As probably everyone knows, November 14 is the day that the theatrical cut of King Kong '05 is coming out on HD DVD. Additionally, the extended version of the movie will be coming out on SD DVD the same day. Assuming you're a fan of the movie, how do you plan to handle that situation? Will you buy both, or just the HD DVD and wait for the extended cut to make its way to the format, which will probably be a while with the hi-def thing still being "young"? I'm torn on what to do. I absolutely love the movie, but would it really be logical to buy the SD DVD?

When you "absolutely love the movie" logic seldom comes into the equation, now does it?

For my part, I never bought the movie on SD DVD. I'm getting the HD DVD, and that's it. I may double-dip at some point when the extended cut makes it way to the format, but only if software is a lot cheaper at that point.

Considering you really like the movie, why not rent the extended cut to see if it's worth it to you before buying?

Absolutely getting the HD-DVD version. The SD-DVD version will totally depend on the price point.

Not getting the extended unless it makes its way to HD.

Even though I think it is bullshit the way Universal is doing this, i will inevitably still buy both like the sucker I am.

I agree. Also, I already have the theatrical on SD-DVD, so I likely won't buy the HD of the theatrical.

As I already have over 1000 SD-DVDs, I am being very picky about what I double dip for. KONG on SD is already a stellar transfer.

I'll only be double dipping on movies I absolutely adore for HD, otherwise I'll be getting new releases/films I don't already own on HD-DVD only

Kong will likely be a reference disc when it hits HD DVD. Upgrading over the SD seems like a no brainer.

I realize that; however, the HD DVD won't have the extra footage, and Netflix won't carry the EE of the SD DVD.

At this point, I'm having a hard time justifying spending $20 or more for any movie on standard DVD, let alone a separate edition of a film I will have on HD-DVD (and one that was plenty long enough to boot). Needless to say, I'll pass on the extended version.

I thought the theatrical release was too long, so I'll be sticking with the HD release.

I really wanted to like this movie but after two viewings I just decided that it is just bad. Some great eye candy but since I'm running out of room, I'll give this a pass.

I was actually one of the people that loved the length of King Kong. The long film time was essential for the amount of character development jackson wanted and I never look down on the aspect of character development in films which is probably why I love almost every 3+ hour movie ever made. That being said I am all for the extended edition as well especially given Jacksons record with extended editions. The man has shown himself to be an absolute master in this area of DVD support. I do however disagree that it will take a long time before we see it on HD-DVD being as they already have a fresh transfer from which to make the HD Transfer from. Add to that fact that it is a big title for the HD-DVD format and I gurantee well see it before spring time. So ill buy the HD version of Kong and wait patiently for the extended version. Ill just rent it to satisy my urge to see it. Plus I wouldnt want to break my streak of no SD DVD's in the last 2 months except my Steeler box set :-)

PS..

Thank you, that is all.

I bought and already sold the SD of KK. I will get the HD DVD of it. I will read the reviews of the EE to see how it is, then I will wait for the HD DVD of it.

Ditto

Hmm. I thought the movie was good, but not great, and I already own the SD DVD. I did think the movie was too long (the second time I saw it, I was wishing I could FF the first hour), so I'm not interested in the extended edition. I doubt I could sell the SD DVD for much, so I may end up giving it to one of my nephews for X-mas if I pick up the HD version.

buying both. (SD: extended and HD)

Neither. I have the SD to tide me over for now. I've decided to wait till next summer before buying any HD, by then (hopefully) we'll know if another Kong release is coming...or if Universal's going to release on BD, etc.

Digital Freak said the HD DVD is a combo because he saw it. I believe him. But for a movie that is a combo, Universal is certainly hiding the fact. Every single cover I've seen makes Kong out to be a non-combo disc. No site mentions the combo factor either.

Hate to say it, but me too.

We also never got a listing of included extras.

Welcome back.

I think it goes without saying that this is a must have release, no matter what.

Members on AVS who have gotten their HD DVD add-on are saying King Kong is NOT a combo.

Is it dual-sided?

Weird that Kong is not a combo... it's definitely priced like one.