This is what really has my interest peaked... If these titles are indeed "launch" titles for HD-DVD, well, then... It looks like I might be an early adopter. 90% of my collection I won't bother to upgrade, but if (at least 4 - and I would prefer ALL) the WB Kubrick titles are coming in HD in 2006... I guess I'm in.

As for the transfers... I'm going out on a limb here but if they are indeed HD-DVD... Well, anamorphic widescreen should be a lock, no? Really looking forward to the HTF WB chat to clear some of this up.

I must say, this is the only time I have ever even remotely given a thought to adopting the new format. But really just a brain burb is all. By the way, Johnny, it's "piqued" not "peaked."

:lol: Hey man, it's my trip, I'll peak when and where I feel like it... :p

I'll rebuy these if the current full-frame releases stay that way. Even though I can't see The Shining looking much better than it already does.

I'm hoping they put 'Lolita' out in the original aspect ratio.

I think it's pretty clear from some of the horrible composition in the unmatted FMJ that the intention was never to release it in that manner.

The films received better transfers in 2001 after Kubrick's death but the earlier DVD releases used laserdisc transfers that were created to Kubrick's specifications while he was still alive. I understand why people want his films in their OAR but the simple fact of the matter is this: Kubrick decided to release them with modified aspect ratios while he was still alive and his estate will undoubtedly insist that the aspect ratios remain as they are.

:lol: Yes, Johnny... I'm sure you will ;)

As for my 2 cents on the aspect ratio issue, many people believe many different things about what was intended, not to mention what personal preferences maybe for the framing of movies on DVD. Personally, all of these movies are masterpieces, and I've enjoyed many of them repeatedly, never breaking away from being absorbed in the film (including the super long ones) to grumble about the framing of the picture. Heck, I'm used to going to theaters and seeing films inappropriately framed, which does stress me sometimes, but I don't stress the DVDs.

Anyway, what I really want to see are up-dates on the contents and release dates of these new DVDs. That's what I would like to see on this thread, not the same old, redundant Kubrick aspect ratio debate. -rolleyes-

So, when we get HD versions they're going to reformat the films from the theatrical release ratio to fit the the shape most television screens had at the time Kubrick died?

Not necessarily. You can pillarbox a 4:3 image inside the 16:9 HD-DVD frame.

"So, when we get HD versions they're going to reformat the films from the theatrical release ratio to fit the the shape most television screens had at the time Kubrick died?" -Mammal

That says it all.

warner just confirmed on the chat that the shining and eyes wide shut will be 16X9 and TCO will be pillarboxed for Widescreen

Has a release date been announced?

nope

again, nobody asked if they will be released in one boxset or not..

Robert Crawford over at HTF just spilled the beans on some release dates, etc.

Expect the Stanley Kubrick SE dvds on September 6th, they will not be in a box set.

so no new boxset?
What other titles can we expect other than; EWS, The shinning, FMJ and 2001?

after that you will see a second wave of Barry Lyndon, Lolita, and A Life in Pictures. Odd that they are not upgrading them all at once and making a box....

Yeah, I really hope Barry Lyndon gets the treatment it deserves. One of my favorites.

Not to mention Full Metal Jacket.

Wasn't there something about an HD release of FMJ this year? Are they not going to do a special edition for DVD at the same time?

According to various sources, including WB reps at the HTF chat-

ALL of Kubricks WB films will be getting WS Anamorphic treatment-even the 1.66 films, such as Clockwork and Lolita-and as for precedence-Columbia already has released a great 16:9 version of STRANGELOVE-and the world didnt come to an end.
And of course, an uncensored, 16:9 EWS is coming!

And as for the photo that had THE SHININGs on-set camera monitor clearly marked as "save for 1:85" there goes the urban legend that SK only wanted his films foolscreen-he merely kept an eye out for a 1:33 safe area in his compositions, for eventual showing on TV-Home theater had not advanced enough for the ill and reclusive SK to get into the nitty gritty of home theater and DVD-no doubt he would have approved the BEST possible presentation for todays home viewing.
At any rate, THEYRE COMING!

ummmm....thats what we have been talking about all week.....

Well, to be fair I hadn't heard any confirmation that all of the films were getting the anamorphic treatment. So I think his post was a success. :)

Actually, it was even better -- it said "obviously you compose for [1.85:1]".

NOOO!!! These are being released on HD-DVD??? And you need a HD-DVD player to play them. I don't plan on getting one anytime soon. Wow, I expected them to just be released on the traditional format. Now I'm pissed!

They ARE being released on standard dvd....sheesh.

Canaryfarmer,
Good!! I was being told that they were being released on HD-DVD

Are you sure, though? On the HD talk forum, there is a list of release dates and the shining is on there. Being released in HD

simulatnious releases perhaps....think of it this way, HD/Blu-ray as cool as they are in no way have the initial financial impact that standard dvd has/will have for a long time to come. Lets just say that 100 Kubrick fans have standard dvd players. Out of that same 100 only say 4 of them own a HD/BR player. Why would warner only try to sell to 4 people when they can sell to 100.

I see hd/BR as a partner with dvd, much laserdisc to vhs. While many cinephiles and videophiles crave the new equipment (and can afford it) The mainstay american family doesn't need it, want it, or care about it. But this is for another thread....not the Kubrick one

rest assured that these dvds will be available on standard dvd.

Cameron, thanks for the info. Now I can sleep easier tonight, since I was worried I wouldn't be able to get the SE Shining. :)

I don't guess any new info has been revealed about these releases?

FMJ may indeed be on it's way in widescreen. Yesterday at around 3am it was on HBOHD! I was dead tired and only saw about 3 minutes though.

Looks like I'll be deleting the current Kubrick box set from my DDD sale cart.

In other Kubrick related new (well, sort of), György Ligeti has died at the age of 83.

I've also uploaded this snippit of Kubrick interview at the opening of 2001, I haven't seen it anywhere else before so I'd thought you might find it interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/?v=ihjfZAza4ho

I saw some of it last week. It was a really bad transfer(possibly upconverted instead of true HD) and the audio was 2.0. I think it's safe to assume the recent HD-DVD release is vastly superior.

That sucks... I was hoping to hear some more of his new music.

Oh my god, that's awful. He's one of my favorite composers. R.I.P. Mr. Ligeti, you won't be forgotten.

RIP, Maestro Ligeti.

wergo, do you have any respects to pay?

(Wergo was the record label on which music like Ligeti's Lontano was released for years.)

yah, i was a bit suprised that FMJ got a WS HD presentation, but no new standard disc....the HD disc is lackluster to say the least in the special features department...hopefully some good stuff is on the way.

Has anyone seen news or artwork on these releases?

Is the date still 9/6?