http://www.reuters.com/article/filmN...35870420070726

Coming out November 13th and will have all three versions through seamless branching.

I've loved this movie ever since I saw it as a kid. I can't wait!

from USA Today:



Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Nov. 13

Details: Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition (DVD, $40; Blu-ray Disc, $50). Includes three versions of the film: the 1977 original theatrical cut, the re-edited 1980 theatrical special edition, and Steven Spielberg's director's cut, released in 1998.

Why it's important: It's the first time a Spielberg movie has been issued on high-definition disc, and it's the first home video release of all three versions

What's new: An interview with Spielberg created especially for this release and a retrospective documentary.

Plus: Only on the 50 GB Blu-ray edition are new "storyboard-to-scene" comparisons and the original 1977 "Watch the Skies" featurette. Blu-ray, says David Bishop, president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, "will add yet another new and thrilling dimension to this timeless film."

— Thomas K. Arnold, USA TODAY

Wow I didn't see that one coming. I'll definitely be picking it up!

Wow - this is great news.

While the HDnet showing of this wasn't a revelation in terms of PQ, I'm sure this release will better it.

This is great news and very surprising. I didn't think we'd see anything Spielberg for at least another year.

$50!!! Jesus!!

I starting to think this format is more and more like Laser Disc in terms of cost!

This is fantastic news! I'm starting to think Jurassic Park is not too far behind (on HD-DVD, of course).

It's not that bad though. The list price for the dvd is still $40, which I think is high considering that's a 10-year old format. You should be able to find this for around $35 on Amazon.

Youngsters.

The Criterion CAV set (which I did own and was thrilled to be able to) contained both the 77 and 1980 cuts...in LDs own clunky form of branching.
It also had a price tag of $125.
And there weren't a dozen different dealers to choose from, all offering their own discounts and free shipping on top.
$35 retail for this (even cheaper if DD has a sale at the time) is a relative steal.

I doubt it will look much different. The elements to this have never been in that great a shape, and all the special effects were old school opticals, which means twice the grain in those sequences. It will be better than sd, but I anticipate a lot of disappointed customers with this one.

I have the Criterion Laserdisc that kind of does this and never thought I would have a reason to replace it. Guess I finally do.

I can't wait for this one. Sweet! Any news on lossless audio?

oh my god!

It's Sony, so it will be guaranteed to have a lossless PCM and/or TrueHD track.

Looking forward to this.

Great news. Between this and the Kubrick announcement yesterday, I'm very excited for the 4th quarter of this year.

Out of curiosity anybody know who holds the distribution rights over in Europe? It may give some indication if this will be released in HD as well

Observing as someone who's format neutral, this has the potential to be a killer app for blu-ray. Would be nice to see Universal counter with something from their Spielberg library... like say Jurassic Park?

I think this is the first Blu-ray exclusive title that makes me jealous of not having a Blu-ray player.

Outstanding! What a shocker!

Sony distributes it worldwide.

FYI, you can look this information up yourself very easily by clicking on the "Company Credits" link on the movie's IMDb page.

Thanks a lot, i guess HD wont be seeing this anytime soon

Most. Anticipated. Blu-ray. Ever... for me anyhow! Awesome news!

What a welcome surprise! Must buy..period! Excellent news

The price isn't too bad considering it contains all the cuts. It's certainly cheaper than buying two or three separate releases.

universal tried to release spielberg movies on hd-dvd. spielberg gave them the middle finger and said no. those are spielbergs rights and no others. it's obvious what format he likes and believes in.

Um ... no.