HD DVD and Blu-ray releases on November 20th, 2007
For the fifth week in a row, the Blu-ray camp releases more than ten titles, and with it comes Fox's biggest title yet, Live Free or Die Hard. While at the same time, New Line has their first temporary Blu-ray exclusive in the way of Hairspary, thanks to the lack of region coding on HD DVD. The HD DVD camp has the long awaited Star Trek: The Original Series -- The Complete First Season, which is sure to be on quite a few people's Christmas list. These pretty much wrap up November, as we look forward to more than a couple blockbusters scheduled for December, including the latest installment of Pirates and the entire kid wizard collection.HD DVD 338 vs Blu-ray 365*
Blu-ray
- Badder Santa: The Unrated Version (Buena Vista)
- David Gilmour: Remember That Night (Sony BMG)
- Die Hard (Fox)
- Die Hard 2: Die Harder (Fox)
- Die Hard 3: Die Hard with a Vengeance (Fox)
- The Die Hard Collection (Fox)
- Hairspray (2007) (New Line)
- Live Free or Die Hard (Fox)
- Pathfinder (Fox)
- Rescue Dawn (MGM)
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (Buena Vista)
- Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Opus Arte)
- Star Trek: The Original Series -- The Complete First Season (Paramount)
- Tremors (Universal)
* Blu-ray total does not reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously available.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ryan @ Nov 19th 2007 10:16AM
Blu-ray is blowing out the releases! HD DVD needs to step up.
Kenundrum @ Nov 19th 2007 10:42AM
Can you really count the Die Hard Collection and all the individual movies as seperate entries? Its not a different movie, it's just a different way to buy a bunch of movies that are already released... just like the matrix trilogy or those "best of..." boxed sets...
domerdel @ Nov 19th 2007 10:45AM
if it has a sku, it counts i guess. but just for humor sake i'll say
338. vs. 364
John B @ Nov 19th 2007 11:14AM
Urghh!! At least $150 for the "Star Trek" set! That's NOT going to help HD DVD's sales numbers this week, although I'm curious to see how many Trekkies scarf it up. (Truth be told, I probably will be as well.)
Leonardo DiCrapio @ Nov 19th 2007 11:30AM
"Urghh!! At least $150 for the "Star Trek" set! That's NOT going to help HD DVD's sales numbers this week, although I'm curious to see how many Trekkies scarf it up. (Truth be told, I probably will be as well.)"
Price is about $100 after using a 20% off coupon at DeepDiscount.com
You should be able to find coupons at one of the following websites:
dealnews.com
bfads.net
pricegrabber.com
I believe two of the coupon codes are "DEALNEWS" and "PRICEGRABBER"
Mike @ Nov 19th 2007 11:21AM
Does the best of HD DVD count as a movie and if there is a best of blue ray does that get counted too.
We know engadgethd does count the close to 100 blue ray titles you can get overseas on HD DVD
JimC @ Nov 19th 2007 11:22AM
It is exactly this, titles being released, that will determine which format wins. Like I have said before, compare the bluray releases each week with HDDVD and really search your soul, and ask "which format will win each week in sales?" Then ask yourself if all the cheap players in world matter if the titles people buy most are not available for your cheap players....
If Transformers couldn't win a week for HDDVD and if Shrek the Turd doesn't pull it out, what rationale person could say that HDDVD has any chance in the remaining weeks of Q4 to win any week?
By the way, why is Hairspray a bluray only release? I couldn't care less about the movie itself but the fact that Newline (i.e. Lord of the Rings) is releasing a title for bluray only (at least for now) is curious...
Xyzzy @ Nov 19th 2007 12:15PM
I know you're trolling, but I'll feed:
"If Transformers couldn't win a week for HDDVD and if Shrek the Turd doesn't pull it out, what rationale person could say that HDDVD has any chance in the remaining weeks of Q4 to win any week?"
Transformers did win the week in revenue -- it was 50/50, and would've been 66/33 in favor of HD DVD if Sony didn't make all of their movies BOGO that week. Maybe a good business strategy just to keep the talking point alive, but it was cheating in a sense. More people PAID for their HD DVD movies (and paid $27 or more, I might add) than BD that week.
Plus, with the big releases on BD (Ratt,etc), BD isn't pulling away any. Stalemate.
As for the New Line question -- it's not on HD DVD because the format is region free and the movie is still being shown overseas. They don't want people to buy the movie here and ship it overseas.
And as was mentioned -- HD DVD still has more available movies to watch in the States when counting BD exclusives that can be purchased from amazon.co.uk, amazon.fr, etc. Ben just thinks it's difficult to go anywhere but .com ;) Heck, there's even a site in Ohio that lets you buy imports without worrying about currency conversion. :)
h0mi @ Nov 19th 2007 12:36PM
Has to do with distribution rights. Due to region coding (lack of) on HD-DVD, there are markets where it's still in theaters, so releasing the HD-DVD worldwide would undermine those theater owners.
IMO I'd prefer they delay the disc releases entirely until it's made its worldwide theater run. I've loathed region coding because it's relatively trivial to circumvent it- either buy players outside of your region or disable it (if possible) in your player. Seems like a boon to hardware sellers, not software or consumers.
Mike @ Nov 19th 2007 11:23AM
meant to say doesn't count the overseas HD DVD's like Fantastic Four
Leonardo DiCrapio @ Nov 19th 2007 11:26AM
I am buying a HD-A3 from Amazon (with 3 additional movies to make it a total of 10 for free -- i.e. Hot Fuzz) and Star Wars TOS Season 1 (HD-DVD) tomorrow as a XMas gift. I am planning on sending in for the free promotional Phaser, also.
Dave @ Nov 19th 2007 11:27AM
Go Foxy!!!!
andy @ Nov 19th 2007 11:32AM
HDDVD definitely needs to step it up.
Bueno Vista is bringing it with teh big catalog releases. I'd buy both if I had a blu ray player.
Coolone3000 @ Nov 19th 2007 11:32AM
@JimC Yes it is really curious, seems that warner bros has done the same thing though with Batman begins and the matrix trilogy so don't go have a blu-fanboy party just because you guys got hairspray. Oh and when i'm done "searching my soul" i'll go out and buy some more HD-DVD's lol. While you are searching your soul, think about the last time that price mattered to you and you'll have an answer to your cheap HD player question.
@ryan Blu-ray certainly is blowing out the releases........30 more movies......i better switch sides. Blu-ray has more backers, thats no secret, so its almost funny thats there is only a 30 movie difference.
JimC @ Nov 19th 2007 12:19PM
@Coolone3000, although Batman Begins and The Matrix are two titles I wouldn't mind owning, I'm really watching Newline because I *WILL* own Lord of the Rings on HD (whichever format has it first). If LotR comes out on HDDVD only, I will have to buy an HDDVD but hopefully Newline will continue their bluray first trend and I will never need to purchase a single HDDVD title...
The whole title count business is a bit silly once you get under the surface. What counts is quality. Again, WB will be releasing some quality titles here soon on both formats and that head to head matchup should be very telling.
Mike @ Nov 19th 2007 11:33AM
MONEY will decide...and they will figure that based on sales of titles...not if a bunch of old movie sold at 50% can sell the same as 1 title. But which side can make the most money. and Transformers having the best opening week on 1 side says a lot.
domerdel @ Nov 19th 2007 11:33AM
Hey Red team, you got an Amazon sale this week 47-50% off:
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/High-Def_Retailing/Universal/Amazon/Amazon_Offers_Select_HD_DVD_Titles_at_47_Percent_Off_List/1187
Kevin Murphy @ Nov 19th 2007 11:57AM
Well, with these releases and the 2-for-1 fire sale, Blu-ray needs to win the week by 4-1, or they're not long for the world.
Yes, I'm kidding. But only by parody of similar statements made recently about HD DVD.
TJ @ Nov 19th 2007 12:06PM
I'll definitely pick up the Die Hard Collection. Nothing on HD DVD this week.
My next HD DVD I'm looking forward too is Stardust waaay off in December. Most of what I'm picking up in early december (Pirates, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Simpsons) will be Blu-ray.
BTW, look like Amazon has severaly 1/2 off titles on HD DVD this week. You know, format wars are frustrating, but these "fire sales" on hardware and software are something I could definitely get used to!!!
Xyzzy @ Nov 19th 2007 12:17PM
"BTW, look like Amazon has severaly 1/2 off titles on HD DVD this week. "
Unfortunately, it's not really 1/2 off -- it's only discounted a few bucks more than usual. Better than nothing, but nowhere near as good as the BD subsidized BOGOs.
BTW - you could've had Mr. and Mrs. Smith on HD DVD months ago if you wanted...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=855923
Philihp @ Nov 19th 2007 1:14PM
"It would have been 67/33, if there weren't all of those other Blu-ray format movies being sold"
Michael @ Nov 19th 2007 9:15PM
Xyzzy - nice response on all points. I hadn't really considered that some titles haven't been released here because of the region free/overseas films still in theaters situation. That may be a very valid reason for such slow title releases here in the US. Makes a lot of sense for the studios to drag their heels when it comes to new releases if they are still making money in the theaters elsewhere. Unfortunately, that really screws with the market here as well.
BTW, what's the site for that place in Ohio? I'd love to start ordering a few imports even if they do cost a little more if for no other reason than to screw Sony over the way they've been gigging us with BD. Party on.
andy @ Nov 19th 2007 1:59PM
Ben,
Could you please put a link to a complete list of the titles available for each format in these posts?
Hotlinking the "Blu-ray v. HD-DVD" precursor to the listing would be awesome.
Thanks.
Ben @ Nov 19th 2007 2:01PM
Sorry, but that really isn't an option.
If you click through to one of the reviews, there is a link to all the release for each format on HighDefDigest's site.
cameron @ Nov 19th 2007 2:12PM
they left off sherk 3 on HD DVD
HDpurist @ Nov 19th 2007 11:35PM
Don't wanna burst your HD-DVD bubble but "Sherk" 3 came out on November 13, 2007. Read the title of this news posting a few times, you'll need to.
raulr @ Nov 19th 2007 2:19PM
Maybe it's just me, but about 90% of the total count for each format are movies that suck. Someone said it in a post above, it's quality that counts. Theses totals are useless for me. I couldn't care less which format releases the biggest number of crappy movies. Each format has some good movies. Maybe engadget can have a subheading of how many movies each format has that people would actually want to own. I know that's subjective, but it would be a hell of a lot more valuable to me than the totals posted now.
JimC @ Nov 19th 2007 2:41PM
It could be grouped by box office ranking....raw dollars isn't a measure of how good a film is but it shows how many people went to go see it....
Nfinity @ Nov 19th 2007 2:57PM
I'm not sure how people still count Paramount titles as Blu-Ray? Seriously. You are counting a "possiblity" where you might find leftovers somewhere or online.
It seems that Blu-ray fans have problems counting online purchases for imports and other titles when it comes to HD DVD but count titles as readily available on Blu-Ray when the only way you can buy them would be online or eBay. Ridiculous.
HD DVD has more titles. DONE.
Bob P. @ Nov 19th 2007 3:07PM
I don't see anyone trying to count the Paramount Movies. Sounds like your making up an argument again.
Nfinity @ Nov 19th 2007 3:17PM
Oh I misread indeed. So my bad. It was counted for a long time in the listings.
Btw, I don't make up anything. I actually backup all arguments, Blu-Ray fanboys seem to have problems reasoning with anything beyond PR and marketing statements from BDA. (off-topic)
The difference in number of titles is negligible because Fox is getting the heat from BDA and they are mostly releasing catalog titles, not to mention because HD DVD is kicking serious butt so they have to create at least SOMETHING positive. After Spiderman 3 flop, $98 players and even $199 A3 players with 10 movies now, TL51 being approved, Blu-Ray has NOTHING to fight this. So now, they are forcing Blu studios to publish titles so they can make their Blu-Ray exclusivity FINALLY money worth Sony paid for.
Btw, have you even read about the quality of Fox releases? Most of them are down right horrible. Oh, and check their prices too. They will most likely be over $40 for Fox titles. Peachy!
Johnny Blaze @ Nov 19th 2007 3:07PM
I'm glad to be on the Blu side. That Die hard collection is all mine and Hairspray got good reviews on Blu-ray so I may consider it for my Mom. I think Rescue Dawn was delayed. Someone mentioned Lord of the Rings. It's by New Line, the same studio responsible for Hairspray and I think they are owned by Warner. It will be out on both formats unless Warner decides to pick one format. I really want LOTR in HD. My Dad would love that Star Trek set so I may buy a cheap HD DVD player when it goes on sale again and it will because Blu ray is destroying them at the moment.
According to an article I read from the Blu ray festival a few weeks back, Star Wars episodes 1-3 (the not so great trilogy) was previewed on Blu ray and is most likely coming out next year. The Matrix tril was delayed and will get the green light once that new blu ray profile is out because there is a PIP commentary in that collection and Warner realizes that they shouldn't disappoint the Blu ray crowd by taking out key features like on 300 which ironically sold more on Blu ray.
Bob P. @ Nov 19th 2007 4:02PM
Just to be clear. I didn't say you made up facts. I said you make up arguments :) that's cool though. keeps things interesting
JeffDM @ Nov 21st 2007 12:17AM
Spiderman was a flop? Hardly. So it wasn't the top selling movie on HD, being #2 isn't a flop.
Spiza @ Nov 19th 2007 5:03PM
Has everyone heard of Wal-Mart's PS3 secret sale this week? get 10 blu-ray movies with 80GB PS3. No one knows yet if that includes the mail in offer though, but I assume it does.
http://holiday.ri-walmart.com/?section=secret&utm_source=Walmartcom&utm_medium=POV1&utm_content=secret1&utm_campaign=holiday
click on Preview Saturday's Specials for details
800lb Droll @ Nov 19th 2007 6:45PM
Nfinity, you should just copy & paste your posts because it's the same old rehashed misinformed rants I've ever had the misfortune to read!
Xyzzy @ Nov 19th 2007 9:22PM
@Michael: "BTW, what's the site for that place in Ohio?"
http://xploitedcinema.com/catalog/index.php
I've never ordered from them, but people on AVS do all the time.
HDpurist @ Nov 19th 2007 11:39PM
Wow, another week gone by with BD at the top, as NORMAL.
No matter, A2 owners are quite happy upscaling DVD.
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Fredster @ Nov 20th 2007 5:15PM
It's good Ben that you still have the "* Blu-ray total does not reflect 32 Paramount titles that were previously available", as i'm sure that for the most of us it would just confuse us and we would be unsure if they actually were included or not, i mean it was only last summer Paramount dropped BD, so that's like yesterday, almost....
JeffDM @ Nov 21st 2007 12:33AM
Was Nfinity being sarcastic about this too?