Latest Blu-ray/hd Dvd Title Announcements

[momaw]

'Letters from Iwo Jima' to Arrive on Blu-ray, HD DVD This May

Tue Apr 03, 2007 at 12:01 AM ET

Warner Home Entertainment has announced they will bring Clint Eastwood's 'Letters from Iwo Jima' to Blu-ray and HD DVD on May 22, the same date as Paramount Home Entertainment's next-gen releases of the director's companion piece, 'Flags of Our Fathers.'

'Letters from Iwo Jima' was filmed back-to-back with Eastwood's other 2007 epic war film, 'Flags of Our Fathers,' with the pair meant to reflect two sides of the same conflict. Of the two films, 'Iwo Jima' eventually emerged as the critical favorite, earning a host of year-end awards as well as four Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Director and Best Picture.

Now viewers will have the chance to compare and contrast both films on the two next-gen formats. Though Warner has not divulged full specs, the 'Iwo Jima' Blu-ray and HD DVD discs will include dual 1080p/VC-1 encodes and -- in a first for the studio -- Dolby TrueHD tracks on both versions.

Warner has set a $34.95 list price for the Blu-ray edition, and $39.95 for the HD DVD edition, which will be an HD DVD/DVD combo release.

'Iwo Jima' is also notable for being a Warner/DreamWorks co-production (Paramount similarly teamed with the studio for 'Flags'). The release of 'Iwo Jima' now marks the third DreamWorks title set to hit high-def, following both 'Flags of our Fathers' and 'Dreamgirls,' which kicks off the studio's next-gen support on May 1.

Despite their considerable critical cache, both 'Letters from Iwo Jima' and 'Flags of Our Fathers' may find it a challenge competing for consumer dollars on May 22, as the day is fast shaping up to be the biggest ever in next-gen history. Other high-profile titles due to hit stores include both of Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, Warner's dual 'Matrix' trilogy box sets, and Paramount's stand-alone re-issues of all three 'Mission: Impossible' films . Whew!

Full specs for 'Letters from Iwo Jima' are expected in the coming days, but in the meantime we've added new listings for both versions to our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our HD DVD Release Schedule, under May 22

Notice the Dolby TrueHD track on the Blu-ray - a format first and only the PS3 has a decoder for it.

Interesting that the HD DVD version is a combo disc while Flags of our Fathers isn't. Studio differences. It's a shame these two companion films are getting different treatment due to Studio differences.

Flags seem to get the upper hand on HD DVD due to it's VC-1 encode while Blu-ray sticks to Mpeg, but the Blu-ray version of Letters with it's VC-1 and DD True HD track seems the better proposition due to it's price advantage over the identically spec'd HD DVD.

In other title news.......

Sony Adds 'Cruel Intentions,' 'Seven Years in Tibet' to June Blu-ray Line-Up

Tue Apr 03, 2007 at 09:05 AM ET

Adding two new titles to their fast-growing summer Blu-ray slate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the release of 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Seven Years in Tibet' on June 12.

Both the Brad Pitt epic and the hit teen camp-fest will receive the studio's typical catalog treatment, with 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks (48kHz/16-bit/4.6mbps).

Sony has not yet divulged supplemental details, but as both releases are slated to be BD-50 dual-layer discs, we look forward to plenty of extras.

Retail has been set at a suggested $28.95 each.

In what is fast turning out to be a big day for the format, June 12 will see 'Seven Years in Tibet' and 'Cruel Intentions' join the blockbuster 'Ghost Rider,' which Sony previously announced for Blu-ray release late last week.

Now Cruel Intentions is quite the guilty pleasure.

News courtesy of High Def Digest

[momaw]

Addition, Letters From Iwo Jima is up on Amazon to pre-order on HD DVD

A link is up for the Blu-ray version, but is not yet orderable (mental note: use real words).

Looks like I have to cancel my May 22 order yet again as due to the "special 10% discount" I can't combine orders.

Expensive date with the Matrix boxset, both these films and both Pirates films released on the same day. Also on that date is Apocalypto, but I have decided not to order that, I have spent enough me thinks

[betty boop]

looking forward to iwo jima. good ot hear re dolby true hd and yeah when the hell they going to get their act together and get truehd on the players as well ! doesnt the $2700 pana have a truehd decoder on board, you'd be p'd of if it didnt !

[AndrewW]

Now Cruel Intentions is quite the guilty pleasure.

Another one to add to the order

Andrew.

[Chesty]

Addition, Letters From Iwo Jima is up on Amazon to pre-order on HD DVD

A link is up for the Blu-ray version, but is not yet orderable (mental note: use real words).

Looks like I have to cancel my May 22 order yet again as due to the "special 10% discount" I can't combine orders.

Expensive date with the Matrix boxset, both these films and both Pirates films released on the same day. Also on that date is Apocalypto, but I have decided not to order that, I have spent enough me thinks

You are alive my friend. Have not seen you for a while...

Yes April and May is going to cost me dearly. What between Flags and Jima, we then have POTC times 2 and not too mention Planet Earth later this month and to think i dont even have The Prestige and Casino Royale yet...Pheww

[Kirium]

Now Cruel Intentions is quite the guilty pleasure.

I've got a mate who has a pirate copy of Cruel Intentions from vietnam. It's called Gruel Intertions.

I never noticed it until he pointed it out one day. Just thought I'd share my trip down memory lane with everyone.

[momaw]

Universal Goes Into the 'Breach' with HD DVD/DVD Combo

Tue Apr 03, 2007 at 01:32 PM ET

Bringing another new release exclusively to the HD DVD format, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced a June 5 arrival for the political thriller 'Breach.'

A fictionalized account of the the greatest security leak in the history of the U.S. government, 'Breach' stars Ryan Philippe as FBI upstart Eric O'Neill, who enters into a power game with his boss, Robert Hanssen (Oscar-winner Chris Cooper), the real-life agent who was ultimately convicted of selling secrets to the Soviet Union.

Universal will release the $35 million-grossing critical hit as an HD DVD/DVD combo. Tech specs include a 1080p/VC-1 transfer and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround track (at 1.5mpbs).

Among the nice assortment of extras are an audio commentary, two making-of featurettes, an segment focusing on the real-life case from 'Dateline NBC,' and 18 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes.

Universal has set their usual $39.98 combo price for the release.

The Fountain (HD) in May

Warner Home Video have announced the US Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD release of The Fountain for 15th May 2007. The third film by Darren Aronofsky, director of Pi and Requiem For A Dream, is a fantasy about man's fear of death and his dream of eternal life. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz star.

Released as a 30GB/9GB HD DVD Combo ($39.99 SRP) and a single-layer 25GB Blu-ray Disc ($34.99 SRP) the film is presented in 1080P 1.78:1 Widescreen with English and French audio (DD5.1 Surround on Blu-ray, DDP5.1 Surround on HD DVD) with English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Extras carried over from the DVD release is “Inside The Fountain: Death and Rebirth” a gallery of 6 featurettes exploring the movie's various periods and settings.

Additional extras which appear to be exclusive to the high-def releases include The Interview, VFX Step by Step, Inside the Director’s Mind: Scene to Storyboard Comparison, Peter Parks Bonus – Macro Photography Loop and the Theatrical Trailer.

[momaw]

Warner Set to Debut Two John Wayne Classics on HD DVD?

Thu Apr 05, 2007 at 12:01 AM ET

Warner Home Entertainment may be on the verge of releasing the first high-def versions of two John Wayne classics, according to a new schedule update at the HD DVD Promotions Group official website.

The two Wayne titles, 'Rio Bravo' and 'The Cowboys,' were just added to the HD DVD Promotions Group's upcoming title roster at www.TheLookandSoundofPerfect.com, complete with box cover art. No date was given in the update, however, with the titles simply grouped under the "Upcoming Releases" section.

The Promotions Group, which is the official umbrella PR organization for the HD DVD Forum (which includes Paramount as well as primary format backers Universal and Toshiba), updates its schedule routinely, and its "Coming Soon" list is considered one of the key indicators of new titles expected on the format.

The chances for a next-gen release of 'Rio Bravo' and 'The Cowboys' seem even more likely, given that Warner has just announced a May 22 DVD promotion of the two-titles, which will both see a new re-issue in standard definition.

Given Warner's current dual-support of HD DVD as well as Blu-ray, it is also highly probable that the Wayne classics will see a simultaneous release on both formats.

[momaw]

Universal to Decipher 'The Bourne Identity' on HD DVD This Summer

Thu Apr 05, 2007 at 08:59 AM ET

The first Jason Bourne adventure is at last ready to make its next-gen debut, with Universal Studios Home Entertainment announcing 'The Bourne Identity' for HD DVD release on July 24.

Universal has been a bit out of order in releasing the smash 'Bourne' movies to HD DVD. The second in the series, 'The Bourne Supremacy,' hit the format last summer, and has remained one of HD DVD's most popular titles ever since.

Now, 'The Bourne Identity' is at last ready to make its high-def debut on July 24, timed to help build buzz for the August 3 theatrical premiere of 'The Bourne Ultimatum,' the third entry in the smash spy series.

The HD DVD of 'Bourne Identity' will also coincide with a standard-def special edition box set of the first two 'Bourne' movies, which will also hit stores on the July 24.

Universal has not yet divulged any specs for 'Bourne Identity' on HD DVD, but if their past history is any indication, we can expect it to be loaded with the same set of extras that graced the standard-def versions of the film.

[momaw]

Band of Brothers' Arriving On HD DVD in Japan, July 27

Toshiba Entertainment Inc. has announced that the HD DVD release of Tom Hanks' and Steven Spielberg's Band of Brothers will arrive in Japan on July 27.

The entire series which was originally produced with high definition TVs in mind and consist of 10 parts will released in 5 volumes. Each HD DVD (HD-30 disc) will contain one volume of the series, comprising of 2 parts. The 5 volumes are expected to be sold seperately, with each volume being priced at 3,990 Yen. The main feature on each disc will be presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.78:1 with Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 (English & Japanese voiceover) audio. Only Japanese subtitles are provided. All discs will contain the following as bonus materials:

* Preview trailer of the next few parts (Japanese edition)

* Interactive "Field Guide" featuring timelines, maps, profiles and other information

* Staff & Cast Profile

Documentary We Stand Alone Together (80 mins.) will be available only on the Vol. 5 HD DVD disc.

[Chesty]

Makes me wish i had a HD DVD player.

Those of you who do...consider yourselves blessed.

[momaw]

wow, someone reads this thread

Sorry all the recent additions are HD DVD based. No recent blu-ray announcements (far a change - usually it's the other way around )

[Chesty]

wow, someone reads this thread

Sorry all the recent additions are HD DVD based. No recent blu-ray announcements (far a change - usually it's the other way around )

Man am i peeved. This is one title that i would love to have on BR.

Kudos to them for at least bringing it to HD.

[momaw]

Man am i peeved. This is one title that i would love to have on BR.

Kudos to them for at least bringing it to HD.

Think I'll wait till a full series boxset myself.

[sulimo]

Breach? I'd never even heard of the film.

[momaw]

Thanks to Kamma for these finds:

The Prestigue on May 11 on HD DVD - German Import

http://www.amazon.de/Prestige-Meister-Magi...=UTF8&s=dvd

Perfume on April 11 on HD DVD - German Import

http://www.amazon.de/Das-Parfum-Geschichte...6446727-4445659

[kamma]

Thanks to Kamma for these finds:

The Prestigue on May 11 on HD DVD - German Import

http://www.amazon.de/Prestige-Meister-Magi...=UTF8&s=dvd

Perfume on April 11 on HD DVD - German Import

http://www.amazon.de/Das-Parfum-Geschichte...6446727-4445659

you are welcome mo

i am creaming my boxers at the thought of the prestige on HD. but cop the price

[AndrewW]

Band of Brothers' Arriving On HD DVD in Japan, July 27

WOOT FRICKETY WOOT.

This is the one I have been waiting for.

My fingers are crossed for an exceptional transfer, perhaps I can let my DVD version retire and have a bit of a rest

Andrew.

[Hydrology]

WOOT FRICKETY WOOT.

This is the one I have been waiting for.

My fingers are crossed for an exceptional transfer, perhaps I can let my DVD version retire and have a bit of a rest

Andrew.

I would imagine a US boxset of this will be out by years end.

[AndrewW]

I would imagine a US boxset of this will be out by years end.

yeah in all my excitement I didn't initially realise they are being released individually.

That is going to make for one expensive purchase to get the complete set, even if amazon sells them at US$20 each ...

but I will still probably buy them

Andrew.

[Hydrology]

i am creaming my boxers at the thought of the prestige on HD.

Its already out in HD, its called Blu Ray.

[kamma]

Its already out in HD, its called Blu Ray.

i suggest you read my post again

Rest deleted by Caniffe for inappropriate content.

[ajm1503559545]

yeah in all my excitement I didn't initially realise they are being released individually.

My thoughts exactly. I'd much prefer a boxset like the SD version but, like you, I'll probably still buy it in whatever format it's available.

[betty boop]

jees you guys might hate each others style but you might atleast keep it civil !

[kamma]

jees you guys might hate each others style but you might atleast keep it civil !

i thought i was