HD DVD NEWS TAGGED "EXCLUSIVE HD CONTENT"Receive HD DVD News via RSS

Harry Potter HD DVD to Feature First-Ever "Community Screening" Function

Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, Warner (all tags)

Promising to bring high-def interconnectivity to a new level, Warner will introduce a first-ever group screening function with its upcoming HD DVD release of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'

Dubbed "Live Community Screening," the new feature will allow multiple owners of the 'Order of the Phoenix' HD DVD to simultaneously watch the film via their own individual web-connected players. Playback is controlled by a single "host" user, who initiates the invitation-only viewing, and can control the film by pausing and playing the feature on everyone else's machines. Even more cutting edge, Warner says participants will also be able to text between their remote devices, creating a virtual "live chat" environment while they watch.

Introducing this new feature with little fanfare (it wasn't even mentioned in the disc's press announcement), Warner revealed the complete details of 'Harry Potter's exclusive HD DVD content via this just-launched 'Harry Potter' product page at the newly redesigned thelookandsoundofperfect.com, the official consumer website of the HD DVD Promotions Group.

Set for release on December 11, other content exclusive to the HD DVD of 'Order of the Phoenix' includes a "Behind the Screen: Focus Points" picture-in-picture video commentary, additional downloadable material including screensavers and ringtones, plus a custom bookmarking function.

Although Warner is also debuting a Blu-ray version of 'Order of the Phoenix' day-and-date with the HD DVD, that disc will not include any web-enabled content.

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)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HD DVD)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Gets Blu-ray, HD DVD Date; 'Years 1-5' Also Due (Sep 07, 2007)

Universal Brings 'The Kingdom' to HD DVD this December

Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 01:25 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, Universal (all tags)

The high-octane political thriller 'The Kingdom' is headed to high-def as a feature-packed HD DVD/DVD combo release.

Starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner as members of an FBI team solving a terrorist bombing in Saudi Arabia, the film was received with mixed reviews upon its theatrical release in late September, but it'll be getting the red carpet treatment when it makes its HD DVD debut on December 26, day-and-date with the standard-def DVD.

Announced supplements are extensive, with all versions sharing an audio commentary with director Peter Berg, four featurettes ("Creating the Kingdom," "History of the Kingdom," "Constructing the Freeway Sequence," "Surveillance") and deleted scenes. Exclusive to the HD DVD will be a U-Control-enabled picture-in-picture video commentary, plus additional web-enabled content (details to be announced).

Tech specs include 1080p/VC-1 video and audio tracks in both Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround.

Universal has set a suggested retail price for HD DVD/DVD combo version of $39.98.

As always, you'll find disc details for 'The Kingdom' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 26, 2007.

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
The Kingdom (2007) (HD DVD)

Universal Issues 'Bourne Ultimatum' HD DVD Specs, Cover Art

Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content (all tags)

Universal has delivered final specs for 'The Bourne Ultimatum,' and it promises to be yet another gangbusters next-gen release in the franchise, boasting a host of bonus features and exclusive U-Control content.

As we've previously reported, last month Universal set a December 11 release date for the 'Bourne Ultimatum' HD DVD/DVD combo, day-and-date with the standard DVD version. Though there were no specs revealed at the time, the studio promised a fully-loaded special edition for what is easily one of the eagerly-awaited high-def titles of the year.

Now, the full dossier is in, and the title would seem to live up to expectations. Standard extras shared between the HD DVD and DVD versions include audio commentary with the filmmakers, 12 minutes of deleted scenes, and a collection of five featurettes totaling over 45 minutes: "Driving School," "New York Chase," "Planning the Punches," "Roof Top Pursuit" and "Man on the Move."

Exclusive to the HD DVD will be a "U-Control" picture-in-picture video commentary including additional cast & crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and more.

Tech specs are equally impressive, with the set including the studio's usual 1080p/VC-1 video and audio tracks in both Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround.

Finally, the studio has unveiled the disc's final cover art:



As previously reported, 'Ultimatum' will also be included in 'The Jason Bourne Collection' HD DVD box set, which Universal is also debuting on December 11. Full specs for that release are forthcoming. Stay tuned.

As always, you'll find updated disc details for 'The Bourne Ultimatum' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 11.

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

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)
The Bourne Ultimatum (HD DVD)
Untraceable (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Universal Sets Date For 'Bourne Ultimatum,' 'Jason Bourne Collection' on HD DVD (Sep 18, 2007)

New 'Shrek' Specs Promise Several HD DVD Firsts

Fri Sep 28, 2007 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, DreamWorks (all tags)

Final specs are in for the highly-anticipated HD DVD debut of 'Shrek the Third,' including word of a first-ever branching PIP commentary and the most comprehensive web-enabled content yet.

Although DreamWorks Animation already announced most of the specs for the 'Shrek the Third' HD DVD earlier this month, now they've issued an even more comprehensive rundown of the disc's contents.

Expanding upon the picture-in-picture video commentary feature found on other HD DVDs, the "Animator's Reel" will not only present an entire alternate version of the film in storyboard form, but it will further utilize the format's HDi technology to offer a "contextual seamless branch" to lost scenes and other content.

'Shrek the Third' is also set to push the boundaries in terms of what's been offered as web-enabled content on previous HD DVD releases. DreamWorks says a number of additional exclusive features will be made available for download the day the disc hits stores, including a full-length subtitle trivia track, a movie guide with files on characters and talent in the film, plus an interactive coloring book feature that allows you to digitally paint your favorite scenes.

As previously announced, the disc will also provide users the ability to customize their own menus based on famous 'Shrek' characters. Once customized, the user's menu will become the default menu for the disc, even after it has been ejected from the player.

Additional features identical to the standard DVD edition of the film are set to include audio commentary, multiple making-of featurettes, deleted scenes sand more.

DreamWorks has set a $39.98 MSRP for the HD DVD is .

As always, you'll find complete disc details for 'Shrek the Third' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 13.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for the big green ogre's next-gen debut in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Shrek the Third' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Shrek the Third (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
DreamWorks Sets Date for 'Shrek the Third' HD DVD (Sep 18, 2007)

Toshiba's Latest HD DVD Firmware Upgrade Unlocks Web-Enabled Features

Mon Jul 02, 2007 at 12:30 AM ET
Tags: Firmware Upgrades, Exclusive HD Content, Hardware, Toshiba (all tags)

Coinciding with Warner's Tuesday bow of the web-enabled HD DVD version of 'Blood Diamond,' Toshiba of America is offering a new firmware upgrade for its second-generation players.

Hitting stores on July 3, 'Blood Diamond' will be the first major studio high-def release to boast exclusive web-enabled content, including dynamic text and graphic content as well as additional interactive web features. (It follows another web-enabled HD DVD release, 'Freedom Vol. 1,' which hit stores on June 26 from indie distributor Bandai Visual.)

Toshiba is making the update available for its second-gen player models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2W and HD-D2.

According to the documentation provided by the manufacturer, the upgrade will improve network connectivity in anticipation of the web-enabled content on 'Blood Diamond' and any future such enhanced titles:

Certain HD DVD discs may contain or have the capability of downloading studio-provided, Web-enabled network content. To minimize any potential capability and/or connectivity issues, before viewing such content, it is recommended that you perform the firmware update process.

The firmware can be accessed for direct download via the player's Ethernet ports. The upgrade can also be obtained for download at the company website's customer support section, or users can request a copy of the firmware free on CD (sent via traditional mail).

For more on 'Blood Diamond's pioneering web-enabled content, check out Peter Bracke's just-posted comprehensive review.

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

Related links:
Toshiba HD DVD Player Firmware Upgrade V2.0 [Official Site]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Blood Diamond (HD DVD)
Freedom: 1 (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Warner Brings 'Blood Diamond' to Blu-ray, HD DVD (Apr 19, 2007)
'Freedom 1' Offers First Look at HD DVD Twin-Format Disc (Jun 19, 2007)

Warner to Debut First "Blue Screen" Picture-in-Picture Commentary with '300' HD DVD

Tue Jun 26, 2007 at 04:07 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, Warner (all tags)

Warner Home Video is planning to push the boundaries of high-def technology with the July HD DVD release of '300,' which is set to include the world's first "blue screen" picture-in-picture commentary.

Warner first announced '300' in early May for a July 31 release on both Blu-ray and HD DVD, with initial specs including an In-Movie Experience video commentary track (exclusive to the HD DVD version).

Though IME tracks are common to many HD DVD releases, '300' will be unique in that it will include what Warner is dubbing the first-ever "Blue-Screen Picture-in-Picture Version." Throughout the track, director Zack Snyder will present the pre-CGI-enhanced version to the finished film, allowing viewers to compare the entire movie in both rough and completed forms.

The HD DVD will include several other additional exclusive features, including the "Vengeance and Valor" interactive game, a "Pick Your Favorite Scenes" function allowing users to assemble clips and create a unique montage, as well as other web-enabled downloadable features to be announced.

The remaining specs will be identical to both the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions of '300,' including standard audio commentary, multiple featurettes, a suite of "Webisodes" and deleted scenes.

Warner has set a $39.95 list price for the HD DVD/DVD combo version, while the pared-down Blu-ray will sell for $34.95.

Note that these separate-but-unequal versions of '300' are the latest in what appears to be new trend for Warner, following the recent dual-format release of 'Blood Diamond,' which the studio issued in a stripped-down Blu-ray version earlier this month, ahead of a more full-featured, IME-enhanced HD DVD edition due on July 3.

You'll find the fully updated specs for both version of '300' llinked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule, under July 31. We'll keep you posted on any further spec updates, and stay tuned for full reviews of both versions..

We've also set up dedicated threads for '300' in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the '300' Blu-ray release and the '300' HD DVD release.

 

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
300 (Blu-ray)
300 (HD DVD)
Blood Diamond (Blu-ray)
Blood Diamond (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Warner Brings 'Blood Diamond' to Blu-ray, HD DVD (Apr 19, 2007)
'300' to Conquer Blu-ray, HD DVD This July (May 15, 2007)

Online Interactivity to Spearhead Universal's 2007 HD DVD Assault

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 03:50 AM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, HDi, Universal, Microsoft (all tags)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is betting that interactivity will boost HD DVD in its next-gen battle against Blu-ray, with the studio planning to release three major titles in 2007 with web-connected features.

While no HD DVD-supporting studios have yet taken advantage of the Ethernet capabilities found on all Toshiba first- and second-gen HD DVD players, that is due to change by year's end, when Universal will unveil three, as-yet-announced releases to take advantage of the format's web connectivity.

The news came courtesy of Kevin Collins, Microsoft's director of HD DVD evangelism, who outlined the studio's plans to Video Business. Microsoft, Toshiba and Universal have been the primary backers of the HD DVD format since it's launch last year.

"We are still scratching the surface of what we are capable of doing, but Universal is leading the format in terms of exploring all the different aspects that are out there now," said Collins. "By the holidays, there will be a lot more features."

To date, Blu-ray titles have featured relatively little interactivity, as its BD-Java technology is still being tweaked for implementation on future titles. Of course that hasn't stopped Blu-ray from taking the sales lead over HD DVD over the last two months, following the introduction of the Blu-ray enabled PS3 and a steady stream of new disc releases.

Hoping to reverse the trend, Universal will continue to promote existing HDi-based interactivity in the form of its "U-Control" feature on two key upcoming HD DVD titles, 'Children of Men,' due March 20, and 'Smokin' Aces,' which streets April 17. The studio promises features even more advanced than those seen on earlier "U-Control" titles such as last September's 'The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift.'

On 'Children of Men,' viewers get a chance to see the film’s featured video billboard advertisements in their entirety, with the HD DVD allowing users to click on each of the approximately ten billboards and watch the complete ads.

'Smokin' Aces,' meanwhile, will integrate Google Earth to identify specific locations of assassins during the film.

We'll keep you posted as Universal's HD DVD plans continue to heat up throughout the rest of the year.

A complete list of all currently-announced Universal titles can be found in our HD DVD Release Schedule. Stay tuned...

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

Related links:
Universal Pushes HD Interactivity in New Titles [Video Business]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
February Disc Sales: Blu-ray Continues to Outsell HD DVD (Mar 09, 2007)

'Poseidon,' 'Scooby-Doo' Lead Warner January Blu-ray, HD DVD Lineup

Tue Dec 05, 2006 at 02:29 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, Warner (all tags)

Warner Home Video has announced its first Blu-ray and HD DVD releases of the new year, with 'Poseidon' resurfacing and 'Scooby-Doo' finally getting a date.

After being quietly bumped from its original December 5 release date, 'Poseidon' will now arrive on January 16 on HD DVD, joined by 'Scooby-Doo,' which will see a simultaneous debut on both HD DVD and Blu-ray.

Warner has also announced it will bring 'Goodfellas' to Blu-ray on the same day; the title was already released on HD DVD back in May.

Specs for 'Poseidon' are the same as originally announced, including a 1080p/VC-1 video transfer, Dolby TrueHD soundtrack and plenty of supplemental features, including an In-Movie Experience HD exclusive.

No specs yet for either 'Scooby-Doo' release, though features should be identical. 'Goodfellas' will also include all the same extras on Blu-ray as its counterpart HD DVD release.

All four titles will be priced at $28.95 (which represents a nice $6.00 reduction for 'Poseidon,' which was originally announced at $34.95).

We'll keep you posted as soon as full specs come in, and all listings have been updated in our HD DVD Release Schedule, and Blu-ray Release Schedule.

All titles have been added to our HD DVD Release Schedule, and Blu-ray Release Schedule.

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

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Poseidon' HD DVD Torpedoed? (Dec 01, 2006)
Warner Sneak Peeks Blu-ray, HD DVD Christmas Titles (Nov 02, 2006)

Paramount Adds HD Exclusives to 'World Trade Center'

Mon Oct 23, 2006 at 02:54 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, BD-50, Paramount (all tags)

Paramount is rolling out the high-def red carpet for 'World Trade Center,' with the studio planning lavish two-disc Blu-ray and HD DVD versions loaded with exclusive content.

As originally announced last week, Paramount will release the Oliver Stone film on both next-gen formats simultaneous with the standard-def DVD version on December 12.

Both the Blu-ray and HD DVD editions will be two-disc sets, with the Blu-ray boasting a BD-50 dual-layer disc for the main feature.

In addition to all the same extras as the standard def DVD version, including two audio commentaries with Oliver Stone and the real-life 9/11 survivors depicted in the film and nine deleted scenes, bonus HD content exclusive to both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions boasts four featurettes, a still gallery, a theatrical trailer and TV spots.

Paramount has set a $39.95 list price for each version of 'World Trade Center.'

Updated specs for both have been added to our HD DVD Release Schedule, and Blu-ray Release Schedule.

We also set up dedicated threads for both editions in our new Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'World Trade Center' Blu-ray release and the 'World Trade Center' HD DVD release.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'World Trade Center' to See Simultaneous Blu-ray, HD DVD Release (Oct 17, 2006)

Universal Adds 'U-Control' to 'King Kong' HD DVD

Thu Oct 19, 2006 at 09:57 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, Universal (all tags)

When 'King Kong' hits HD DVD this holiday he'll come fully interactive, as Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just announced it is adding the format's cutting-edge "U-Control" feature to the disc's supplemental features.

As seen on such recent Universal HD DVD titles 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift' and 'The Break-Up,' the "U-Control" feature allows users to access and control how they watch a disc's exclusive content, all in real-time and simultaneous with the film.

New to 'Kong' will be a picture-in-picture feature with additional cast interviews, behind the scenes footage and other exclusive contributions from director Peter Jackson. The disc also has a "My Scenes" bookmarking function that allows viewers to store their favorite scenes.

Note that Universal still has not announced the full specs for 'Kong' beyond U-Control, nor have they confirmed whether the disc will be a standalone HD DVD release or an HD DVD/DVD combo disc, as has been rumored.

We'll certainly keep you posted as more 'Kong' news comes in, and we've updated our HD DVD Release Schedule with the most recent specs.

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

Related links:
HD DVD 'Kong' Puts Users in Control [Video Business]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Microsoft to Bundle 'King Kong' with Xbox 360 HD DVD Player (Sep 27, 2006)


MORE HD DVD NEWS TAGGED "EXCLUSIVE HD CONTENT":

» High-Def Digest home page