High Definition Discussion Thread - Blu-Ray, HDTV, etc...

[JaylisJayP]

Welcome to Spawn.com's high definition discussion thread.

PLEASE - DO NOT POST ABOUT YOUR OWN MOVIES/GAMES/ETC... FOR SALE.

THANKS!

Please PM or e-mail me (Jaylisjayp@yahoo.com) any articles or other helpful links you'd like me to keep posted here. I'll try to categorize them as best I can.

AUDIO:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/21/hd-101-how-to-use-dolby-truehd-and-dts-hd-with-your-ps3/

VIDEO:


OTHER:

Trade your Warner HD DVDs for blu-rays: http://www.red2blu.com/

[MPCanes]

Provided the transfer is good, old films will look damn good. As good as stuff shot on newer stocks? No, but for example, Casablanca has gotten rave reviews for its HD-DVD presentation. When the stock is preserved, 35mm film will always look infintesimally better then HD anyways (film has the equivalent of ~4000 lines of resolution, compared to HD's 1k). The problems arise when stocks aren't well maintained and/or were shot purposefully soft/grainy/weren't preserved. Fast times was low budget and shot a while ago, so it will look slightly aged to something like The Chronicles of Rid**** shot on state of the art film stock, but it will still look HD, just not in the same way.

Hope that helps!

[JaylisJayP]

it definitely helps, thanks a ton.

[Indy Jones]

So would I have to buy the goodfellas HD-DVD? Or will the regular one play?

[JaylisJayP]

there are some great review sites for HD DVD's out there....they say goodfellas is not one of the ones you'll want to rush out and get for HD DVD.

On another note, I finally popped it in to my 360 add-on today and literally laughed myself astonished. It's unbelievable, and if you're on the fence, I would say get that 40 bucks off coupon (which worked by the way) for Circuit City and buy one immediately.

I had to resist the urge to buy 10 HD DVDs today....I only bought 4. I was going to get the Mission Impossible Box Set, but i read that the quality of the first movie wasn't a major jump, so I just opted for MI3, which I haven't seen yet.

Also, Target has HD DVD's for 19.99 for basically all of them. Great deal there. I may go back and get The Perfect Storm tomorrow.

[JaylisJayP]

http://www.dvdtown.com

This has reviews of basically every HD DVD they've put out so far, as well as a great forum/message board.

[JaylisJayP]

Man! I really wanted to discuss this but since I don't have it, I guess I can't. Damn!

Discuss away, man. The thread topic is somewhat of a joke.

[PrimeBane]

I got my Amazon.com order last night :D

Serenity HD-DVD
12 Monkeys HD-DVD
Sleep Hollow HD-DVD

Can't wait for the weekend now to watch. :D

[JaylisJayP]

I got my Amazon.com order last night :D

Serenity HD-DVD
12 Monkeys HD-DVD
Sleep Hollow HD-DVD

Can't wait for the weekend now to watch. :D

I have Serenity also, can't wait to see it.

Please tell me how good the quality is on 12 Monkeys after you see it.

[PrimeBane]

For sure... I think that will be the Saturday night late movie :D

[JaylisJayP]

So far I've got:

King Kong
Batman Begins
MI:3
Fast and Furious
Serenity

King Kong is unreal but Batman and MI are sweet, too. Fast and Furious is good in most spots, but it looks a little flatter than the other ones, probably because it's 6 years old.

Haven't watched Serenity yet but have heard good things about it.

Considering The Bourne Supremacy, also. Anyone seen that one? Is it a good flick?

[PrimeBane]

I've seen Serenity in stores on the demo HD-DVD players... I knew I had to have it :D

King Kong looks amazing. I'm hoping to pick up Batman Begins soon as it shows off the technology VERY well.

And I can't wait until the LOTR and Matrix Trilogies come out :D

[Born_2_Die]

Considering The Bourne Supremacy, also. Anyone seen that one? Is it a good flick?

Obviously it's bound to look crazy-good but i recommend watching Bourne Identity first.

[Yankee Rose]

What's the difference compared to a regular DVD? Do they pop out of the screen or what? DVD's seem to have a great picture already.

[Cleavage Sculpt]

What's the difference compared to a regular DVD? Do they pop out of the screen or what? DVD's seem to have a great picture already.

You can only understand when you see the difference for yourself. You'll be amazed at the difference between DVD quality and Hi-Definition. Ever since I've been watching Hi-Def (either on HBO or network channels), I cant go back and watch the same movie or show on DVD. Im glad I have sources where I can download the Hi-Def feed of a film or show and keep it in my computer. I've been stock-piling episodes of Heroes and downloading Hi-Def movies that have been aired on the premium channels. The file sizes are huge (averages about 11 gigs per movie) and I split them on multiple dvd's for storage and in hopes to burn them on Blu-Ray discs in the future. An hour of Heroes is about over 4 gigs.

The picture clarity and brightness are unmatched. Watching a DVD after HD and you'll see how fuzzy and drab DVD picture quality is.

[PrimeBane]

What's the difference compared to a regular DVD? Do they pop out of the screen or what? DVD's seem to have a great picture already.

On a regular standard def tv you won't see any difference at all (maybe a little, but certainly not enough that most people would notice).

HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is mainly for those with High Def tvs. If you watch a DVD vs an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray you'll notice a HUGE difference on an HDtv in terms of picture qaulity.

[JaylisJayP]

Obviously it's bound to look crazy-good but i recommend watching Bourne Identity first.

i saw the first one in the theaters, never saw the second one.

[JaylisJayP]

You can only understand when you see the difference for yourself. You'll be amazed at the difference between DVD quality and Hi-Definition. Ever since I've been watching Hi-Def (either on HBO or network channels), I cant go back and watch the same movie or show on DVD. Im glad I have sources where I can download the Hi-Def feed of a film or show and keep it in my computer. I've been stock-piling episodes of Heroes and downloading Hi-Def movies that have been aired on the premium channels. The file sizes are huge (averages about 11 gigs per movie) and I split them on multiple dvd's for storage and in hopes to burn them on Blu-Ray discs in the future. An hour of Heroes is about over 4 gigs.

The picture clarity and brightness are unmatched. Watching a DVD after HD and you'll see how fuzzy and drab DVD picture quality is.

i agree, and even on the older movies that have transferred over to HD DVD that appear a bit more flat, they still far surpass that of standard DVD.

[YlhandlZ]

What do you guys think about the sound quality coming from this format? It seems like I've got to crank my tuner up for a decibel level similar to an SD-DVD. I'm no audiophile, but I really like getting my house to shake when I'm watching a movie. There seems to be a lot better balance between each of the channels, but it's just not as loud overall.

Also, I'm a little bit baffled by the fact that none of the HD-DVDs that I've bought so far have DTS. Am I missing something?

[PrimeBane]

Unforunately I don't have my HDtv and HD-DVD connected to my home theatre so I can't comment on digital sound at this point. :(

But I do have to turn up the sound on the tv quite a bit for some movies I've watched so far.

The new standard is supposed to be Dolby TrueHD... and I've heard nothing but great things about it so far. :)

[MPCanes]

Only up to 3 discs for me at the moment, but hopefully I'll receive the 3 Superman movies next week from amazon pushing my total to 6.

I've got Batman, King Kong, and Training Day at the moment. I recommend the first 2 with huge thumbs up. I haven't watched Training Day yet but have heard very good things about it.

More importantly, I really really need to get Casablanca. One of my all time favorites and its supposed to look nothing short of spectacular in HD.

[JaylisJayP]

Picked up Charlie and the Chocolate factory today...can't wait to see that one, too.

[JaylisJayP]

Only up to 3 discs for me at the moment, but hopefully I'll receive the 3 Superman movies next week from amazon pushing my total to 6.

I've got Batman, King Kong, and Training Day at the moment. I recommend the first 2 with huge thumbs up. I haven't watched Training Day yet but have heard very good things about it.

More importantly, I really really need to get Casablanca. One of my all time favorites and its supposed to look nothing short of spectacular in HD.

Definitely let me know how Training Day looks...one of my favorites.

[Yankee Rose]

On a regular standard def tv you won't see any difference at all (maybe a little, but certainly not enough that most people would notice).

HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is mainly for those with High Def tvs. If you watch a DVD vs an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray you'll notice a HUGE difference on an HDtv in terms of picture qaulity.
Okay thanks. I don't have a hi-def T.V. So I will just stick to my regular DVD's.

[MPCanes]

Definitely let me know how Training Day looks...one of my favorites.

Watched the first 40 minutes - looked awesome and sounded even better.

[JaylisJayP]

This is cool on AVSForum...they rank the "tiers" of HD DVD release quality. Very useful when deciding if it's worth it to upgrade....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=705387

[SBrooks1]

Just a little interesting fact that I learned over at the AVSForum......Warner put out Superman Returns on a 50GB Blu-ray disc and only used 30GB of the space. People are saying that Warner is basically mastering for HD-DVD releases and then using whatever they can for Blu-ray. I think that speaks volumes for how well HD-DVD is doing. :D

[JaylisJayP]

Just a little interesting fact that I learned over at the AVSForum......Warner put out Superman Returns on a 50GB Blu-ray disc and only used 30GB of the space. People are saying that Warner is basically mastering for HD-DVD releases and then using whatever they can for Blu-ray. I think that speaks volumes for how well HD-DVD is doing. :D

i agree, and while I'm not into the whole bashing Blu-Ray thing, it does speak volumes, and I can't understand why anyone would want Blu-Ray over HD DVD unless they have the PS3.

[JaylisJayP]

Anyone have Troy? How's the picture quality?

[rsoaker23]

What's the difference compared to a regular DVD? Do they pop out of the screen or what? DVD's seem to have a great picture already.

Yeah the picture quality is unmatched...remember the 1st time you saw DVD in action vs. VHS? you get the same response here..i have HD cable service and hardly if ever watch any of the other lower network stations.

[JaylisJayP]

I watched Charlie and the Chocolate factory last night and again was just wow'ed. I can't go back to watching standard DVD now.

[PrimeBane]

This is cool on AVSForum...they rank the "tiers" of HD DVD release quality. Very useful when deciding if it's worth it to upgrade....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=705387

Interesting... I haven't watched 12 Monkeys or Sleepy Hollow yet so I can't agree or disagree.

Serenity is definately a tier 1 movie. It looks AWESOME last night. And I agree that V for Vedetta is a tier 2... I noticed a few small flaws.

[JaylisJayP]

i watched Serenity Sunday night and was completely wowed, both by the movie and the picture quality (the acting was so-so)

[meatgoat]

Thanks for the tip on the Amazon discount MP. Superman Returns, Serenity, and Batman Begins are on the way.

Anyone know what the deal with POTC 2 is? I can't find any info regarding it's release on HD DVD.

[JaylisJayP]

what's POTC 2?

Edit - I just figured it out today (10-21-08) Thanks for the help everyone!!!!!!!!!

[PrimeBane]

Since Pirates of the Caribbean 2 is a Disney property and they're currently a Blu-Ray backer (although there's rumours they'll produce HD-DVD disks soon) we likely won't see it anytime soon. :(

I've also heard the larger titles such as POTC, Cars, etc won't be available in HD until the market is better saturated with HD players.

[meatgoat]

Thanks Prime. At least it'll be available on Blu Ray. Though I doubt I'll get my hands on a PS3 to view it with till March. :D

[PrimeBane]

It might one day be available on Blu-Ray... just not in the near future.

Which is a real shame IMO.

Did anyone pick up Superman Returns yesterday in HD?

[PrimeBane]

Hey JalisJayP... maybe this should be an HD-DVD and Blu-Ray thread?

No sence leaving out the BR folks. :)

[JaylisJayP]

good point, I'll change the topic.

Bought Troy and Waterworld today, heard mixed things about both visually but I enjoyed both movies and am looking forward to seeing them.

[Cleavage Sculpt]

For those commenting on seeing King Kong or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray, I've seen these films on Cinemax and HBO HD and the picture blew me away also. They broadcast in 1080i. So it would still be substandard to those watching the actual Hi-Def discs in 1080p mode on a 1080p display. But still, I am awestruck at the detail, sharpness and brightness of the picture.

I can comment on almost the majority of the latest films as I have dl'ed them on my comp. Into the Blue, Fantastic Four, The Star Wars Original Trilogy, Matrix Trilogy. They all look fantastic. It will probably be a few more months before I pick up the PS3 and compare Blu-Ray discs to the premium channel HD broadcasts, but so far i'm pretty damn impressed.

I got the comp. hooked up from my Soundblaster X-Fi I/O drive to my receiver using optical SPDIF. Dolby Digital 5.1. And the sound is pretty loud. Good separation. And I have substandard speakers too.

[PrimeBane]

Watched Sleepy Hollow on Friday night. I was very disappointed with the PQ. The entire movie looked very grainy and washed out. I'm hoping it's just a glitch with the last 360 update, but I doubt that's the case. :(

[sweetmisery]

These days, its all about the codecs I read. Nothing that wont be fixed.

[JaylisJayP]

Watched Sleepy Hollow on Friday night. I was very disappointed with the PQ. The entire movie looked very grainy and washed out. I'm hoping it's just a glitch with the last 360 update, but I doubt that's the case. :(

you can see over at AVSforum them have a tier rating system, and I think Sleepy Hollow is in one of the lower tiers. A lot of times it's not really the transfer so much as that's the feel of the movie. But the graininess in Sleepy Hollow does sound like a problem.

[Chugga]

Finally I can join in. Strange piece of info....I can't find superman returns on blu-ray ANYWHERE. I've got to target, walmart, best buy, borders, it's no where to be found. I've come to the realization that if I really want a title I gotta show up early on tuesday. So anyone else psyched for A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation? Both of them are my favorite holiday movies by far.

[civictyperboy]

Finally I can join in. Strange piece of info....I can't find superman returns on blu-ray ANYWHERE. I've got to target, walmart, best buy, borders, it's no where to be found. I've come to the realization that if I really want a title I gotta show up early on tuesday. So anyone else psyched for A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation? Both of them are my favorite holiday movies by far.

If you need it or want it I have about 10 copies at my store, since no one buys them they are not going anywhere

[SBrooks1]

Finally I can join in. Strange piece of info....I can't find superman returns on blu-ray ANYWHERE. I've got to target, walmart, best buy, borders, it's no where to be found. I've come to the realization that if I really want a title I gotta show up early on tuesday.

Get the HD-DVD version. It has Dolby TrueHD audio which Blu-ray doesn't. :p

[JaylisJayP]

Finally I can join in. Strange piece of info....I can't find superman returns on blu-ray ANYWHERE. I've got to target, walmart, best buy, borders, it's no where to be found. I've come to the realization that if I really want a title I gotta show up early on tuesday. So anyone else psyched for A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation? Both of them are my favorite holiday movies by far.

I can't tell you how much I hope Christmas Vacation is a high quality transfer to HD DVD and Blu-Ray. It's one of my favorite movies.

Also thinking of picking up Sahara...is that one worth owning?

[PrimeBane]

you can see over at AVSforum them have a tier rating system, and I think Sleepy Hollow is in one of the lower tiers. A lot of times it's not really the transfer so much as that's the feel of the movie. But the graininess in Sleepy Hollow does sound like a problem.

I remember reading that after I had it ordered... I honestly didn't think it would be that bad. I guess I just won't sit as close next time. :(

Finally I can join in. Strange piece of info....I can't find superman returns on blu-ray ANYWHERE. I've got to target, walmart, best buy, borders, it's no where to be found. I've come to the realization that if I really want a title I gotta show up early on tuesday. So anyone else psyched for A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation? Both of them are my favorite holiday movies by far.

Order it from Amazon.com... that's what I plan on doing Tuesday. I'm kind of surprised you can't find the BD version... the HD version I can understand as it has been selling very well.

I'm not a fan of the Christmas Story (probably something to do with TBS), but I love Christmas Vacation and I'll definately be ordering it. Its one of our Christmas Eve movies. :)

I can't tell you how much I hope Christmas Vacation is a high quality transfer to HD DVD and Blu-Ray. It's one of my favorite movies.

Also thinking of picking up Sahara...is that one worth owning?

Sahara does look nice in HD (watched it on my HD movie channel), but I wasn't a big fan of the movie itself.

[JaylisJayP]

OK, if any of you were considering buying either of these on HD DVD:

Troy - Very good quality, just not as pristine as MI:3, King Kong, etc...

Waterworld - Only watched 5 minutes or so but it's definitely grainy. Looks sharp and better than the DVD, but not by a ton. Good thing I enjoyed the movie. Probably not worth the 25 bucks I spent on it, but 7 out of 8 successes isn't bad so far.

[SBrooks1]

You enjoyed Waterworld? Wow......you're one of the few. :D

[JaylisJayP]

I know. There's no hiding the secret anymore.

Are there support groups for that?

[sweetmisery]

^^ WaterWorld is pretty good for what it is. Im with ya.

They have to do that movie twice, cuz Costner was bald at first, and he didnt like the results.

[Chugga]

I watched Lethal Weapon 2 today and was suprised that I had forgotten how awesome that movie was. Picture quality was fairly impressive for a movie from the 80's. 80's movies tend to look god awful on either of my tv's. As sad as it sounds it's got better quality picture then some of the newer movies I have like Sleepy Hollow and the hit or miss Nacho Libre.

[JaylisJayP]

New on HD-DVD this week....

Architect (Magnolia)
Christmas Story (Warner)
Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon's (Warner)
Poseidon (Warner) <- COMBO
Miami Vice (Universal) <- COMBO

Must get Christmas Vacation

[JaylisJayP]

Scratch that....looks like I'm passing on Christmas Vacation since I already have it on DVD.

http://www.dvdfanatic.com/news.php?id=0612033

[PrimeBane]

Too bad about the PQ, but I think I'll still pick up this disk since I don't own it on DVD.

Plus I don't have any speakers connect to the HDtv so the sound won't be a problem either.

I guess you can't blame Warner too much. Why spend a bunch of money on either unproven format if you don't have to?

[gaborikroenickguy]

how long till the HD/Blu-Ray combo player comes out?

[PrimeBane]

Not for a LONG time... last I heard any combo players were shelved by LG.

[gaborikroenickguy]

I knew LG was involved that is comforting to know..countdown is on for my xbox 360 hddvd add-on is Jan.28th (getting it for my b-day) already buying hddvds

[JaylisJayP]

Just watched the first hour of Waterworld and I have to retract what I said earlier...while the sky is grainy in spots, the transfer is pretty damn good for a movie 10 years old. It definitely has plenty of HD DVD shine.

[SBrooks1]

Scratch that....looks like I'm passing on Christmas Vacation since I already have it on DVD.

http://www.dvdfanatic.com/news.php?id=0612033

You might want to rethink that......

I was lucky enough to just score a copy of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation on HD-DVD from one of my local BB's. I just got through watching it and would like tell you my take on this release.

First off, this is personally my favorite Christmas movie ever, just beating out Bad Santa. Secondly I have owned two previous SD-DVD versions of this film, of which both transfer were, well horrible.

My initial opinion is that the new HD-DVD of NLCV is a DRASTIC Improvement over the SD-DVD version. Although, not in the league of an MI3 or Rid**** in PQ, once again it is a substantial improvement over the SD-DVD version. I reviewed this film using a Sony VW50 (Pearl) Projector and a 110" Da-Lite High Power Screen.

I did notice a fair amount of film grain. This was evident in the beginning of the film, when the family is in search of a Christmas tree. In many of the white snow scenes, the film grain is evident.

I did not however notice any artifacting or macroblocking. Even in the night scene when Chevy Chase is sliding down the steep hill on the greased saucer, it was a very smooth and clear picture. I have noticed that artifacting/macroblocking is usually evident in dark action sequences. Not in this movie though.

I felt the colors were quite vibrant on this release, but I would not say they popped. They were definately more accurate and clear as compared to the SD-DVD release.

I feel the 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio works perfect for this release, as it accurately fills most HD-DVD screens. It eliminates the Pan & Scan akwardness of the 4:3 SD-DVD version.

As far as AQ goes, this release is in Dolby Digital-Plus 2.0 Stereo. I actually felt it sounded quite good once again caomparing it to the SD-DVD version. My Receiver took the 2.0 feed and converted it to a 7.1 output which I felt was very good.

In conclusion this release is not as spectacular as many of the recent films to HD-DVD, but it is a vastly improved release of any of the SD-DVD versions of NLCV.

If you are a fan of this film and make a habit of watching it this time of year, I Highly Recommend this Purchase.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=762645

[JaylisJayP]

You might want to rethink that......

interesting....wish there was a way to see for myself before buying.

[Indy Jones]

MOO MCGOWAN

[JaylisJayP]

anybody get anything new this week?

[PrimeBane]

Nope... I think I'll put in an order to Amazon today or tomorrow for Superman Returns, Superman 2 (Donner Cut) and Christmas Vacation. :)

[Preditor74]

Uh oh...Blu-Ray is doomed some say...

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Sony/PlayStation_3/High-Def_Gaming/Industry_Forecasts/Bad_Online_Buzz,_PlayStation_3_to_Spell_Doom_for_Blu-ray/382

[PrimeBane]

Thanks for that Preditor74 :)

But I think it's far too early to count out Blu-Ray just yet.

[Preditor74]

Yet another article from a guy who 18 months ago claimed HDDVD to be dead in the water with Blu-Ray being the clear winner.

Check out his current views:

http://news.digitaltrends.com/talkback158.html

I agree its still WAAY to early to call a winner...but the fact is...Blu-Ray is getting such negative buzz that this will in NO WAY help their chances of winning out this format war. Right now they are still relaesing many featureless discs with prices that rival feature loaded HD-DVDs with no difference in picture quality (or in some cases worse)...

There studio support is starting to become cautious...as is the case with Disney announcing that they will not release Pirates until there is more market penetration...and other studios being rumored to switch sides (Lionsgate).

After reading these and other articles..I am actually going to just avoid Blu-Ray altogether unless they do somehow miracously pull ahead. I was thinking of doing the $500 PS3 as a blu-ray player but am starting to feel even THAT wouldn't be a wise investment.

[PrimeBane]

Oh, there's definately no doubting the negative buzz... that first player from Samsung didn't help their cause much either.

BD definately has some big hurdles to overcome and it doesn't look good for them right now. The price of their standalone players is just WAY too hight for the average Joe to get on board.

I still might consider a BD player in the form of a PS3 in a year or two, but right now I'm perfectly happy with my 360 and the HD-DVD addon. :)

[Preditor74]

You and I think A LOT alike. If Blu-Ray is still around in the same form it is now and this format war is still in the same spot by next Christmas...I will invest in a Blu-Ray player...most likely a PS3 (which may have a price reduction) or a competivly priced stand alone player (you know they'll have some out by then).

If this war is still fighting next year...there is no doubt it will stay that way for a long time...but I feel right now is too early to invest in both (unless you can comfortably do it) and I feel confident in where HD-DVD is going.

They seem to want to give the consumer the most bang for their buck compared to Blu-Ray right now...and that just steers me (and many others) away

[WingNut 25]

Anyone pick up Miami Vice on HD DVD?

[Chugga]

I'm actually joining the HD-DVD camp soon. Blu-Ray didn't deliver on what I had hoped it would. I'll still have my PS3 for titles that I really want from exclusive studios but overall I'm very displeased in the fact that they don't have a sub-$1000 player out yet and the PS3 doesn't even count because good luck finding one. I was just hoping there would be more of a holiday push but they aren't even shipping movies on time (I'm frankly really annoyed with how many times I walk into best buy and see movies that I know were released the exact same day on hd-dvd and blu-ray but the blu-ray copy is no where to be found). I mean I want to spend money on blu-ray...I want to get superman, I want to get a christmas story, christmas vacation, ATL, etc etc etc and there isn't a store in a 30 mile radius that has any of those titles.

Right now I'm just looking over the options before I pick what player I want. The "Perfect Offer" got me pretty much hooked. Only downside to my switch is I have a little over 20 blu-ray titles right now.

[PrimeBane]

Do you have a VGA connection on your tv Chugga? If so you should be able to enjoy HD-DVD movies in full 1080p (although there were a few problems that might not have been fixed yet).

[PrimeBane]

Anyone pick up Miami Vice on HD DVD?

Is it worth picking up? I didn't see it in theatres and I haven't heard a lot about it.

[Chugga]

Do you have a VGA connection on your tv Chugga? If so you should be able to enjoy HD-DVD movies in full 1080p (although there were a few problems that might not have been fixed yet).

I probably do but to be honest I'm more looking at the HD-AX2 right now and just get 1080p the easy way. I'm just taking things slow now. I still like blu-ray I mean it's giving me the picture quality I want (and the overall potential is still there) I'm just overall very frustrated to see horrible sales numbers on all these blu-ray titles I want but can't friggin find anywhere. Well maybe thats why the sales numbers suck so bad. Because I can walk into any store and get any hd-dvd title I want but I have to go on a manhunt for even the most produced blu-ray movies.

[PrimeBane]

I really am sorta surprised at the BD numbers... I thought they would have picked up a bit more with the release of the PS3. I guess most people are just using it for gaming at the moment.

I know we have a pile at our local Walmart and they never seem to move... however the HD-DVD section is smaller and smaller each time I go.

If you've got the cash, the HD-AX2 is definately the way to go for HD-DVD. :D

[Chugga]

I don't have the cash, the cash I do have is hopefully going to that new harmoney remote that just came out a couple of days ago. But I'll break into HD-DVD one of these days (definately before march so I can cash in on the deal). I just think it's ridiculously pre-mature for people to be calling the end of this battle already. This format war hasn't even been on for a year yet....hell in blu-rays case hardly over 6 months. No format with a bunch of multi-billion dollar companies backing it are going to lose a war in the matter of 6 months. Anyone who sees a decision coming before 2009 are kidding themselves. Formats win battles by getting themselves in peoples homes...by time the clock strikes 12 on 2008 HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players are still going to be nitch items.

As for why the PS3 hasn't helped sales yet....well you gotta figure alot of rumors circulated that only 175,000 units actually made it state-side. Thats not really that many blu-ray players in peoples homes. Once we start seeing numbers in the millions I definately think you'll see a boost in sales but right now PS3's are either on ebay, under christmas trees, or being broken in with videogames....blu-ray doesn't exactly have much of an opportunity to break out right now.

But like I was saying there are still entirely too many unsettled factors right now to declare anyone a winner. In the next couple of months I hope to have both sides backs but right now I'm starting to get tired of these doomsday articles that people are posting. "PS3 isn't helping!!!!" Yeah well it's been out for 2 weeks and most people are still waiting to get theirs in the mail and other people are still waiting to open theirs thats under the christmas tree. PS3 wasn't going to be the Blu-Ray end-all be-all it was just going to be a vessel that helped get millions upon millions of blu-ray players into peoples homes. Thats not going to all of a sudden not happen....5 months from now there will be more blu-ray players in peoples homes then you can even imagine. Sales WILL come. Whether or not enough of them come is a whole other story. What they need to do is start putting out some A-list titles...when I buy into HD-DVD I get King Kong and Batman Begins...I need more then X-Men on Blu-Ray, I need pirates of the caribbean, etc.

[SBrooks1]

I'm actually joining the HD-DVD camp soon. Blu-Ray didn't deliver on what I had hoped it would.

Who saw that coming?! :eek: ;)

[Preditor74]

I think 2009 is a little too far ahead. I can honestly see a viable solution coming by the end of 2007 or begining of 2008.

Whether that be a combo player (I just read an article about two weeks ago claiming that another company has got a laser that can read both formats)...so I am sure we will get a combo player soon enough...both formats should want that to keep "their" format alive.

Or if exclusive studio support begins to become format nuetral. In this case...I can see this in HDDVDs favor moresor since we already have rumored format switches...some exclusive studios holding off on titles due to low market penetration...and the fact that Universal is stern on not releasing on BluRay (just as Sony is for HDDVD). The minor studios will switch and become nuetral...it will just be a matter of who backs down first....Sony or Universal.

Either way I would bet by next summer we have many more format nuetral studios.

[PrimeBane]

Yup... I'm crossing my fingers that Disney starts producing HD-DVD soon (rumors say they will) and I'm really hoping Fox comes to their senses.

In the mean time, I can't wait for these sets to come out in HD-DVD :D

http://www.amazon.com/The-Matrix-Trilogy-HD-DVD/dp/B000E1MTZE/sr=8-2/qid=1165527613/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-3614161-3416911?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-Trilogy-HD-DVD/dp/B000E1MTX6/sr=11-1/qid=1165527689/ref=sr_11_1/102-3614161-3416911

[PrimeBane]

And for anyone that still wants in on the amazon.com HD movies discount

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/102-3614161-3416911?ie=UTF8&nodeId=160066011

[dayday6]

Chugga?

You Don't have a Target around you? They have Superman Returns

[Chugga]

Chugga?

You Don't have a Target around you? They have Superman Returns

Theres a target literally 2 seconds away from my house. Didn't get it....or don't have it stocked.

[dayday6]

Theres a target literally 2 seconds away from my house. Didn't get it....or don't have it stocked.


Bastages, mine had plenty of copies. I didn't pick it up because I hated the movie, but I did pick up X3, Fifth Element & T2 at Target. I got a PS3 today at Bestbuy, they got 14 60GB versions & I was second in line & I only had to wait an hour.:cool:

[ilas]

I'm actually joining the HD-DVD camp soon. Blu-Ray didn't deliver on what I had hoped it would. I'll still have my PS3 for titles that I really want from exclusive studios but overall I'm very displeased in the fact that they don't have a sub-$1000 player out yet and the PS3 doesn't even count because good luck finding one. I was just hoping there would be more of a holiday push but they aren't even shipping movies on time (I'm frankly really annoyed with how many times I walk into best buy and see movies that I know were released the exact same day on hd-dvd and blu-ray but the blu-ray copy is no where to be found). I mean I want to spend money on blu-ray...I want to get superman, I want to get a christmas story, christmas vacation, ATL, etc etc etc and there isn't a store in a 30 mile radius that has any of those titles.

Right now I'm just looking over the options before I pick what player I want. The "Perfect Offer" got me pretty much hooked. Only downside to my switch is I have a little over 20 blu-ray titles right now.


Maybe it is just your area for the movies.

[ilas]

You and I think A LOT alike. If Blu-Ray is still around in the same form it is now and this format war is still in the same spot by next Christmas...I will invest in a Blu-Ray player...most likely a PS3 (which may have a price reduction) or a competivly priced stand alone player (you know they'll have some out by then).

If this war is still fighting next year...there is no doubt it will stay that way for a long time...but I feel right now is too early to invest in both (unless you can comfortably do it) and I feel confident in where HD-DVD is going.

They seem to want to give the consumer the most bang for their buck compared to Blu-Ray right now...and that just steers me (and many others) away

Price reduction? I wouldn't count on that any time soon.

[WingNut 25]

The BB near my work had plenty of Blu Ray Superman Returns on release day but sold out of the HD DVD version. I was able to get it 2 days later at the same store when they got 12 more in.

You should just try to buy your movies online Chugga if your stores have that poor a selection. Don't waste your gas.

[Chugga]

The BB near my work had plenty of Blu Ray Superman Returns on release day but sold out of the HD DVD version. I was able to get it 2 days later at the same store when they got 12 more in.

You should just try to buy your movies online Chugga if your stores have that poor a selection. Don't waste your gas.

I just hate ordering online because then I spend entirely too much money doing it. I used to like that my area would on occassion get left out of certain stuff...just saved me money and I'd pick up the other thing that day instead of both. If I go online then I'll have absolutely no self control and knowing me I'll order movies I could care less about just because they are having an extra special 5% off deal or something stupid like that.

The thing that annoys me is my area WILL get in Superman, and ATL, and both of the Christmas movies but they'll get them in after the week 1 sales for the most part screwing me out of any money I could have saved.

[Chugga]

Bastages, mine had plenty of copies. I didn't pick it up because I hated the movie, but I did pick up X3, Fifth Element & T2 at Target. I got a PS3 today at Bestbuy, they got 14 60GB versions & I was second in line & I only had to wait an hour.:cool:

Congrats on the pickup...glad to see I'm not the only one here buying Blu-Ray. X-Men looks amazing it's one of my favorites. I heard Kingdom of Heaven was a must buy for Blu-Ray though. Supposedly eats up most of the BD50's room and it's put to good use with amazing picture/sound quality.

[JaylisJayP]

I really wish Kingdom of Heaven was on HD DVD.

As for the war, I agree it's premature to be calling a winner, and a lot of the people who are I would guess have dislike toward Sony to begin with...but I do have to say I've seen Blu-Ray in action twice, once at Best Buy and once at Circuit City, and I was not impressed.

House of Flying Daggers has so much grain I thought it was a TV broadcast coming through poorly, and Best Buy had some Adam Sandler preview deal in Blu-Ray, which looked like really crisp DVD.

Compared to HDDVD titles like Serenity, MI:3 and King Kong, though, I can see why people are ragging on Blu-Ray.

But that's my limited experience with actually seeing Blu-Ray, and other titles might be better.

[Chugga]

I really wish Kingdom of Heaven was on HD DVD.

As for the war, I agree it's premature to be calling a winner, and a lot of the people who are I would guess have dislike toward Sony to begin with...but I do have to say I've seen Blu-Ray in action twice, once at Best Buy and once at Circuit City, and I was not impressed.

House of Flying Daggers has so much grain I thought it was a TV broadcast coming through poorly, and Best Buy had some Adam Sandler preview deal in Blu-Ray, which looked like really crisp DVD.

Compared to HDDVD titles like Serenity, MI:3 and King Kong, though, I can see why people are ragging on Blu-Ray.

But that's my limited experience with actually seeing Blu-Ray, and other titles might be better.

Thats a problem with Blu-Ray and the PS3.....horrible demo material. If I see one more demo of that god awful NBA07 PS3 title or House of Flying Daggers/50 First Dates I'll throw up. They SHOULD be running Resistance and Mission Impossible/Monster House/X-Men, stuff like that. I personally have a few of Blu-Rays less then brilliant transfers. House of Flying Daggers, Sleepy Hollow, and the 5th Element and those are the last titles you want to demo.

Just put it this way....seeing House of Flying Daggers on Blu-Ray as your first intro into it is like seeing Sleepy Hollow or Full Metal Jacket for HD-DVD.

[JaylisJayP]

Thats a problem with Blu-Ray and the PS3.....horrible demo material. If I see one more demo of that god awful NBA07 PS3 title or House of Flying Daggers/50 First Dates I'll throw up. They SHOULD be running Resistance and Mission Impossible/Monster House/X-Men, stuff like that. I personally have a few of Blu-Rays less then brilliant transfers. House of Flying Daggers, Sleepy Hollow, and the 5th Element and those are the last titles you want to demo.

Just put it this way....seeing House of Flying Daggers on Blu-Ray as your first intro into it is like seeing Sleepy Hollow or Full Metal Jacket for HD-DVD.

yeah, I know HD DVD has some disappointing transfers. On the Avs forum Tier system rating, I've only bought ones that are on their 1st or 2nd Tiers. And I have to say, they've been pretty accurate.

[Chugga]

I found Superman! Apparently it was restocked. Believe it or not but word I'm hearing is Blu-Ray actually sells half decent here. When I was in best buy today 2 people had blu-rays in their hands looking for more stuff. I was lucky enough to get the last copy of superman. Now if only I could hunt down ATL and Kingdom of Heaven.

[JaylisJayP]

What's ATL about? They have that on HD DVD also.

[Chugga]

To be honest I really don't know much about the movie. From what I've gathered it's one of those growing up movies that showcases what high school kids do when they are bored in Atlanta. I was a huge fan of the movie "The Wood" and when I first saw the previews and read about the movie it sounded just like it. So to be honest I'm looking for this movie more out of association then actually knowing anything good about the movie itself.

Also highdefdigest had nothing but good things to say about the transfer and audio and I've generally tried to give any transfer that got over 4 stars a look.

[Chugga]

I've never seen "World Trade Center" but hdd is giving it a ton of praise for both hd-dvd and blu-ray. I'm thinking about picking it up (when I can eventually find it weeks after it comes out) but I don't know the movie never struck me as something I wanted to see.

[JaylisJayP]

Me either on "World Trade Center"

Has anyone seen:

Dune
Sahara
Ant Bully??

How are they for movies? They're all rated pretty high on the Tier system, but I was wondering there were worth buying, if they're a good movie or not.

[Chugga]

Well I just saw Superman Returns (never seen it before this viewing). I thought it was a pretty good showing. The movie itself was pretty good, not a bad take on Superman. As for the HD quality ehhhh...alot more gritty then I had hoped it would be. Kinda suffered from the same problems as alot of movies I've seen so far where you can tell exactly which camera they are using for each shot.

They'll show you one shot of Superman thats absolutely amazing then when they switch off to another camera angle it's blah. Overall it looked pretty good but definately not a tier 1 title at all. Really lags well behind other superhero movies like X-Men and Fantastic 4.

On a slightly unrelated note I think if HD movies have proved something it's that the people working in CG are going to have to step their game up. You can easily tell when you're watching superman and when your watching john doe's creation of superman.

[PrimeBane]

This is for all you other HD-DVD guys out there.

http://www.hdnowonline.com/index.html

It's bascially a petition to the studios that are Blu-Ray only to start producing HD-DVD as well. :)

[PrimeBane]

A couple of shots from LOTR to compare the DVD version to the HD-DVD version

http://www.zonadvd.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=608&page=6

[Hanky Panky]

A couple of shots from LOTR to compare the DVD version to the HD-DVD version

http://www.zonadvd.com/imagenes/articulos/cineencasa_blurayhddvd/hddvd-dvd2.jpg

http://www.zonadvd.com/imagenes/articulos/cineencasa_blurayhddvd/hddvd-dvd1.jpg

No luck with the pics...do you have links to the page itself? I'm curious to see the difference in HD-DVD (debating about getting that xbox add-on).

[PrimeBane]

I hate it when they do that...

Try this: http://www.zonadvd.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=608&page=6

[Hanky Panky]

Thanks...those pics are sharp alright...wow.

Like I mentioned above, I'm debating about that xbox add-on, but I'm curious though. My 32" LCD tv displays only up to 720p. Do you think the picture quality will downgrade or soften if I attempt to play any hd-dvds with that add-on? I realize hd-dvd and blu-ray is meant for 1080i.

[PrimeBane]

That's the beauty of the 360... you can output the movie in either 720p or 1080i and it will still look awesome. :) You definately will not get any softening of the picture, but if you're worried, buy the addon from a place with a good return policy.

My tv is 768p and HD-DVD movies look awesome on it in 720p.

Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are both 1080p sources.

[JaylisJayP]

My HDTV is a little older and is 720p native with 1080i support and the things look frickin phenomenal.

[Hanky Panky]

My tv is 768p and HD-DVD movies look awesome on it in 720p.


That's good to know. I think I'm seriously going to look at getting that add-on sometime early next year unless I see a good holiday sale of some sort.

It's actually been rather disappointing viewing my old dvds on my new 720p as they are all rather soft in viewing on my Phillips dvd player. Even a few which claim to be "mastered in HD" still aren't as clean as I was hoping (like Final Fantasy Spirits Within or House of Flying Daggers).

I thought an upcovert player might do the job, but I hardly noticed a difference in a Toshiba brand I bought last month. At 720p upconvert with an HDMI cable, it still was subpar. I thought the xbox would be able to upconvert because of the adjustment to 720p but it was obviously just for the games which so far have looked splendid, especially Gears of War.

[Chugga]

I'm glad New Line is neutral. Lord of the Rings was one of the movies that was a deal breaker for me right out of the box....Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. LOTRs being neutral and Star Wars....well Star Wars despite leaning towards BR won't be coming out for either of them with how George Lucas operates.

[JaylisJayP]

When are the LOTR movies supposed to come out?

[Chugga]

When are the LOTR movies supposed to come out?

No release date. If it ever does come out you're probably looking at November/December of 2007 or 2008. Lord of the Rings is a must buy HD title they won't be releasing it with a couple hundred thousand players in peoples homes. Same thing with Spiderman. As much as I'd love to see that movie in HD I know Sony won't be releasing it anytime soon.

[PrimeBane]

I wouldn't count out Spiderman 3 not coming out in BD... that's a title that could sell players much like the Matrix did.

If Sony was smart, they'd release Spiderman in BD 2 months before they release it on DVD.

[PrimeBane]

That's good to know. I think I'm seriously going to look at getting that add-on sometime early next year unless I see a good holiday sale of some sort.

It's actually been rather disappointing viewing my old dvds on my new 720p as they are all rather soft in viewing on my Phillips dvd player. Even a few which claim to be "mastered in HD" still aren't as clean as I was hoping (like Final Fantasy Spirits Within or House of Flying Daggers).

I thought an upcovert player might do the job, but I hardly noticed a difference in a Toshiba brand I bought last month. At 720p upconvert with an HDMI cable, it still was subpar. I thought the xbox would be able to upconvert because of the adjustment to 720p but it was obviously just for the games which so far have looked splendid, especially Gears of War.

I've found DVD titles differ in quality on an HDtv. I tried XXX out on our old player and it looked like CRAP. Yet we watched Elf last night and it looked pretty good.

If anyone is serious about a good upconvering DVD player, take a look at an Oppo... you'll be very glad you did. :)

[dayday6]

I wouldn't count out Spiderman 3 not coming out in BD... that's a title that could sell players much like the Matrix did.

If Sony was smart, they'd release Spiderman in BD 2 months before they release it on DVD.

Talk about putting the cart in front of the horse.:D

I am sure he is referring to Spiderman 1 & 2, since 3 is not even in the theaters.

[PrimeBane]

Talk about putting the cart in front of the horse.:D

I am sure he is referring to Spiderman 1 & 2, since 3 is not even in the theaters.

Most likely, but it would still be an excellent marketting campaign for Sony for next Christmas. There will be at least a couple million PS3s out there by then and Spiderman 3 will be a MUST OWN movie that should drive sales of Blu-Ray.

I know I bought my first DVD player in '99 just to watch The Matrix... and it was worth every penny at the time. :D

[JaylisJayP]

finally got around to watching fast and the furious....all three of these movies are supposed to be great transfers, are the 2nd and 3rd ones worth getting?

[Chugga]

I found Kingdom of Heaven today while christmas shopping. Man I'm 2 for 2 in the last 2 days. If I come across ATL tomorrow I'm going to consider myself in the zone.

[JaylisJayP]

Watched Batman Begins today....that movie totally rocks. I need to go out and pick up Sahara this week.

[WingNut 25]

finally got around to watching fast and the furious....all three of these movies are supposed to be great transfers, are the 2nd and 3rd ones worth getting?

No.

[JaylisJayP]

heh, understood.

[gaborikroenickguy]

has anyone seen Miami Vice in HDDVD yet? if so..let me know, what you thought about the quality. I have seen the movie.But I am just curious,

[JaylisJayP]

has anyone seen Miami Vice in HDDVD yet? if so..let me know, what you thought about the quality. I have seen the movie.But I am just curious,

I've heard mixed things...but all the reviews, tier systems, etc... fluctuate based on your HDTV, I'm sure. So unless it's getting panned, it's worth a rent at least. I'm not on Netflix and most places don't carry them for rent in stores yet, though.

[PrimeBane]

I think I'll probably try to rent Miami Vice.

As a side note, I'm noticing sales are picking up for BD locally. The once full shelves or BD are starting to whittle down. Not to the point of the HD-DVD shelves just yet, but there seems to be few and few BD every time I visit.

[JaylisJayP]

I think I'll probably try to rent Miami Vice.

As a side note, I'm noticing sales are picking up for BD locally. The once full shelves or BD are starting to whittle down. Not to the point of the HD-DVD shelves just yet, but there seems to be few and few BD every time I visit.

I'm sure it'll even out as more PS3s are sold. I'll admit, I want a Blu-Ray player simply for XMEN3 and Kingdom of Heaven...of course not enough to drop that much money on one. But like the 360 add on, if you're getting a PS3 anyway, it's a nice bonus.

[JaylisJayP]

So, it seems that Chronicles of Rid**** is one of the best picture quality transfers out there...along with Ant Bully.

I haven't seen either of these. Is either one worth buying?

[civictyperboy]

I just finished watching Crash and it looked awesome, not wow awesome but pretty good, I am seeing a large difference in the 50GB releases vs the 25GB releases, Blackhawk down so far has really looked like the best BD out right now, I think I am going to pick up kingdom of heaven though for this weekend

[PrimeBane]

So, it seems that Chronicles of Rid**** is one of the best picture quality transfers out there...along with Ant Bully.

I haven't seen either of these. Is either one worth buying?

If you liked Pitch Black, you'll like Chronicles of Rid****. :)

I personally enjoyed both movies, but I hear the Pitch Black transfer wasn't great. And if your HDtv doesn't handle blacks and dark scenes well you might be disappointed.

[Chugga]

So no one picking up World Trade Center tomorrow? I was hoping someone would tell me if the movie blew or not. Right now I'm between Kung Fu Hustle or World Trade Center....someone point me in the right direction.

Or at least is anyone with an HD-DVD player going to get Hulk? I know alot of people think the movie blew but it's one of those movies I'd love to see in HD.

[talonkard044]

So no one picking up World Trade Center tomorrow? I was hoping someone would tell me if the movie blew or not. Right now I'm between Kung Fu Hustle or World Trade Center....someone point me in the right direction.

Or at least is anyone with an HD-DVD player going to get Hulk? I know alot of people think the movie blew but it's one of those movies I'd love to see in HD.

Movie was really good.

I gotta admit it does get to you though...Really emotional stuff in WTC.

:o

Best Buy or somebody is putting out a bonus disk with the movie tomorrow.

[MPCanes]

So no one picking up World Trade Center tomorrow? I was hoping someone would tell me if the movie blew or not. Right now I'm between Kung Fu Hustle or World Trade Center....someone point me in the right direction.

Or at least is anyone with an HD-DVD player going to get Hulk? I know alot of people think the movie blew but it's one of those movies I'd love to see in HD.

I'll have the Hulk somewhat soon Chugga. When I get some more money, that is.

And I think it owns, as a movie. Don't know why people think it blows!

[Chugga]

First time I saw it I didn't like the film because much like King Kong you go to a movie named "Hulk" to see the "Hulk" and you go to a movie to a movie called "King Kong" to see "King Kong". Everytime I see a movie like that, that holds off on the main character I generally hate it first viewing. I mean damn it took an hour before there was any green goodness in that film. But usually after I've calmed down and watched the movie the 2nd time knowing that it's going to take X amount of minutes until I see the best part I can generally enjoy the movie for what it is.

As for the Hulk I thought it was a really solid movie. It's not exactly a favorite of mine but much like yourself I don't see why people complain so much about it, it's still a pretty solid effort. It will definately be one of the first movies I get once I hunt down an HD DVD player. But until then it looks like I'm getting World Trade Center/Kung Fu Hustle.

[JaylisJayP]

I don't think I'll ever see WTC or United 93 on HD or otherwise. It's just not an event that I want to sit down and watch again, at least not right now.

As for Hulk, it intrigues me on HD DVD, but I haven't seen the movie yet. If AVS forum or HDDVD.org give it a 10 for picture quality, I might just consider picking it up.

I think today, though, I'm going to hit Target and see if they have Corpse Bride and V for Vedetta. And I'll probably rent Rid**** on DVD before I decide whether to buy it....but it's so damn enticing because they're saying it's right up there with the best HD transfers thus far.

[MPCanes]

I don't think I'll ever see WTC or United 93 on HD or otherwise. It's just not an event that I want to sit down and watch again, at least not right now.

As for Hulk, it intrigues me on HD DVD, but I haven't seen the movie yet. If AVS forum or HDDVD.org give it a 10 for picture quality, I might just consider picking it up.

I think today, though, I'm going to hit Target and see if they have Corpse Bride and V for Vedetta. And I'll probably rent Rid**** on DVD before I decide whether to buy it....but it's so damn enticing because they're saying it's right up there with the best HD transfers thus far.

Rid****, as a movie, is nowhere near as good as Pitch Black. But its watchable, and apparently the directors cut is notably better then the theatrical cut (only version I've seen).

I'll be picking up both when I have the money.

[Chugga]

I went with World Trade Center. I've seen Kung Fu Hustle so I know what to expect and honestly can't imagine the transfer being that amazing anyways. Got the 2nd to last copy for the 2nd time in a row now. Apparently the new releases are flying....well aside from "The Devil Wears Prada" which had like 10 copies left....looks like all they got in was 10 copies.

highdefdigest gives it good reviews but I refuse to buy any movie that has "Prada" in the title.

[gaborikroenickguy]

damn, I cannot wait to get my high def player

[meatgoat]

Rid****, as a movie, is nowhere near as good as Pitch Black. But its watchable, and apparently the directors cut is notably better then the theatrical cut (only version I've seen).

I'll be picking up both when I have the money.


Agreed. I liked Rid**** but Pitch Black is a way better movie IMO.

[JaylisJayP]

Rid**** and Hulk sounds like rentals to me.

I bought Corpse Bride today, thinking about buying either Constantine or V for Vendetta...both were enjoyable movies and both apparently have a similar PQ transfer. Very very good but not at the top of the list.

[cjclifford]

For you Xbox 360 owners out there thinking of getting the HD-DVD add-on, here's a link to a Circuit City coupon that will get you $40 off any purchase over $199. I found this on cheapassgamer.com

http://d75productions.com/cccoupdecfrontback.zip

I'm seriously thinking of using that coupon to get the add-on HD-DVD player. I didn't want to get in the middle of this HD disc format war, but that's a pretty good deal. Plus Amazon.com has that deal going where all the HD-DVDs are $20 and if you buy three you get 10% off all HD-DVDs you buy off them for a year (did I originally read that on these forums?).

So here's the list of HD-DVDs I'm thinking of picking up tomorrow along the 360 HD-DVD add-on:

Batman Begins
Aeon Flux
V for Vendetta
Happy Gilmore
12 Monkeys
Dune

Also considering:

Apollo 13
Waterworld
The Mummy
Army of Darkness

[JaylisJayP]

For you Xbox 360 owners out there thinking of getting the HD-DVD add-on, here's a link to a Circuit City coupon that will get you $40 off any purchase over $199. I found this on cheapassgamer.com

http://d75productions.com/cccoupdecfrontback.zip

I'm seriously thinking of using that coupon to get the add-on HD-DVD player. I didn't want to get in the middle of this HD disc format war, but that's a pretty good deal. Plus Amazon.com has that deal going where all the HD-DVDs are $20 and if you buy three you get 10% off all HD-DVDs you buy off them for a year (did I originally read that on these forums?).

So here's the list of HD-DVDs I'm thinking of picking up tomorrow along the 360 HD-DVD add-on:

Batman Begins
Aeon Flux
V for Vendetta
Happy Gilmore
12 Monkeys
Dune

Also considering:

Apollo 13
Waterworld
The Mummy
Army of Darkness

cool, enjoy. Beware some of the transfers, though, as I heard 12 Monkeys is one of the worst...along with Army of Darkness.

[Preditor74]

Actually I bought Army of Darkness...and it is by far the best I have ever seen it.

THe nighttime scenes are very good looking however during daylight scenes...WOW...the film really has a 3-D effect. The only dissapointment is that its $30+ with no extras except for a trailer...

[edschmoe]

Anybody picked up The Mummy yet?? Wondering how the transfer was.... as it is one I have my eyes on.

[supertim]

Does 1080i resolution reap the rewards of HD-DVD/Blu-Ray movies? All the HD-DVD's I have say 1080p* for hi-def and 480p/i for standard def.

Does this mean 1080i is the digital stepchild to 1080p? Please explain. Thanks!

[Chugga]

1080i is fine. Most HD-DVD players only support up to 1080i anyways. On my blu-ray player I've tried both 1080p and 1080i and I wouldn't call 1080i a stepchild....maybe like an uglier twin. You know when twins grow up and of course they look the same but in an effort to look somewhat different one of them does something stupid to look original. Well they turn out to be the ugly twin....sure they look the same but ehh theres just something not right there.

With 1080i it's basically identical to 1080p but 1080p just has a smoothness to it. Regardless though you are going to get an amazing picture. Hell on most tv's you can't even apply the uglier twin thing...it just looks EXACTLY the same. The smaller your tv is the less you can tell even the slighest of a difference.

[PrimeBane]

Does 1080i resolution reap the rewards of HD-DVD/Blu-Ray movies? All the HD-DVD's I have say 1080p* for hi-def and 480p/i for standard def.

Does this mean 1080i is the digital stepchild to 1080p? Please explain. Thanks!

1080p is the highest resolution available on the market today (unless you're Uber rich).

Depending on the movie, you probably won't see a huge difference between 1080i and 1080p unless there's a lot of fast moving action.

Basically with 1080p all the lines are "drawn" (for lack of a better word) on the screen at the same time, where with 1080i half the lines are "drawn" at a time (1,3,5, etc then 2, 4, 6 etc)

So 1080i will reap most of the rewards of 1080p, but not all.

Of course it all comes down to the native resolution of your tv.

[supertim]

1080i is fine. Most HD-DVD players only support up to 1080i anyways. On my blu-ray player I've tried both 1080p and 1080i and I wouldn't call 1080i a stepchild....maybe like an uglier twin. You know when twins grow up and of course they look the same but in an effort to look somewhat different one of them does something stupid to look original. Well they turn out to be the ugly twin....sure they look the same but ehh theres just something not right there.

With 1080i it's basically identical to 1080p but 1080p just has a smoothness to it. Regardless though you are going to get an amazing picture. Hell on most tv's you can't even apply the uglier twin thing...it just looks EXACTLY the same. The smaller your tv is the less you can tell even the slighest of a difference.


1080p is the highest resolution available on the market today (unless you're Uber rich).

Depending on the movie, you probably won't see a huge difference between 1080i and 1080p unless there's a lot of fast moving action.

Basically with 1080p all the lines are "drawn" (for lack of a better word) on the screen at the same time, where with 1080i half the lines are "drawn" at a time (1,3,5, etc then 2, 4, 6 etc)

So 1080i will reap most of the rewards of 1080p, but not all.

Of course it all comes down to the native resolution of your tv.


Awesome, guys. When I set up the HD add-on to my 360, I switched the resolution to 1080i (and the switch on the xbox cable, as well) and I immediately saw richer colors, sharper images, and well, depth - especially in the opening credits of Superman Returns - it was like I was flying through space (through nebulas & s***), even the snot bubble in the Phantom of the Opera's nose.

Phantom of the Opera looks and sounds amazing - my wife said, "I could just reach out and poke the Phantom in his eye." Of course, every HD-DVD we pop in, she says, "OK, show me the HD-ness." As we were watching Batman Begins, the scene where he is painting the suit was almost sickening - I could nearly smell the wet paint - not to mention it was the blackest black I've ever witnessed onscreen...also, anytime things have been wet (batmobile going through the batcave, the chick's boots at the end of Phantom as she is coming out of the water after he leaves his lair - fantastic. FX are almost seamless now - in the sweeping shots in Kong you have to really look hard to see that the village or whatever is not real. Very nice.


Thanks again for the info...I was a little worried there when I saw 1080p on everything...even though almost nobody has 1080p to begin with.

[PrimeBane]

1080p isn't as big a deal as a some will make it out to be (ie the guys selling them). Yeah, it's cool to have but there's only really a handful of sources that will even output 1080p at this point and none of them are tv based as it takes up way too much bandwidth at this point to make it economically viable.

My tv is 768p and HD is stunning. 1080p is most important on the largest tvs (50" and up)and projectors... my first 1080p unit will hopefully be a nice LCD or DLP projector. :D

[JaylisJayP]

Anybody picked up The Mummy yet?? Wondering how the transfer was.... as it is one I have my eyes on.

I'm supposed to be getting 5 or 6 movies as a gift from my parents...if this is one of them it'll be the first one I pop in and I'll let you know, but Avs forum has it in Tier 1.

[cjclifford]

cool, enjoy. Beware some of the transfers, though, as I heard 12 Monkeys is one of the worst...along with Army of Darkness.
I'm sure they still look better than they do on regular DVD. I did get the HD-DVD add-on for the 360 today, but the movies I ordered off Amazon won't arrive until Friday. If I ordered only 10 minutes sooner, supposedly I would have been able to get them tomorrow.

Anybody picked up The Mummy yet?? Wondering how the transfer was.... as it is one I have my eyes on.
That's one of the nine movies I ordered. I'll post a review the first chance I get.

[civictyperboy]

My girlfriend just placed the order on amazon for
1. Tears of the Sun
2. Million Dollar Baby
3. Pearl Harbor
4. Sky Captain and the world of tomorrow
5. Sryiana
Its going to be a nice couple weeks off from school to watch movies

[jskrap]

Just got the HD-DVD add on for the 360. Watching King Kong right now. It's pretty awesome.

[cjclifford]

Just got the HD-DVD add on for the 360. Watching King Kong right now. It's pretty awesome.
Man, I hated that movie. I'll be junking it at the first available oppertunity. I thought about opening it just to see how it looks in HD, but I think I'll keep it sealed and try to exchange it for something else. Although that may be a problem considering the packaging lacks a upc bar code of any kind.

[JaylisJayP]

King Kong does look amazing in HD....I just sampled the opening scenes, but I haven't seen the movie yet. Avs forum tier system has it back as the #1 movie for picture quality.

[jskrap]

I just picked up Batman Begins on HD-DVD. How is that one?

[PrimeBane]

One of the best disks you can buy jskrap... a terrific movie to show off how wonderful HD can be. :)

[JaylisJayP]

Batman Begins is pretty sharp, but it doesn't have much 3D pop to it. Serenity, King Kong and Corpse Bride (of what I've seen so far) are better PQ-wise.

BB, however, far outshines them all as a movie.

[Chugga]

I watched World Trade Center yesterday. Very nice looking film....you can tell right from the beginning you're in for a treat when they start things off that the movie is going to look amazing. The first few minutes of the film is comprised of just random amazing looking shots of various parts of New York. Overall I really liked the movie. Not the absolute best transfer but one of the most consistent. It's one of the few movies I've seen that doesn't suffer from the "wow they are using a different camera in that shot".

[UK_DaNnY]

i'm just currently watching V for Vendetta, the picture quality is amazing IMO. a quick question, when is matrix comin out on HD it shows it on the leaflet inside the cases n before V starts it shows Matrix on the little trailer previewing HD. any help appreciated.

[PrimeBane]

The Matrix movies will be out in 2007... no definate date has been set.

[UK_DaNnY]

thanks for the info

[JaylisJayP]

Just got my gift in the mail today, I was sent:

Sahara
V for Vendetta
Unleashed (combo)
Last Samurai
Training Day

Great selection, I must say. Considering picking up Constantine but have heard conflicting things about picture quality and slight lag on audio quality....does anyone have this one that can weigh in?

[edschmoe]

Post a review of Last Samurai.... If its not too much trouble :o Just got my gift in the mail today, I was sent:

Sahara
V for Vendetta
Unleashed (combo)
Last Samurai
Training Day

Great selection, I must say. Considering picking up Constantine but have heard conflicting things about picture quality and slight lag on audio quality....does anyone have this one that can weigh in?

[JaylisJayP]

Post a review of Last Samurai.... If its not too much trouble :o

Well the movie itself is pretty good, not as memorable as Gladiator per se, but definitely a keeper.

As for Picture/Audio quality, I will pop it in this weekend for a demo and let you know.

[PrimeBane]

I've heard most lag in audio is if you use the digital out on the 360... Batman Begins can have the same problem.

[JaylisJayP]

I've heard most lag in audio is if you use the digital out on the 360... Batman Begins can have the same problem.

I'm using the digital optical audio cable for the 360 but did notice a single problem with Batman Begins.

[thaderules]

I'm using the digital optical audio cable for the 360 but did notice a single problem with Batman Begins.

Same here but video and audio didn't impress me. Not much difference compared to the DVD video wise. Audio was a little bit better than the dvd but not worth double dipping. For me, Training Day has the best video and audio.

I thought Last Samurai had more 3-d effect than Batman Begins, it looked more impressive.

[PrimeBane]

Well, the sound is basically the same on HD-DVD and Blu-Ray as DVD unless you have one of those spanky new TrueHD receceivers...

[JaylisJayP]

I agree that BB did not have many 3-D effects, but that title shines for it's overall crispness and deep blacks, which I found very good. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of 3-d, especially in scenes like the snow mountains and the train at the end, but overall I personally noticed a big difference from DVD, at least on my TV, in those other areas.

[JaylisJayP]

man Corpse Bride looks incredible. Definitely one of the top PQ examples if you haven't seen it yet.

[cjclifford]

Well, I've abonded HD-DVD. It just wasn't doing it for me. There was very little improvement in picture quality between an upconverted DVD and an HD-DVD. I don't know if it was that I need a larger HDTV or one with a resolution of 1080i/p or what (my HDTV is 720p). When I first got my HDTV and my upconverting player, I was really impressed. Maybe if I had started out with HD-DVD instead of an upconverting player I'd be singing a different tune. But my upconverting player is getting me almost the exact same picture as an HD-DVD, so that's good enough for me.

Now, would anyone be interested in purchasing a previously viewed copy of the Mummy and/or Batman Begins on HD-DVD? Seriously. I managed to return everything else but I still have these two movies.

[JaylisJayP]

I think you need a new something cj.....i have a Samsung upconvert player running to my tv with HDMI, and it's still like night and day. HD DVD far outshines any upconvert player IMO.

Also just watched Rid****, which I borrowed from a friend. I actually enjoyed the movie...and the PQ was outstanding.

[Chugga]

Releases for December 19th 2006

Blu-Ray

All the Kings Men
Flightplan
Invincible
Lady in the Water
Pearl Harbor
The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 1

HD DVD

Casino
Derailed
Jet Li's Fearless
Lady in the Water
The Matador
Scary Movie 4
The Scorpion King
The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 1
Wolf Creek

What will you be picking up?

[Chugga]

Definate Pickups: Invincible
Depends on Picture Quality/Reviews: Pearl Harbor/Lady in the Water

Anyone seen Lady in the Water? Sounds interesting but haven't heard much about it

[YlhandlZ]

I'm pretty bummed that Invincible's only on blu-ray. I really enjoyed that movie.

[civictyperboy]

sopranos season 6 and my girlfriend ordered pearl harbor for me, I wish I could get casino but I can watch it on my upscaler if I reallllly wanted to

[JaylisJayP]

I'm getting Fearless on HD DVD....and if Casino's transfer is up to par, then Casino, too.

[JaylisJayP]

The big question for me will be the transfer of the Deer Hunter...due out the 26th of December.

[PrimeBane]

Well, I've abonded HD-DVD. It just wasn't doing it for me. There was very little improvement in picture quality between an upconverted DVD and an HD-DVD. I don't know if it was that I need a larger HDTV or one with a resolution of 1080i/p or what (my HDTV is 720p). When I first got my HDTV and my upconverting player, I was really impressed. Maybe if I had started out with HD-DVD instead of an upconverting player I'd be singing a different tune. But my upconverting player is getting me almost the exact same picture as an HD-DVD, so that's good enough for me.

Now, would anyone be interested in purchasing a previously viewed copy of the Mummy and/or Batman Begins on HD-DVD? Seriously. I managed to return everything else but I still have these two movies.

Funny you didn't see a difference... I assume you were using component cables for the 360. Was the HD switch on it on? Did you have the 360 set to output 720p?

I might be interested in both movies after Xmas if you still have them...

Definate Pickups: Invincible
Depends on Picture Quality/Reviews: Pearl Harbor/Lady in the Water

Anyone seen Lady in the Water? Sounds interesting but haven't heard much about it

Saw it in the theatre... wasn't a typical M Night movie IMO. I thought it was okay and the wife really liked it so I'll most likely pick up a copy.

I'm pretty bummed that Invincible's only on blu-ray. I really enjoyed that movie.

I'm hoping Disney sees the light (or at least the sales of HD-DVD) and get's their act together... animated HD movies look just that much better IMO.

[JaylisJayP]

i wouldn't expect any companies to jump ship or go neutral until at least 3rd quarter 2007...especially Disney.

Although HDDVD still has a great advantage with Universal.

I am feeling more and more, though, that I'll need to pick up a ps3 by april or so....not that I think they'll be more than 1 or 2 games I'd actually want to play on it, but just for a $500 Blu-Ray player.

[PrimeBane]

I look at this way Jaylis... I've already invested in HD-DVD and the PS3 does nothing for me so far (that could change down the road, especially if there's a price drop).

I figure that if Blu-Ray wins, players should be cheap enough by that time that I won't have to worry about making the switch. :)

[MPCanes]

Chugga - stay the hell away from Lady in the Water. Worst film I saw all year, by far, and in my top 3 all time worsts.

[JaylisJayP]

I look at this way Jaylis... I've already invested in HD-DVD and the PS3 does nothing for me so far (that could change down the road, especially if there's a price drop).

I figure that if Blu-Ray wins, players should be cheap enough by that time that I won't have to worry about making the switch. :)

I hear you....but until that happens, there are movies exclusive to Blu-Ray that I do want to get...and I assume that by the middle of next year you'd think PS3 would put out at least a second game that people want to play...you'd think.

[JaylisJayP]

1080i is fine. Most HD-DVD players only support up to 1080i anyways. On my blu-ray player I've tried both 1080p and 1080i and I wouldn't call 1080i a stepchild....maybe like an uglier twin. You know when twins grow up and of course they look the same but in an effort to look somewhat different one of them does something stupid to look original. Well they turn out to be the ugly twin....sure they look the same but ehh theres just something not right there.

With 1080i it's basically identical to 1080p but 1080p just has a smoothness to it. Regardless though you are going to get an amazing picture. Hell on most tv's you can't even apply the uglier twin thing...it just looks EXACTLY the same. The smaller your tv is the less you can tell even the slighest of a difference.

Chugga...does the Blu-Ray show well in 1080i and/or 720p? I have a 720p native TV that can do 1080i, and the HD DVD player looks wonderful....but I read the PS3 has some quirks that it can't properly display 720p? or that it downscales it or something. Any truth to that?

[Chugga]

Chugga...does the Blu-Ray show well in 1080i and/or 720p? I have a 720p native TV that can do 1080i, and the HD DVD player looks wonderful....but I read the PS3 has some quirks that it can't properly display 720p? or that it downscales it or something. Any truth to that?

I have not the slightest idea I've only seen the PS3 display a composite signal (for like 2 minutes) and 1080p. Only time I've ever seen 720p was for videogames (since most of the games out right now run in that) and it looked great. But as for movies I'm not sure. I can test this out later.

[cjclifford]

I think you need a new something cj.....i have a Samsung upconvert player running to my tv with HDMI, and it's still like night and day. HD DVD far outshines any upconvert player IMO.
I don't know what to say, it just wasn't doing it for me. I was really disappointed.

Funny you didn't see a difference... I assume you were using component cables for the 360. Was the HD switch on it on? Did you have the 360 set to output 720p?
Everything was set up correctly, the picture just didn't seem all that better.

[WingNut 25]

How much you want for that copy of The Mummy?

[JaylisJayP]

I have not the slightest idea I've only seen the PS3 display a composite signal (for like 2 minutes) and 1080p. Only time I've ever seen 720p was for videogames (since most of the games out right now run in that) and it looked great. But as for movies I'm not sure. I can test this out later.

I believe what i had read was the PS3 had trouble with videogames in 720p when the TV didn't support 720p....and instead of upscaling to 1080i it downscaled to 480p. I think that was a launch problem, but I'm not sure if that was fixed. But my TV supports both 720p and 1080i so I can't imagine it would be a problem.

I just want to be sure if I'm dipping into the Blu-Ray foray (hey, that rhymes!), that I'll get as much as I can out of it connecting to my TV.

[civictyperboy]

Yeah I don't believe that problem was fixed, all of my blu-ray movies have looked awesome with the exception of Saw, but right now there are more movies that I would personally watch in HD but thats what the upscaler is for, I hope Blu-Ray wins but we'll see, it doesn't seem like there is a lot of support because sony is apparnetly an evil company (like microsoft isn't) but time will tell

[Chugga]

I believe what i had read was the PS3 had trouble with videogames in 720p when the TV didn't support 720p....and instead of upscaling to 1080i it downscaled to 480p. I think that was a launch problem, but I'm not sure if that was fixed. But my TV supports both 720p and 1080i so I can't imagine it would be a problem.

I just want to be sure if I'm dipping into the Blu-Ray foray (hey, that rhymes!), that I'll get as much as I can out of it connecting to my TV.

Yeah thats a legit problem but I think it may have been fixed via firmware. Already. Like you said if your tv didn't support 720p (which only a few of the earlier hdtv's didn't) then instead of going up, it would go down to 480p. I believe thats been fixed but I'm not sure. I tried out Invincible tonight on 720p and it looked fine.

On a somewhat related note I only picked up 1 movie today (Invicible) since Lady in the Water and Pearl Harbor were no where to be found. Invincible had a VERY strong picture. I'd say a low-to-mid tier 1 title....the scenes that take place on the actual football field are probably demo quality. Very nice deep colors, the greens pop out and the players jerseys are bright and detailed.

[civictyperboy]

Chugga I have no idea why you having such a hard time finding blu-ray movies I found all that were released today with the exception of pearl harbor because I knew I am getting it, and it was Best Buy, I had to ask where Sopranos was because it wasn't with the blu-ray section but they had about 9 or 10 copies of them

[Chugga]

They just don't put out all the movies here, don't ask me why. I'm trying to stray away from the idea that it's a conspiracy now that I've actually been able to pick up 2 movies I've wanted the last 2 weeks but there are still titles out there that I just won't find for at least a week until after they come out.

Sopranos was actually out today but I couldn't justify spending $130 on the Sopranos...let alone only "Part 1". I was fine with just getting Invincible...maybe Pearl Harbor/Lady in the Water later this week or next, whenever I can find it.

[Chugga]

The next couple of weeks kinda suck for releases so I'll probably play a little catchup and see what I'm missing after Santa drops his blu-ray gifts under the tree. Both sides are pretty dry after Christmas...HD DVD gets 2 titles on the 26th then not another one until the 16th of January and Blu-ray gets 2 titles on the 26th then only 2 more before the 16th.

[JaylisJayP]

man i need to get a PS3 for the Blu-Ray.

[Chugga]

man i need to get a PS3 for the Blu-Ray.

It's honestly all I use it for. I mean I have Resistance but it's a game that came out at the wrong time. With Gears of War being out it's hard to play other shooters...1st or 3rd person.

I'm in the same boat you are when it comes to jumping into the other technology. I want to get an HD DVD player but I just gotta wait for the right time. Going out and dropping $600 on a Blu-Ray player doesn't really put me in much of a position to go out and buy another DVD player a mere month later. I want to be able to see Universal movies though so obviously I gotta do it sooner or later.

As much as I complained about PS3 forcing Blu-Ray down the costumers throats it's actually turned out to be quite a blessing...I was able to get the system and a movie player in 1. I mean if you want to see Disney, Sony, Fox, etc movies then it's a must buy for a movie fan...and then theres always the added bonus that it plays videogames. Yeah I know it's kinda weird to word it that way...most people think the bonus to the PS3 is blu-ray...I look at it the other way around. I'm getting a $600 Blu-Ray player that also plays videogames. Hell you could even chop $100 off and go with the $500 version...I mean unless you really need those extra 40gbs and wifi.

I don't know I just think both videogame entry points are great starts for anyone who just wants to make sure they have every movie studio covered. Later on down the line when things are more fleshed out then drop a couple hundred on a stand-alone. Best thing is you'll always have both for videogame purposes so you never really lose out.

[PrimeBane]

Man, I checked 4 stores tonight for a copy of Lady in the Water... NOTHING. :(

I don't understand why they don't have these movies ready to put out along with the DVDs...

I did pick up Christmas Vacation tonight. I imagine we'll watch it Christmas Eve :)

[Chugga]

Man, I checked 4 stores tonight for a copy of Lady in the Water... NOTHING. :(

I don't understand why they don't have these movies ready to put out along with the DVDs...

I did pick up Christmas Vacation tonight. I imagine we'll watch it Christmas Eve :)

Consider yourself lucky, still haven't found Christmas Vacation. And my search for Lady in the Water came up just as empty as yours did.

[PrimeBane]

Well, I paid more than I would have from amazon.com, but there's no way it would get here in time. :(

I imagine I'll have to get Lady from amazon too... by the time it actually hits stores here they'll have jacked up the price. :(

[JaylisJayP]

...I look at it the other way around. I'm getting a $600 Blu-Ray player that also plays videogames.

.

I'm going about this with that same logic in mind, now I just need to find one...

[civictyperboy]

lady in the water was out by me and I didn't even see christmas vacation because I wasn't looking again, I don't know whats going on with peoples stores, personally I would complain to management because they have them a week before they are supposed to go out anyway. Also JaylisJayP PS3's should be available at best buys today, hell I walked into target yesterday and picked up another one, but I returned it because all of my friends spent thier money on christmas presents. They aren't really hard to find anymore

[civictyperboy]

BTW ATHF = awesome I have all 4 seasons on DVD

[JaylisJayP]

lady in the water was out by me and I didn't even see christmas vacation because I wasn't looking again, I don't know whats going on with peoples stores, personally I would complain to management because they have them a week before they are supposed to go out anyway. Also JaylisJayP PS3's should be available at best buys today, hell I walked into target yesterday and picked up another one, but I returned it because all of my friends spent thier money on christmas presents. They aren't really hard to find anymore


Good to know, but I'm having a hell of a time finding one down here.

[PrimeBane]

YES! Scored Lady in the water today AND got it cheaper than Amazon.com with the 10% discount. :D

I also picked up some LED lights to backlight my plasma... I understand it's supposed to ease eye strain and actually make the PQ to appear better. I guess we'll see how it goes. :)

[WingNut 25]

It is strange how HD DVDs and Blu Rays aren't getting put in prominent locations in most stores and some stores aren't even making it a priority to get them to the floor. I had to have the Best Buy near my work go in back to pull out Superman Returns and didn't see Miami Vice the day it came out either. I debated picking up Christmas Vacation, but I've had the regular DVD forever now so I'm gonna pass on the HD version. I think my next HD pick up will be season 5 of Smallville.

[dayday6]

It is strange how HD DVDs and Blu Rays aren't getting put in prominent locations in most stores and some stores aren't even making it a priority to get them to the floor. I had to have the Best Buy near my work go in back to pull out Superman Returns and didn't see Miami Vice the day it came out either. I debated picking up Christmas Vacation, but I've had the regular DVD forever now so I'm gonna pass on the HD version. I think my next HD pick up will be season 5 of Smallville.


Target does a good job, the BD/HD DVDs are right next to the new releases. At Best Buy they had them towards the front of the regular DVDs, but I didn't notice them.

[dayday6]

I'm going about this with that same logic in mind, now I just need to find one...


That was my reasoning too. I know the good games will not come out for awhile, but I can play PS2 games & watch Blu-Ray movies and get the occasional AAA PS3 game.

[JaylisJayP]

Well people....I am now officially in both camps, as I have purchased a PS3. It should be here Friday. I got a great deal (basically cost plus shipping, including a 2-year Best Buy product replacement plan that was transferred over to me).

Can't wait for X-Men3, Kingdom of Heaven and Reistance.

Two questions:

1.) What are some other good PQ exclusive Blu-Ray titles?

2.) Why do I feel a little dirty :)

[dayday6]

Well people....I am now officially in both camps, as I have purchased a PS3. It should be here Friday. I got a great deal (basically cost plus shipping, including a 2-year Best Buy product replacement plan that was transferred over to me).

Can't wait for X-Men3, Kingdom of Heaven and Reistance.

Two questions:

1.) What are some other good PQ exclusive Blu-Ray titles?

2.) Why do I feel a little dirty :)

I have X3 & Resistance, I will pick up KOH tomorrow.


Go to www.avsforum.com they have a whole section rating movies picture reference quality.

[JaylisJayP]

I have X3 & Resistance, I will pick up KOH tomorrow.


Go to www.avsforum.com (http://www.avsforum.com) they have a whole section rating movies picture reference quality.

Thanks, I'm a big fan of avsforum. I also like to hear spawn boardmembers opinions, though.

[civictyperboy]

black hawk down is a must own, I enjoyed lord of war and swordfish too

[PrimeBane]

2.) Why do I feel a little dirty :)

Because you purchased a Sony product. :p

I can smell the digital stink from here. ;)

[Chugga]

Well people....I am now officially in both camps, as I have purchased a PS3. It should be here Friday. I got a great deal (basically cost plus shipping, including a 2-year Best Buy product replacement plan that was transferred over to me).

Can't wait for X-Men3, Kingdom of Heaven and Reistance.

Two questions:

1.) What are some other good PQ exclusive Blu-Ray titles?

2.) Why do I feel a little dirty :)

Kingdom of Heaven is by far and away the best Blu-Ray title I've seen to date. BY FAR. If you are going to start a blu-ray collection the hell with Ricky Bobby....you start with Kingdom of Heaven. It's the King Kong of Blu-Ray.

After that you can't go wrong with animated movies. Ice Age is so bright and colorful that it's another must buy. Any other time I would have laughed at the idea of picking up a movie like Ice Age but with blu-ray I'm a proud owner. Monster House is also another strong choice....and a pretty good movie too.

Alot of people have said Black Hawk Down is on par with Kingdom of Heaven but since I haven't seen it personally yet I'm not going to officially comment on it...but if people are drawing comparisons to KOH then even if it falls short of expectations it's still better then 99% of the other HD movies out there. Plus it's got Blu-Wizard and from what I've heard it has the best HD audio known to man for either side.

Tears of the Sun, Invincible, X-Men, and Fantastic Four all get my votes for great picture quality. But they are all at least a level or so below KOH and the majority of animated movies I've seen.

[JaylisJayP]

thanks Chugga

[freezerfuel]

Can they fit a whole season on 1 HD-DVD (or Blue-Ray for that matter)? That's pretty much my only (minor) complaint with seasons on DVD... switching. If they can that's pretty cool.

[JaylisJayP]

if not a whole season, definitely more episodes per disc.

[PrimeBane]

Can they fit a whole season on 1 HD-DVD (or Blue-Ray for that matter)? That's pretty much my only (minor) complaint with seasons on DVD... switching. If they can that's pretty cool.

They probably could if the episodes were 480p... but there's no way if they're 1080p.

[JaylisJayP]

Bought 2 Blu-Rays today...my first 2!

Kingdom of Heaven
X-Men 3

can't wait to try out the new system tomorrow night.

For those with a PS3, I know it doesn't come with an HDMI cable included, but does it come with any cables included?? Component, perhaps?

[Chugga]

Composite

[JaylisJayP]

That's a bunch of suck.

[civictyperboy]

yeah it is, mine are still nicely packed up I purchased the sony 1.3 hdmi plug although my tv only accepts 1.2 I at this point in my life don't really care about the higher bandwith, also if you have component cables for your ps2 you can use them on your ps3

[edschmoe]

If anyone is interested you can order Harry Potter Goblets of Fire For HD-DVD of of Amazon UK. Just a heads up. ( Pricey though )

[dayday6]

I bought 3 more Blu-Ray movies today.
Kingdom Of Heaven
Black Hawk Down
Unforgiven

[PrimeBane]

yeah it is, mine are still nicely packed up I purchased the sony 1.3 hdmi plug although my tv only accepts 1.2 I at this point in my life don't really care about the higher bandwith, also if you have component cables for your ps2 you can use them on your ps3

I wouldn't worry much since HDMI is backward compatible.

I don't believe any new tvs have HDMI 1.3 yet...

Anyone that's going to buy an HDMI either get one from a computer shop or from www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com)

Don't get sucked into buying a Mon$ter cable.

[PrimeBane]

The best and the worst HD Disks of 2006

http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_best_high_def_discs_of_2006.html

hmmm... maybe I'll pick up Hulk after all.

[JaylisJayP]

The best and the worst HD Disks of 2006

http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_best_high_def_discs_of_2006.html

hmmm... maybe I'll pick up Hulk after all.

i was thinking the same thing after I read this....just to see the PQ if anything.

[UK_DaNnY]

hi, just a quick question, how the hd dvd add on for the 360 is region free, is the PS3 blue-ray drive region free or coded to the specified country??

thanks

[civictyperboy]

Um the US and Japan are in the same region there is also an Africa region maybe Europe and then a Oceania region, for us here in the US we can buy games and movies from Japan and the HD camp can pretty much buy movies from where ever

[JaylisJayP]

Quick question for the PS3 people....if my TV doesn't output in 1080p, am I better off with an HDMI cable or component cables.

For audio, I have a fiber optic cable connected, so that's taken care of.

Thanks!

[dayday6]

Quick question for the PS3 people....if my TV doesn't output in 1080p, am I better off with an HDMI cable or component cables.

For audio, I have a fiber optic cable connected, so that's taken care of.

Thanks!


I think it really doesn't matter in that case. I have mine hooked up through HDMI because I had that cable already. The picture should be the same.

[JaylisJayP]

cool thanks...i popped in Kingdom of Heaven today and it looked real good.

[JaylisJayP]

Just watched XMEN 3.....definitely grainy, but most of the shots, like the ones with Beast...are total eye-candy.

[Chugga]

Releases for December 26th 2006

Blu-Ray

The Descent
Transporter 2

HD DVD

The Breakfast Club
The Deer Hunter


What will you be picking up?

[JaylisJayP]

Releases for December 26th 2006


Blu-Ray

The Descent
Transporter 2

HD DVD

The Breakfast Club
The Deer Hunter



What will you be picking up?


Already heard Breakfast Club is a crappy transfer....if Deer Hunter is good I'll be getting that.

I haven't seen either Transporter, but something tells me Transporter 2 on Blu-Ray will look hot.

[Chugga]

I haven't seen either of the transporters but I was thinking of picking both up this week. The Transporter 2 got four 1/2 stars on both audio and video so it should be impressive.

[dayday6]

That is wierd I seen both Transporters at Best Buy yesterday. They must have put it out early.

[JaylisJayP]

What studio is transporter?

[dayday6]

What studio is transporter?


20th Century Fox

[Chugga]

Street date is very loose with the next gen dvd's. I've seen HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray disks out WELL before they were supposed to be out just because people are a little slow when it comes to release dates. "uhh what the heck we just got in the transporter today? isn't that movie like months and months old? ok make sure you get this out on the floor". Not even realizing blu-ray/hd-dvd has it's own release dates.

On an unrelated note I had quite the blu-ray haul this christmas. Basically every movie I piss and moan about in this thread was under the tree today. Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, ATL, and a bunch more.

[JaylisJayP]

I wonder if the Blu-Ray Christmas Vacation is better than the HD DVD one is supposed to be.

We just watched that on DVD (remember those?) this weekend. Such an awesome movie.

[JaylisJayP]

By the way, not totally for this thread, but the PS3 does a great job in my opinion upscaling regular DVDs with the HDMI cable.

[dayday6]

By the way, not totally for this thread, but the PS3 does a great job in my opinion upscaling regular DVDs with the HDMI cable.

I think that you are seeing a placebo effect:D, because the PS3 doesn't upscale yet. It only does progressive scan right now, hopefully soon they will update the firmware to upscale DVDs.

[JaylisJayP]

I think that you are seeing a placebo effect:D, because the PS3 doesn't upscale yet. It only does progressive scan right now, hopefully soon they will update the firmware to upscale DVDs.

ouch, guess i'll eat my words. Could've sworn it looked on part with my other upscale DVD player.

[PrimeBane]

Watched Christmas Vacation HD-DVD on Christmas Eve and the PQ looked good enough for an older movie.

Watched Lady in the Water on the 22nd... pretty good PQ, but it doesn't really blow your socks off. I still enjoyed the movie.

Got Batman Begins for Christmas... hopefully I get to watch it tonight or tomorrow. :D

[edschmoe]

Watched Superman Returns and The Rundown tonight. Superman was very inconsistant in PQ but The Rundown looked good throughout. Both decent movies I just wish Superman would have been slightly sharper.

[JaylisJayP]

Watched Superman Returns and The Rundown tonight. Superman was very inconsistant in PQ but The Rundown looked good throughout. Both decent movies I just wish Superman would have been slightly sharper.

I think Superman was shot that way....kinda like Sky Captain

[PrimeBane]

Watched Batman Begins this afternoon... wow! What a great looking movie!

[JaylisJayP]

Anyone thinking of picking up The Deer Hunter? Anyone even find it anywhere? One person on Avs said it was good picture for an older movie...not sure what that translates to.

[grif32]

Man reading all this makes me want the HD-DVD add on for the 360 so bad. Now just need to come up with the cash..

Chris

[JaylisJayP]

if you have an HDTV, it's totally worth it. $200 bucks is a bargain once you see the quality of some of these transfers.

[Arthas]

I have a couple questions regarding the 360 addon, I'm considering one.

-Does it still look awesome if my tv is only a 720p?

-Does the VGA cable make it look better?

-Does the VGA cable upconvert the standard dvds with the hd player, or does it upconvert with the 360?

Thanks

[moviemaniac4]

A couple of Q:

- The HD DVD and Blu Ray movies in the market now, all can be viewed at 1080p?
- Does your LCD or Plasma TVs display 1080p?
- With HDMI and DVI you get the same digital output?

[PrimeBane]

I have a couple questions regarding the 360 addon, I'm considering one.

-Does it still look awesome if my tv is only a 720p?

-Does the VGA cable make it look better?

-Does the VGA cable upconvert the standard dvds with the hd player, or does it upconvert with the 360?

Thanks

Yes even in 720p it will look pretty damn good, but it can be dependant on the movie and how close you are sitting to the set.

No, you won't see a difference withe the VGA with the HD addon.

The VGA cable is supposed to allow upconversion of DVDs and 1080p output for HD-DVDs. I don't think it really matters which player you play the DVD in, but I always use the main unit.

A couple of Q:

- The HD DVD and Blu Ray movies in the market now, all can be viewed at 1080p?
- Does your LCD or Plasma TVs display 1080p?
- With HDMI and DVI you get the same digital output?

All HD-DVDs and BD movies are 1080p, but you need to have a 1080p tv and the correct connections to take full advantage.

My tv will display 1080p via HDMI only and even then it converts it to 768p (the native resolution of my tv). All tvs are different so it's best to check.

HDMI and DVI-D are both digital connections (there are other DVI connections that are not digital, but you shouldn't have to worry about that). The major difference between the two is that HDMI carries sound as well where DVI does not. DVI isn't being included with most new tvs these days.

[moviemaniac4]

I have an ATI Radeon 5500 with a DVI output. Movies in HD Quicktime and HD WMP look beautifull. Now, I read in PC tools magazine some moths ago, that current graphic cards can´t handle the HDTV format. You know anythig about this?