HD DVD To Launch in Australia, This December

Toshiba Corp. has announced that its line-up of HD DVD players that is currently scheduled for release in the European markets starting next month - HD-E1 and HD-XE1 - will also be available for sale in Australia starting this December. The HD-E1 (Aus$1099) is scheduled to be available at retail from mid-December while the HD-XE1 (Aus$1,599) is expected to be available from February 2007. At the bottom of this post are image previews of HD-E1 (First) and HD-XE1 (Second). Both can decode and playback Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital-Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS and DTS-HD (DTS Core stream is played back) audio tracks but ultimately what you get is a maximum of 5.1-channel audio via the analog 5.1 outputs and/or HDMI.

HD DVD discs containing high definition content at a field rate of 50Hz or a frame rate of 25Hz cannot be played on HD-XE1 without a firmware update. Firmware update is expected in the future. Should you have any questions about the frame rate of your disc, please contact the disc vendor.

Main differences between the 2 models:

• SD Upscale to HD resolution via HDMI:
  - HD-E1 (up to 1080i)
  - HD-XE1 (up to 1080p)
• HD output resolutions:
  - HD-E1 (720p, 1080i)
  - HD-XE1 (720p, 1080i, 1080p)
• 297MHz/12bit Video DAC (HD-XE1 only)
• HDMI connection supported:
  - HD-E1 (HDMI 1.2a)
  - HD-XE1 (HDMI 1.3: Deep Colour feature supported but requires compatible display compliant with this feature)
• Audio connections:
  - HD-E1 (2-ch analog, Digital Optical)
  - HD-XE1 (2-ch analog, 5.1-ch analog, Digital Coaxial, Digital Optical)

HD DVD Titles Currently Announced for HD DVD Format Australian Launch

20 November 2006

• Pat Metheny Group - The Way Up: Live

6 December 2006

• The Fugitive
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Lethal Weapon
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Superman Returns
• Unforgiven
• Under Siege
• V for Vendetta

EzyDVD is currently accepting pre-orders for these HD DVD titles...

HD DVD Format Possibly Extending Its Reach to Australia This Year?

It seems that HD DVD players may be released in Australia, possibly before the year is out. Our sources of information indicates that Warner Home Video (Australia) is the first major studio's home entertainment unit to indicate the retail availability of feature films such as V for Vendetta and Superman Returns on HD DVD, for the Australian market.

On 6th December, if you reside in Australia, you can expect V for Vendetta, Lethal Weapon 1 & 2 and Superman Returns to be released on HD DVD... Please note that this information may still be preliminary and subject to withdrawal or changes.

With this in mind, it is likely that HD DVD set-top players may be available around then...

Any reader who has concrete information about the retail availabiliy of HD DVD set-top players in Australia, is welcome to contribute news... via our e-mail address hd_dvd_format AT yahoo DOT com for us to share on this blog...

When we're able to get more confirmation and official details of HD DVD launch in Australia, we'll post them here.

'Jet Li's Fearless' Planned for HD DVD/DVD Combo

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has indicated that Jet Li's Fearless is being planned for release on a HD DVD/DVD Combo disc. Mirroring the HD DVD release of Miami Vice (HD DVD/DVD Combo; $39.98 SRP; Dec 5), this HD DVD/DVD Combo title will feature both the Unrated version (likely to be on the HD DVD side) and the Theatrical version (likely to be on the DVD side) of the film. It will be priced at $39.98 SRP and may be expected to arrive at retail stores in December. Stay tuned for more details...

Full Details of Jan 30 HD DVDs

Half Baked (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 30 January 2007
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 (French & Spanish) & DTS 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

• Feature Commentary with Director Tamra Davis

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• Deleted Scenes
• Feature Commentary with Director Tamra Davis
• Alternate Ending
• Five Minutes with The Guy on the Couch
• Different Types of Smokers
• Production Notes
• Granny's Guide To Bakin'

Other titles released on the same day:

• Beerfest - Unrated (WHV)
• The Wicker Man - Unrated [TrueHD] (WHV)

Full Details of Jan 23 HD DVDs

Brokeback Mountain Collector's Edition (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 23 January 2007
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)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• Music from the Mountain
• Impressions From the Film (Still Gallery)
• On Being a Cowboy
• Directing from the Heart: Ang Lee
• From Script to Screen: Interviews with Diana Ossana & Larry McMurtry
• Sharing the Story: The Making of Brokeback Moutain
• Groundbreaking Success

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• A Groundbreaking Success

New HD DVD titles due for European release...

nixbu Entertainment GmbH & CO. Kg from Germany has mentioned a few HD DVD titles due for release in Germany.

Among them, a horror film (Ghost Of Mae Nak) from Thailand will feature DTS-HD 7.1 96khz/24bit audio (German & Thai). German and Thai subtitles provided. The video will be encoded using VC-1 at 1080p24. Managed Copy seems to be allowed... to the PSP format at 320 x 240 resolution, and ICT is not enabled. Availability is scheduled for end of October.

If you're interested, you may want to check out the company's website.

Updated Details of Upcoming Universal Studios' HD DVDs

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is currently indicating that both Miami Vice and Accepted will not include Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, just Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1... although it was initially reported by some websites that Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that both will include Dolby True HD 5.1. This info has been updated in our HD DVD Release List and the individual disc spec listing.

Stay tuned for more...

HD DVD Titles Arriving in UK

From Universal Pictures International:

November 13

• Serenity
• King Kong
• Apollo 13
• Doom

December 4

• Bourne Supremacy
• Van Helsing
• Jarhead

December 26

• The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift
• Miami Vice

From Warner Home Video (UK):

November 20

• Batman Begins
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Troy
• Constantine
• Last Samurai
• Enter the Dragon
• V for Vendetta
• Unforgiven
• Firewall
• Full Metal Jacket
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
• Rumour Has It

From Paramount Home Entertainment:

November 27

• Mission: impossible 1 - 3 Box set (5 discs)
• Mission: impossible 3

You can start pre-ordering any one of them at Play.com or HMV.co.uk.

Full Details of Jan 16 HD DVDs

The Mummy Returns (HD DVD)
Release Date: 16 January 2007
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• Feature Commentary with Director/Writer Stephen Somers and Executive Producer/Editor Bob Ducsay
• Spotlight on Location: The Making of The Mummy Returns
• Outtakes
• Live Music Video "Forever May Not Be Long Enough" plus Soundtrack Spot
• Theatrical Trailer
• Visual and Special Effects Formation

*****

Poseidon (HD DVD)
Release Date: 16 January 2007
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

• 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 (partially) in either 1080p HD or 480i/p SD with Stereo sound.
No subtitles.

• HD DVD Exclusive Extra: In-Movie Experience! – Josh Lucas leads you through the trials of creating visual effects, special effects and action on an upside-down water-filled set.
• A Shipmate’s Diary
• Poseidon: Upside Down
• The History Channel Documentary Rogue Waves
• Poseidon: A Ship on a Soundstage
• Theatrical Trailer

*****

Scooby-Doo (HD DVD)
Release Date: 16 January 2007
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

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

• Additional Scenes
• Commentary by Freddie Prinze, Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Rowan Atkinson
• Commentary by Director Raja Gosnell, Screenwriter James Gunn and Producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle
• Unmasking The Mystery Behind Scooby-Doo
• Scary Places: Production Design
• The Mystery Van
• Daphne Fight Scene
• Rain on the Set
• Outkast "Land Of a Million Drums" Music Video
• Theatrical Trailer

*****

The Sting (HD DVD)
Release Date: 16 January 2007
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• The Art of the Sting - Retrospective
• Making a Masterpiece
• The Legacy
• Theatrical Trailer
• Production Notes

*****

Paramount presents 'World Trade Center' on HD DVD

World Trade Center, arrives as a two-disc HD DVD & Commemorative Edition DVD on December 12, 2006 from Paramount Home Entertainment. The HD DVD will be priced at $39.99.

The two-disc HD DVD presentation will be in 1080p High Definition with English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus and English, English SDH+, French and Spanish subtitles. The discs include the following special features, which are in standard definition except where noted:

Disc 1:

• Commentary by Oliver Stone
• Commentary by real-life survivor Will Jimeno and real-life rescuers Scott Strauss, John Busching and Paddy McGee
• Nine deleted or extended scenes with optional commentary by Stone:
  - Extended Locker Room
  - Extended Roll Call
  - Concerned Business Woman
  - Fireman Johnny
  - Original Hole Two Through Allison Making Lunch
  - Judy Gets Word Jay Is OK
  - John's Ghost
  - Barbeque Flashback
  - Paramedic Tends To John

Disc 2:

• The Making of World Trade Center (three parts) (HD)
  - Committing to the Story (HD)
  - Shooting in New York and Los Angeles (HD)
  - Closing Wounds (HD)
• Common Sacrifices (two parts) (HD)
  - Rescue (HD)
  - Recovery (HD)
• Building Ground Zero (HD)
• Visual and Special Effects (HD)
• Oliver Stone's New York (HD)
• Q&A with Oliver Stone
• Theatrical Trailer (HD)
• Five TV Spots
• Photo Gallery

Blogsite/News Updates...

• All the details and information of all Warner HD DVD titles announced during the past week has been updated... You can access them by clicking on the weblinks provided under the 'HD DVD Titles' section on the right panel of this blog.
• DVDActive is providing some cover artwork previews of (possible) upcoming HD DVD releases from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

Weinstein's Films Coming to HD DVD (Wave 2 Updated)

Some distribution and retail sources are indicating that the following titles from Weinstein's film library will be due on HD DVD (released via Genius Products, LLC) starting from December this year. Each will be priced at $29.95 SRP. No other details are available (to me) at this moment...

December 5, 2006

• Derailed (Unrated)
• Matador, The
• Scary Movie 4 (Theatrical)
• Wolf Creek (Unrated)

January 2, 2007

• Clerks II
• Lucky Number Slevin
• Pulse

Stay tuned for more confirmation and details soon...

Smallville Season 5 on HD DVD, Nov 28

Warner Home Video has earlier this year promised that 2006 will be the 'Year of Superman' with a bunch of Superman-related animated and live action features due on home video. And we thought they were only due for a DVD release...

Following Warner's previous announcements of Superman: The Movie, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut and Superman Returns on HD DVD (all of which are due for retail on Nov 28) and a small insert indicating Smallville S5 as a TV on HD DVD contender, it has finally broke its silence to announce that Smallville Season 5 will be available on HD DVD, this November 28. It will be a 5 discs HD DVD set priced at $79.98 SRP, although Warner Home Video DVD Shop is selling directly to consumers at $59.95, details here.

The entire season (the series already started being shot in High Definition since season one) will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.78:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio. If you've been a fan of the series, you'll be glad to know this HD DVD debut of Smallville Season 5 marks the first time Smallville is given the 5.1 surround sound treatment as the season sets DVD released to date were all in Dolby Digital Stereo... Other highlights includes Warner Home Video's In-Program Experience (a feature similar to In-Movie Experience) for the 5th season opener...

Some news updates...

The upcoming King Kong (2005) HD DVD ($39.98 SRP, Nov 14) will also feature 'U-Control', an interactive home entertainment experience provided by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The 'U-Control' interactive experience package for King Kong HD DVD will include Picture-In-Picture access to behind-the-scenes bonus materials..., among others. This announcement is currently applicable to the North American release of the HD DVD. The availability of this interactive feature on the HD DVD release due in other regions is yet to be confirmed.

Source: HD DVD Kong puts users in control

A look at the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in operation...

'King Kong' to debut on HD DVD in 3 major continents this year

Universal Studios Home Entertainment (North America) and Universal Pictures International (International) have announced that Peter Jackson's King Kong will debut on HD DVD in North America, Europe and Japan (Asian Continent) before the year ends. Cover artwork previews below...

• United Kingdom - 13 November 2006
• North America - 14 November 2006
• Germany - 30 November 2006
• France - 5 December 2006
• Japan - 22 December 2006

Stay tuned for more release details and specifications of the HD DVD due for release in each country...

HD DVD Titles Release List Updated...

HD DVD Titles Release List for North America has been updated with all the recent announcements made... you might want to check it out.

As much as we would like to cover the HD DVD releases announced for various countries, due to the lack of time and resources, we could only cover mainly the highlights of the announcements. As a suggestion, anyone wants to consider doing a HD DVD release calendar for his/her country of residence? Possibly using Google calender... and share it on forums, etc?

Warner announces Nov 14 HD DVD titles

Warner Home Video has announced that Casablanca, the spectacular 1962 Marlon Brando remake of Mutiny on the Bounty, and Forbidden Planet 50th Anniversary Edition will be released on HD DVD, this November 14.

Forbidden Planet will be available as a 50th Anniversary HD DVD and as an Ultimate Collectors Edition packaged in a stunning metal case that includes the HD DVD, a collectible Robby the Robot replica with moveable limbs, Forbidden Planet and The Invisible Boy reproduction lobby cards portfolio, as well as a Forbidden Planet original theatrical poster mail-in offer.

All except Forbidden Planet 50th Anniversary Edition will be available for $28.99 SRP, the Forbidden Planet Ultimate Collector's Edition will sell for $59.92 SRP. Casablanca and Mutiny on the Bounty bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

With this announcement, I do hope that the Warners are intending to release Singin' in the Rain and Wizard of Oz to HD DVD soon... afterall these 2 classic films have been given a thorough restoration and a ultra-resolution treatment.

Full details of the 4 'Discovery Atlas' HD DVD titles...

Discovery Communications (parent company of Discovery network of channels) and Image Entertainment have jointly made available details of the HD DVD release of Discovery Channel's latest high-definition programme, Discovery Atlas.

Discovery Atlas: China Revealed, Discovery Atlas: Australia Revealed, Discovery Atlas: Italy Revealed and Discovery Atlas: Brazil Revealed will each be presented in high definition 1.78:1 video with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Each of these titles will be priced at $24.95 SRP and has a duration of around 100 minutes.

Image Entertainment has announced that Discovery Atlas: China Revealed HD DVD will be available at retail starting December 12 (day-and-date with the DVD's retail debut), while Discovery Atlas: Australia Revealed, Discovery Atlas: Italy Revealed and Discovery Atlas: Brazil Revealed HD DVDs will be available at retail starting January 16, 2007. On the same day, a boxset containing all 4 HD DVDs is expected to be available at retail and will cost $99.95 SRP. Cover artwork previews below...

If you simply can't wait to get the discs, the Discovery Store is accepting pre-orders and their online listings are now stating that they are able to ship the HD DVD discs to you much earlier than the retail availability date, with an estimated shipping date at least 10 days earlier (for Discovery Atlas: China Revealed HD DVD).

'Lady in the Water' Coming to HD DVD

Lady in the Water is expected to debut on HD DVD day-and-date with its DVD release, Dec 19. Highlights of the disc includes the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio on top of the usual Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (EX) track. It will be released as a HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, yes, HD-30/DVD-9... priced at $39.99 SRP. For further details direct from Warner Home Video consumer site, click here.

'Black Rain' due on HD DVD in Japan Nov 17...

Paramount (Japan) has updated the release specs of Black Rain on HD DVD. It will be released on Nov 17, priced at 4,935 Yen (inclusive of relevant taxes). This HD DVD release will contain 2 discs. The main feature will be presented in Dolby Digital-Plus EX 6.1 (English) & Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (Japanese). Director's audio commentary and a few featurettes is provided on the first disc since the bonus materials included is expected to be similar to those from the DVD release. Being a 2-disc HD DVD set, it could be expected that some of the bonus materials might be in High Definition... (currently the list of content on the second it is to be confirmed.) A little cover artwork preview...

For more information on other Japanese HD DVD titles, you may want to check out these posts (Click here and here).

Blog Updates

The details for upcoming North American HD DVD titles (November till December 12) have been updated... You will be able to view them by clicking on the weblinks provided under the HD DVD Titles section on the right panel of this blog.

Internet Safety/Security Message...

Dear readers,

Kindly note that while we tried to keep this blog free from comments spamming by limiting comments-posting to those who are registered Blogger users, there still exists archived posts which contain comments from spammers. Typically, these comments contain a weblink to an unknown location on the Internet.

Hence, as a precautionary measure, please do not click on any of the weblinks provided in any of the comments posted under the 'Comments' section.

Word verification is now required for comments-posting. I hope this feature reduces the level of comments spamming. I've also deleted almost all the questionable posts under the 'Comments' section but taking the above-mentioned precautionary measure is still recommended.

Thank you for your attention.

Bloggers of HD DVD Format Blog

Warner announces 3 new HD DVD titles to arrive on Oct 31

Finally, Warner Home Video has just announced 3 new HD DVD titles to arrive at retail stores on Oct 31. They are Under Seige, V For Vendetta and Excalibur. Each of them will be priced at $28.99 SRP.

V for Vendetta makes its HD DVD debut with In-Movie Experience (IME), the interactive feature allowing viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material -- while the movie is running. The IME for "V for Vendetta" features the "Director's Notebook: Reimagining a Cult Classic for the 21st Century."

All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

About the Movies

From Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers, creators of "The Matrix" trilogy, comes the most action-packed, entertaining and talked-about thriller this year. "V for Vendetta" is the electrifying story of an everyday woman in futuristic Britain who becomes the unlikely accomplice of a mysterious freedom fighter in his radical effort to rid the country of oppression. "V for Vendetta" is an exhilarating and innovative film featuring provocative performances by Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving.

"Excalibur" - Raised by Merlin, young Arthur draws the mystical sword of Excalibur from the stone and becomes King. He grows to manhood and with his wife Guenevere and first knight Lancelot unites the country and founds the Knights of the Round Table. But the love between Lancelot and Guenevere, and the treachery of his sister Morgana and son Mordred cause King Arthur's pride to jeopardize the kingdom. An epic battle between the knights of good and evil decides the fate of Camelot. Directed with skill and panache from legendary director John Boorman ("Deliverance"), the visual splendor of "Excalibur" will only be heightened by the thrill of experiencing it in High Definition.

"Under Siege" - Steven Seagal comes aboard and comes on strong, in this box-office blockbuster, combining humor and heroics in a fireball of a movie. He's ex-Navy SEAL and highly decorated combat operative Casey Ryback. Relying on his slam-bang martial-arts skills and equipped with enough hardware to single-handedly wage World War III, Ryback turns the Missouri's deck and below deck areas into guerilla combat zones.

HD DVD Titles To Due In France soon...

Warner Home Video and Universal Pictures International have announced HD DVD titles due for release in France... Below is the list

From Universal Pictures International:

December 5, 2006

• 2 Fast 2 Furious
• Apollo 13
• Doom
• Fast and the Furious
• Jarhead
• King Kong (2005)
• Mort dans la peau (La) [The Bourne Supremacy]
• Serenity
• Van Helsing
• Zidane

From Warner Home Video:

November 15, 2006

• L'arme fatale [Lethal Weapon]
• Constantine (Exclusively on HD DVD)
• En pleine tempête [The Perfect Storm]
• Firewall
• La Rumeur Court [Rumor Has It]
• Opération Espadon [Swordfish]
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Training Day

December 6, 2006

• Batman Begins (Exclusively on HD DVD)
• Le Fugitif [The Fugitive]
• Harry Potter Et La Coupe De Feu [Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire] (Exclusively on HD DVD)
• La Maison de Cire [House of Wax]
• Les Affranchis [The Goodfellas]
• La Prisonnière Du Desert [The Searchers] (Exclusively on HD DVD)
• Space Cowboys
• Syriana
• Troie [Troy] (Exclusively on HD DVD)

Want to know more, check out the articles here and here. Thanks to Finn for the update on HD DVD titles announced by Warner Home Video.

Full Details of Dec 26 HD DVDs

The Breakfast Club (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 26 December 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 & French)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound.
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• Theatrical Trailer

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• Theatrical Trailer
• Recommendations

*****

The Deer Hunter (HD DVD)
Release Date: 26 December 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound.
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• Feature Commentary With Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and Film Journalist Bob Fisher
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer

*****

Updated Details of Dec 5 HD DVDs

On Dec 5, Warner Home Video will release Poseidon (2006) on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc... If you've been holding out for an HD DVD release of the title, the specs should not disappoint. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is provided on top of the usual Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 fare. This release also includes an HD DVD Exclusive Extra: In-Movie Experience where Josh Lucas leads you through the trials of creating visual effects, special effects and action on an upside-down water-filled set. The DVD side will have the same contents as the single-disc DVD release. It will be priced at $34.99 SRP.

On the same day, Universal Studios' Miami Vice will also debut on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc... It will be priced at $39.98 SRP. Highlights of the disc includes the Unrated Director's Cut of the film on the HD DVD side presented with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio. (Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 audio options are also provided). HD DVD exclusive extra termed "U-Control" will also be available on the HD DVD side. "U-Control" on this title will include "Tech Specs" and "GPS Tracking", among others. If you've tried out "U-Control" special interactive features on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift HD DVD, some of them have been applied to the context of this HD DVD title. You could take a look at the preview provided at the bottom of this post... Click on the image for a larger size.

The theatrical cut will only be available via the DVD side of the combo disc. The content on the DVD side of the disc should be similar to the standard DVD release of the title.

Rumors and Speculations: Upcoming HD DVD Releases

So after looking at quite a number of HD DVD movies (especially Batman Begins HD DVD which is now my demo disc), what are the possible upcoming titles that we may look forward to before the year ends? (The titles mentioned below are just pure personal speculation based on information from various sources.)

From Universal Studios, I think The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Conan the Barbarian, Dante's Peak and The Scorpion King may still be on Universal Studios' horizon. New films such as The Black Dhalia and Idlewild are possible contenders too.

From Warner, I believe The Matrix, Twister, The Green Mile Special Edition, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Ocean's Twelve is likely to be released on HD DVD. Under Siege, Alexander and the other films in The Matrix Trilogy and in the Harry Potter series are possible contenders too. I definitely looking forward to The Matrix (just the first one), Twister and Harry Potter films on HD DVD soon, preferably before the year is out.

From Paramount, they have mentioned a few other titles that are planned for HD DVD during the CES 2005 (1 year plus ago), but I wonder if they are still on Paramount's high-definition release radar. They include:

• Spongebob Squarepants
• Elizabethtown
• Coach Carter
• School of Rock
• Forrest Gump
• Braveheart
• Ghost
• Grease
• Black Rain
• Save the Last Dance
• Vanilla Sky
• Star Trek: First Contact

Until my next post, have a nice weekend ahead!

Dolby TrueHD audio track confirmed for 'Superman Returns' HD DVD

Superman Returns marks a day-and-date release for HD DVD and DVD on Nov 28. The HD DVD version will be an HD DVD Combo Disc (High Definition DVD on one side and SD DVD on the other side) with the film in MLP audio and all special features on the HD side and film only on the standard DVD side. The HD/DVD Combo (HD-30/DVD-9) will be available at $39.99 SRP.

Bonus materials includes:

• Additional Scenes
• "Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns" multi-part (approx. 3 hour) documentary
• "Resurrecting Jor-El" Featurette
• Easter Egg (Highlight to view): Lex Luthor's "Wrong" Montage

Warner Home Video Revamped High Definition Site

Warner Home Video has updated its Hi-Def promotional site and you can view it (Flash Video) by clicking on the above banner. The website has been updated to promote High Definition movies in general (Warner Home Video has said it is format neutral). Material from Harry Potter series and The Matrix is also used to demonstrate to consumers the various benefits of high definition in general.

Anyone feels that the high-def disc player featured in the CG home-theatre system looks like the HD-A1?

M:i-3 due on HD DVD in Japan, Nov 17

Paramount (Japan) has announced that Mission: impossible III will arrive on HD DVD in Japan, November 17, day-and-date with its DVD release. Similar to the North American HD DVD release in terms of disc specs, this HD DVD set contain 2 HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layered) HD DVD discs. The 2-disc HD DVD set will be priced at 4,935 Yen (inclusive of relevant taxes). Similarities aside, there are some significant differences, the most important of them all is that the "enhanced video commentary" earlier announced for the North American HD DVD release is only an "audio-only" commentary on the Japanese HD DVD release. Cover artwork preview below...

A box set featuring all 3 films of the M:i franchise has also been announced for release on HD DVD on November 17. The boxset will contain 4 HD DVD discs - 2 from M:i III and 1 each for M:i I and M:i II. Audio for the main feature will be in Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1. The box set will be priced at 12,000 Yen (inclusive of relevant taxes). Click on the cover artwork below for more details direct from Paramount (Japan)...


Paramount (Japan), Warner (Japan) and Universal (Japan) have also earlier announced titles that are due on HD DVD before the year ends...

• HD DVD titles from Major Hollywood Studios due for Japanese market
• Warner (Japan) Announced More Japanese HD DVD Titles...

HD DVD At CEATEC Japan 2006

HD-A2 and HD-XA2 with their remotes are displayed...

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World's first slim HD DVD-R drive from Toshiba, the SD-L902A has also been displayed at this event along with its desktop (internal) sibling, SD-H902A... SD-L902A's availability has recently been confirmed by Toshiba Corp via this press release. It can read from and write to almost any optical disc format ranging from CD-R/RW to DVD+R (SL/DL) and DVD+RW to DVD-RAM to HD DVD-R (SL/DL). Its ultra-slim cousin 9.5 mm height SD-U913A (last picture) is also on display.

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External USB 2.0 HD DVD-ROM drive from Toshiba is also displayed at CEATEC Japan 2006. Looks compact and probably less bulky... it can also read and write almost any CD and DVD formats. Image below...

'The Hulk' rescheduled for Dec 12 Release... with 'Field of Dreams' on HD DVD

Universal Studios has rescheduled The Hulk HD DVD for Dec 12 release. Disc specs remain unchanged.

Another title to due on HD DVD the same day is Field of Dreams. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High-Def Widescreen 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus (English 5.1 and French 2.0).

Bonus materials include:

• From Father to Son: Passing Along the Pastime
• Deleted Scenes with Introdution by Phil Alden Robinson
• Feature Commentary with Director Phil Alden Robinson and Director of Photography John Lindley
• Roundtable with Kevin Costner, Bret Saberhagen, George Brett and Johnny Bench
• Galena, IL Pinch Hits for Chisholm, MN
• The Diamond in the Husks
• Bravo Special: From Page to Screen
• The Field of Dreams Scrapbook
• My Scenes

Full Details of Dec 19 HD DVDs

Casino (HD DVD)
Release Date: 19 December 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD / HD-30 (Single-sided, Dual-layer)

Main Feature Presentation

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

HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Presented in 480i/p Standard Definition with Dolby Digital sound
No HD DVD exclusive extras.
No subtitles.

• Casino: The Story
• Casino: The Cast and Characters
• Casino: The Look
• Casino: After the Filming
• Deleted Scenes
• Moments With Martin Scorsese, Sharon Stone, Nicholas Pileggi and More

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Jet Li's Fearless Unrated Edition (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 19 December 2006
Disc Type: HD DVD/DVD Combo Format (Single-Disc, Dual-Sided)

Side A - HD DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

This side contains the Unrated cut of the feature film.

• 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.40:1
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & Mandarin)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

• Deleted Scene
• A Fearless Journey

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

This side contains both the U.S. theatrical cut and Unrated cut.

• Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
• Dolby Digital 5.1 (English & Mandarin)
• English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• Deleted Scene
• A Fearless Journey

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Lady in the Water (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 19 December 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 EX (English, French & Spanish) & Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH], French and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

Specs and full list of extras TBC...

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

• 480p Standard Definition 16x9 1.85:1
• Dolby Digital 5.1 EX (English & French)
• English [SDH] and Spanish subtitles

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

Full list TBC...

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The Scorpion King (HD DVD/DVD Combo)
Release Date: 19 December 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 & Spanish)
• English [SDH] and Spanish subtitles

Side A - HD DVD Supplemental Materials

• Feature Commentary With Director Chuck Russell

Side B - DVD: Feature Film Presentation Specs

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

Side B - DVD Supplemental Materials

• Full list TBC....