The Criterion Collection's long-awaited HD debut -- delayed by that annoying format war -- finally has a date, as well as a list of the first movies getting a definitive release in 1080p. If that wasn't enough, try this bit on for size: They won't charge viewers extra for the privilege. That's right, according to the e-mail that went out to subscribers today, all Blu-ray releases will feature HD picture and sound (no word on what codecs, although we expect nothing but the best considering the company has been mastering and restoring all releases in HD for years now), all the supplemental content and a matching (unspecified) price to their standard DVD editions. The complete email and list of a dozen movies follows after the break, along with a note that The Last Emperor will also be released in its original theatrical version on both formats for $39.95, while Walkabout will be an all-new edition.

[Thanks, Erik]

The strike is behind us and most shows are back on the air, but don't think you've felt the last of its effects, DVD and Blu-ray boxed sets for most of this season's TV shows will be a few episodes shorter than normal. Apparently the idea of charging a little less is just too outrageous, according to Video Business, Disney plans "extra" features like lengthened episodes and looks behind the scenes -- you know, exactly the kind of thing we've come to expect from our boxed sets. Still interested? Grey's Anatomy fans can look forward to the series Blu-ray debut September 9 (Lost hits December 9), part of a strategy to hit shelves closer to the upcoming seasons so fans might remember who McDreamy & McSteamy are. Mentions of possible Xbox Live debuts, or HD cases of Dirty Sexy Money and Ugly Betty were unfortunately missing.

From our friends at TV Squad comes word that a Firefly Blu-ray boxed set is in the works. The unfortunately short-lived series by Joss Whedon featured Jewel Staite as Kaylee, who recently let slip she was working on a special commentary track for the release. TVShowsonDVD confirmed with Fox a Blu-ray set is forthcoming (after the movie Serenity saw release on HD DVD from Universal), although it's apparently very early in development so we wouldn't start holding our breath just yet.

[Via TV Squad]

Losties are left with limited options for their our HD fix until the series returns in February, but to make the wait a bit easier and cheaper, Disney has announced a drop in price for the third season Blu-ray boxed set. After rumors of prices as high as $200 per season for HD Lost, it originally carried a $124.99 MSRP for all seven discs but that has now been reduced to $96.99, and actually listed for as low as $67.85 (compared to $38.99 for the DVD version) on Amazon. We don't know what prompted the price drop, but along with a BD-J special feature, 1080p transfer and uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack when it is released December 11, we're not complaining.

According to Home Media Retailing Magazine, Disney representatives confirmed that one of our favorite HDTV shows, Lost, will make its Blu-ray debut day-and-date with the DVD set of season three December 11th. No word on possible HD special features or price, but we can expect more details soon.


[Via MovieWeb]

CBS and Paramount have lived up to their promise of more details on the Star Trek:The Original Series Season 1 HD DVD/DVD combo boxed set at Comic-Con, announcing the 10 disc set will debut November 20th. As seen in the HD broadcasts, the visuals have been updated, along with remastered audio with a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. HD DVD exclusive special features include picture-in-picture video commentaries, an interactive tour of Enterprise, a documentary on the remastering process, rare home videos and additional information on seven of the episodes. All that Star Trek goodness that comes packaged in a "futuristic, clear case" with an SRP of $217.99, and still no word of a Blu-ray release.


[Thanks, Cameron]

We thought HBO and Warner might be up to something when they delayed the debut of The Sopranos Season 6: Part 1 from its original November launch date on HD DVD. We don't know if they were just waiting for the PlayStation 3, impressed by the improving quality of Blu-ray releases or what, but now the 4-disc, 12 episode boxed set is back and set to go on sale for both high definition formats December 19th. With a steep MSRP of $129.95 this could make an expensive Christmas gift for the well-connected HDTV owner in your life, but isn't The Family worth it?

[Via MovieWeb]

Lost fansite The Tail Section is reporting that sources from ABCs marketing department have indicated Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista is close to announcing a series of HDTV shows coming to Blu-ray boxed sets next year. ABC's Lost would be the flagship of the lineup and include many extras not available on the already successful DVD release. Unfortunately, if you thought the $79 Smallville Season 5 boxed set was high priced you may want to sit down as the rumor pegs a single season of Lost at $200. Future plans would include releasing shows in in two-episode discs, for $20 each. Lost is still a wildly popular series, but $200 per season is just a bit much, no matter what the extras...but you do want to be able to catch every single detail right?

Our friends at TheManRoom stumbled upon an interesting bit of information in their Invasion DVD boxed set, an advertisement for Smallville and The West Wing coming soon on HD DVD. Based on the box art displayed, one can assume that they plan on releasing current seasons of high-def shows on the new formats first, then working their way back through the older shows. Whether or not these will be day-and-date releases like The Sopranos remains to be seen, but we'll be keeping an eye out for Lost and 24 boxed sets.