like 10 in terms of how many players were in peoples homes and everything I believe so to compare Blu-ray to Laserdisc is a little silly at this point just looking at the numbers. It has already surprassed Laserdisc by miles.

 

[Agent Z]

I know very little about the days of laserdisc but honestly would you really say it had a HEALTHY lifespan? I mean it survived a good while but I wouldn't say it accomplished the things Blu-ray has. Like for example The Dark Knight has sold over 3 million Blu-ray copies worldwide in a matter of months can any laserdisc release claim anywhere near that kind of success?

Yes, I understand all that, although I think it's a slippery slope to compare actual eras. I mean, now you need to compare VHS to dvd, not to mention the fact that home entertainment as a commodity evolves as we go along due to a number of socioeconomic issues that are a whole different animal.

So, comparing the sales numbers for Dark Knight in this day and age to sales numbers for a laserdisc title a decade and change gone past isn't quite fair.

Having said that, I never disagreed that Blu is more popular in its integration of the home entertainment market than laserdisc was in its era. My point is still the same: Blu-ray is still a niche market..the same as laserdisc was. Blu-ray may be a bigger niche market than laserdisc, but a niche is still a niche.

I think there is a huge acceptance of this format and the research is showing its growth is slowly building and like I said DVD has huge number but sales HAVE been declining while Blu-ray sales are increasing if only a little.

There you go. Yes, ALL home entertainment sales are down, and Blu-ray is increasing, but incrementally to a point where it's not anywhere near the total take of standard DVDs.

An analogy would be the bakery that is struggling. Sales are down and the baker is struggling to move goods, but, hey, those new cherry cupcakes are selling more than usual, but only by their own right.

And as far as Army of Darkness on HD-DVD goes here is some key things in a review from a respected site that I saw pertaining to the picture quality.

1. Noticeable dirt.
2. Grain is rampant.
3. Darker scenes have a flat and fuzzy look.

And here is a sentence that pretty summed up the picture quality review...

Army of Darkness' could really use a from-the-ground-up, full-on remastering.

Yes, but as mentioned before, other reviewers love the transfer.

I love the transfer. I have seen the transfer. Just saying.

I think you are still missing the point here though. I never disputed that AOD could have a better transfer. My point is that even with a better transfer, the quality of the HD-DVD is close enough to what the Blu-ray could offer for me to see the value in getting the cheaper HD-DVD version. As also mentioned, lack of the premium content on both HD versions of AOD also has me going with the cheaper version.

There is a certain point to where one must settle. Technology is always improving, and even Blu-ray is lacking in ultimate presentation. For me, at the point where one has to tweak and scour for imperfections in a transfer between two comparable formats...well, that's time I would rather just be spent watching the films anyway.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

As long as you are happy with it that is all that matters in the end. I have even seen MANY people complain about how poor The Dark Knight was handled on Blu-ray but it is easily in my top 10 demo discs. All I was trying to say is that yeah you are getting a good deal on those movies if you can put up with having 2 different high def formats and players but try to be careful what you buy because the Blu-ray version could be superior even if more expensive. Army of Darkness would have definitely been a title I would have waited on its going to be available before the end of the year but hey if your happy then thats all that matters.

And my point is is that comparing to Laserdisc is silly in the sense that its already beat what it accomplished faster and by miles AND is continuing to flourish and grow it isn't stopping. You say it could possibly go south this christmas I would say thats impossible considering player prices will hit even lower. That is what is so shocking about how fast Blu-ray is growing it doesn't even have a $100 player on the market yet.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Results Are In: Howard's End to be the Next Criterion Blu-ray
A couple months back, Amazon posted a poll where fans could vote on which film they wanted Criterion to publish next. Well, the results are in and 'Howard's End' will be the next Blu-ray title from the popular film distributor. No official announcement has been made, but a pre-order has popped up on Amazon's website indicating that a release date should be announced soon.

Technical specs have not been announced at this time, though you can expect a 1080p AVC video presentation accompanied by a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. No special features have been announced, but the previous Criterion DVD includes:

* Building “Howards End,” featuring new interviews with James Ivory, Ismail Merchant, Helena Bonham Carter, costume designer Jenny Beavan, and Academy Award-winning production designer Luciana Arrighi
* The Design of “Howards End,” a more detailed look at the costume and production designs for the film, including original sketches
* The Wandering Company, a 50-minute documentary from 1984 about the history of Merchant Ivory Productions
* Original 1992 behind-the-scenes featurette
* Original theatrical trailer


We expect to hear more regarding this title soon.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

If you are looking to pick up Ghostbusters in store here is a site where you can download a $5 off coupon.

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/ghostbusters/splash/

Actually it looks like this promotion is available on Amazon.com as well. Just use the promo code SONYPIC5 to get $5 off Ghostbusters.

 

[BeserkerHilf]

any word on when the 2 pack is going to be released?

 

[Sam Fisher]

Ghostbusters 2 hasn't even been annnounced yet.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

any word on when the 2 pack is going to be released?

Probably around when the 3rd movie is coming out sadly.

Ghostbusters 2 hasn't even been annnounced yet.

The 2nd one was actually supposed to come out with the first one back before it got delayed. But when Ghostbusters got re-announced the 2nd wasn't included. Why I have no idea.

 

[Downhere]

I hate it when studio's don't release franchise movies together. Just like with Ghostbuster's, you have Men in Black out but not part 2 or you have The Legend of Zorro but not the first one. It's highly annoying.

 

[Sam Fisher]

That's ok. MIB2 can stay on DVD

 

[Downhere]

While MiB2 wasn't the best movie in the world, I saw it again the other day on TNT and it's not as bad as I remember. So, I wouldn't mind having it in my collection. Although, I wish they would do a third and do it right.

 

[Sam Fisher]

If anyone plans on getting the 4 Batman movies on Bluray, Costco has it for $65 after $20 off coupon.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I hate it when studio's don't release franchise movies together. Just like with Ghostbuster's, you have Men in Black out but not part 2 or you have The Legend of Zorro but not the first one. It's highly annoying.

Yep I agree its not a very good strategy. Same reasoning with these TV series. I am not buying a later season of a show on Blu-ray when I can't even watch the first season.

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

High-def Week at Amazon
Online retail giant Amazon has alerted its customers of the beginning of its “High-def Week." Between Monday, June 8 and Friday, June 12, the Amazon Gold Box will be featuring great deals on a variety of high-definition items in all of the Deal of the Days and Lightning Deals. These will include the winner in a vote held last month to determine the deal of the day between five BD box sets.

We shall inform you of the deals as they go online. As is always the case with Amazon Gold Box deals, discounts will be available only while supplies last.

Access the High-def Week in the Gold Box

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Wanna get Ghostbusters for $9.99?

* Go to Amazon.com
* Add Ghostbusters Blu-Ray to cart at $19.99
* Enter coupon code SONYPIC5 at checkout for $5
* Enter coupon code GHOSTBLU for an additional $5 off

If you want to get free shipping just put in a pre-order for something else. I ordered Watchmen to get the free shipping so I got Ghostbusters and Watchmen for $34.98 shipped!

 

[BatMatt]

Wow thanks for posting that, just ordered it now, and since I have prime I didn't need to add anything else (although I will get Watchmen, of course) but Ghostbusters for $9.99, perfect

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Yep its a great deal. I don't know long it will last though so I hope everyone here sees it in time. And here is a good review on it with screenshots for those curious.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews46/ghostbusters_blu-ray.htm

And remember its high def week for the Amazon Gold Box. Most of the deals are mediocre but there are a few good ones. One of the now expired ones was the Sylvania Blu-ray player for $129.99 which is now back up to $199.99.