But doesn't the extended edition have all new extras? Or does it repeat extras from the first version?

I have the Kong Extended disc and the packaging says it has all new exclusive extras.

Well, that might make sense since Universal has a habit of including all extras from all releases. But that sucks that this first release is "barebones."

Also, I think this release was somewhat rushed to be released with the 360.

I think had universal had more time, they would have released it with extras and possibly a bigger release with the extended edition.

This release might have come about due to the deal with the 360.

Of course, I have no proof of that. As you say, I think we will see a bigger release (probably within a year or maybe 2).

This is YMMV territory, but a few posters at AVS have purchased Supes at Walmart for around the $19.99 price. I guess they are overlooking the list price like they did with Kong.

Thanks for the heads up. Will check it out during lunch.

I saw Superman Returns on HD only at my Best Buy and Walmart. The Circuit City had NO HD or Blu-Ray DVDs and Target didn't have any new releases. I could not find the Donner Cut or Superman: the Movie on HD DVD anywhere.

Target: Had around 7 BR, no HD DVD
CC: Didn't see any
BB: Had a big box [on the floor, not up] with like 7 of each of the 3 Supermans [HD DVD], no BR

my Walmart had an empty slot for HD Superman for $19.95 gues I'll be checking it out everyday at lunch to get a copy.

Picked up my copy at Wal-Mart for $19.99 tonight. They didn't have any in the slots either, both copies they had were in one of the hanging racks on the end of the aisle.

I viewed the HD DVD version last night. I also sampled scenes from the BD and the picture looked identical to me. It definitely looked high-def, with plenty of detail in the character faces, etc., but the colors were a little muted. It had that hazy look to it. But this is how I saw it in theaters, so it does match. I was just hoping for a bit more pop. The audio was amazing, except the dialogue was a bit low during some scenes. Felt like mumbling. But again, the dialogue in the theater also seemed a bit low. King Kong is still tops for me in video, but Supes' audio mix is definitely demo material, especially the jet rescue. And I was using optical. I will try out analogs and TrueHD this weekend to see if I notice a difference.

quick question, why doesn't Warners encode their audio at 1.5mbps like Universal? Why cut it in half?

The picture will be identical. Since those initial releases, WB will always have the exact same transfer.

The HD DVD definitely recreates the theatrical experience. It's a hazy film.

no luck for me
 

i went to CC, BB, Target, Walmart, and Borders and none of them had the HD-DVD version of Superman Returns.