Some changes to Universal Studios' HD DVD disc specs...

In my previous posts, I have posted that Universal Studios Home Entertainment has indicated that the following titles due on September 26 or October 24 will contain the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track.

But the studio has since updated the release specs for the following titles and it seems that they will no longer feature the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track. The reason as to why I used the term "it seems" is because the specs may again be subject to changes considering that there are still weeks or even months before these titles will appear in stores.

• The Fast and the Furious (Sept 26)
• 2 Fast 2 Furious (Sept 26)
• 12 Monkeys (Oct 24)
• Out of Sight (Oct 24)
• The Thing (Oct 24)

On a bright note, End of Days and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas HD DVD will still contain the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track. This information is reflected on the HD DVD Titles Release List and the disc specs for these affected titles have also been updated.

Warner Home Video announces Sept 26 HD DVD releases

Warner Home Video has announced that The Dirty Dozen, Grand Prix, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and The Adventures of Robin Hood will be making their HD DVD debut on September 26.

All titles will be available for $28.99 SRP. All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines HD DVD will contain IME (In-Movie Experience) which features director Jonathan Mostow taking fans on a journey to the heart of the T3 experience.

The Adventures of Robin Hood is restored with Warner's patented Ultra-Resolution process, will look especially terrific... as will three Looney Tunes on this HD DVD, marking the first High Definition release of Looney Tunes, or any classic animation.

As usual, when the details of all these titles are complete and finalised, you'll see them via the link 'Sept 26 HD DVDs'

HD DVD to be part of Toshiba's Keynote Address at IFA 2006

Official press release issued by the organisers of the IFA 2006 in Berlin has provided more details of the series keynote addresses to take place at the event.

Yoshihide Fujii, who is the Corporate Senior Vice President, President & CEO of Toshiba Digital Media Network Company, will be speaking as part of the series of keynote addresses that will be held at the event. His speech, which takes place on Sept 2, from 3 - 4pm, will deal with the theme - "HD DVD, Next Generation AV and Enhanced Lifestyles".

From the issued press release, it seems that and I quote from the press release, "Fujii will explain why he is convinced that his product (HD DVD) will prevail against the rival consortium, made up of some of the world's leading names such as Matsushita, Pioneer, Philips, Sony, ... "

Paramount's next wave of HD DVD releases...

[August 15, 2006] Originally posted
[August 30, 2006] Updated with new release date for Nacho Libre HD DVD

Besides Mission: Impossible III setting three firsts for a Paramount title on HD DVD to be released on Oct 30, what other HD DVD releases can we expect from Paramount Home Entertainment?

Some distributor and retail sources have updated me that Paramount may be intending to release Nacho Libre ($39.99 SRP) and Mission: Impossible Ultimate Missions Collection ($99.99 SRP) on HD DVD, this coming Oct 31 (no longer day-and-date with the DVD due on Oct 24) and Oct 30 (day-and-date with the DVD release priced at $55.95 SRP) respectively. Yes, the ultimate boxset for the Mission: Impossible film franchise is being planned for a HD DVD release by Paramount before the year is out and Oct 30 may just be the release date.

Note that the above information provided by non-studio sources are still subject to changes by Paramount Home Entertainment since they have not been officially announced yet. Once Paramount officially announces them with complete details, you can expect coverage here... so stay tuned.

Toshiba (Japan) Updates RD-A1 Firmware to Ver02

Toshiba (Japan) has made available the first firmware update (Ver02) for the world's first HD DVD recorder VARDIA RD-A1 on Monday August 28, which I presume can be downloaded from the Internet via the Ethernet port or the use of the telephone jack behind the equipment.

The update reportedly improves overall operation and fixes some playability, recording and HDMI-DVI handshake issues.

Full details on the update via this link (In Japanese, direct from Toshiba (Japan)) and further details here

Want to know more about VARDIA RD-A1 HD DVD/HDD recorder? Check out my previous blogpost with links to more details.

Warner Home Video Announces Sept 12 HD DVD Releases

[August 17, 2006] Originally posted.
[August 26, 2006] Updated with information on the version of Lethal Weapon 2 that will be main feature of the HD DVD release.

Warner Home Video has officially announced that House of Wax (2005), Lethal Weapon 2, Space Cowboys and Troy will be arriving on HD DVD, September 12. All titles will be available for $28.99 SRP.

Troy will make its HD DVD debut with In-Movie Experience (IME), the new interactive feature allowing viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material -- while the movie is running. Troy's IME has director Wolfgang Petersen and his creative team leading the viewer on an audio-visual tour of their epic recreations of Greece and Troy.

For Lethal Weapon 2 HD DVD, Warner Home Video has confirmed that the 114 mins theatrical cut will be the main feature. Source: WHV Consumer Site

All bonus materials from the DVD release of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

Click on the 'Sept 12 HD DVDs' link to check for full details which are available now...

Fully Experience Movies in Lossless Surround Sound via Firmware Update (v2.0)

Toshiba America has released the third firmware update for HD-A1, HD-D1 and HD-XA1 sold in U.S. to version 2.0, ever since the HD DVD players debut in U.S./Canada back in April.

This firmware update adds support for certain anticipated network delivered content in future HD DVD discs, improves certain video and audio processing capabilities, as well as addresses certain disc playback and HDMI/DVI related problems identified by Toshiba.

Highlights of the update besides the fixes:

• Support for Dolby TrueHD is extended from two channels to 5.1, which will be available in full resolution on the HDMI and analog 5.1 outputs and down-mixed to a DTS bit stream on the SPDIF output. Click on the logo below for more information on Dolby TrueHD. If you require the list of titles containing Dolby TrueHD, you could visit my HD DVD Release List where titles with Dolby TrueHD audio will have this [TrueHD] indicated next to this title.

• Network enhancements that will help support anticipated future content from HD DVD disc publishers, support is added to accept or deny "cookies" (similar to internet browser cookies) and to specify the bandwidth available from the user's internet service.

Please first refer to the webpage Firmware Update Information for Owners of Toshiba HD DVD Players: Models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1 for full details and upgrading instructions direct from Toshiba (America) before attempting to upgrade the firmware.

New HD DVD Titles from Universal Studios Coming Soon

Some distribution and retail sources have updated me that Universal Studios Home Entertainment is intending to release the following titles on HD DVD/DVD Combo format discs. Each of them should be priced at $34.98 SRP. Please also note that it is still possible that some of these titles may not be due for the HD DVD/DVD Combo Format disc when they are finally announced.

November 14

• The Hulk
• King Kong
• Waterworld

November 21

• Dr Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas

November 28

• An American Werewolf in London
• Dune (Theatrical)
• Meet The Parents
• The Mummy

As these information do not come to me directly from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and have not been officially announced, there is still the possibility of changes to the release specs/details or titles being withdrawn. But I think I can safely say here that the information indicates that these titles are coming... I'm hoping that King Kong will feature a TrueHD audio track...

By the way, combo format discs do not just come in the HD DVD (15GB) / DVD (8.7GB) configuration only, there is another one, the HD DVD (30GB) / DVD (8.7GB) configuration which is also part of the HD DVD format specifications. So superb visual/aural quality that is expected may not be compromised for some of these exciting titles if the latter configuration is used...

Universal Studios Adds 'The Break-up' to October HD DVD Slate

Earlier I mentioned that The Break-up is coming to HD DVD, and Universal Studios Home Entertainment have just confirmed that The Break-up is due on HD DVD/DVD Combo Format disc, October 17, day-and-date with its DVD release. It will be priced at $39.98 SRP.

The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen (1.85:1) video with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) audio on the HD DVD side. On the DVD side, the main feature will be presented in Standard Definition Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) video with Dolby Digital 5.1 (English) and Dolby Digital 2.0 (French & Spanish) audio. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided.

Bonus materials on the DVD side will be similar to the standard DVD incarnations. Bonus materials include:

• HD DVD Exclusive extras: U-Control
• Feature Commentary with Actors Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston
• Feature Commentary with Director Peyton Reed
• Alternate Ending - The DVD offers audiences a special look at "what might have been" for Brooke and Gary with an alternate ending that will surprise and delight.
• Deleted Scenes
• Extended Scenes
• Outtakes
• Improv with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau with Optional Commentary - Longtime comedy partners Vince and Jon riff their way through a series of side-splitting scenes
• In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers - From funky grooves to perfect pitch, actor John Michael Higgins shows you what it takes to be a Tone Ranger.
• The Making of The Break-Up
• Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago - Vince Vaughn introduces an exciting and comedic behind-the-scenes look at the some of the Windy City's most notable attractions.

Preliminary cover artwork preview follows (subject to changes especially the top 'HD DVD' banner)...

Image Entertainment Officially Announces Its HD DVD Line-up

Image Entertainment has announced that on November 14, it will debut the following 3 concert titles on HD DVD in North America. Each will be priced at $24.99 SRP. In Japan, all 3 titles will be available on November 15. The discs will be authored, compressed and replicated by Memory Tech in Japan. (Memory Tech is also a major proponent of HD DVD format.)

• Chicago/Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek
• Heart: Alive in Seattle
• Barry Manilow: Manilow Live!

According to the VideoBusiness article and I quote here, the reason for Image's decision to release titles on HD DVD:

"Image was impressed by an upcoming $150 million HD DVD marketing campaign. Also, HD DVD title production costs are less than that of Blu-ray".

Source: Image sings for HD DVD

Something New At HD DVD: The Look And Sound of Perfect Website

HD DVD: The Look and Sound of Perfect website initiated by the North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. has been updated with a few new stuffs:

1. Movies on HD DVD - List of movies coming soon to HD DVD...
2. HD DVD Experience Tour - Visuals of what to expect from the HD DVD Mobile Entertainment Center that will tour from city to city to educate consumers and promote adoption of HD DVD in North America... (Some visual previews of that mobile center are provided below courtesy of North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc., you are encouraged to visit the website for a full gallery of them.)
3. HD DVD Demos - A visual comparison between a DVD and an HD DVD image...

Universal Studios Add New Titles to October HD DVD Release Slate

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has indicated that on 24th October, 12 Monkeys, Out of Sight, Spartacus and The Thing will join Slither and The Interpreter to be released on HD DVD. These four titles herald the introduction of a possibly new HD DVD special feature to be included on Universal Studios' HD DVDs called "My Scenes". Which I suppose is similar to scene-bookmarking feature provided on all Warner HD DVD releases but is yet to appear on Universal Studios' HD DVDs. Bonus materials on these HD DVD titles should be similar to their Region 1 DVD counterparts.

Details of Slither and The Interpreter HD DVDs are available by clicking on the 'Oct 24 HD DVDs' link on the right panel of this blogsite.

Main Feature Presentation Specs and bonus materials for those 4 newly-added titles are as follows:

12 Monkeys (HD DVD)

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen (1.85:1)
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles
• Bonus materials (Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound):
  - 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

Out of Sight (HD DVD)

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen (1.85:1)
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles
• Bonus materials (Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound):
  - Feature Commentary with Director Steven Soderbergh and Screenwriter Scott Frank
  - Deleted Scenes
  - Inside Out of Sight
  - My Scenes

Spartacus (HD DVD)
Duration: 3h 17 mins - Possibly the movie with the longest duration to date being planned for a HD DVD release.

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen (2.20:1)
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles
• Bonus materials (Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound):
  - My Scenes

The Thing (HD DVD)
[Aspect ratio for this title is amended, thanks readers who e-mailed me! This is a problem with copy and pasting from previous paragraphs.]

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen (2.35:1)
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 (French) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles
• Bonus materials (Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound):
  - 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
  - My Scenes

Elephants Dream - First European 3D-Animated Title to be on HD DVD

Elephants Dream finally prides itself as the first European 3D-animated feature to be released on HD DVD. This is made possible by the HD DVD production team over at Imagion AG, based in Trierweiler (Germany). The goal of the German authoring studio: to turn this pioneering release into a reference product that impressively demonstrates the vast possibilities of the new format.

The ambition of Ton Roosendaal and his movie production team, who created the animated film with limited funds, was transferred to the developers of the HD DVD. Numerous bonus contents complement the first-rate Elephants Dream HD DVD video stored in full high definition resolution (1080p).

The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.78:1 video with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

And the highlights of this HD DVD release includes:

• 4 audio commentaries
• Making of Elephant Dreams documentary (A choice of either HD Fullscreen or Picture-in-Picture)
• A "Script-to-scene" feature
• Picture-in-picture Making of documentary is synchronised with the movie and can be freely positioned on any of the four corners of the screen
• Alternate Videoencoding - Comparisons between MPEG-2 and VC-1 encoded versions of the animated feature can be made using this feature.
• HD/SD Comparisons - the user can seamlessly switch back and forth between HD and SD video or select a horizontal or vertical split screen display.

The added enjoyment that can be derive from these interactive features just cannot be described by words or pictures. So you might just want to see the interactive features in action for this HD DVD title by clicking here (courtesy of Imagion AG). For further information, cover artwork and video previews for this HD DVD title, you can head over to http://www.imagion.de/elephantsdream.

The HD DVD can be ordered directly online at the website (http://www.imagion.de/elephantsdream). As soon as the first European HD DVD players hit the stores in autumn 2006, the disc will also be available in retail shops.

WHV's TV shows on HD DVD Plans...

"TravisHedger: Any plans for TV on HD DVD? Not just more space, but for better quality encodes too? Also any plans for the two Dukes of Hazzard Reunion and Hazzard goes to Hollywood made for TV movies from the 90s on DVD after you are done releasing the TV series? Thanks

Warner: Good question on both fronts. We'll evaluate the Dukes movies for potential release in the future. TV on HD DVD - you can expect some exciting news on this front but we can't announce specifics at this time. More to come on this in the relatively near future."

Never did I expect that the above conversation that took place during a Live Chat with Warner Home Video personnel conducted by Home Theater Forum does indeed translate into some real TV on HD DVD plans for "the relatively near future". Indeed, the recent insert provided with the 'Invasion: The Complete Series' DVD does provide some informal insight to Warner releasing TV shows (like Smallville and West Wing) on HD DVD. With HBO Video setting the precedence for Sopranos Season 6 (Part 1) on HD DVD, we can hope to see Warner releasing its prominent catalog of TV shows on HD DVD soon... And this is probably the first time we see a HD DVD promotional insert in a DVD.

And lastly, just take note that for TV shows Warner has decided to use the term 'In-Program Experience' for TV shows on HD DVD with the Picture-in-Picture Visual Commentary feature instead of term 'In-Movie Experience' which is logically used for Warner Bros. movies.

3 Firsts for Mission: Impossible III On HD DVD

[Updated August 12, 2006]
1st First - First HD DVD title from Paramount Home Entertainment to feature "enhanced video commentary" (which in generic term is referred to as 'Picture-in-Picture Video Commentary') with Director J.J. Abrams and star Tom Cruise. The feature is exclusively on the HD DVD format only.

2nd First - First HD DVD title to receive a high-definition treatment for its special features (details below).

3rd First - First HD DVD title to receive a 2-disc treatment.

(These facts are correct as on August 11, 2006, with details provided by Paramount's press release)

Now, the trivia aside, we come to the all-important details from press release:

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that M:I 3 will be released on the HD DVD format, this October 30, day-and-date with its DVD release (2-disc Collector's Edition). The 2-disc HD DVD will be priced at $29.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$46.99 Canada while the 2-disc Collector's Edition DVD will be priced at $24.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$41.99 Canada.

The main feature on HD DVD will be presented in 1080p High Definition (2.35:1) video with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French & Spanish) audio and English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles. The high-definition special features on both HD DVDs include:

• The Making of the Mission
• Mission Action: Inside the Action Unit
• Visualizing the Mission
• Scoring the Mission
• Deleted scenes
• Theatrical trailers
• Easter Eggs
• Enhanced commentary with Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams.

Besides that, almost all the bonus materials present on the 2-disc Collector's Edition DVD (Full list of DVD bonus features can be viewed here) will also be available on the HD DVD release with the exception of the audio commentary, a "Moviefone Unscripted" segment, tribute montages and the photo gallery.

Bloggers note: My apologies, in the moment of excitement, I forget to add that the cover artwork is not the final one... and I've been told an updated artwork is likely to be available soon. Just to confirm again, the HD DVD release of M:i III will contain 2 HD DVDs (as stated by the press release, not due to the cover artwork). You can view the preliminary cover artwork here.

Source: Three the charm for 'M:I-3' DVD & 'Mission' Possible on All Formats

HD DVD European Launch Update - August 11 Issue

[August 8, 2006] Originally posted.
[August 12, 2006] Updated with seemingly-convincing rumors on HD DVDs to be released in France and with weblinks to the preliminary cover artwork of the November 20 HD DVDs.

[August 8, 2006] It has been confirmed that details of the European launch for HD DVD format will be made available at the IFA in Berlin. The IFA in Berlin will take place from 1 - 6 September 2006. So the full details of the launch is likely to be announced anytime during these 6 days, so stay tuned.

Studio Canal (Canal+ Group) has already commited roughly 20 titles to the HD DVD format launch in Europe. The full list of titles can be viewed here. The HD DVD release list that is specific to each country in the European region can be viewed here. These titles will have their video encoded using VC-1, and will also feature DTS-HD (Master Audio) lossless audio.

Informal sources have told me that a November launch may be scheduled for UK, and we'll have to wait for the announcements at the IFA to see if this is true.

[August 11, 2006] My European readers Finn and Daniel (Thanks guys!) have e-mailed me that Studio Canal intends to release 10 HD DVD titles in France on November 20, based on this article published by EcranLarge.com (Article is currently pulled off the website for unknown reasons, please see Blogger's note at the bottom of this post). The article mentions the list of titles due on HD DVD in France on November 20 and for the next few months. You can view the preliminary cover artwork, that was removed from the site when the article was pulled, for all of the 10 HD DVD titles at the AVS Forum thread (Thanks to Finn again for sending me the same weblinks to the backups of the cover artwork of those titles).

Summarily, the 10 titles will comprise of:

• Basic Instinct
• Elephant Man
• Fog (John Carpenter's version)
• King Kong (Not 2005, but 1976 version)
• La Haine
• Le Pianiste (The Pianist)
• Rambo
• Rambo II
• Rambo III
• Total Recall

All should feature HD quality images encoded using VC-1 while DTS-HD lossless may only be applicable for those titles announced back in April. Nothing is confirmed yet with respect to the presentation specs and disc details, so stay tuned for official press release from Studio Canal.

It can also be inferred from this information that HD DVD format's European launch is likely to take place over the month of November. Stay tuned for the full details if I can get my hands on them.

Blogger's Note: The seemingly-convincing information from EcranLarge.com seems to have been pulled off the website for unknown reasons. But from what I understand, Studio Canal has yet to issue an official press release on the information that appeared on that site... So stay tuned for possible further updates on the official information, once I get my hands on them. In the meantime, just treat the information for August 11 update as a piece of rumor.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Coming Soon to HD DVD

To all muggle-friends,

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be released for the first time in its most pristine form for our 'muggle' home entertainment soon.

You can look forward to experiencing all the action at the Tri-Wizard tournament that took place between Tri-Wizard champions from all 3 institutions of magical learning on the HD DVD format in 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.40:1 video with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio. Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English, French, Spanish) audio tracks will also be provided for additional audio choices.

All the special features you currently enjoy on the DVD editions released back in April are all available on this HD DVD.

What about the DVD-ROM special features meant to be enjoyed on the computer? Only the Hogwarts Timeline will be ported over to this HD DVD release and... Surprise! You can access the Hogwarts Timeline on your HD DVD player. There is no need to use a computer with InterActual software to view the Hogwarts Timeline on the HD DVD disc.

This HD DVD will include the In-Movie Experience feature which allows the viewer to understand the filmmaking process via an additional video window while the movie is running in the background.

Got to go now...

Sincerely,
Harry (a proud muggle who is a fan of the Harry Potter series...).

From the Encarta Dictionary, the term 'muggle' means "somebody without magical powers"

HBO Video Breaks News of its First HD DVD Release

HBO Video has announced that The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 1 will be the studio’s first title to be released on the high-definition format. It will street on November 7 and will have a SRP of $129.95. No other details were provided as at this current moment.

But stay tuned for further updates...

An Interesting Article on Next-Gen DVD Formats in Europe

The New York Times has published an article which updates on the investigation whether the technology giants are stifling competition through exclusive contracts with studios and computer makers for the introduction of next-generation DVD formats.

A special mention was made about Sony's licensing practices and I quote from that article:

"But Sony deserves particular scrutiny, said Guy Marriott, the chairman of the International Optical Disc Replicators Association, which represents units of European media companies like Bertelsmann and EMI that pay companies like Sony and Toshiba to use DVD technology to produce discs."

You can read the full article by clicking here.

If you are interested in some background information on DVD Patent licensing, you could check out DVD6C Licensing Agency comprising of Toshiba, Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric, JVC, Time Warner, Sanyo and Sharp.

Philips, Pioneer, Sony and LG offer a seperate and independent DVD license, according to the FAQ section of the DVD6C Licensing Agency website.

Some Blogsite Revamps, thoughts and some news...

Hello readers,

if you have been frequently visiting this blog lately, you will find that the sections on the right panel on this blog has additional weblinks that allows you to view the details of upcoming HD DVD titles based on their announced/revised release dates (that is, by clicking on the dates). These links will appear regardless of which specific post you viewing.

If you're looking for details of a specific HD DVD title that has been or would be released, you may do so by clicking on the 'HD DVD Release List' link and click on the title (you are looking for) to view the details.

If you have any comments and suggestions about this blog and the HD DVD format you'd like to share, you could do so by using the 'comments' link on this blog or sent me an e-mail at hd_dvd_format AT yahoo DOT com using the header 'hddvdformat-comments'.

If you've concrete breaking news that you would like to share with the thousands who come across this HD DVD blog each week, you could sent me an e-mail at hd_dvd_format AT yahoo DOT com using the header 'hddvdformat-news'.

But please note that the time I have to spent with my other commitments does not permit me to reply to every e-mail... especially since blogging all these stuff is neither a full-time nor a part-time job for me... just my keen interest in the HD DVD format and more so now that it has proven its high-definition image, sound & interactive capabilities are not things that can be ignored or brushed away in the advent of Blu-ray and PS3.

I believe that you may have heard of this before but bear with me as I see a need to go into this from my perspective. A general trend I'm sensing from the posts on various film/video/home entertainment interest forums is that HD DVD is gaining some ground with the general consumer/audience (especially since the word-of-mouth from early-adopters and praises from high-def format review sites have reached the ears of these consumers). I should add that even as these people are interested in HD DVD, they've yet to really commit themselves to either high-definition formats or high-definition in general and have no plans to really jump onto the high-def bandwagon so soon.

But at some point if they do and considering HD DVD is still the best (in terms of quality and affordability) format to experience high-definition, chances are they will choose HD DVD without much hesitation, possibly even in the face of fierce competition from Blu-ray.

Now, back to the news, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced the list of bonus materials on the DVD release of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, which will also be present on the DVD side of the HD DVD/DVD Combo Format disc released on the same day. The full list of bonus material on the DVD side is updated and can be viewed by clicking here or the 'Sept 26 HD DVDs' link to the right of this blogpost.

Harry (aka Wild Bear)

Full Details of Oct 17 HD DVDs

The Break-Up (HD DVD / DVD Combo)
Release Date: 17 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

• HD DVD Exclusive Extra: U-Control
  - Picture in Picture: Access interactive bonus features, including cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, throughout the film, all without interruption to the movie experience
  - Production Photographs: While you watch the movie, get up close and personal with the cast and crew through photographs from the set.
• Feature Commentary with Actors Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston
• Feature Commentary with Director Peyton Reed
• Alternate Ending - Offers audiences a special look at "what might have been" for Brooke and Gary with an alternate ending that will surprise and delight.
• Deleted Scenes
• Extended Scenes
• Outtakes
• Improv with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau with Optional Commentary - Longtime comedy partners Vince and Jon riff their way through a series of side-splitting scenes
• In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers - From funky grooves to perfect pitch, actor John Michael Higgins shows you what it takes to be a Tone Ranger.
• The Making of The Break-Up
• Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago - Vince Vaughn introduces an exciting and comedic behind-the-scenes look at the some of the Windy City's most notable attractions.

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• Feature Commentary with Actors Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston
• Feature Commentary with Director Peyton Reed
• Alternate Ending - The DVD offers audiences a special look at "what might have been" for Brooke and Gary with an alternate ending that will surprise and delight.
• Deleted Scenes
• Extended Scenes
• Outtakes
• Improv with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau with Optional Commentary - Longtime comedy partners Vince and Jon riff their way through a series of side-splitting scenes
• In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers - From funky grooves to perfect pitch, actor John Michael Higgins shows you what it takes to be a Tone Ranger.
• The Making of The Break-Up
• Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago - Vince Vaughn introduces an exciting and comedic behind-the-scenes look at the some of the Windy City's most notable attractions.

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on (Xbox 360 Player)

[May 10, 2006] Originally posted.
[August 7, 2006] Updated with more information... based on this source

Microsoft has announced the availability of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on called the "Xbox 360 HD DVD Player" this holiday season. And it will be the cheapest entry point to high-definition for consumers, said Kevin Collins, senior program manager for HD DVD for Microsoft.

The drive connects to Xbox 360 with a USB 2.0 cable and uses the gaming device’s audio/video connections. “The external option was the way to go,” Collins said during the first public demonstration with a Phantom of the Opera HD DVD disc from Warner Home Video using a pre-release prototype drive.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player connects with Xbox 360 (via USB 2.0) to deliver even more high-definition content through blockbuster HD DVD releases from major Hollywood and international movie studios. The HD DVD Player delivers superior high-definition-quality video and stunning digital surround sound with Xbox 360. The add-on package includes the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Prices are expected to be announced at a later date.

Since Dolby Digital-Plus and Dolby TrueHD are mandatory audio codecs for the HD DVD Video format, the console-player combination is also expected to decode and output such audio via the Xbox 360.

Microsoft's Rationale for Supporting HD DVD:
HD DVD Explained
HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray

Check back soon for more details on this HD DVD add-on...

HD DVD Backers Reveals Preliminary 4Q Release Plans

Major Hollywood studios who are members of the North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. have jointly revealed their preliminary HD DVD release plans for the 4th Quarter of 2006 for the first time since the grouping was formed back in July 11.

The panel of of format supporters from Paramount Home Entertainment, New Line Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video, at the Entertainment Media Expo held Monday in Universal City, Calif were quoted as saying that there are already “tens of thousands” of HD DVD players in homes across America. Their preliminary release plans are as follows:

Warner Home Video

Warner, which has 21 titles already out, will release anywhere from 35 to 50 additional titles, according to Steve Nickerson, SVP of WHV.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Universal, which is only supporting HD DVD, will have a 60-title slate by the fourth quarter, said Ken Graffeo, EVP of USHE.

Paramount Home Entertainment

Paramount has released 10 titles on the HD DVD format currently.

“We’ll probably double that by year’s end,” said Alex Carloss, EVP of worldwide marketing and entertainment for Paramount. That will include a HD DVD edition of Mission: Impossible III with a wealth of bonus features, Carloss said.

New Line Home Entertainment (Titles distributed by Warner Home Video)

New Line, another dual-format supporter, has yet to announce specific releases, and likely won’t until studios see how well the fourth quarter plays out, according to Matt Lasorsa, EVP of marketing.

“It will be as early in 2007 as possible,” Lasorsa said. “We don’t have the depth or breadth of the other studios, so we want to wait until there’s more player penetration.” After that, New Line will start with day-and-date releases, adding “strong catalog titles, such as Blade and Seven, soon after” Lasorsa said.

Success of HD DVD's Soft Launch & Futher HD Interactivity and Connectivity

The panel judges the success of HD DVD's soft launch by consumer reactions more than investment retuns.

The hardware adoption is about as expected, Graffeo said. But the reaction, appreciation and approval studios are hearing from key consumers is better than expected.

Universal will continue to take several different approaches to its HD DVD “in-movie experiences” and will watch closely to see how consumers respond to each, according to Ken Graffeo, EVP of USHE.

Source: HD DVD Backers Counting on Q4 (Home Media Retailing)

My HD DVD Release Speculation Post

With more than 40 HD DVD titles from major studios already available at retail, what are the other upcoming titles that may appear soon? What I'm about to say in the subsequent paragraphs are purely speculation based on my own observation.

Both The Break-up (Universal) and T3: Rise of the Machines (Warner) already have their release information made available. But no release dates are attached. My take is that The Break-up is scheduled for an October release while T3 may be out before holiday season.

Looking at the trend of Universal Studios' HD DVD releases, it is likely we may see some or all of the following titles announced for HD DVD soon and most, if not all, may be scheduled to street before the year ends (List taken from TheLookAndSoundofPerfect.com):

• 12 Monkeys
• Accepted
• The Blues Brothers
• The Hulk
• Water World
• Jet Li's Fearless
• Scoop
• You, Me and Dupree
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Meet the Parents
• The Mummy
• Dune
• An American Werewolf in London
• Idlewild
• Field of Dreams
• Miami Vice
• The Return
• Casino
• The Scorpion King

Warner Home Video have mentioned on various occasions (CES 2006, Video Business interviews and on the HD DVD Promotional Group site) that the following titles will be released for HD DVD's launch. Most of them are now very likely to be released on HD DVD before the year is out. Informal sources are actually telling us we can expect Dolby TrueHD audio and In-Movie Experience on some or all of these titles.

• The Matrix
• Ocean's 12
• Batman Begins
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Dirty Dozen
• The Green Mile Special Edition

After Paramount's aggressive first wave of 10 HD DVD titles scheduled for release over a period of 3 Tuesdays, its next most likely HD DVD line-up will include Mission: Impossible Trilogy. Mission: Impossible 3 2-Disc DVD is tentatively scheduled for an October/November release. Hence, the M:I 3 HD DVD would at the earliest be scheduled for an October/November release. It may very well be a day-and-date release with the DVD editions. The trilogy on HD DVD is likely to be announced soon but I would not speculate on the release date here. Here's to hoping Paramount will include Dolby TrueHD audio for Mission: Impossible.

Also, informal sources are indicating the plans and work is ongoing to produce The Ultimate Star Trek Collection on HD DVD but no other "concrete" information that allows for further speculation.

And lastly, based on the information provided from some of my readers, The Weinstien Company (and Genius Products) is likely to release HD DVD titles soon in December. The titles involved will include:

• Clerks II
• Derailed
• DOA: Dead or Alive
• Pulse
• The Matador
• Scary Movie 4
• Wolf Creek

That's all for today... Have a nice weekend ahead!

WHV's Next In-Movie Exprience (IME) HD DVD Title - T3: Rise of the Machines

A few kind readers have brought to my attention that Warner has released cover artwork and preliminary release details for T3: Rise of the Machines HD DVD. No release date as yet (correct as at the time this post is being blogged).

But Warner Home Video revealed that the main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio (No Dolby TrueHD 5.1). English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided for the main feature.

There will be an HD DVD exclusive extra, and you must have guessed it by now, the In-Movie Experience. Join Director Jonathan Mostow and His Creative Team for a Behind-the-Scenes Camera Tour of State-of-the-Art Sci-Fi/Action Movie-making - All While Watching the Film Itself! The rest of the bonus materials are similar to the film's previous DVD releases.

Once the release date is available, it will be updated on my "HD DVD Release List" and its link can be found at the right panel of this blog.

"That's All, Folks!" That's really all, until I find something interesting... to blog.

Waist Deep on HD DVD October 10

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that Waist Deep will be released as an HD DVD / DVD Combo Format disc on October 10. It will be priced at $39.98 SRP.

The main feature on the HD DVD side will be presented in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 2.35:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English) audio while its DVD-side counterpart will be presented in Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1 with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. English[SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are available for the main feature on both sides of the combo format disc.

There seems to be no HD DVD exclusive extras on the HD DVD side but the DVD side will contain the following bonus materials:

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

When full details and artwork are confirmed and available, you should be able to view them by clicking on the "Oct 10 HD DVDs" link on the right panel of this blog.

Some Interesting History Lesson...

Did you know that Toshiba may have already planned its development of HD DVD when DVD format was just gaining wide acceptance back in 1997?

I was surfing through the Internet looking for information on the history of DVD... and I came across something interesting - an old (1997) press release from Toshiba Corp (Japan). The press release detailed the demonstration of an experimentally fabricated high-definition DVD system, that can store and play movie theater-level images with a 12cm optical disc with a 15-gigabyte capacity (A dual-sided disc with 7.5 GB per side) to underline the immense potential of DVD technology.

"The 15GB double-sided disc used in the experimental system has a capacity approximately 1.6 times that of current DVD. This was obtained by using Toshiba's cutting-edge capabilities in optical disc technology to enhance the resist and cutting process of the high-density master disc. The combination of the increased capacity and the state-of-the-art image processing technology allows the system to store and play 133-minute of high-definition images at an average image compression rate of 14Mbps, 4 times that of current DVD."

And the press release went on to state Toshiba's stand on the development of high-definition DVD back in the year 1997:

"Practical high-definition DVD will follow format standardization, achievement of economic products, wider diffusion of high-resolution TV monitors and further technological development. To unlock DVD's tremendous potential, Toshiba is developing disc manufacturing technology for an ultra-large-capacity 15GB-per-side disc, high-speed image-processing technology, blue semiconductor laser technology, and the semiconductors required to bring these technologies together in consumer products."

So, HD DVD's first incarnation may have started back in February 1997, way before the Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) (as its previously called) was first proposed to the DVD Forum by Toshiba and NEC. Otherwise, it might have been a boring speculation on my part...

Anyway, the full press release is available here.

And by the way, back to the current reality, Warner Home Video will release The Lake House on HD DVD / DVD Combo Format disc on September 26. It will be priced at $39.99 SRP and will include Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio on top of the Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 fare. This has been updated in my HD DVD Release List which can be accessed by clicking the link on the right side of this blog.

Warner Home Video confirms next HD DVD releases...

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack make their HD DVD debuts on August 22 from Warner Home Video. Good Night and Good Luck will be released as an HD-DVD/DVD combo and will be available for $39.99 SRP. The other two titles will sell for $28.99 SRP. Full details can be viewed by clicking on the "August 22 HD DVDs" link found to the right of this post.

It seems that there is a "clear" endorsement of the HD DVD format by WHV's Theatrical Catalog Marketing division in the press release:

Said George Feltenstein, WHV's Senior Vice President Theatrical Catalog Marketing, "Each time I watch a film in the new HD DVD format, I'm struck by the night-and-day difference -- resolution, contrast, vibrancy of color, crisp sound. The Searchers is a landmark Western celebrating its 50th Anniversary so what a perfect time to have it on HD DVD. As for the other titles: just look at how sharp the grass on the fairway at the Bushwood Country Club is, or the smoke from Ed Murrow's (many) cigarettes ...these are small things but they so contribute to the overall enhancement of the experience. It's a cliche but ... you have to see it to believe it."