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starman · Oct 5, 2005, 10:15 AM

Warner/New Line/HBO/etc. just announced 52 HD-DVD titles for release Q4 '05:

ABOVE THE LAW
ALEXANDER
ANGELS IN AMERICA (HBO)
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY (NEW LINE)
BATMAN BEGINS
BLADE (NEW LINE)
CATWOMAN
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
CONSTANTINE
CONTACT
DARK CITY (NEW LINE)
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD
ERASER
EXECUTIVE DECISION
FINAL DESTINATION (NEW LINE)
FRIDAY (NEW LINE)
FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON (HBO)
THE FUGITIVE
GOTHIKA
HARD TO KILL
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
HOUSE OF WAX (2005)
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE MASK (NEW LINE)
THE MATRIX
THE MATRIX RELOADED
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS
MAVERICK
MILLION DOLLAR BABY
THE MUSIC MAN
MYSTIC RIVER
NEXT OF KIN
NORTH BY NORTHWEST
OCEAN'S ELEVEN
OCEAN'S TWELVE
PASSENGER 57
THE PERFECT STORM
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (2004)
THE PLAYER (NEW LINE)
THE POLAR EXPRESS
RED PLANET
RUSH HOUR (NEW LINE)
SE7EN (NEW LINE)
SOLDIER
THE SOPRANOS (HBO)
SPAWN (NEW LINE)
SWORDFISH
TROY
UNDER SIEGE
U.S. MARSHALS
WILD WILD WEST

Paramount just announced 21 HD-DVD titles for Q4 '05:

THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
ELIZABETHTOWN
COACH CARTER
ITALIAN JOB
SCHOOL OF ROCK
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
FORREST GUMP
BRAVEHEART
GHOST
GREASE
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2
BLACK RAIN
SAVE THE LAST DANCE
SLEEPY HOLLOW
U2 RATTLE & HUM
VANILLA SKY
LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER
STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT
WE WERE SOLDIERS

Universal just announced 16 HD-DVD titles, likely for Q1 '06:

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK
VAN HELSING
APOLLO 13
U-571
12 MONKEYS
DUNE
THE THING
END OF DAYS
BACKDRAFT
WATERWORLD
THE BONE COLLECTOR
SPY GAME
PITCH BLACK
CONAN THE BARBARIAN
DANTE'S PEAK

wdlove · Oct 5, 2005, 10:24 AM

As of now I don't plan to re=purchase any of my current DVD collection. I have many on the list above. Don't see any incentive for a change.

residentEvil · Oct 5, 2005, 10:27 AM

As always, I will be on the bleeding edge; with the media and the player. I change over my home theater components often.

pman68 · Oct 5, 2005, 10:31 AM

Are Mac users going to have some of the same problems viewing HD content in 10.5 as Windows users are with Vista? Looks like alot of monitors will have to be upgraded to view HD DVD in Vista. Since Apple is going Intel will this also effect us, aren't they trying to cosy up to movie studios too? Not sure if Apple has a choice.

Here's a linky that describes the issue:
Your new widescreen LCD is no good

Goldfinger · Oct 5, 2005, 10:33 AM

Does this mean that HD-DVD has won ?

starman · Oct 5, 2005, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

Does this mean that HD-DVD has won ?

No. In fact, it's not doing well. Blu-Ray seems to be getting more support lately. I can't find a definitive list of titles coming out on Blu-Ray.

Mike

SVass · Oct 5, 2005, 10:45 AM

In theory, VLC (produced in evil Europe) could bypass the controversy. Also some HD tv content already requires HDCP in order to provide digital output to HD tvs. I will continue to use my BetaMax to play prerecorded shows on my CBS color tv wheel driven system. sam

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

Does this mean that HD-DVD has won ?

Dear lord no. So far analysts are pretty sure it has lost already.

pman68 · Oct 5, 2005, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by SVass

In theory, VLC (produced in evil Europe) could bypass the controversy. Also some HD tv content already requires HDCP in order to provide digital output to HD tvs. I will continue to use my BetaMax to play prerecorded shows on my CBS color tv wheel driven system. sam

How can software, VLC, bypass the requirement for an HDCP monitor? Isn't Apple in the same boat as Microsoft?

Eug Wanker · Oct 5, 2005, 11:39 AM

Heh, out of that list, I will buy exactly one title, that being Waterworld. Some of the other movies I like such as Matrix and Blade already have very good DVDs, and I've seen many of those movies a bazillion times already anyway.

I must admit though I would rent Chronicles of Riddick on HD. As stupid as that movie is, I kind of liked it, and it'd be nice to see it in HD. (I've never seen the flick on DVD.)

But... Where's Corpse Bride? That's a Warner Bros. movie.

Originally Posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO

Dear lord no. So far analysts are pretty sure it has lost already.

No they are far from sure, especially with MS and Intel both in HD-DVD's corner. It does seem that overall the support is leaning towards Blu-Ray though.

BTW, I was kidding about Waterworld.

residentEvil · Oct 5, 2005, 11:42 AM

I've gone thru several versions of the same movie as the DVD evolved. What is one more version now? It is what I call my hobby and I spend my money on it. there is easily 40 titles in that list i will buy (soon as the player I want is available).

Cunny Linguist · Oct 5, 2005, 11:56 AM

Waterworld on HD-DVD. Awesome.

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

I must admit though I would rent Chronicles of Riddick on HD. As stupid as that movie is, I kind of liked it, and it'd be nice to see it in HD. (I've never seen the flick on DVD.)

That movie LOOKED really nice. I liked the story up until he went to prison then it seemed to really drift off topic.

ort888 · Oct 5, 2005, 02:28 PM

The only movies on that list that I own (and would want to own) are 12 Monkeys, The Thing and Conan The Barbarian.

The only movie I would rebuy would be Conan.

When do the players come out? Any word on price?

EFFENDI · Oct 5, 2005, 02:33 PM

Conan, what a classic.....I know that either Sony or Samsung released a Blu-Ray player/recorder last year, it was upwards of $USD 1000.00.

ort888 · Oct 5, 2005, 02:37 PM

Samsung is releasing a player that plays Blu-Ray HD-DVd and regular DVDs. Still, I'm not jumping into a new format until there is a clear winner. Unfortunately, that could take years.

ort888 · Oct 5, 2005, 03:30 PM

Do you have a link to this news?

pman68 · Oct 5, 2005, 03:50 PM

The problem with all these new formats is that they won't work at full spec on your mac (with 10.5) unless you buy a NEW monitor.

ARS

stevesnj · Oct 5, 2005, 03:54 PM

How can these movies bee released in HD format if they were not filmed in HD in the first place?

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by stevesnj

How can these movies bee released in HD format if they were not filmed in HD in the first place?

because native film has more resolution in the first place.

Even Star Wars (the originals) was already converted for HD when they released them for DVD.

Goldfinger · Oct 5, 2005, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by stevesnj

How can these movies bee released in HD format if they were not filmed in HD in the first place?

Because film has a higher resolution than digital HD anyway.

EDIT : SWG was faster

Eug Wanker · Oct 5, 2005, 04:09 PM

We can only hope they don't use some crappy film print as the source when they make these new HD-DVDs. eg. I'm not convinced that Conan The Barbarian is going to look that great in HD, unless they go out of their way to ensure it's a excellent transfer from a printine print, but somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.

P.S. How many of you are going to run out and buy Spongebob Squarepants on HD-DVD?

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

We can only hope they don't use some crappy film print as the source when they make these new HD DVDs. I'm not convinced that Conan The Barbarian is going to look that much better in HD either, unless they go out of their way to ensure it's a pristine transfer from a good print. Somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.

many films need cleaning up. The original Star Wars is one of the best looking DVD's ever after they released them a year ago. They even look better than the new films.

Eug Wanker · Oct 5, 2005, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO

many films need cleaning up. The original Star Wars is one of the best looking DVD's ever after they released them a year ago. They even look better than the new films.

Yeah, precisely my point. Some of the new films suck on DVD. You yourself complain about Battlestar Galactica, and that's even with a digital HD video source for season 1.

It should have been easy to get good quality DVDs from that source for BSG season 1, but nope.

And Star Wars is, well, Star Wars. George Lucas has always been anal about this stuff: Three Months and 600 Macs

There's no way this is going to be done for all the movies on the list that need it.

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

Yeah, precisely my point. Some of the new films suck on DVD. You yourself complain about Battlestar Galactica, and that's even with a digital HD video source for season 1.

It should have been easy to get good quality DVDs from that source for BSG season 1, but nope.

It boggles my mind why the BSG's are so bad. Part of it is the resolution because it is half on DVD but mostly it is just grain and colour that is all wrong.

Goldfinger · Oct 5, 2005, 04:25 PM

I'm not buying HD DVD anyway untill my current DVD player dies. I don't want all that HDCP crap. I'm NOT buying a new TV. It's quite sad really that they push all this copy protection crap on you. It's like walking in a store and the security guard telling you to put your bag/backpack into a locker because you could put store items in it. It's plain disgusting to be labled a thief altough you're just a customer.

Weyland-Yutani · Oct 5, 2005, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

The only movies on that list that I own (and would want to own) are 12 Monkeys, The Thing and Conan The Barbarian.

The only movie I would rebuy would be Conan.

When do the players come out? Any word on price?

Yeah, I'll buy the Thing (John Carpenter's) and Conan the Barbarian in HD.

I already look forward to seeing the Thing in HD!!

cheers

W-Y

PS: I'm also buying all the Alien series in HD when available, but that probably comes as a surprise

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Oct 5, 2005, 04:44 PM

Not much I want in HD, BSG is the big one, Star Wars Obviously, Sin City and Kill Bill would be nice.

ort888 · Oct 5, 2005, 04:53 PM

Apparently this list is 9 months old and completely outdated. From what I hear, there will be no HD players out this year at all, and this list is not final nor is it complete.

It was all speculation from some show in January.

residentEvil · Oct 5, 2005, 05:51 PM

I know Sanyo's LSI is already being made and will be used in computer drives available pretty soon; i see no reason they won't be releasing home players (hd-dvd) at the same time or soon there after. They have already stopped making normal dvd players.

Toshiba's first player will probably be in Q1.

As far as needing a new TV that isn't the case unless you bought a HDTV without a digital input (either DVI or HDMI). Both of those inputs have to have HDCP. HDCP isn't supported over analog (component inputs). If you bought a HDTV that doesn't have DVI or HDMI, then I have to question why you bought it? My current HD projector, for example, doesn't, but it is also 6 years old. I have known for almost a year it wouldn't be compatible and have since ordered a new one. My newer 23" LCD and 34" tube HDTVs have digital inputs.

Eug Wanker · Oct 5, 2005, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

I know Sanyo's LSI is already being made and will be used in computer drives available pretty soon; i see no reason they won't be releasing home players (hd-dvd) at the same time or soon there after. They have already stopped making normal dvd players.

Toshiba's first player will probably be in Q1.

As far as needing a new TV that isn't the case unless you bought a HDTV without a digital input (either DVI or HDMI). Both of those inputs have to have HDCP. HDCP isn't supported over analog (component inputs). If you bought a HDTV that doesn't have DVI or HDMI, then I have to question why you bought it? My current HD projector, for example, doesn't, but it is also 6 years old. I have known for almost a year it wouldn't be compatible and have since ordered a new one. My newer 23" LCD and 34" tube HDTVs have digital inputs.

I would say that a large minority, if not the majority, of HDTVs out there do NOT support either DVI or HDMI. In HDTV terms, DVI and HDMI are actually relatively recent developments.

JoshuaZ · Oct 5, 2005, 10:11 PM

I think the main problem HD will have is that very few people care, or are willing to buy new TVs and LCDs to view things that they already have. Plus the reason DVDs did so well is because of their high quality and cool features. HD doesn`t offer much more for the average joe.

Honestly, who here actually had the cash to shell out for a new HD TV, sound system, and HD Player. I don`t.

Eug Wanker · Oct 5, 2005, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

I think the main problem HD will have is that very few people care, or are willing to buy new TVs and LCDs to view things that they already have. Plus the reason DVDs did so well is because of their high quality and cool features. HD doesn`t offer much more for the average joe.

Honestly, who here actually had the cash to shell out for a new HD TV, sound system, and HD Player. I don`t.

Well, my oil stocks did well this year.

But I'd rather just stick the money in the bank.

As you suggest, it seems terminally stupid for me to buy another HDTV to replace my perfectly functioning HDTV (and terminally stupid for me to buy a new HD player) to view movies I already have seen and may already have on DVD.

The upgrade cost from VHS to DVD: $200
The upgrade cost from old HDTV to new HDTV: $3000

JoshuaZ · Oct 5, 2005, 10:23 PM

It took my father 30 years to get a new recever for surround sound (his old one from college has always worked more then fine), and he makes a good chunk of cash and lives well. He has a TV from the late 80s and is dead set not to replace it any time soon. Yeah, its going to be an interesting ride.

residentEvil · Oct 6, 2005, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

I would say that a large minority, if not the majority, of HDTVs out there do NOT support either DVI or HDMI. In HDTV terms, DVI and HDMI are actually relatively recent developments.

I can't think of any 16x9 HDTV models from the following brands (Pionner, Toshiba, Sony, Sharp, Hitachi) in the last two years that don't have at least DVI; now many are moving to HDMI (but not both). If one bought a $999 joby at Best Buy or ABC Warehouse, then they got what they paid for and new technology isn't marketed for them anyway. Consumers like me are the ones who jump into all the new stuff and plan accordingly.

Eug Wanker · Oct 6, 2005, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

I can't think of any 16x9 HDTV models from the following brands (Pionner, Toshiba, Sony, Sharp, Hitachi) in the last two years that don't have at least DVI; now many are moving to HDMI (but not both). If one bought a $999 joby at Best Buy or ABC Warehouse, then they got what they paid for and new technology isn't marketed for them anyway. Consumers like me are the ones who jump into all the new stuff and plan accordingly.

HDTV has been around for a heluvalot longer than 2 years, which was my point. And the TVs were way more than $999. Educated buyers were told that even if new technologies came out, it wouldn't be a big deal because one could simply buy a set top box to take care of it. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be the case with HD-DVD/Blu-Ray. BTW, it was not so long ago when HDTV purchasers were wondering when they'd get Firewire in their TVs, instead of just component. Like I said, DVI and HDMI are recent additions to HDTVs.

Basically, what this means is there are a LOT of people out there with no digital inputs on their HDTVs. And of those there are a LOT of people who won't be upgrading their TVs anytime soon.

That, coupled with the fact that we have a format war on our hands, along with the fact that the general public is a lot less interested in HD-DVD/Blu-Ray than they were for DVD, virtually guarantees that there will be comparatively slow adopton of HD-DVD/Blu-Ray.

BTW, I don't understand your point about the technology not being marketed at the general public. With thinking like that, the format would be doomed to fail. Remember, ther reason why DVD was so successful when some pundits were claiming that VHS was "good enough" was precisely because DVD was marketed at and was extremely popular with Joe Schmoe.

residentEvil · Oct 6, 2005, 09:36 AM

No **** they have been around longer than two years. However, in the last 2 years, the average joe schmoe has gotten into home theaters, dvds and HDTV. these past 2 years have been the boom. tvs in that time have dvi/hdmi. My $999 point is that is the type of tv joe schmoe is buying cause of the buzz words and are now stuck with crap.

And no, there isn't a lot of people stuck. But the average joe schmoe aren't early adapters and aren't the ones this first batch of HD dvd content will be geared at and marketed toward. Either was the first DVD player. Hell, either was CDs. You don't get it. Joe Schmoes aren't early adapters. And dvds didn't take on (players or media) in the first year of release. Either will HD content/players. Early adapters test the waters (such as myself) and we have know and been educated on what is coming to market and make our purchases based on that. Joe Schmoes do not. Do you see the difference between the two now?

SVass · Oct 6, 2005, 09:39 AM

I bought a 30" 16x9 Sony crt HDTV last year WITH HDMI for less than $1000. They are still available. It only lacks its own cable tuner and firewire. I admit that it is rather heavy. sam

residentEvil · Oct 6, 2005, 09:41 AM

Here are player stats:

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articl...advdsales.html

As you can see, 2003/2004 had seen the boom in DVD player sales. Joe Schmoe buyer isn't the one in the year 1997 when they came out (I was one of those 315,000 though). You will see the same adoption boom with HD dvd players too; it will take time.

residentEvil · Oct 6, 2005, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by SVass

I bought a 30" 16x9 Sony crt HDTV last year WITH HDMI for less than $1000. They are still available. It only lacks its own cable tuner and firewire. I admit that it is rather heavy. sam

My sony 34" 16x9 crt HDTV was $1199 4 months ago. My point i'm trying to get at is that the average consumer who buys based on a cheap price and it says HDTV isn't who/what the release of the new HD dvd products early next year are markted/geared toward. Great, you have a TV that will work, so do 2 of my 3 HD sets (projector is being replaced).