Warner Announces First Web-enabled HD DVD Title

This big news just came in... Had to post it before going back to "hibernation".

Warner Home Video has announced that Blood Diamond will debut on HD DVD, July 3. The main feature will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.40:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus (English, French & Spanish) 5.1 and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) audio tracks. English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitles are provided. It includes commentary by director Edward Zwick, featurettes and production diaries as bonus materials. All bonus materials found on the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be ported over. Each will be priced at $28.99 SRP.

The HD DVD of Blood Diamond will be the first HD DVD to include web-enabled extras which allows viewers to use their players to offer opinions in WHV's online polls and to view other exciting special features such as maps of conflict pertaining to war-torn areas in Africa.

The Blood Diamond HD DVD will be the first disc of any high-definition format to feature web-enabled extras, taking advantage of the network functionality that each and every HD DVD player is equipped with. Note that the playback of the movie does not need a network/Internet connection, it is the web-enabled extras that needs the connection.

The HD DVD version of Blood Diamond will also contain the In-Movie Experience (IME), an exclusive interactive feature that allows viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material while the movie is running. In addition, for the first time WHV will include the new Focus Points feature that takes the viewer to exciting in-depth featurettes and production diaries. The IME for Blood Diamond allows viewers to embark on an epic journey with director Edward Zwick, charting the emotional and filmmaking challenges of Blood Diamond.

Those with 1st-generation HD DVD players may be required to update their player's firmware to the latest version in order to enjoy the web-enabled extras as the latest firmware update includes enhancement to network functionality of the player, such as the handling of web "cookies".

By the way, we had also updated all changes and announcements to our HD DVD Release List.