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Monday, July 31, 2006

Tokyo Drift & Slither HD DVD Details

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift will be released on HD DVD / DVD Combo Format disc priced at $39.98 SRP, this September 26. Unlike its 2 older brothers in the film franchise, preliminary details suggest that the HD DVD release for this title will not include a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. The main feature will be presented in 1080p Widescreen 2.35:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 tracks (English, French & Spanish). English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are included for the main feature.

This HD DVD will feature some never-before-seen HD DVD exclusive interactivity, termed "U-Control", which allows viewers to simultaneously watch director commentary or view a GPS map of where exactly in Tokyo a critical car chase happens. The viewer can also edit their own clips using actual or previously deleted scenes. Besides this, viewers may be allowed to design their own tuner can and see it in a scene from the movie. It can be confirmed here that these interactive features will be available on the final HD DVD.

Once full details are confirmed, they will be available on this blog.


*****

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has also announced that Slither will be released on HD DVD / DVD Combo Format disc priced at $39.98 SRP, this October 24. The main feature on the HD DVD side will be presented in 1080p Widescreen 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio track. The DVD side will contain the feature film presented in Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are included for the main feature on both sides. The bonus features on the DVD side includes:

  • Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Director James Gunn
  • Extended Scenes With Optional Commentary By Director James Gunn
  • Visual Effects: Step By Step
  • Gag Reel
  • Who is Bill Pardy?
  • The Sick Minds and Slimy Days of "SLITHER"
  • Director James Gunn, Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks and other cast and crew discuss how life was on this slithery set!
  • Bringing "Slither's" Creatures To Life
  • Learn how the remarkable Special FX and Prosthetics were visualized and completed for "Slither." Focus on the parasites, the puppets and the people who make them!
  • Slithery Set Tour With Nathan Fillion
  • Nathan Fillion takes the camera on a hilarious journey amongst the cast & crew to find out who is Bill Pardy?!
  • The Gorehound Grill: Brewin' The Blood
  • Special FX technician Kurt Jackson demonstrates how to make fake blood at home.
  • The King Of Cult: Lloyd Kaufman's Video Diary
  • Troma Film's Legendary Lloyd Kaufman takes his camera and shows us what happened behind-the-scenes.
  • Feature Commentary With Director James Gunn And Actor Nathan Fillion

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Universal Studios' The Break-Up on HD DVD Soon...


[July 29, 2006] Originally posted
[July 30, 2006] Release date updated to October 17, no longer September 15.

I've received updated information (pretty official) that Universal Studios Home Entertainment is releasing the romantic comedy, The Break-Up on HD DVD / DVD Combo Format disc, this October 17 (not September 15), day-and-date with its DVD release. The disc will be priced at $39.98 SRP.

Please note that this information may still be considered preliminary and subject to changes but I believe we can pretty much expect this title on HD DVD soon... Once I get hold of full details of the release, you can expect them on this blog.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Some possible HD DVD titles (Release Info Unknown)

I was just browsing through various forums and websites and they had seemingly convincing reports of titles that may appear on HD DVD in the coming weeks or months. Note that these titles do not yet have a UPC number assigned to them based on the records from distributors. They may/may not be released at all regardless of how convincing the information appear to be. But it is good to know that studios are indeed planning to release these titles...

Warner Home Video
  • Dirty Harry - Warner Home Video has announced that all the films of Dirty Harry franchise will be placed on moratorium from September 1. The moratorium will last for more than a year before all the films will be released again on standard DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray formats in 2007 in their renewed glory with enhanced/new bonus features, as part of the Dirty Harry Collection. Full details available from this article. It does puzzle me as to why Warner may release this on HD DVD a month before this title is due for moratorium? Anyway, if Warner intends to release it on HD DVD, you are likely expect it on HD DVD before September (possibly advertised as "available for limited period").

  • Good Night, and Good Luck - Last we heard, it is supposed to be on a HD DVD / DVD Combo format disc on August 1?

  • V for Vendetta - This ones a bit tricky. Since Poseidon HD DVD is already due for release at the end of the year, I don't see why V for Vendetta isn't scheduled for release on HD DVD before the year is out...

Paramount Home Entertainment

  • The Ultimate Star Trek Movie Collection - Reports from the Comic-Con convention recently held at San Diego Convention Centre seems to suggest that Paramount already has the high-definition masters of the films and working towards a HD DVD release.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Some Overlooked HD DVD News...

Sonopress says that it is ready for HD DVD. The global operating replicator of data and information carriers offers its clients premastering, mastering and replication for the new format. Full press statement here. This is possibly the second European disc replicator that has issued press statement saying that they are ready for HD DVD disc replication.

The first was QOL (Quantum Optical Laboratories) located in France which boasts in its press statement "An HD-DVD capacity of 2m/month". I assume '2m' here means two million which in my opinion is rather respectable. The press statement however doesn't say whether this figure refers to the HD-15 or HD-30 or both or with HD DVD / DVD Combos included or both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs. You can read its joint press statement with DTS, Inc. here.

Can't get enough HD DVD content?

With nearly 40 HD DVDs out by now, and still feeling insufficient HD DVD content?

HDNet has released or planned to release a series of documentary HD DVDs... namely:
  • World Extreme Cagefighting
  • Best of Get Out!
  • Best of HDNet World Report
  • The Bikini Destinations

I haven't really got any specific information on the specs of these titles but it seems that the audio will be in Dolby Digital. Check out this HDNet site if you want to know more...

Concert Hot Spot has also released a bunch of music HD DVDs, namely A Guitarscape Planet and View From Space With Heavenly Music HD DVDs. Both priced at $29.99 SRP. Based on online sources, both are presented in 1080i High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus sound. Concert Hot Spot's next HD DVD release is The New Orleans Concert on September 26.

Full Details of October 10 HD DVDs

Army of Darkness (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

None. No HD DVD exclusive extras.

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Batman Begins (HD DVD)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extras: In-Movie Experience! – Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer and Others Reveal the Movie’s Backstories As You Watch.
  • Tankman Begins: A Batman Begins spoof
  • Batman - The Journey Begins: Concept, design and development of the film as well as the casting of Batman himself
  • Shaping Mind and Body: Observe Christian Bale’s transformation into Batman
  • Gotham City Rises: Witness the creation of Gotham City, the Batcave, Wayne Manor and more
  • Cape and Cowl: The development of the new Batsuit
  • Batman – The Tumbler: The reinvention of the Batmobile
  • Path to Discovery: A look at the first week of filming on rugged and remote Iceland locations
  • Saving Gotham City: The development of miniatures, CGI and effects for the Monorail Chase scene
  • Genesis of the Bat: A look at the Dark Knight’s incarnation and influences on the film
  • Reflections on Writing Batman Begins with David S. Goyer
  • Digital Batman: The effects you may have missed
  • Batman Begins Stunts
  • Confidential Files: Discover facts and story points not in the film
  • Stills Gallery
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (HD DVD)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (Music-Only)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extras:
    - In-Movie Experience! - Tim Burton takes you through the mouth-watering creative process that brought this elaborate production to the screen – all as you watch the movie!
    - Commentary by Tim Burton
    - 2 Previsualizations: Augustus Gloop Dance and Mike Teavee Dance
    - European Club Reel
    - Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Music-Only Track Showcasing Danny Elfman’s Score and Songs
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Chocolate Dreams
  • Different Faces, Different Flavours
  • Designer Chocolate
  • Under the Wrapper
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Sweet Sounds
  • Becoming Oompa-Loompa: How They Turned One Man into Hundreds of Oompa-Loompas
  • Attack of the Squirrels: A Look at the Trained Nut-Sorting Squirrels
  • Fantastic Mr. Dahl: A Look into the Life of Roald Dahl
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

None. No HD DVD exclusive extras.

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono (Spanish) & DTS 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Reliving Our Fast Times at Ridgemont High
  • Feature Commentary with Director Amy Heckerling and Screenwriter Cameron Crowe
  • Hangouts of Ridgemont High Video Map
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Music Highlights

*****

The Polar Express (HD DVD)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

  • Smokey and Steamer Song
  • You Look Familiar: The Many Polar faces of Tom Hanks
  • A Genuine Ticket to Ride Documentary Gallery: 5 Featurettes
  • True Inspirations: An Author’s Adventure: Profiling Chris Van Allsburg
  • Believe: Josh Groban performs at the Greek Theatre
  • Behind the Scenes of Believe: Brining a Hit Song to Magical Life in the Recording Studio
  • Flurry of Effects Gallery: 5 Motion-capture Sessions
  • Meet the Snow Angels: The Moviemakers’ Christmas Memories
  • THQ PC Game Demo with 2 Playable Levels
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (HD DVD)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 EX (English, French & Spanish) & Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (Music-only)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

  • Inside the Two Worlds
  • Danny Elfman Interprets the Two Worlds
  • The Animators: The Breath of Life
  • Tim Burton: Dark vs. Light
  • Voices from the Underworld
  • Making Puppets Tick
  • The Voices Behind the Voice
  • The Corpse Bride Preproduction Galleries
  • Music-Only Track
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Waist Deep (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

None. No HD DVD exclusive extras.

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Analysis of a Scene
  • Drive by Filmmaking
  • "Bad Girl" Music Video

*****

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (HD DVD)
Release Date: 10 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 1.0 (French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo/Mono sound.
No subtitles.

  • Pure Imagination: The Story of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
  • Mouth-watering Commentary with the Wonka kids
  • 4 Sing-Along Songs
  • Vintage Featurette
  • Theatrical Trailer

Details of Paramount's HD DVDs on August 1 and August 8

Paramount Home Entertainment will release the following titles on HD DVD this August 1 and August 8. Main feature on all discs will be presented in 1080p Widescreen (Original Aspect Ratio) with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 tracks (English, French and/or Spanish). DTS 5.1 or DTS-ES 6.1 can also be expected on top of the standard Dolby Digital-Plus fare. The bonus features included with these HD DVD titles will be similar to their previous DVD releases.

August 1
  • Four Brothers
  • The Manchurian Candidate
  • We Were Soldiers

August 8
  • Aeon Flux
  • The Italian Job
  • U2: Rattle and Hum

World's First HDD/HD DVD Recorder Toshiba RD-A1 Arrives in Japan Today

Toshiba's HDD/HD DVD recorder, the RD-A1 is available for sale at retail stores in Japan today. The recorder boast superior specs of 1TB HDD, 1080p over HDMI, a 14bit/297MHz video DAC and 192kHz/24-bit audio DAC. This recorder can also output upscaled image from DVD sources at 1080p resolution over HDMI. It should have a recommended price of 398,000 yen. Full details from Toshiba (Japan) here (in English). More pictures of the machine here.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

News Update - The Interpreter HD DVD delayed

Universal Studios' The Interpreter HD DVD is unlikely to be released on the original August 22 date. Information from distributor sources indicated that it has been delayed till October 24. No change to the previously announced disc specs as yet... which can be viewed here. The new date should be pretty official.

My guess is that this delay may be more of a case of the studio spreading out their releases over a few release dates instead of many titles on a few release dates. If my deduction is true, I believe another reshuffling of release date may occur for the September 26 HD DVD releases from Universal Studios (6 or 7 HD DVD titles scheduled for release on that day alone) Stay tuned for any other changes to release dates.

About DTS-HD on select Paramount HD DVD titles...

Based on the specs of all initial Paramount HD DVD titles to be released this and next few week, Paramount Home Entertainment will include the standard Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 tracks for possibly all 3 languages - English, French & Spanish... similar to many other Universal Studios & Warner HD DVD releases. But what's significant about these Paramount HD DVD titles, is that they will all include either DTS 5.1 or DTS-ES 6.1 (I suppose both of these are at full bitrate unlike the ones on DVD which are at half bitrate).

Not only that, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow HD DVD will be the first HD DVD title to feature a DTS-HD 5.1 track. I will now elaborate summarily about DTS-HD audio format...



Since Dolby TrueHD means lossless audio, therefore DTS-HD is also lossless? Yes and no.

Dolby TrueHD tracks are definitely lossless, that is bit-for-bit similar to the audio masters used by the studio, while only DTS-HD Master Audio (note the 'Master Audio' portion of the term) refers to a lossless audio track which is theoretically suppose to sound similar to the Dolby TrueHD audio track if the same audio masters are used.

Generally, both DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio can be called DTS-HD, but only DTS-HD Master Audio tracks are lossless. Both datastreams can inherently contain the core component which can either be DTS 5.1, DTS-ES 6.1, DTS 96/24 or DTS NEO:6. It is due to the inherent inclusion of this core component in DTS-HD datastreams that HD DVD players with only DTS Digital Surround or DTS-ES decoders can decode and playback DTS-HD audio tracks. It is however important to note that only the core component is played back, so you still can't fully experience DTS-HD (Master Audio or High Resolution) on the disc without the relevant DTS-HD decoders. Note that from now on, when I mention DTS-HD on this blog, it means both DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution.

On the HD DVD player front, all the HD DVD players released to date are only able to decode the core component of DTS-HD bitstreams (DTS-HD High Resolution or DTS-HD Master Audio), that is DTS 5.1 or DTS-ES 6.1, given that those players only have a DTS Digital Surround decoder built-in since DTS-HD audio format is optional in HD DVD format audio specifications. However, future builds of the HD DVD player can include the relevant DTS-HD decoders should the playback equipment manufacturer desire.

I have yet to get the Sky Captain HD DVD but the back packaging seems to be a bit misleading, it does not seem to mention if it is DTS-HD High Resolution or DTS-HD Master Audio. I do hope that Paramount can be a bit clearer on that for future HD DVD releases. And lastly, yes, the audio you will hear being played back on Sky Captain HD DVD will be DTS 5.1. This trend is likely to continue until:

  1. Both players and DTS-HD capable A/V receivers that support HDMI 1.3 or
  2. HD DVD players that come with DTS-HD decoder built-in

are available.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Full Details of Sept 26 HD DVDs

2 Fast 2 Furious (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)


Main Feature Presentation Specs


  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Feature Commentary with Director John Singleton
  • Prelude to 2 Fast 2 Furious
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Outtakes
  • Inside 2 Fast 2 Furious
  • Actors Driving School
  • Tricking Out a Hot Import Car
  • Supercharged Stunts
  • Making Music with Ludacris
  • Actor Spotlights
  • Car Spotlights
  • Animated Anecdotes

*****

The Adventures of Robin Hood (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 4x3 1.33:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 1.0 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo/Mono sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.
No Subtitles.

  • Commentary by author and film historian Rudy Behlmer
  • Leonard Maltin Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1938 Featuring:
    - Angels with Dirty Faces Theatrical Trailer
    - Vintage Newsreel
    - Musical short Freddie Rich and His Orchestra
    - Classic Cartoon Katnip Kollege
  • 2 In-Depth Documentaries:
    - Welcome to Sherwood: The Story of The Adventures of Robin Hood
    - Glorious Technicolor,
    Celebrating This Revered Color Filmmaking Process
  • Outtakes
  • Robin Hood Through the Ages: Excerpts from the 1912 First Screen Adaptation, Douglas Fairbanks’ Rousing 1922 Silent and This 1938 Version – Dubbed in German
  • A Journey to Sherwood Forest: Basil Rathbone and Erich Wolfgang Korngold Home Movies Shot During Production
  • 2 Classic Cartoons: Rabbit Hood and Robin Hood Daffy
  • Splitting the Arrow: Historical Art, Costume Designs, Scene Concept Drawings, Cast & Crew Photos, Publicity & Poster Galleries
  • 2 Vintage Short Subjects: Cavalcade of Archery and The Cruise of the Zaca
  • Breakdowns of 1938: Studio Blooper Reel
  • 3 Audio-Only Bonuses:
    - Music-Only Audio Track Showcasing the Film's Oscar®-winning Score
    - The Robin Hood Radio Show
    - Erich Wolfgang Korngold Piano Sessions
  • Errol Flynn Trailer Gallery

*****

Dazed and Confused (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

None. No HD DVD exclusive extras.

Side B - DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English), DTS 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono (French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Production Notes
  • The Blunt Truth
  • 2 Retro Pulbic Service Announcements
  • Credit Roll

*****

The Dirty Dozen (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.75:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (French) & Dolby Digital-Plus 1.0 (Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo/Mono sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.
No Subtitles.

  • Commentary by cast members Jim Brown, Trini Lopez, Stuart Cooper and Colin Maitland, producer Kenneth Hyman, original novelist E.M. Nathanson, film historian David J. Schow and veteran military advisor to movies Capt. Dale Dye
  • Introduction by Ernest Borgnine
  • 2 Documentaries:
    - Armed and Deadly: The Making of The Dirty Dozen
    - The Filthy Thirteen: Real Stories from Behind the Lines
  • Marine Corps Combat Leadership Skills: Vintage recruitment documentary featuring Lee Marvin
  • Vintage Featurette Operation Dirty Dozen
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

End of Days (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French), Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (Spanish) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Feature Commentary with Director Peter Hyams
  • Spotlight on Location
  • The Special Effects
  • The Book of Revelation
  • Soundtrack Presentation Never Before Seen "Everlast" Music Video Rob Zombie's Rarely Seen Music Video
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

The Fast and the Furious (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extra: Picture In Picture Instant Access
  • Paul Walker Public Service Announcement
  • Making of The Fast and the Furious
  • Multiple Camera Angle Stunt Sequence
  • Movie Magic Interactive Special Effects
  • Featurette of Editing for the MPAA
  • Visual Effects Montage
  • 3 Music Videos: Ja Rule "Furious", Caddillac Tah "Pov City Anthem" and Saliva "Click Click Boom"
  • Enhanced Viewing Option
  • 8 Deleted and Extended Scenes with Optional Commentary with Director Rob Cohen
  • Trickin' Out a Hot Import Car
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Turbo-charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious

*****

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extras:
    1) U-Control Interactive Experience
    - U-Control Tutorial
    - Picture-in-Picture Instant Access to Go Behind the Scenes
    - Storyboards
    - Tech Specs
    - Use GPS to Track Cars on the Streets of Tokyo
    - Production Photographs
    - Custom Made Drifter - Design a Custom-Made Drifter and Watch it in a Scene!
    - Drift: The HD Racing Challenge
    2) Far East Movement "Round Round" Music Video
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Drifting School
  • Cast Cam
  • The Big Breakdown: Han's Last Ride
  • Tricked Out to Drift
  • Welcome to Drifting
  • The Real Drift King
  • The Japanese Way
  • Don Omar "Conteo" Music Video
  • Feature Commentary with Director Justin Lin

Side B - DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Deleted Scenes with Opitional Commentary by Director Justin Lin
  • Gag Reel
  • Don Omar "Conteo" Music Video
  • Feature Commentary with Director Justin Lin
  • Drifting School - Hit the track with the stars as they learn to drift.
  • Cast Cam - Join the action behind-the-scenes with video shot by the cast.
  • The Big Breakdown: Han's Last Ride - Uncover the secrets behind the film's most explosive chase.
  • Tricked Out to Drift - Find out how the filmmakers customized over 230 cars for stunts, crashes and pure adrenaline!
  • The Real Drift King - Meet the legend who put drifting on the map.
  • The Japanese Way - Go on-location with the cast and crew to high-intensity Tokyo.

*****

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (French & Spanish) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Spotlight On Location
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Grand Prix (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.20:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital-Plus 1.0 (French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo/Mono sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.
No Subtitles.

  • Four new never-before-seen documentaries:
    - Pushing the Limit: The Making of Grand Prix
    - Flat Out: Formula One in the Sixties
    - The Style and Sound of Speed
    - Brands Hatch: Behind the Checkered Flag
  • Vintage Featurette: Grand Prix: Challenge of the Champions
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

The Lake House (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.

  • Additional Scenes and Outtakes
  • Theatrical Trailer

Side B - DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 480p Standard Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Additional Scenes and Outtakes
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

George A. Romero's Land of the Dead - Unrated Director's Cut (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Feature Commentary by Director George A. Romero (HD DVD Exclusive extra?)

Side B - DVD: Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Undead Again: The Making of Land of the Dead
  • A Day with the Living Dead
  • The Remaining Bits
  • Feature Commentary with Director, Producer and Editor
  • When Shaun Met George
  • Bringing the Dead to Life
  • Scenes of Carnage
  • Zombie Effects: From Green Screen to Finished Scene
  • Bringing the Storyboards to Life
  • Scream Tests: Zombie Casting Call

*****

T3: Rise of the Machines (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 September 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, Spanish & French)
  • English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extras: In-Movie Experience! – Join Director Jonathan Mostow and His Creative Team for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of State-of-the-Art Sci-Fi/Action Moviemaking – All while watching the film itself!
  • Introductions by Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • 3 Commentaries with the Stars and Director
  • HBO First Look Documentary
  • Sgt. Candy Scene
  • Terminal Flaws Gag Reel
  • Dressed to Kill
  • Storyboard Gallery
  • Toys in Action
  • The Making of the Video Game
  • Theatrical Trailer

Please note that some titles have incomplete details and they will be updated later when I have the required information...

Monday, July 24, 2006

E-mail Notification of Upcoming HD DVD Releases in UK...

Based on the interview with Toshiba's marketing personnel conducted by AVForums, we can expect Toshiba to announce details/specifications of their HD DVD playback equipment line-up early September at the IFA in Berlin together with the specific European launch date.

HMV UK has recently started to provide a sign-up page for interested UK consumers who want receive details of announced HD DVD titles via e-mail notification. Information would possibly include the pre-order date, release date and other details about the HD DVD titles announced for release in UK.

Click here to go to the sign-up page to register for e-mail notification on HD DVD releases announced for release in UK. They would require the telephone number too... Hence, you may want to read their privacy policy by clicking on the 'Privacy Policy' link at the bottom of the page before proceeding to register.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Warner's Next HD DVD?

Although Warner have started announcing titles on the Blu-ray format, especially with Good Night, And Good Luck as the "exclusive" Blu-ray title but no longer so. Warner has that announced Good Night, And Good Luck will also arrive on HD DVD this August 1.

My suspicion tells me that this may not be the only HD DVD title from Warner on August 1, though there is the possibility I may be wrong...


Good Night, And Good Luck (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 1 August 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras.

  • Audio Commentary with Director George Clooney and Producer Grant Heslov
  • Good Night, and Good Luck Companion Piece
  • Theatrical Trailer

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras.

  • Audio Commentary with Director George Clooney and Producer Grant Heslov
  • Good Night, and Good Luck Companion Piece
  • Theatrical Trailer

Paramount's July 25 HD DVD

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Sahara, Sky Captain And The World of Tomorrow, Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow will arrive on HD DVD this July 25.

The early details are as follows: All titles will be released on the single HD-30 disc. Main feature will be presented in 1080p Widescreen OAR with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 and DTS-HD 5.1 (possibly on some selected titles) audio tracks. English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles are included for the main feature. All bonus materials included on these HD DVD titles will be similar to their previous DVD incarnations.

Cover artwork...

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Full Details of Sept 19 HD DVDs

Backdraft (HD DVD)
Release Date: 19 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs
  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Ron Howard Introduction
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Igniting the Story
  • Bringing Together the Team
  • The Explosive Stunts
  • Creating the Villain: The Fire
  • Real Life Firemen, Real Life Stories

Full Details of Sept 12 HD DVDs

House of Wax (2005) (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • B-Roll and Bloopers Video Cast Commentary
  • From Location: Joel Silver Reveals House of Wax
  • Wax On: The Design of House of Wax
  • The House Built on Wax: The Visual Effects of House of Wax
  • Alternate Opening: Jennifer Killed
  • Gag Reel
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****
Red Dragon (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs
  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles
HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Feature Commentary with Director Brett Ratner and Writer Ted Tally
  • Music Score Commentary with Composer Danny Elfman
  • Lecter's FBI File and Life History
  • Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Brett Ratner, Writer Ted Tally and Editor Mark Helfrich
  • Additional Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Brett Ratner, Writer Ted Tally and Editor Mark Helfrich
  • Extended Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Brett Ratner, Writer Ted Tally and Editor Mark Helfrich
  • Alternate Versions with Optional Commentary by Director Brett Ratner, Writer Ted Tally and Editor Mark Helfrich
  • Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer - Hosted By John Douglas
  • Anthony Hopkins: Lecter and Me
  • The Making of Red Dragon
  • A Director’s Journey: The Making of Red Dragon
  • Brett Ratner’s Student Film
  • Visual Effects
  • Screen Tests
  • Makeup Application
  • The Burning Wheelchair
  • The Leeds Crime Scene
  • Storyboards to Final Feature Comparison

*****

Seabiscuit (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Feature Commentary with Director Gary Ross and Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh
  • Bringing the Legend to Life: The Making of Seabiscuit
  • Anatomy of a Movie Moment
  • Seabiscuit: Racing Through History
  • Photo Finish: Jeff Bridges on the Set Photographs
  • Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral, the 1938 Match Race
  • Winner's Circle: The Heroes Behind the Legend
  • HBO First Look
  • A & E: The True Story of Seabiscuit

*****

Space Cowboys (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Back at the Ranch: On Location with Cast, Crew and NASA Consultants
  • The Effects: Meet Visual Effects Supervisor Michael Owens and His Collaborators
  • Tonight on Leno: Expanded version of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno sequence
  • Up Close With the Editor: A conversation with Joel Cox
  • Theatrical Trailer

*****

Traffic (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Inside Traffic
  • U.S. Teaser Trailer
  • U.S. Trailer
  • German Trailer
  • U.S. TV Spots
  • Photo Gallery

*****

Troy (HD DVD)
Release Date: 12 September 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (SS-DL)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1
  • Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French) & Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Stereo sound
No Subtitles.

  • HD DVD Exclusive Extra: In-Movie Experience – Watch history in the moviemaking as Director Wolfgang Petersen and his creative team lead you on an audiovisual tour through their epic recreation of ancient Greece and Troy – all as you watch the movie!
  • In the Thick of Battle - Analyzes the thrilling action sequences
  • From Ruins to Reality - Uncovers the history behind the production design
  • Troy: An Effects Odyssey
  • Gallery of the Gods - 3D Animated Guide to Greek Myths
  • Previsualisations:
    - Greek Ship Towing a Waterskier
    - Greek Warriors Setting Up Camp
    - Two Greek Ships and 1000 Rubber Duckies
    - Warriors Using Urinals
  • Theatrical Trailer

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Interested in HD DVD Authoring and Interactivity?

Here are some links which will provide some background and tools to HD DVD authoring and interactivities using iHD...

Getting Started with HD DVD

HD DVD Interactivity Authoring

HD DVD / Randomness...

Full Details of Oct 24 HD DVDs

12 Monkeys (HD DVD)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-Sided, Dual-Layer)

Feature Film Presentation Specs


  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.
No Subtitles.

  • Feature Commentary with Director Terry Gilliam & Producer Charles Roven
  • The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of 12 Monkeys (The Making of 12 Monkeys)
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • 12 Monkeys Archives

*****
The Interpreter (HD DVD)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-Sided, Dual-Layer)

Feature Film Presentation Specs
  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) & DTS 5.1 (English)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.
No HD DVD exclusive extras for this release.

  • Feature Commentary with Director Sydney Pollack
  • Alternate Ending
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Sydney Pollack at Work: From Concept to Cutting Room
  • Interpreting Pan & Scan vs. Widescreen
  • The Ultimate Movie Set: The United Nations
  • A Day in the Life of Real Interpreters

*****

Out of Sight (HD DVD)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-Sided, Dual-Layer)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.

  • My Scenes (Scene-bookmarking feature)
  • Feature Commentary with Director Steven Soderbergh and Screenwriter Scott Frank
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Inside Out of Sight

*****

Slither (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

  • Commentary with Director James Gunn and Actor Nathan Fillion

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

  • 8 Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Director James Gunn
  • 4 Extended Scenes With Optional Commentary By Director James Gunn
  • Visual Effects: Step By Step
  • Gag Reel
  • Who is Bill Pardy?
  • The Sick Minds and Slimy Days of Slither - Director James Gunn, Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks and other cast and crew discuss how life was on this slithery set!
  • Bringing Slither's Creatures To Life - Learn how the remarkable Special FX and Prosthetics were visualized and completed for "Slither." Focus on the parasites, the puppets and the people who make them!
  • Slithery Set Tour With Nathan Fillion - Nathan Fillion takes the camera on a hilarious journey amongst the cast & crew to find out who is Bill Pardy?!
  • The Gorehound Grill: Brewin' The Blood - Special FX technician Kurt Jackson demonstrates how to make fake blood at home.
  • The King Of Cult: Lloyd Kaufman's Video Diary - Troma Film's Legendary Lloyd Kaufman takes his camera and shows us what happened behind-the-scenes.
  • Feature Commentary With Director James Gunn And Actor Nathan Fillion

****

Spartacus (HD DVD)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-Sided, Dual-Layer)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

  • 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.20:1
  • Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
  • English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

  • My Scenes (Scene-bookmarking feature)

*****

The Thing (HD DVD)
Release Date: 24 October 2006
Disc Type: Standard (1-disc) HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-Sided, Dual-Layer)

Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No Subtitles.

  • My Scenes (Scene-bookmarking feature)
  • Feature Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Kurt Russell
  • John Carpenter's The Thing: Terror Takes Shape
  • Production Background Archives
  • Cast Production Photographs
  • Location Design
  • Production Archives
  • Outtakes
  • Post Production
  • Theatrical Trailer