I was wondering if anyone had run across a place that specifically compares a BD release to its HD counterpart for films released on both formats.

I now own both formats so I'm curious as to which to pick up. Specifically Planet Earth, but there are obviously other films out there that are on both formats. Could be a handy tool when it comes to picking something up.

Here you go.

Damn. That was quick. Thanks.

do a flat search on the forum for the mentioned title by name - or just check out the reviews on the forum. There are a couple of reviewers on this site that do individual reviews.

- you could just compare those.

or check out your favorite online etailer for what features are on both and make the informed decision.

No problem. I find them to be the most 'neutral' site out there.. so long as you stay away from the forums lol.

That's the problem. Take Planet Earth. 5 stars for each on DVDtalk. But how do they compare to each other?

Features are only viewed once, so those aside, it may be nitpicky, but I want the best damn picture quality money can buy.

If both versions use the same encoding there should be no difference in picture at all. The only difference you will find sometimes is in the audio and the IME features on some HDDVD releases.

From the site above I did notice that the encoding on Planet Earth is identical on each release.

Any other tips when looking at comparable releases?

The same reviewer looks at both the BD & HD DVD when writing the reviews. Most of the time, you only have to look at 1 review to see what the differences are between the formats, if any... I still check them both out, just to be sure.

And I also do check out the reviews here!

I think we do a pretty good job here of comparing the two versions. We don't have always have the same reviewer do both titles at once, but even then, I really can't think of a movie released on both formats where the PQ of one was significantly better or worse than the other. Usually the biggest differences come in audio options and special features.

My only complaint here is the main review page layout. I know there are hot-links for navigation, but if you scroll down from the top, you have to pass through stuff like Make Her Ass Scream: Louder Bitch! on your way to the HD sections.

I always use the index links on the side of the page, takes me right to the HD/BD sections.

Try this: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/hd.php