[rozettasmolanov]

Until distributers like Kino, Criterion, and Facets start releasing titles from their film library in HDDVD or Blu Ray, I see little point in investing in either at this point. So far, the vast majority of HD titles are garbage (300, Pirates, Bourne, etc). Blu-ray slightly edges out HDDVD in classic/art films, but not enough to tip the scale in their direction.

The ultimate outcome of the format war will be decided by the relatively small ranks of devoted cinephiles and not the technophiles, who are still the main consumers of HD video.

[Erunsenef]

The Bourne movies are a great exclusive.

I liked the Bourne movies, but not really enough to own. Something like a Jurassic Park Box set or all 10 Star Trek movies would be great. But then the ST movies won't be coming out until after the current exclusive deal runs out and I haven't heard anything about Jurassic Park in HD.

[rassedgesse]

Oh yea and 300 too! Which I have yet to watch in HD!

300 is an amazing film to see in HD.

Until distributers like Criterion

Yeah, because I can't wait for the Armageddon Criterion Collection HD DVD. [xmasgrumpy]

The ultimate outcome of the format war will be decided by the relatively small ranks of devoted cinephiles and not the technophiles, who are still the main consumers of HD video.

No, it'll be average Joe that decides the format wars.

[rassedgesse]

Something like a Jurassic Park Box set

Are you serious?!? [xmasshocked] Jurassic Park 2 is sh!t. Beyond sh!t, actually. And 3's still not the cinematic experience the first one is.

[rozettasmolanov]

Yeah, because I can't wait for the Armageddon Criterion Collection HD DVD. [xmasgrumpy]No, it'll be average Joe that decides the format wars.

Armeggeddon HD DVD? Not so much.[rolleyes]

Films like Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, Ran, BRD Trilogy, Andrei Rubleyov, Visconti's The Leopard, Battle of Algiers, The Last Emperor in 1080p HD? Yes please![yes]

Criterion was one of the founding pioneers in the DVD format. they abandoned VHS long before the major studios, were the first to adopt letterbox format and invented the concept of special features and audio commentary. they carry greater weight in the format wars than your average Joe who frankly couldn't give a ****, just as the average consumer didn't give a **** about films released in their original aspect ratio until criterion started doing it.

[mrPronmaker]

300 isnt the best movie to watch on your new hd-dvd though, it was made with more film grain deliberately, and since its more noticeable in hd, people dont think its as great as it is. Batman begins looks awesome though

[rassedgesse]

Criterion was one of the founding pioneers in the DVD format.

Yeah, I agree. Criterion's early DVD releases were just their laserdiscs ported over, though. I can't say I was ever a big fan of that move, though my Criterion Collection of The Killer is worth a very pretty penny now. [xmasthumbup]

they carry greater weight in the format wars than your average Joe who frankly couldn't give a ****

I'm just saying that the masses are going to decide the war. I'm with you here, I think Criterion is does a fantastic job on the movie landscape, but having Criterion on-board isn't going to sway Joe Six-Pack.

300 isnt the best movie to watch on your new hd-dvd though, it was made with more film grain deliberately, and since its more noticeable in hd, people dont think its as great as it is. Batman begins looks awesome though

I hope I'm not the only one that geeks over seeing film grain on these HD movies.

[ahagotyou]

just bought me a nice 1080p tv and i want a hi def dvd player why cant one of these freaking formats win already WTF

[aAaBecker]

Yeah. Its pissing me off a bit too. I'm shopping around for a new HDTV.. but I think I'm going to wait until I see one of the formats getting a lot more support than the other. Its frustrating. That, and the local Family Video doesn't carry any HD movies.

Well, I also want to see the new laser tech that's coming out and maybe the next revision of it to work out some kinks.

[mrPronmaker]

buy a combo that plays both

[CathBraun]

Competition is forcing the prices down, it's not a bad thing with both drives costing very little compared to DVD in the first year.

[sallythetolly]

i say dont worry about rushing into a purchase. just upscale yer dvd's. HD is over-rated anyway

[Cwvnyfsj]

buy a combo that plays both

Good idea, except that I only know of a single drive that can do that available atm, and it isn't even out in the UK yet....(this is talking for linkage to PC's which I suppose I am assuming as its on these boards).

You can however get both sperately for around £160-£170 if your in the UK. I just got a Pioneer 202 to go with my 42" XD1LEA Sharp 1080p TV as it's linked to my PC as a monitor anyway and its astounding playback, totally flawless.

If you are going down the PC player route though there are a nfew herdles, not least is PowerDVD's recent patches that exclude what many feel is an essential prog for thePC playing HD/Blu-Ray: AnyDVD HD. It still works but you used to be able to cancle out region coding, where as you can't now which is a shame. It may change soon though.

[CathBraun]

i say dont worry about rushing into a purchase. just upscale yer dvd's. HD is over-rated anyway

Depends on the size of your TV though, DVDs are fast looking pretty dire.

[mrPronmaker]

im talking standalone

Samsung BDUP5000 not til jan 08
LG BH100 and BH200

[Lkemybab]

i say dont worry about rushing into a purchase. just upscale yer dvd's. HD is over-rated anyway

I am guessing you haven't seen a well mastered HD/BD movie then...

Also, keep in mind that for these new formats, visuals are only half the improvement. Both formats support better audio, something which can really make a difference over standard DVDs..

[ahagotyou]

well i got a 57" and imo DVD is dead lol just wanna use this thing but not blow money on a soon to be dead technology, and really dont wanna buy 2 players and a combo is like $800 +

[rassedgesse]

I went with HD-DVD just a few weeks ago. The low cost of the players suckered me in.

[Annyllop21]

just bought me a nice 1080p tv and i want a hi def dvd player why cant one of these freaking formats win already WTF

Well it took about 10 years to settle VHS vs Betamax.

[Cwvnyfsj]

well i got a 57" and imo DVD is dead lol just wanna use this thing but not blow money on a soon to be dead technology, and really dont wanna buy 2 players and a combo is like $800 +

Go internal PC players with a media PC matey, even if you only pick one player it is so much cheaper to buy internal players for a PC then standalone ones, and since its the PC that dictates the playback quality if you have a good one playback is excelent.

I know its not for everyone, but having set up my media system that way (PC used as both a media and desktop PC) I would never look back, just so damned amazing watching Blu-Ray for under £100 extra cost to my already built PC. Add a good sound card and headphones or speakers and your getting a pretty serious set up for decent money.

Then theres the minor advantage of perks like 42" Crysis/WoW etc