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'Deadlands 2: Trapped' on… HD-DVD??!!

Fri Sep 04, 2009 at 02:15 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements (all tags)

You heard that correctly. Anthem Films is bringing Gary Ugarek's indie zombie film to the defunct format in a limited edition.

'Deadlands 2: Trapped' will be released on HD-DVD on October 27. What makes the release special is that it will come with a numbered certificate of authenticity and will be limited to 500 copies.

This not only makes the release the last title to make its way to the deceased format, but will also make it a highly sought-after collectible.

Gary Ugarek has this to say about his release:

“Over the last 18 months, since HD DVD’s demise, I and a small group of HD DVD enthusiasts have scoured every part of the planet trying to obtain the left over releases of HD DVD material. We were early adopters of the format and still feel to this day the format shouldn’t have been left to die off. So I set out to do some research and realized the following:

During HD DVD’s release, over 1,000,000 player units were sold and over 800 titles were released for the format. At the end of its tenure the market penetration still remained strong, and the format built a dedicated fan base."

"So I set out to see if these HD DVD owners would be interested in a brand new release. I presented all the information about the film, gave them access and links to trailers, the press kit and the technical aspects… and you know what… THEY LOVED THE IDEA. The feedback was unbelievable. Within 36 hours of putting the question out there, I received over 200+ emails, within 96 hours 380+ requests from HD DVD fans asking me to make this happen."

"I presented the idea to Anthem Pictures, the distributor, and they liked it, and immediately jumped behind it.”

“Some people thought I was flat out nuts and were asking, why HD DVD? Are you not a Blu-Ray supporter? I answered I am, but when you have a dedicated fan base for a format, like HD-DVD does, and you see the passion of its supporters I immediately knew I wanted to do this for the fans. I want to give them something special.”

“I had been asked by the fans to include something about how I made a micro/low budget zombie film, and what my experiences were, what hoops and hurdles I had to overcome, and I though sure, why not.”

“I know it’s a gamble with HD DVD having lost out on the format war, but based on feedback from HD DVD fans we expect this to be a huge moment for them, the film and HD DVD. Kind of ironic that a zombie film would be helping HD DVD try to come back from the dead, even if for a short period of time, but who knows, if the program is a success maybe other indie filmmakers and distributors can do something similar for the HD DVD fans and keep it alive for the hard core.”

Specs are still unknown for the HD-DVD, but supplements include both the Unrated & Original Work Print versions, director's commentary, work print commentary, featurette on indie filmmaking from the director's POV, featurette on the theatre cineplex location, and more!

Most of the supplements will be exclusive to the HD-DVD version as well.

Suggested price for the HD-DVD has been set at $29.95 plus shipping and handling, and it can be pre-ordered here.

You can find the latest specs for 'Deadlands 2: Trapped' linked from our HD-DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 27.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Deadlands 2: Trapped (HD DVD)

More 'Torchwood' Hitting Blu-ray this September

Fri May 08, 2009 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, TV on High-Def, BBC (all tags)

BBC Video has announced its latest round of 'Torchwood' on Blu-ray, setting a mid-September arrival for 'Children of Earth.'

The latest series in the popular sci-fi saga, 'Torchwood: Children of Earth' will feature the complete 300-minute episode arc as a two-disc set, due to hit stores on Blu-ray (day-and-date with the standard DVD) on September 15.

The release follows 'Torchwood: The Complete First Season' (which hit Blu-ray last year) and 'Torchwood: The Complete Second Season,' due this July.

Tech specs will see 1080p/VC-1 video (1.78:1) and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio.

There's no word yet on supplements, but we'll keep you posted.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.99.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Torchwood: Children of Earth' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 15.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Torchwood: Children of Earth (Blu-ray)
Torchwood: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)
Torchwood: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray)

More 'Dragon Ball Z' Headed to Blu-ray

Thu Sep 18, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Anime, FUNimation (all tags)

FUNimation has announced its next round of Dragon Ball Z, with a double-header of 'Return of the Cooler' and 'Cooler's Revenge' planned for Blu-ray this November.

Like the company's previous Dragon Ball Z double-feature releases, 'Dragon Ball Z: Return of the Cooler/Cooler's Revenge' will present both full-length animes on a single BD-50 dual-layer disc. FUNimation has set a November 11 street date for 'Return of the Cooler/Cooler's Revenge.'

There were no tech specs or supplemental details available for the release at press time, but we'll keep you posted.

As with past 'Dragon Ball Z' releases, suggested list price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.95.

You'll find preliminary specs for 'Dragon Ball Z: Return of the Cooler/Cooler's Revenge' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 11.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Dragon Ball Z: Return of the Cooler/Cooler's Revenge (Blu-ray)

Verdi's 'Il trovatore' Set for HD DVD

Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Music on High-Def, Opus Arte (all tags)

In a late-breaking announcement, Opus Arte is bringing its latest musical release 'Guiseppe Verdi: Il trovatore' to HD DVD this week.

Shot entirely in high-definition, 'Il trovatore' features Jose Cura and Dmitri Hvorostovsky leading an all-star cast of Verdi’s blazingly passionate opera, in Elijah Moshinsky’s Royal Opera House production co-produced with Teatro Real Madrid and featuring sets by noted Italian film designer Dante Ferretti.

Opus Arte has set a March 25 street date for the stateside HD DVD release.

Tech specs include 1080i video (at 1.78:1), with Dolby TrueHD tracks in 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Stereo.

Supplements include a suite of three behind-the-scenes featurettes, including "Meet the Cast," "All About Schläger" and "Designing Il trovatore."

Suggested retail price for the HD DVD has been set at $39.99.

You'll find disc details for 'Guiseppe Verdi: Il trovatore' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 25.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Opus Arte's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Il trovatore' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Verdi: Il Trovatore (HD DVD)

'Freedom: 6' Comes to HD DVD This June

Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Bandai Visual (all tags)

Bandai Visual says it will bring the penultimate installment in the popular 'Freedom' series to HD DVD this June.

Originally presented as a seven-part series in Japan, entitled The Freedom Project, Bandai has retained the same strategy for the series' stateside release, issuing a new 30-minute episode as a stand-alone title every few months.

The company says that despite the imminent end of the HD DVD format in North America, it plans to finish out releasing the series on the format. Due in stores June 24, 'Freedom: 6 ' will again see a "twin format" configuration like the first five volumes of the series. (The company says that the last installment, 'Freedom: 7,' will be released on HD DVD sometime this August.)

Tech specs include a 1080p/VC-1 transfer (at 1.78:1 widescreen), and Japanese tracks in Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround (1.5mbps) and PCM 2.0 Stereo (optional English subtitles are also provided).

Extras remain slim, with the disc including only a theatrical trailer, and for web-enabled users, a "digest version" of 'Freedom: 5' plus a TV spot for 'Freedom: 7.'

Retail for the HD DVD has been set at $39.99.

You'll find disc details for 'Freedom: 6' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 24.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Bandai's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Freedom: 6' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Freedom: 6 (HD DVD)
Freedom: 5 (HD DVD)
Freedom: 4 (HD DVD)
Freedom: 3 (HD DVD)
Freedom: 2 (HD DVD)
Freedom: 1 (HD DVD)

Rachmaninov's 'Piano Concertos' Multichannel Audio HD DVD Announced

Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Music on High-Def, Surround Records (all tags)

Surround Records has announced a late-March arrival for the latest addition to its line of HD DVD multichannel audio releases.

Featuring a pair of performances presented in an "Acoustic Reality Experience," the street date for 'Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 ' is March 29.

Carrying on the tradition of its past HD DVD releases, Surround Records presents 'Rachmaninov' in remixed 7.1-channel DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio high-resolution surround, along with an accompanying video track that features multimedia artwork and visuals encoded in 1080p/VC-1.

As we've previously reported, Surround Records has announced that it will begin rolling out Blu-ray editions of its HD DVD titles this Spring. The indie distributor has yet to announce exact release dates for its first Blu-ray releases.

Retail price for 'Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3' on HD DVD has been set at $29.95. (The disc is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com for 19.95 -- see the link below.)

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2&3 [Amazon.com]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Surround Records Announces Dual-Format Format

Warner Says 'P.S. I Love You' on Blu-ray, HD DVD this Spring

Thu Mar 06, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Warner (all tags)

Warner has announced it will bring the Hilary Swank romantic comedy 'P.S. I Love You' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this May.

Grossing over $50 million at the domestic box office, the Richard LaGravenese-directed film emerged as the sleeper hit of the holiday season, despite less-than-kind critical notices.

Warner will bring 'P.S. I Love You' to Blu-ray on May 6 (day-and-date with the standard DVD), followed by an HD DVD version three weeks later on May 27.

Extras shared across all versions include two featurettes ("A Conversation with Cecilia Ahern," "The Name of the Game is Snaps"), deleted scenes, and a James Blunt music video. There were no high-def exclusives reported at press time.

Warner has not yet announced tech specs, but we'll keep you posted.

Suggested retail prices for both the Blu-ray and HD DVD editions have been set at $35.98 each.

You'll find the latest specs for 'P.S. I Love You' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule, indexed under their respective dates of May 6 and May 27.

We've also set up dedicated threads for Warner's latest in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'P.S. I Love You' Blu-ray release and the 'P.S. I Love You' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
P.S. I Love You (Blu-ray)
P.S. I Love You (HD DVD)

Tai Seng Nixes 'Dragon Tiger Gate' HD DVD, Re-Announces for Blu-ray

Mon Mar 03, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Street Date Changes, Tai Seng (all tags)

Tai Seng has canceled the HD DVD release of 'Dragon Tiger Gate,' and announced that it will instead issue the title on Blu-ray this May.

As we've previously reported, 'Dragon Tiger Gate' was originally scheduled for a February 26 release exclusively on HD DVD. The title will now debut on Blu-ray May 27.

Offering a unique twist on the format-agnostic approach, Tai Seng had said that it planned on "testing the waters" with the HD DVD release of 'Gate,' which had been scheduled to hit shelves the same day as its Blu-ray-only release of 'Initial D' (that title arrived in stores as planned on February 26).

Although Tai Seng has not issued official word of a change in their format-neutral stance, at press time they had no future HD DVD titles planned. We'll keep you posted on any changes to the company's plans as they come to us.

Announced specs for the Blu-ray version of 'Dragon Tiger Gate' appear to best the now-canceled HD DVD version. The BD-50 dual-layer release will boast a Cantonese 7.1 Surround track (bumped up from the 5.1 on the HD DVD), additional English and Mandarin 5.1 mixes, and 1080p video.

Supplements include an audio commentary with the filmmakers, a "making of" documentary, eight additional featurettes, deleted scenes, a still gallery, and domestic and international theatrical trailers (all of which were announced for the HD DVD).

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray is $29.95.

In light of Tai Seng's news, we've added a listing for 'Dragon Tiger Gate' to our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 27.

We've also set up dedicated threads for both Tai Seng's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Dragon Tiger Gate' Blu-ray release and the (now canceled) 'Dragon Tiger Gate' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Dragon Tiger Gate (Blu-ray)
Firefly (Blu-ray)
Initial D (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Dragon Tiger Gate' Coming to HD DVD (Dec 07, 2007)

Warner Plans 'Ocean's Eleven,' 'Ocean's Twelve' Standalones for Blu-ray, HD DVD (UPDATED)

Fri Feb 29, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Warner (all tags)

Previously only available on high-def as part of the three-disc 'Ocean's Giftset,' Warner has announced it will issue the first two installments in Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's series as standalone Blu-ray and HD DVD release this Spring.

According to the studio, 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Ocean's Twelve' will hit stores on Blu-ray April 29, with the HD DVD version following three weeks later on May 20. (Note that 'Ocean's Thirteen' is already available individually, having been issued as a separate release day-and-date with the 'Giftset.')

Specs for the standalone versions of the star-studded heist flicks will mirror those found in the box set. Both films enjoy 1080p/VC-1 video, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround tracks (at 640kbps) and subtitles in English, French, Spanish and Japanese.

UPDATE: In our original post, we incorrectly identified 'Ocean's Twelve' as only including trailers as a bonus feature. The disc actually includes a number of high-def exclusives, and we've updated the post and our database accordingly. We apologize for the error.

Extras on 'Eleven' features an audio commentary with director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ted Griffin, an additional cast commentary with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia, the "look of the Con" featurette, an HBO First Look Special, and more trailers.

Bonus features on 'Twelve' include theatrical trailers, and as with the previous 'Giftset' version, a number of exclusives: audio commentary with Soderbergh and the screenwriter, deleted scenes, and an HBO First Look Special.

Suggested retail for the standalone versions of 'Eleven' and 'Twelve' has been set at $28.95 a peice.

You'll find specs for 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Ocean's Twelve' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule, where they are indexed under April 29 and May 20, respectively.

We've also set up dedicated threads for Warner's latest in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Ocean's Eleven/Twelve' Blu-ray release and the 'Ocean's Eleven/Twelve' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Ocean's Eleven (Blu-ray)
Ocean's Twelve (Blu-ray)
Ocean's Thirteen (Blu-ray)
Ocean's Eleven, Twelve & Thirteen Giftset (Blu-ray)
Ocean's Eleven (HD DVD)
Ocean's Twelve (HD DVD)
Ocean's Thirteen (HD DVD)
Ocean's Eleven, Twelve & Thirteen Giftset (HD DVD)

Universal Brings 'Atonement' to HD DVD

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 04:30 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Universal (all tags)

Underlining the continued confusion surrounding Universal's transition to Blu-ray support, the studio today confirmed a March HD DVD arrival for the Oscar-nominated epic, 'Atonement.'

Though Universal announced early last week that it would switch alliances from HD DVD to Blu-ray, the studio has yet to put a timetable on the transition, telling us as recently as last Friday that the fate of their entire upcoming HD DVD slate was in flux.

Adding to the confusion, today Universal confirmed earlier retail reports that it is planning an HD DVD/DVD Combo debut of the Keira Knightley-James McAvoy epic romance 'Atonement' for March 18 (day-and-date with the standard DVD release).

Although the HD DVD version lacks any U-Control features or other exclusives, the healthy supplement package includes audio commentary with director Joe Wright, deleted scenes with optional commentary, and two making-of featurettes ("The Making of Atonement," "From Novel to Screen").

Tech specs for the HD DVD feature 1080p/VC-1 video and English, French and Spanish Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround and subtitle options (no high-res audio has been announced for the release).

Rounding out Universal's announcement, they've supplied a high-res look at the HD DVD's cover art:


Suggested list price for the HD DVD/DVD Combo is $39.98.

You'll find complete specs for 'Atonement' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 18.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Universal's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Atonement' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Atonement (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Universal: HD DVD Plans in Flux (Feb 22, 2008)
Universal Goes Blu (Feb 19, 2008)


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