General Blu-ray News and Discussion - Part 5
02-01-08 | 01:20 PM
#351
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From: Pacific Northwest
Originally Posted by Adam Tyner
Why are you taking such offense at everything I write? I took your initial post to mean that you thought only a subset of Paramount titles were out of print, so I said that it affected all of their releases. It wasn't the snub you're making it out to be.
I really had no need to ever look up anything by studio until the HD exclusive stuff started.
02-01-08 | 01:40 PM
#352
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Originally Posted by cardaway
It was a direct reaction to the your adding the "rare and exotic" comment.
02-01-08 | 01:47 PM
#353
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From: Blu-ray.com
ADV Goes Blu
Pro-B
February 01, 2008
ICv2 has learned that ADV Films has chosen the Blu-ray high definition format and plans to begin releasing high def versions of some titles as early as this spring. A hghly placed source at the company told us that "frontlist is more important than catalogue right now," so the first high def releases will be the company's newest titles. The move to begin releasing Blu-ray versions of some new titles may have an impact on ADV's release schedule, as high def transfers will have to be prepared.
High definition is at a turning point, with Warner Bros.' recent decision to support Blu-ray exclusively beginning in June (the studio had previously supported both formats) swinging the momentum toward the format in its war against HD. Player sales moved heavily toward Blu-ray in the wake of the Warners announcement. But the Toshiba-led HD group is not lying down -- it will run a Superbowl ad supporting the format this weekend.
Anime companies have been slow to begin high def releases, with concerns over the format war as one important reason. High end distributor Bandai Visual has releases in both high def formats. Sony has released its features Tekkonkinkreet and Paprika in Blu-ray format. And FUNimation has expressed support for high definition anime as format issues become settled (see "Interview with Gen Fukunaga, Part 1"). But ADV appears to be willing to make its bet and move forward in a big way, believing that anime fans want the quality that high definition brings.
The move comes amidst a lot of speculation about ADV's future, after a tough year in the market in 2007, the ending of ADV's Newtype license (see "Newtype Successor Broadens Focus"), and discussion on fan sites about changes to ADV's Website. ADV issued a statement this week. "We know there are a lot of rumors swirling about, and that fans are looking for assurances that ADV will continue to distribute the anime series they know and love," the statement said. "While we can't go into any detail at this time, please know that ADV is working through a few short-term challenges and fully intends to continue our releases. We thank you for your patience."
Perhaps with its move to high definition, the picture at ADV will become clearer.
ICv2 has learned that ADV Films has chosen the Blu-ray high definition format and plans to begin releasing high def versions of some titles as early as this spring. A hghly placed source at the company told us that "frontlist is more important than catalogue right now," so the first high def releases will be the company's newest titles. The move to begin releasing Blu-ray versions of some new titles may have an impact on ADV's release schedule, as high def transfers will have to be prepared.
High definition is at a turning point, with Warner Bros.' recent decision to support Blu-ray exclusively beginning in June (the studio had previously supported both formats) swinging the momentum toward the format in its war against HD. Player sales moved heavily toward Blu-ray in the wake of the Warners announcement. But the Toshiba-led HD group is not lying down -- it will run a Superbowl ad supporting the format this weekend.
Anime companies have been slow to begin high def releases, with concerns over the format war as one important reason. High end distributor Bandai Visual has releases in both high def formats. Sony has released its features Tekkonkinkreet and Paprika in Blu-ray format. And FUNimation has expressed support for high definition anime as format issues become settled (see "Interview with Gen Fukunaga, Part 1"). But ADV appears to be willing to make its bet and move forward in a big way, believing that anime fans want the quality that high definition brings.
The move comes amidst a lot of speculation about ADV's future, after a tough year in the market in 2007, the ending of ADV's Newtype license (see "Newtype Successor Broadens Focus"), and discussion on fan sites about changes to ADV's Website. ADV issued a statement this week. "We know there are a lot of rumors swirling about, and that fans are looking for assurances that ADV will continue to distribute the anime series they know and love," the statement said. "While we can't go into any detail at this time, please know that ADV is working through a few short-term challenges and fully intends to continue our releases. We thank you for your patience."
Perhaps with its move to high definition, the picture at ADV will become clearer.
02-01-08 | 03:45 PM
#354
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From: Parks Unknown
ADV owns the DVD rights to Farscape, a show I really enjoy. Wonder what the chances of them releasing Farscape on Blu-Ray is. I have actually never bought any of the DVD sets, some of the Starburst Editions are actually OOP.
02-01-08 | 05:21 PM
#355
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Vendetta-AKK
ADV owns the DVD rights to Farscape, a show I really enjoy. Wonder what the chances of them releasing Farscape on Blu-Ray is. I have actually never bought any of the DVD sets, some of the Starburst Editions are actually OOP.
02-01-08 | 05:49 PM
#356
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From: Parks Unknown
Originally Posted by bunkaroo
I seem to remember reading something recently that they no longer control Farscape. I think Sony may have the right now.
I hope that is true. I love the show, but have found all of the ADV Farscape DVD releases subpar and overpriced.
02-01-08 | 06:39 PM
#357
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Originally Posted by Vendetta-AKK
I hope that is true. I love the show, but have found all of the ADV Farscape DVD releases subpar and overpriced.
My take on the Farscape Starburst sets is very different from yours. They weren't very expensive (unlike the first season set releases) and the PQ, AQ, and extras were outstanding, once ADV dumped the DVD-18s (which had a huge defect rate but which they replaced for free) and went with single-sided discs. I'd say they were about the best PQ TV on DVD I've seen. My only quibble is that the cases for the four disc sets were fragile and a number of mine have broken — but still functional — hubs and I can't find replacements that are the same width.
I don't know if I'd re-buy the series on BD because the Starburst DVDs look so good upscaled. It would depend on the price I guess.
02-01-08 | 07:55 PM
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From: Parks Unknown
Originally Posted by lizard
My understanding is that Sony acquired the rights to Season 1 of Farscape in January 2007, which is why the Starburst sets for S1 are OOP. What, if anything, Sony plans to do with the series remains a mystery.
My take on the Farscape Starburst sets is very different from yours. They weren't very expensive (unlike the first season set releases) and the PQ, AQ, and extras were outstanding, once ADV dumped the DVD-18s (which had a huge defect rate but which they replaced for free) and went with single-sided discs. I'd say they were about the best PQ TV on DVD I've seen. My only quibble is that the cases for the four disc sets were fragile and a number of mine have broken — but still functional — hubs and I can't find replacements that are the same width.
I don't know if I'd re-buy the series on BD because the Starburst DVDs look so good upscaled. It would depend on the price I guess.
My take on the Farscape Starburst sets is very different from yours. They weren't very expensive (unlike the first season set releases) and the PQ, AQ, and extras were outstanding, once ADV dumped the DVD-18s (which had a huge defect rate but which they replaced for free) and went with single-sided discs. I'd say they were about the best PQ TV on DVD I've seen. My only quibble is that the cases for the four disc sets were fragile and a number of mine have broken — but still functional — hubs and I can't find replacements that are the same width.
I don't know if I'd re-buy the series on BD because the Starburst DVDs look so good upscaled. It would depend on the price I guess.
Sorry, I really didn't mean to turn this into a Farscape thing but the ADV thing kind of made me think of this because they have distributed them in the past. You are right on about the PQ of the Starburst, but I would just prefer an actual whole Season boxset that is correctly priced. In part because I do not like the way the Starburst cases are designed, although the single sided re-issue helped I admit. To stear this back to BD conversation, I would buy Season 1 on BD if Sony chooses to release it. One of the things I would really like to see this year in general is more TV on BD. I really enjoyed my recent Lost: S3 BD purchase.
02-02-08 | 08:12 AM
#359
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
Moved the sales talk into its own thread.
02-03-08 | 11:16 AM
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From: Houston, Texas
Great news for National Geographic fans. Looks like there is another new release besides Sharkwater coming up and this is an Amazon exclusive for BD. It's called Six Degress Could Change the World. Haven't heard anything about it but will definitely be a blind buy for me. Here's the link
http://www.amazon.com/National-Geogr...2058867&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/National-Geogr...2058867&sr=1-2
02-04-08 | 03:15 PM
#361
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
One kind of interesting milestone -- there are two Blu-ray reviews at DVD Talk that are getting more pageviews than any other review on the site today. Admittedly, there haven't been any high-profile DVDs reviewed recently, and I'm sure that doesn't hurt, but for one of these next-gen formats to be topping the list -- especially since Across the Universe and 30 Days of Night aren't AAA titles -- is pretty neat to see.
02-04-08 | 03:33 PM
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From: Blu-ray.com
Originally Posted by Adam Tyner
...especially...Across the Universe....
Pro-B
02-04-08 | 04:15 PM
#364
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Originally Posted by Drexl
I'm not sure about the other one, but the review for Across the Universe was linked to on AVS.
02-04-08 | 05:48 PM
#365
There appears to be some new Warner title announcements coming tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning, according to blu-ray.com. Hopefully these include some of the pseudo exclusive HD DVD titles.
02-04-08 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
There appears to be some new Warner title announcements coming tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning, according to blu-ray.com. Hopefully these include some of the pseudo exclusive HD DVD titles.
02-04-08 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tonymontana313
Shawshank would be nice but The Green Mile would be better.
02-04-08 | 08:20 PM
#369
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Shawshank, Dirty Harry, Green Mile...all would kick ass. May I also venture hope for:
Heat
The Lost Boys
True Romance
Natural Born Killers
Batman/Batman Returns (probably too far off)
JFK
Heat
The Lost Boys
True Romance
Natural Born Killers
Batman/Batman Returns (probably too far off)
JFK
02-04-08 | 08:33 PM
#370
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Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
There appears to be some new Warner title announcements coming tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning, according to blu-ray.com. Hopefully these include some of the pseudo exclusive HD DVD titles.
02-04-08 | 09:07 PM
#371
DVD Talk Legend
Goonies in HD = I'm there!
Wizard of Oz would kick some major ass but as mentioned before it is most likely a holiday release.
Wizard of Oz would kick some major ass but as mentioned before it is most likely a holiday release.
02-04-08 | 10:40 PM
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From: Blu-ray.com
Originally Posted by Hammer99
I would take either one, but neither are close to the top of my want list. Wizard of Oz would be killer, but that feels more like a Xmas release to me.
Pro-B
02-05-08 | 09:22 AM
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist
I won't be surprised if we see a date for L.A Confidential as the German BR was given a date a couple of weeks ago.
Pro-B
Pro-B