http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/ Engadget HD Comments for Warner's '300' to sport bonus features on HD DVD, not Blu-ray http://hd.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://hd.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Yes, I'm aware that there's a bit of fanboism in my post. What can I say... I don't want to see my $250 HD-D2 fall into obsolescence. ;)]]>Jun 29th 2007 2:32AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 2:32AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Its really a shame that some major studios (e.g. Fox, Disney) did confirm their support at a very early stage. They did promised the marketing promised the BDA a made. That was a mistake. HD DVD is a great format for movie releases. No real need for BD-J.

The exclusive support of some studios to BD only will cost them a lot of money in a long term. I am not sure why they did not made a simple calculation on replication price costs. Also today BD is at lease 2-3 times more expensive in replication than an HD DVD and this will also be the case in 2 years! If a major studio will release 20 Mio. HD discs for example in 2009 this will cause a hugh lost if they decided to use the more expensive format.

Frankly speaking I do not know why the HD DVD PRG is not able to propper communicate the many advantages of their format for movie/audio purposes.

Anyway - BD has also many good thinks, but HD DVD is ready NOW, it's CHEAPER for the Studios and it's CHEAPER for the consumer without any major differences in interactivity or quality.

I think Sony did made a good job to convince the major studios for BD and make them blind for HD DVD.

Cheers,

Frenzy]]>Jun 29th 2007 4:02AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 7:24AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/]]>Jun 29th 2007 6:16AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Would you clarify what you're trying to say in the second sentence of the second paragraph? Thanks!

@ Dave

Putting "Warner" and "grave" in the same sentence without an explanation, given the breadth of all the intellectual property Warner either generates or is tied to, is rather extreme. Would YOU also clarify what you're trying to say? Thanks!]]>Jun 29th 2007 7:18AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 7:41AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Hi Paul, sorry to write nonsens in my sentence "They did promised the marketing promised the BDA a made."

I just wanted to say that BDA is doing a very prominent marketing and it is hard to really find out what is true and what is marketing. When BDA announced BD it mostly described the hugh features that will be possible. This might be one of the arguments to convince some studios to only support BD. But these features are still not possible although the cheaper and even more finally developped HD DVD format can do.

Yes BD-J will be great but are the advantages (especially for movie releases) such big that this excuses for the massive delay, different player features, optional ethernet, optional PiP, ...). This all will more than necessary confuse the consumers again. And - a really important point - the studios will pay much more for the replication of BD instead of BD also in the future. Is this worse the mininal additional potential features of BD-J ? Movie fans want to see the movie with some nice extras. If they want to play a game they will use their games consoles or PCs instead of playing boring BD-J games.

What do you think ?

Cheers,

Frenzy

]]>Jun 29th 2007 8:32AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 10:20AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 10:57AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Or putting it another way, Google "lemon-scented napkins"]]>Jun 29th 2007 11:25AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
I never understood combos either, until someone explained that they will work on "the kid's DVD player" as well as the family HD DVD, making it a savings overall for that kind of buyer on new releases.]]>Jun 29th 2007 11:28AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 11:39AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Your response contains many points. From what I understand, BD-J is supposed to be Blu-ray's answer to HD DVD's iHD. Of course, both features will contain interactive extras that some consumers want, but I have to agree with undawater: a good transfer of the film is the most important feature of all. This way (and I'm NOT knocking Blu-ray here, folks), people can avoid things like trading their inferior copies of "The Fifth Element" for a superior version through some program.

I think we're headed for a Dolby Digital/DTS, Coke/Pepsi, Intel/AMD etc. situation. DD is ubiquitous, employed in virtually EVERY iteration of DVD player, AV receiver, set-top box, console, etc. DTS, not so much, though it hasn't been declared "dead" by any means, with many audiophiles swearing by it and even touting its superiority over DD (see any AVForums.com DTS thread). One uses less compression, the other uses a higher bitrate, but at the end of the day, the consumer is usually left with one thing: awesome sound.

The same is true with either next-gen format: no matter which one you pick, you're getting an awesome picture and sound that regular DVDs can't reproduce. Both are selling despite wild marketing spins, trepidation, and apocalyptic announcements. Manufacturers are realizing this and have begun making more and more products that support both formats. In the case of the upcoming "300" release, the omitted features won't really matter if both camps get a bad transfer (though I cannot see this happening). I only wish the versions were equal so that HD DVD sales aren't tainted simply because its version contains features that the Blu-ray version doesn't. It sort of detracts from the "Battle Royal" many were expecting for this title, but hey, what can you do?]]>Jun 29th 2007 12:22PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jun 29th 2007 3:49PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/

Well, for the record, these special features were introduced with the LaserDisc format [1978 to 2000], and became quite popular... Special Editions, Boxed Sets, those Criterion Collection releases etc.

One of the most popular bonus features is the "audio commentary track" featuring members of the cast and crew. There's nothing like learning more about the film, or the actors/crew themselves, from a nice audio commentary.

Also DELETED SCENES. Occasionally, a film has deleted scenes that actually make the film better and easier to understand, often later being re-edited into a furthur "director's cut" edition.

There were very important deleted scenes on the DVDs for AMERICAN HISTORY X, THE OUTSIDERS, and GATTACA, for instance, that made these films very complete.

As for Director's Cuts [and/or "restored" productions], many impressive editions have been released on DVD, like A STAR IS BORN [Judy Garland], DAS BOOT, CINEMA PARADISO, APOCALYPSE NOW, and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (among others).

Unfortunately, one of my favorites movies previously restored to it's full-length version [on LaserDisc], is still NOT yet been released uncut on DVD - John Wayne's classic THE ALAMO (MGM/UA) - with numerous significant scenes/trims restored, with over 30-minutes back in. It's only available on DVD in the shorter version.

Same thing with another MGM classic - IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD - the longer restored edition previously released on LaserDisc has NOT yet been presented on DVD (just the standard shorter version).

Bummer!]]>Jun 30th 2007 12:56AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
"...it's not the size that matters, but how you use it."

So... some studios looked at HD DVD and Blu-ray, and though taking into consideration all specs, stats, features, etc., it seems likely they focussed on what was most important to them, and (IMO) that was copy protection or DRM. And since Blu-ray advertised "extra protection," companies like Disney and Fox felt more satisfied that their investment would be protected better going with this format. This mentality seems to stem from focussing more on self preservation rather than customer satisfaction.

...which, we can't really blame or judge them if we stop and take one look in the mirror... because we know we've all done (and usually continue to do) the same.

But that doesn't stop us from being able to acknowledge which viewpoint or focus is BETTER. And that would be providing the best overall experience and options for the least amount of cost to the consumer. With the price of HD DVD players, combined with their strict standards of what MUST be included in every player (storage, 'net connectivity, HDi compatability, etc.), HD DVD has enabled the consumer to have the better experience for less cost.

In all the reviews I've seen (from guys with crazy setups far beyond my own), they have historically given the following results:
-Picture Quality: Equal most of the time (especially lately), but better on HD DVD in the beginning. Really no big difference now.
-Sound Quality: Equal or better on HD DVD because of (again) mandatory required support for most of the better sound formats for HD DVD but not Blu-ray. Notice I said "Equal or better on HD DVD." Sometimes it's equal. But when it's better, it's HD DVD that is better.
-Extras: I know... some people don't care. And that's fine. Some do, and for them, HD DVD is without a doubt consistently better due to PiP commentaries and other HDi features not available on Blu-ray. There aren't many titles that differ between the formats when it comes to this... but for the ones that do, and if you like the extra features (like me), then the difference is huge.

And on this release, the gap just widened a whole lot! I'm glad that I spent the money I did on the format that is consistently giving me more bang for my buck, even if all the movies I'd like to see aren't being released on the format. It would be nice if studios like Disney and Fox would choose to spend a little bit of money to get production running and putting future (and catalog) titles on HD DVD, rather than stubbornly trying to save face for choosing the format with less forethought and 'next-gen' features and offerings.

I tell ya, I'm really not missing that 20gb.

=)]]>Jun 29th 2007 7:27PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Hi Kevin. Perfect summary. This does also represent my opinion of the current situation. I do also really hope that Foxn / Disney will also see that HD DVD is giving them a hugh chance to release fantastic titles with great PQ and features now.

Cheers,

Frenzy]]>Jun 30th 2007 4:20AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/Jul 2nd 2007 1:11AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
I stop buying DVDs about two years ago and go with online rentals and such....sorry.]]>Jul 2nd 2007 7:36AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
I forsee a whole new generation of memes being created using chroma keying...

Leonidas' face will be that much easier to place on all kinds of animated gif backgrounds!]]>Jul 2nd 2007 12:47PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/http://hd.engadget.com/2007/06/29/warners-300-to-sport-bonus-features-on-hd-dvd-not-blu-ray/
Oh, one other thing - so lets say BD does finalize the spec in October - and lets jump even further out on a limb and say they have the largest catalog of online content EVER! Um, MOST of the BD players don't have ethernet connections to access it! LOL f*&king ROFL - If I would have bought a stand alone BD player I would be very pissed right now.....

Oh, and just to be fair yes the ps3 has ethernet as well as the pioneer elite player for $1500 - my HD-A1 has had it since I bought it over a year ago. I can't wait for 300 to come out, I'm even going to buy Blood Diamond just because of the online features - a movie I never would have bought if it didn't have the online extras.]]>Jul 2nd 2007 11:55PM