So putting HDi logos on the front of some discs was not hype?

HDi was hyped just as much, if not more, because at the time it was something that could be claimed as a unique feature since BD didn't have it's 2.0 shit together yet.

HDi is the technology for the overall interactivity layer on HD DVD. it is more akin to [BD-Java + Bonus View + BD-Live] than specifically BD-Live. any promotion of HDi technology was as much to differentiate HD DVD from DVD, which doesn't have the same interactive capabilities, than to differentiate it from Blu-ray, which everyone knew would eventually have the same interactivity.

all that said, i don't really know why we're dragging up format war politics again. HD DVD fanboys praised every online feature as being innovative. Blu-ray fanboys disregarded them all as being useless. some objective consumers praised the technology for its exciting potential, but called a spade a spade when the specific online features implemented were lame, just as most of us are doing now.

I'm not saying HDi wasn't hyped, I was trying to illustrate that (IMO) I was led to believe that BD Live (in combination with Blu-ray's overall spec) was suppose to be the Ultimate Experience in special features.

In the end... both are pretty much the same at this stage.

Just admit it. You love the games on Speed and Pirates 2. ;)

My fault - HDi is not synonymous with BD-Live, but HDi is pretty much needed for every online feature on HD DVD discs I think.

As my posts illustrate, my stance on the interactive on online stuff is the same with both formats - don't need it; don't want it.

Sure there's "exciting" potential, but I expect it will be used largely to get more $ from people through online shopping and the like. Hopefully some of the more creative content creators like Charlie de Lauzrika will do some good stuff with it.

Yeah, I didn't like the idea too much on HD DVD and I'm not liking it with Blu-ray either if it is just to download features that should be on the disc. I can see if for some kind of interactive thing like the group watch for Harry Potter. I probably would never use it, but at least it is not something I am missing that should be on the disc in the first place.

I think the "killer app" for online stuff isn't there and all we'll get is being able to buy ringtones and other bullshit plus having to download featurettes that should be on the disc anyway. PiP is not it in my opinion and honestly I don't think there is much else that you can do. Commentaries, text tracks, games, what else can they really do?

In a few years, expect a blank Blu-ray disc with a movie insert. But you'll be able to download the movie! As long as you enter the 56-alphanumeric code which must be obtained by calling a special answering center. :banana:

Speaking of online shopping, this time we'd better be able to actually buy those Fight Club bandages. I remember being so disappointed when I found out they weren't real.

HD Digest gave The 6th Day 4.5 for audio and video. I think I'm one of the few who likes this film. My copy should arrive this week.

You're not alone. I liked it also and plan to pick it up eventually on BD.

HD Digest, same as:

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies...71&show=review

?

No.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1349/6thday.html

Thanks so much! Always looking for new Blu-Ray review websites.

For anyone interested - xploitedcinema.com now has the Children Of Men Blu-Ray.

It's listed as only having DD 5.1. Users from various forums say it is a 640kbps track, so probably not as good as the DD+ on the HD DVD. Info I've found suggests a 23-38Mbps rate from an AVC encode.

It's one of my favorite films of recent times and I really hate having to rely on a notoriously problematic combo for it, so I'm going to take a chance. I'll have some thoughts on PQ/AQ comparisons when I get it.

And region free I presume?

If you are still using your HD DVD player, the HD DVD editions in the UK and Australia are non-Combo and are released by Universal, so they retain the 1.5 Mb/s DD+ track.

The title is part of EzyDVD's clearance and is available for ~$10.

I am still using my XA2 and I was aware of those options, but if I am going to bother replacing discs with imports, I'm going to do it on Blu-Ray.

I'm also curious to see the difference between the encodes and audio. I'm sure others will be interested in the comparison.

Yes it was confirmed a while ago, although initial reports last November said otherwise.

I don't think Xploited has ever stocked an import BD that wasn't confirmed as playable in US players.

Night of the Living Dead (68) coming to Blu-ray!!!

Night of the Living Dead (68) coming to Blu-ray!!!

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/11893/
WOW! Very excited...but I already own this film on DVD in 4 different versions! Considering the movie is public domain...I wonder how many releases we will get?

*yawn

Call me greedy but I want Terence Malick films, I want Powell & Pressburger films, I want Wong Kar-Wai films, you know films that would actually showcase the amazing clarity of high definition.

As a new Blu-Ray owner, I was so excited to get the highly rated "Close Encounters". Which I've purchased in just about every format since it's been in the theaters. Seriously. And it's probably my favorite movie of all-time. But after watching nearly 30 minutes of it on Blu-Ray, I have the say the quality (to me) is almost identical to the regular 30th anniversary DVD I got a few months ago. Which is spectacular. I just didn't see too much different in both formats. Anyone else?

I haven't popped in the BD yet, but I watched the HDnet broadcast and it was a noticeable improvement over the last DVD - not the 2007 release. Haven't seen the DVD version of the 30th anniversary edition.

These questions are inevitable so I'll ask them:

What kind of display do you have?

Is it 720p, 1080i or 1080p?

How far do you sit from the screen?

What are you using for a player? What kind of connection? (HDMI, component, etc.).

Not sure if you've screened any other Blu-Ray's yet, but if so please share your thoughts on the perceived PQ.

The TV is a Samsung 61" 720p 1080i. I sit about 10-12 feet from the TV. The player is a Panasonic, the latest BD model (I think it's BD30?), and it's a HDMI connection.

I would give the PQ of the Blu-Ray of "Close Encounters" a 8.5 or 9/10. On other Blu-Rays that I've purchase and I have watched so far, by comparison:
"Underworld" (PQ 10/10)
"Casino Royal" (PQ 9/10)
"Hellboy" (PQ 10/10)
"Gattaca" (PQ 9.5/10)
"The Patriot" (PQ 9/10)
"Layer Cake" (PQ 9/10)
"Superman Returns" (PQ 9.5/10)
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (PQ 10/10)
"Terminator 2" (PQ 8/10)
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (PQ 10/10)
"Curse of the Golden Flower" (PQ 9/10)