Dutch FilmWorks Announced Next Wave of HD DVD Releases...

[Netherlands]

Dutch FilmWorks has announced that their next wave of HD DVD releases consist of the following films:

• Home Of The Brave
• Hero
• The Messengers
• Rescue Dawn
• Tristan & Isolde

All these films will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD, come February 19, 2008. The video on these releases should be encoded with either MPEG-4/AVC or VC-1 codecs at 1080p full HD resolutions, using proper HD masters. Expect the audio to be in dts-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English/Mandarin*) with optional Dutch subtitles. More details should be revealed pretty soon, so stay tuned.

* For Hero HD DVD, the audio tracks included will be in Mandarin.

Promotional package for Venturer's SHD7001 HD DVD Player

[United Kingdom]

Venturer Electronics UK Ltd has announced that the SHD7001 HD DVD player (Technical specs can be found here.) will be available to buy in the UK exclusively from QVC TV Home Shopping Channel from December 29, 2007, when it will be the featured product of the day (Today’s Special Value).

The QVC price for the SHD7001 will be £206.00. Every new SHD7001 will be supplied with a fantastic add on package worth around £50.00 (two fantastic HD DVDs - Hulk and Troy - and a HDMI cable, for free). The package will also include a voucher that enables customers to redeem 5 more free HD DVDs courtesy of the European HD DVD Promotional Group. Until 31st January 2008 customers can use their redemption voucher to select 5 of their favourite titles for free from a list of HD DVDs, giving them complete freedom of choice. No additional charges will be made as postage and packaging will also be completely free.

QVC is available on Sky Digital channel 630, Freeview channel 16 and Virgin TV channel 740. To order call 0800 50 40 30 or visit http://www.qvcuk.com/.

This blog entry was updated on December 30, 2007.

'Michael Clayton' & Another Pair of Bob Hope's films Arriving On HD DVD

Warner Home Video has announced Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney, will arrive in high-definition on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, come February 19 and it will be priced at $35.99 SRP. Full disc details can be found here.

*****

Another pair of films starring Bob Hope, My Favorite Brunette and Son Of Paleface, will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on the Bob Hope Double Feature Collection HD DVD, come March 25, 2008, for $19.98 SRP per set. Stay tuned for further details.

My Favorite Brunette (1947) / 90 minutes

Bob Hope's hilarious comedy that pokes fun at detective movies of yesteryear. Ronnie Jackson is your average happy-go-lucky photographer. Naturally, Ronnie doesn't even think twice when he happily volunteers to take care of his neighbor's private-eye office. That is until a beautiful brunette walks into his office begging Ronnie to find her missing husband. Soon Ronnie finds himself on a wild goose chase that leads to murder.

Son of Paleface (1952) / 95 minutes

Four years after his hit comedy The Paleface, Bob Hope returned to the screen as Junior Potter, son of Painless Peter Potter, the hapless hero of the first film. The Harvard-bred Junior heads out west to claim his father's inheritance. Returning for the sequel, but in a different role, is Jane Russell (The Outlaw) as an outlaw named Mike who continually has to save our hapless hero. Also starring in the sequel is the King of the Cowboys himself, Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger, who portray themselves. Hope teams with the pair to help get to the sequel is the Oscar-winning song "Buttons and Bows." Co-writer and director Frank Tashlin, a former cartoonist and screenwriter of the first Paleface, also worked with Hope on The Private Navy of Sgt O'Farrell and wrote and directed several Jerry Lewis films such as Cinderfella and The Geisha Boy.

Details of the Dutch HD DVD Release of '1408'

In the Netherlands, Dutch FilmWorks has announced that 1408 (Director's Cut / 113 minutes) will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD, this January 22, for 29.99 Euros a copy. Specific disc details follow...

Main feature will be presented in:

• 1080p High-Defintion 16x9 2.35:1
• dts-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English)
  Dolby Digital 5.1 (English)
• Dutch subtitle option

Bonus contents on the disc includes:

• Feature Commentary by Mikael Hafstrom and Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
• Deleted Scenes
• Alternate Endings
• The Characters Featurette
• The Director Featurette
• Production Design Featurette
• Physical Effects Featurette
• Trailer

'Deadliest Catch - Season 3' Arrives On HD DVD

[North America]

Discovery Communications, parent company of Discovery Channel, has announced that the third season of documentary series Deadliest Catch will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD, this January/February, for $59.95 SRP. You may pre-order/order the HD DVD set via the Discovery Channel Store. Date of retail store availability is still pending confirmation.

Thanks to Justin Young for this piece of news.

Other HD DVD titles announced this past week include Disco Pigs from Vanguard Cinema, Justice League: The New Frontier and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford from Warner Home Video.

HD DVDs Released This Week...

[North America]

'SAW' Arrives On HD DVD In Germany, this Feb 8. Plus full disc details...

[Germany]

In Germany, the horror film SAW (2004) will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD, come February 8, 2008. The announced German HD DVD release is also the most feature-packed* high-definition release for this film. Full details follow...

* As at December 23, 2007.

SAW (2004)
103 minutes / HD-30 / dynamicHD enhanced

Main feature presented in:

• 1080/24p High-Definition 16x9 1.85:1
• dts-HD 7.1 (English & German)
  dts-ES 6.1 (English & German)
• German subtitle option

Bonus contents on the HD DVD disc includes but may not be limited to:

• Audio commentary with director James Wan, writer/actor Leigh Whannell, Cary Elwes, Mark Burg, Gregg Hoffmann and Oren Koules.
• Billie - The Jigsaw Puppet
• "KINGZ" - Short film presented in high-definition (Access via dynamicHD / HD DVD only)
• "SAW" - The original short film presented in high-definition.
• SAW – Behind the Scenes
• Fear Factory's "Bite the Hand That Bleeds" music video
• Making of "Bite the Hand That Bleeds"
• Director's Art Gallery
• Featurettes
• Alternate Scene
• Bookmarking feature
• Trailer & TV spots
• Easter Eggs
• Additional bonus content can be downloaded over the Internet via the dynamicHD feature found exclusively on the HD DVD version. (HD DVD only)

Every HD DVD player released to date is fully equipped to take advantage of these web-enabled features, so all that is needed is an Internet connection to the player. It is also important that the firmware currently installed on your HD DVD player is updated to the latest version.

'Disco Pigs' (2002) Scheduled For HD DVD Release...

[North America]

Vanguard Cinema has indicated that the film Disco Pigs (2002), starring Elaine Cassidy and Cillian Murphy, will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come March 25, for $19.95 SRP a copy. Seems that Amazon.com currently has this HD DVD title up for pre-order.

Some Blog Updates...

• DVD Town has posted the online review of Pan's Labyrinth HD DVD (New Line Home Entertainment) on their website and can be accessed via this weblink. Full details of the Pan's Labyrinth HD DVD released in North America can be found here. Details of the French THX-certified HD DVD-exclusive release can be found here.


• Warner Home Video has announced the disc details of both Justice League: The New Frontier and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

'Dispatch: Zimbabwe - Live At Madison Square Garden' Arrives On HD DVD, Jan 29

The concert Dispatch: Zimbabwe - Live At Madison Square Garden will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, come January 29, for $29.99 SRP a copy. The specs of the disc follow...

The full concert on the HD DVD side will be presented in:

• 1080p High Definition 16x9 / MPEG-4 AVC Encode
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1

Bonus contents:

• Four bonus tracks (in HD on the HD DVD side)
  - War (w/Bongo Love)
  - Camilo
  - Customs
  - Carnival
• Behind the scenes footage and interviews (DVD side)
• Tree With No Name - Zimbabwe Documentary (DVD side / 30 minutes)
• Special Outtakes (DVD side)

About the concert...

On July 13-15, 2007, Boston-based roots-rock outfit DISPATCH reunited for DISPATCH: ZIMBABWE, three sold-out concerts at New York's famed Madison Square Garden arena. The weekend represented the bands' first shows since their epic farewell concert in Boston over the summer of 2004. This time, DISPATCH reunited to raise funds and awareness for poverty stricken Zimbabwe.

The shows, all selling-out on the onsale (making DISPATCH the first independent band in history to headline, no-less sell out three nights at Madison Square Garden), raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight disease, devistation, and social injustice in the country of Zimbabwe. The funds raised will support the bands' newly formed Dispatch Foundation, specifically earmarked for the Foundations' work in Zimbabwe. Click here for the official website for this concert.

Get Next Tuesday's HD DVD Releases Earlier... On December 23

[North America]

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has confirmed that all HD DVD titles that were previously scheduled for release on December 26, will now be available to own three days earlier, from December 23.

The HD DVD titles from Universal Studios that will be released on December 23 are:

• Cat People
• Eastern Promises
• The Kingdom
• Timecop

On a side note, both DreamWork's Heartbreak Kid and New Line's Pan's Labyrinth HD DVDs will still be released on December 26.

Dec 2007 Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Update...

The Dec 2007 HD DVD Update for Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is now available for download via Xbox Live.

After the update has been installed, the HD DVD player application should now be version 2.0.4645. To check the version of your HD DVD player application while playing a disc, press Display and then select the ? icon.

According to Andy Pennell's Blog, this update resolves the following issues that have been identified...

• Fixes hang when saving bookmarks on a few network titles when connected to the network (e.g. Transformers, Evan Almighty, Heroes HD DVDs)
• Fixes the playback problems associated with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD, when In-Movie Experience! (IME) is enabled
• Fixes spurious "There was a problem with licensing for this content" error on a few titles (the issue had nothing to do with licensing FYI)

For further information, you may want to refer to the blog.

For owners of Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on player who are having problems with HD DVD playback, even after the latest updates have been applied, you may want to refer to this blog entry from the above-mentioned blog, for some troubleshooting tips.

Early Details Of Upcoming HD DVDs

[North America]

Warner Home Video has announced that In the Valley of Elah will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, come February 19, for $35.99 SRP a copy. The disc is expected to include a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track on top of the usual Dolby Digital-Plus fare. Full details of the disc can be found here.

From February 26, 2008, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Justice League: The New Frontier Special Edition and Beowulf (2007) will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD. Further details TBA.

A Pair of HD DVD Titles from Paramount/DreamWorks, Arriving Feb 12

Paramount/DreamWorks Home Entertainment has announced that both films, Into the Wild and Things We Lost in the Fire, will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come February 12, at $39.98 SRP a copy.

Click on the weblinks below for further information on each HD DVD title...

• Into the Wild (PHE)
• Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) (DWHE)

'Method Man - Live From The Sunset Strip' On HD DVD, this January 22

[North America]

With millions of records and thousands of concert and movie tickets sold, Method Man is a world class entertainer. The excitement and energy hits the stage in Live From The Sunset Strip, the first ever concert HD DVD from the Wu Tang MC. The full length concert is shot in High Definition, at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, California, featuring all his hits and includes a moving tribute to fallen Wu-Tang member ODB. A must have for all Method Man and Wu-Tang fans.

The full concert (72 minutes) will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, this January 22, for $19.95 SRP a copy.

On this HD DVD disc, the full concert will be presented in:

• 1080i High-Defintion 16:9 / VC-1 Encode
• Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0

And the bonus content (in 480i Standard Definition / Dolby Digital 2.0) on the HD DVD includes:

• Method Man Extended Interview
• Interview with Brother J of X Clan
• Behind the scenes footage
• Photo Gallery

Click on the cover artwork below to access the official website of this HD DVD release... The concert trailer and an excerpt from the HD DVD (The excerpt can be viewed by clicking on the Fortress Directors Cut Exclusives Banner) can be found on the official website.

Universal Studios' First Wave of HD DVD Releases for March 2008

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that the following films will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come March 11, 2008.

Dazed & Confused (Re-issued as a non-combo HD DVD) / $29.98 SRP

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

Fletch HD DVD / $29.98 SRP

• 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
  Dolby Digital-Plus (5.1 English & 2.0 French)
• English [SDH] & French subtitle options
• Bonus material includes:
  - Just Charge It To The Underhills: Making and Remembering Fletch
  - From John Cocktoastin To Harry S. Truman: The Disguises
  - Favorite Fletch Moments
  - Theatrical Trailer

George A. Romero's Land of the Dead (Re-issued as a non-combo HD DVD) / $29.98 SRP

• 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 2.35:1
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & Spanish)
• English [SDH], French & Spanish subtitle options
• Bonus material includes:
  - Feature Commentary with Director George Romero, Producer Peter Grunwald and Editor Michael Doherty

'Halloween' & 'The Mist' HD DVDs Planned for 2008

[Germany]

Early information indicates that German HD DVD release of both Halloween (2007) and The Mist (2007) are currently being planned for 2008.

In addition, the German home video distributor, Senator Film, has announced that each of the following films will be released (in high-definition) on home video simultaneously in both Germany and North America next year. Hence, previously announced release dates will have to be re-adjusted... According to the retail listing on Amazon.de, it seems that Death Proof HD DVD has been moved from January 7, 2008 to March 23, 2008.

Anyway, the German HD DVD release of these films have been scheduled for 2008 and they will be day-and-date with the German DVD release.

• Death Proof
• 1408
• Planet Terror
• Halloween (2007)
• The Mist (2007)

We'll post the latest information, especially the new release dates, when they are available to us. So stay tuned...

Source: AreaDVD.de

HD DVDs Released This Week

[North America]

'Resident Evil: Extinction' On HD DVD In Germany, Feb 14

[Germany]

Resident Evil: Extinction HD DVD

Available February 14, 2008

• 1080p High-Definition 16x9 2.35:1
• dts-HD 5.1 (German & English) audio options
• German (HoH) subtitle option
• Bonus material includes:
  - Filmmakers' Audio commentary
  - Deleted Scenes
  - Interviews
  - Making-of
  - Beyond Raccoon City: Behind-the-Scenes

Newly released HD DVD titles eligible for Best Buy's BTGO Program (Updated Dec 23)

According to BestBuy.com, you may grab two of the HD DVDs found on this list and, for a short time, you can get another of equal or lesser value free. Plus, you'll get free shipping.

Free item may ship separately. Limit one per order.

HD DVD titles such as Pan's Labyrinth, Blade Runner Ultimate Collector's Edition, Stardust, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Bourne Ultimatum, Shrek the Third & Arctic Tale are among those eligible for this program. Refer to this webpage for the complete list.

On a side note, BTGO means Buy Two Get One free.

Thanks to Justin for the information.

Updated Content...

• HD DVD Promotional Offers Around the World (Updated Dec 16)
• HD DVD Release Schedule (Updated Dec 14)
• Titles Available Now (North America) (Updated Dec 14)
• HD DVD Firmware Updates (Updated Dec 15)

'UFC - The Best of 2007' On HD DVD, March 25

[North America]

First Look Home Entertainment has indicated that Ultimate Fighting Championship - The Best of 2007 will be available to own on HD DVD, come March 25, 2008, at $26.98 SRP a copy. Extras include Spanish commentary and Behind-the-Scenes action featurettes. Other details TBC.

Other HD DVDs announced this week...

• Die Fledermaus HD DVD - January 29, 2008
• The Low Life HD DVD - March 25, 2008
• Before the Devil Knows You're Dead HD DVD - April 15, 2008

Our HD DVD release list has been updated with all this new information...

Full details of 'Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Monterey' HD DVD

[United Kingdom]

As a follow-up to our previous blog entry which confirms that Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Monterey will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD in the United Kingdom, we now have the full details of this HD DVD title...

[December 15, 2007] Some readers have alerted us that the audio tracks found on the discs are dts-HD Master Audio 5.1 and L-PCM 2.0 Stereo, not Dolby TrueHD 5.1 & dts 5.1 as printed on the back-cover artwork.

Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Monterey HD DVD
RRP £19.99 / December 17, 2007 / One HD-30

Main feature presented in:

• 1080p High Definition 4:3
• dts-HD Master Audio 5.1
  L-PCM 2.0 Stereo
• Menu Screens in English
• English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese subtitle options (Applicable to both the main feature and bonus materials).

Bonus materials include:

• American Landing - A brand new documentary which traces Jimi’s remarkable transformation from obscurity to his triumphant U.S. ‘debut’ at the Monterey Festival.
  
• Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Monterey: A Second Look - A unique feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple, previously unseen camera angles to view several of Jimi’s celebrated performances like never before.
  
• Never Before Released Live Performances - As an extra special bonus to the DVD, watch the earliest known film and sound recordings of The Jimi Hendrix Experience in concert from February 25, 1967 before a packed audience in Chelmsford, England. Songs featured are “Stone Free” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”
  
• Music, Love And Flowers: The Monterey International Pop Festival - This is a behind the scenes glimpse of the festival’s origins, operations and lasting impact brought to you by legendary composer, producer and Monterey Festival co-founder Lou Adler.
  

'The Low Life' Arrives On HD DVD From Vanguard Cinema, March 25

[North America]

Vanguard Cinema has indicated that the film The Low Life (1995), starring Sean Astin, Rory Cochrane & Renée Zellweger, will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come March 25, 2008, at $29.95 SRP a copy.

A Pair of HD DVDs From Phoenix Entertainment Group

[North America]

According to Phoenix Entertainment Group's official site, both The Lawless (2007) and Naked Beneath the Water (2006) are scheduled for an HD DVD release in 2008.

The Lawless will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come January 15, for $19.99 SRP a copy.

While Naked Beneath the Water arrives on HD DVD, come February 19, at $19.99 SRP a copy.

Both titles are available for pre-order at Amazon.com...

Early Details of 'American Gangster' On HD DVD

Early information indicates that American Gangster will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, come March 2008 (tentatively).

Expect the main feature on the disc to be presented in 1080p High Definition 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus audio tracks. Additional audio tracks pending confirmation.

Supplemental materials include but may not be limited to:

• Feature Commentary with Director Ridley Scott
• Deleted scenes including an alternate opening
• Uncovering the Past - The Real Frank Lucas & Richie Roberts

HD DVD-exclusive bonus features include:

• U-Control Picture-in-Picture Instant Access to Behind-the-Scenes featurettes
• Web-enabled features (My Scenes Sharing, etc.)

Stay tuned for further information when this title is finally announced...

Some Early Information on Upcoming HD DVDs

[North America]

Some special interest HD DVD titles are expected to arrive in March 2008.

• Aquarium Impressions (March 4, 2008 / $16.98 SRP)
  - All the relaxing ambience of a real aquarium without the expense and hassle of cleaning it. Enjoy the variety of sea dwellers in a tropical paradise with an unbelievable high-quality picture, as you chill out to the soothing music.
  
  
• Fireplace Impressions (March 4, 2008 / $16.98 SRP)
  - This program brings a crackling, cozy fire into any living room, letting viewers curl up while listening to either an hour of classic, stirring Mozart compositions or the German-language audio book "Die Reisen und Abenteuer des Barons Münchhausen."
  
  
• Mystic Forest (March 4, 2008 / $16.98 SRP)
  - Relax and enjoy the beauty hidden deep within the trees and forests in this HD title. The amazing pictures are accompanied by medically tested relaxation-music.

Do note that this is early information so it is subject to changes.

HD DVDs Released This Week

Highlights of this week's HD DVD releases include The Bourne Ultimatum and Harry Potter films. Do note that the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD/DVD Combo disc should be priced at $35.99 SRP (HD DVD/DVD Combo releases from Warner are no longer $39.99 SRP).

Regarding the various HD DVD releases of Order of the Phoenix...

• If you prefer to have the main feature playable on both your HD DVD and DVD players, then this North American HD DVD/DVD Combo release is likely to be the right choice.
  
  
• But if you must have the most complete high-def experience for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, then the 2-disc HD DVD set released in the United Kingdom and Japan definitely won't disappoint. Refer to this blog entry for the reasons.
  
  
• Both the North American and European/Japanese HD DVD release of Order of the Phoenix contain all the HD DVD-exclusive bonus content and features like In-Movie Experience! and web-enabled features. However, only the European/Japanese HD DVD release of Order of the Phoenix contains and presents all the video documentaries and featurettes, including the A&E documentary, in high-definition.

Lastly, if you intend to get the Freedom Vol. 3 HD DVD, do ensure that the firmware on your HD DVD player is updated to the latest version so that the web-enabled features work without hiccups. Bandai Visual has earlier announced that downloadable bonus contents for Freedom Vol. 3 HD DVD - FREEDOM 2 digest (1080i/LPCM 2.0) & TV Commercial for FREEDOM 3 DVD (Japanese Edition) (480i/Dolby Digital 2.0) - will both be available starting December 11.

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' On HD DVD, February 5

[North America]

[November 27, 2007] Early information of Elizabeth: The Golden Age HD DVD posted.
[December 10, 2007] Elizabeth: The Golden Age HD DVD/DVD Combo disc announced and details updated.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has finally announced that Elizabeth: The Golden Age, starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Clive Owen, will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, come February 5, 2008, at $39.98 SRP each.

Main feature on the HD DVD side of the disc is presented in

• 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & French)
  Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English)
• English [SDH] & French subtitle options

Supplemental materials on both the DVD and HD DVD sides include

• Audio Commentary with Director Shekhar Kapur
• The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth: The Golden Age
• Inside Elizabeth's World
• Deleted Scenes
• Commanding the Winds: Creating the Armada
• Towers, Courts and Cathedrals

Besides this, Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics has also been announced on HD DVD. Full details in the blog entry following this one.

'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' Arrives On HD DVD, March 25

[North America]

Following the release of Digital Video Essentials on HD DVD/DVD Combo disc earlier this year, we've been informed that Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics will be available to own on HD DVD (non-combo), come March 25, 2008, at $29.95 SRP each.

Official information regarding the Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics HD DVD...

If you are like most people, your HDTV is among the most used and least understood devices in your home. Getting the most of your set will require some adjustments. HD Basics will teach you how to achieve this.

Created by home theater industry legend Joe Kane, HD Basics is the definitive High Definition home theater calibration tool. It promises to help you maximize the capability of your set with the user controls, and give you an understanding of the concepts that are vital to getting the most out of your HDTV.

“Where Would You Like To Start?” HD Basics begins with this simple question. The straightforward menu will take you directly where you want to go.

A printed “road map” included with this program will help you determine if your home system is connected for optimal performance.

Highlights of the disc

• Easy to use menu system
• A ‘quick set-up’ option including an in depth description and explanation of how to use specific test patterns to calibrate your display
• Audio calibration test signals
• Descriptive text in the menu to help navigate each option
• A 97 minute overview of the basics of HDTV
• Introduction to the world of creating HDTV programs
• Audio commentary by Cinematographer Allen Daviau
• Audio commentary by Joe Kane for the demonstration materials
• Joe Kane’s Tri-Color Optical Filter

Some Early Cover Artwork Previews...

[North America]

Do refer to our HD DVD Release Schedule for further information on these titles...

Channels and Rain in the Mountains are HD DVD-exclusives from Vanguard Cinema.

Kenneth Branagh's Adaptation of 'The Magic Flute' On HD DVD in Japan, January 25

[Japan]

Kenneth Branagh's big-screen adaptation of Mozart's The Magic Flute will be available to own in high-definition exclusively on HD DVD, come January 25, 2008, as part of the 2-disc HD DVD/DVD set. The set will contain both the standard definition version of the film on a DVD and a high-definition version on the HD DVD. The set is expected to be priced at 4,700 Yen (excluding relevant taxes).

Main feature on the HD DVD disc will be presented in:

• 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.35:1 (MPEG-4/AVC Encode)
• Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English)
• Japanese subtitle option

Supplemental materials will only be found on the DVD disc and it includes:

• Making of/Cast & Crew Interviews (50 minutes)
• Interview with the Director (5 minutes)
• TV spots & Trailers for the film's Japanese theatrical debut
• Cast & Crew Filmographies

Additional memorabilia includes a limited edition 16 page booklet. According to the publisher, this HD DVD/DVD set is available for a limited time, after which only the standard DVD release will be sold in stores.

Full Details of 'Kanye West - Late Orchestration' HD DVD

[United Kingdom]

Kanye West - Late Orchestrations (Abbey Road Sessions)
RRP £19.99 / UK: Available Now / One HD-30

Main feature presented in:

• 1080i High-Definition Widescreen 16:9
• dts 5.1 Surround
  Dolby Stereo 2.0
• English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish & Portguese subtitle options

Bonus material includes:

• Diamonds from Sierra Leone [Video]
• Gold Digger [Video]
• Heard 'Em Say [Video]
• Heard 'Em Say (Michel Gondry) [Video]
• Touch the Sky [Video]
• 'Follow the Bear' Bonus Feature
• Exclusive Interview with Kanye West, 2005
• Trailer

'Order of the Phoenix' 2-Disc HD DVD Released...

This blog entry has been updated to reflect information provided by a number of readers.

The European and Japanese HD DVD release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix are by far the most feature-packed (2 HD DVD discs). The 2-disc HD DVD set is now on sale in Japan for 4,980 Yen (RRP) and in Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom too.

1. The main feature on the 1st disc will also be presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) and accompanied by the HD DVD-exclusive In-Movie Experience! and web-enabled features. And the In-Movie Experience! (IME) on HD DVD isn't just a different way of presenting the 28 Focus Points featurettes on screen, it is certainly more than just Focus Points featurettes...
   
   With the IME track turned on, you can watch in-depth interviews and commentaries using Picture-In-Picture (PIP) technology as the movie plays, including “Focus Point” featurettes, “pop-up” Fun Facts, and memorable moments and personal perspectives shared directly with you. It’s like hanging out and seeing the movie with Dumbledore’s Army!
   
   Another new HD DVD-exclusive feature on Disc One will be Live Community Screening... where you can gather your own army of fellow wizards for a live community screening party. Invite other owners of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD to simultaneously watch from their own internet-accessed players and text with your remote, PC or cell phone. When you host an invitation-only viewing, you control the film by pausing and playing the feature on everyone’s machine. You can chat live with your friends as you watch.
   
   
2. The 2nd HD DVD disc will contain all the special features from the DVD release and also includes the focus points featurettes - all of which are presented in high-definition.
   
   >> 28 Focus Points Featurettes - Enjoy these fun and fascinating "making of" featurettes to discover just what is involved to create those amazing scenes and characters.
   
   >> 17 minutes of Additional Scenes
   
   >> Trailing Tonks - Spend a day with Actress Nat Tena and receive a very personal and often wacky tour of the Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix stages.
   
   >> Harry Potter: The Magic of Editing - Director David Yates and Editor Mark Day show what a difference a good edit makes to allow the viewers to edit a scene.
   
   >> A&E documentary: The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter - Viewers take a thrilling look back at the past Harry Potter films in search of clues to the mysteries of the upcoming Harry Potter saga. (Not found on the North American HD DVD release)

For international readers who are interested in this 2-disc HD DVD set but do not reside in Japan or in Europe, you may want to consider online retailers like Amazon Japan (Amazon.co.jp) or Amazon U.K. (Amazon.co.uk) to purchase the 2-disc HD DVD set.

If you prefer the menu screens in English, you may want to order the U.K. HD DVD release. Subtitles for the U.K. HD DVD release are as follows:

• Main feature - English, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Dutch, Korean & Spanish subtitle options


• Selected supplemental materials on Disc 2 - English, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, German, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Italian, Korean, Latin Spanish, Norwegian, Spanish & Swedish subtitle options

Do note that the HD DVD release of Harry Potter 1 - 4 for all countries will be the same (with the exception of subtitle options and audio tracks.) That is, the single-disc HD DVD with the same content.

For information of the Harry Potter HD DVDs released in other countries, you may want to refer to this blog entry.

Full Details of 'Abba - The Movie' HD DVD

[United Kingdom]

ABBA - The Movie
RRP £19.99 / UK: Available Now

Main feature presented in:

• 1080i High-Definition Widescreen 16:9
• dts-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English)
  Dolby Digital-Plus Stereo (English)
• Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish & Swedish subtitle options (Applicable to both the main feature and bonus materials.)

Bonus material (480i Standard Definition 4:3) includes:

• 40 Minute Inteview with Lasse Hallstrom, Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus
• Interactive Tour Souvenir Gallery
• Interactive Memorabilia Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• ABBA - The Album TV Commercial

Wal-Mart's Secret In-Store Specials - More HD DVD Movies with each Toshiba HD-A2/A3 HD DVD Player

[North America]

Wal-Mart's Secret In-Store Specials for this Friday, December 7, would include the Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD player (Click here for full tech specs.) being offered at $298 plus 12 Free HD DVD movies. The 12 Free HD DVD movies include

• Five of the customer's choice (The customer will receive this freebie instantly, with each selected HD DVD title not exceeding $30),
• Two movies - 300 from Warner Home Video and The Bourne Identity from Universal Studios Home Entertainment - already packed with the HD-A3 HD DVD player, and
• Remaining five via The Pefect HD DVD Offer mail-in rebate program.

In addition, the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player (Click here for full tech specs.) will also be offered at $198 plus 10 Free HD DVD movies. The 10 Free HD DVD movies include

• Five of the customer's choice (The customer will receive this freebie instantly, with each selected HD DVD title not exceeding $30), and
• Remaining five via The Pefect HD DVD Offer mail-in rebate program.

Limited stocks per store for this in-store special. Not all stores will carry both the HD-A2 and HD-A3.

On a side note, the Amazon.com promotional deal - Get 12 Free HD DVDs with Selected HD DVD Players - is still in effect...

Should you also decide to get a copy of the Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1 (Remastered) HD DVD/DVD Combo disc set between November 20, 2007 to February 29, 2008 to go with your newly-purchased Toshiba HD DVD player (purchased between November 20, 2007 to February 29, 2008), please note that you are eligible to receive a free Star Trek phaser remote. Complete details can be found here.

Please notify us of any inaccuracies found with the details posted above...

'Sexy Beast' Arrives On HD DVD, February 18

[United Kingdom]

In the United Kingdom, the film Sexy Beast (2000), starring Ben Kingsley & Ray Winstone, will be available to own in high-definition on HD DVD from February 18, 2008, at £24.99 RRP each.

Stay tuned for further details...

Details of 'Take That: The Ultimate Tour' HD DVD

[United Kingdom]

Take That: The Ultimate Tour HD DVD
RRP £19.99 / December 3, 2007 / One HD-30

• 1080i High-Definition 16:9 Widescreen
• dts-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English)
  Dolby Digital-Plus Stereo (English)
• Menu screens in English
• English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese & Spanish subtitle options.
• Bonus materials include:
  - The Ultimate Story
  - The Ultimate Fans
  - Mark's Stage Tour
  - The Understage Action
  - Picture In Picture Understage Action

80,000 Unique Users Embrace HD DVD's Web-enabled Experience

Transformers which continues to be one of the top selling titles in any high definition format, had more than 80,000 unique online users, with 31% returning to download additional content as it became available.

Universal's current web-enabled titles, which include Heroes: Season One, Knocked Up, and Evan Almighty, saw an average of 30% of HD DVD purchasers going online to download content and connect with other fans.

Web-enabled features found on Paramount's Transformers include downloadable Sector 7 Transmission videos, Transformers Profiler with still photography and bios, and Intelligence Mode, a special data dashboard providing stats on the various Autobots and Decepticons, a GPS locator and factoids. The Transformers HD DVD also includes Menubots, which allow fans to customize their menus to a variety of themes, from Bumblebee to Megatron.

Universal's Heroes: Season 1 HD DVD offers a Download Center filled with exclusive content, trailers and show updates. The boxed set also includes a Genetic Abilities Test where fans can test themselves and post their "hero profile" to the Heroes community site on NBC.com, triggering a unique access code to view exclusive content.

Personally, being able to access the web-enabled features directly on your HD DVD player with an Internet connection is a plus, because it saves the inconvenience of looking for a PC, installing software that may conflict with your existing PC environment and the need for more troubleshooting both at the software or the Internet connection side.

Paramount Home Entertainment HD DVD titles with web-enabled features include:

• Transformers - Details described above.
• Shrek the Third

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has provided stills of every U-Control and Web-enabled feature that they have introduced on their HD DVD titles. Web-enabled features would include

• Download Center - Get connected and sign up now to download exclusive content, trailers and updates directly to your HD DVD player.
• My Scenes Sharing - Now you can share your favorite cliplist with your friends through the next evolution of My Scenes. Simply create your Buddy List and invite your friends to become HD DVD members and join the UniversalHiDef.com community. You can manage and update your Buddy List any time. Once you register, check out My Scenes Inbox on your HD DVD player and start sharing!
• U-Shop -The Almighty Store - Now you can shop in your living room! The Almighty Store comes to HD DVD. Open a U-Shop Account, pop in the disc and start purchasing exclusive products from the comfort of your couch. Go to the Download Center and download the entire store right to your HD DVD player
• Heroes Ability Test on Heroes Season 1 HD DVD - Take the Abilities test and your profile will be uploaded to NBC.com/Heroes.

Source: Web Communities Flourish With New HD DVD Titles

A Bunch of New Release Dates for Upcoming HD DVDs

[North America]

Release Date Adjustments:

• Bob Hope & Bing Crosby Double Feature (Image) - From January 8, 2008 to February 19, 2008
• Galaxina (Image) - From January 8, 2008 to February 19, 2008

Newly-announced HD DVD titles:

• Bonnie and Clyde Special Edition (WHV) - March 25, 2008
• IMAX: Dolphins (Image) - April 8, 2008

Stay tuned for complete details of the newly-announced HD DVD titles... Our HD DVD Release Schedule has been updated with all these information.

HD DVD Players (North America)

From Toshiba Corporation

• HD-A3 ($299.99* MSRP) - Spec sheet
• HD-A30 ($399.99* MSRP) - Spec sheet (Similar specs for the HD-EP30)
• HD-A35 ($499.99* MSRP) - Spec sheet (Similar specs for the HD-EP35)

* These prices are subject to change (that is, lower than the MSRP) depending on the prevailing promotional prices set by individual retailers.

The HD-A3 outputs up to 1080i resolution for both DVD-upconverted and HD DVD Video content while the HD-A30 and HD-A35 are capable of outputting signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate.

7.1-ch Digital Bitstream output is supported only on the HD-A35 due to compliance with HDMI v1.3 specifications. What this means is that you can pass high-bitrate audio (such as DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital-Plus) through the HDMI connection to your A/V receiver to be decoded by your receiver (if your receiver supports decoding of these audio formats).

The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also feature "CE-Link" (HDMI(TM)-CEC), allowing two-way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

Freebies/Promotional offers for Toshiba's new HD DVD Players:

• With Toshiba's new bundle promotion, consumers will take home the highly acclaimed HD DVDs 300 (non-combo version) from Warner Home Video and The Bourne Identity from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, and enjoy these titles right out of the box. Both HD DVD titles feature HD DVD-exclusive picture-in-picture access to video commentary, among other special features.



• The Perfect HD DVD Offer - With the purchase of any Toshiba HD DVD player, consumers will be able to select five HD DVD titles for free, from a selection of 15, via a mail-in offer. The offer begins on October 1st 2007 and continues until February 28th 2008. Full details of this offer can be found on the new rebate form. Readers who have recently bought their first HD DVD player, models HD-XA2/A20/A2 or the Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Player or any applicable Toshiba laptops, could also use this new form to redeem the 5 HD DVD titles.
  
  The Perfect HD DVD Offer is also being extended to Toshiba HD DVD players and Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on Player sold in other territories like Canada (Details here) and the United Kingdom (Details here for the Toshiba HD DVD Players and here for the Xbox 360 HD DVD Add-on).
  
  
• Toshiba has also teamed up with CBS Home Entertainment, with plans to offer purchasers of the Star Trek: The Original Series Season One HD DVD boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player an exclusive, limited edition "Star Trek" Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players. This promotion is planned to coincide with the launch of the "Star Trek" HD DVD boxed set on November 20.

*****

Venturer Electronics Inc.

• SHD7000 ($249 MSRP) - Details
• 2 Free HD DVD movies pre-packed with each HD DVD player (No redemption form required)

*****

From Integra

• DHS-8.8 ($1099 MSRP) - Details

*****

From Onkyo

• DV-HD805 ($899 MSRP) - Details

HD DVDs Released This Week...

[North America]

Arctic Tale and Battlestar Galactica: Season One are two of the HD DVD-exclusives released this week.