More Smallville HD DVD details
by Richard Lawler 
posted Oct 20th 2006 at 12:01PM
The first network TV series to see release on HD DVD or Blu-ray, Smallville just gave us a few more reasons to eagerly anticipate the release of the season 5 boxed set. There will be an HDi interactive feature for the season premiere episode "Arrival" -- we suppose Warner can't call it IME seeing as its not a movie, but we're sure they'll come up with something -- and all episodes will be encoded in 1080p, with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks. All this HD goodness comes at a price, $79.98 to be exact; a $20 bump over the standard DVD edition when it hits Update: VideoBusiness is reporting that the 5-disc set will be available November 28, 2006. Sooner = better. (Confirmed.)
[Thanks, TJ]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
eRAD @ Oct 20th 2006 1:59PM
That's great news! I've never watched Smallville on HD. My cable provider doesn't carry the CW (WB back then) on HD yet (I live in Vancouver, BC).
My HD-DVD choice is looking better and better. Can't wait to get the drive for my Xbox 360.
Andy @ Oct 20th 2006 2:11PM
Will smallville be coming to blu-ray PLEASE! PLEASE! I'd also like 24, LOST, and House to be released on blu-ray. Also for blu-ray, studios could release entire seasons of SD TV shows one a single disc. That would be awesome.
Matt Krebs @ Oct 20th 2006 3:00PM
Thats a great idea. Full seasons on a HD DVD or Blu-ray would be a great idea. One less reason to get off the couch. Although who watches an enire season in one sitting.. Oh yeah I do. Currently its The 4400. Just got 3 more disks from netflix. Couch, here i come.
Minibos @ Oct 20th 2006 5:18PM
I just watched Smallville on HD over the air for the first time last night... so pretty... I have to agree that there's just no way you can go back after viewing HD.
Andy @ Oct 20th 2006 6:11PM
I am so glad my local cable company offers CW and ABC in HD, because they aren't over-the-air stations in my town, so I can watch smallville and Lost in HD :)
Wayne @ Oct 23rd 2006 11:05AM
I don't know if "Smallville" is being filmed with different cameras or different cinematographers, but this season the show looks amazing. It's on par with "My Name Is Earl" and "C.S.I.", both shows that really highlight the "wow" factor of HD.
Previous seasons of "Smallville" looked good, but had a softer focus. The softer focus combined with all the red hues (sunsets, the barn, Clark's clothing) created a sometimes fuzzy-looking image. It also appeared that a lot of dust was in the air in previous seasons, especially during shots that showed strong natural lighting.