Warner Unveils First HD-DVD "Hybrid" Disc; Announces Three More Titles for May Release

Hoping to pave the way for broader consumer acceptance of high-definition DVD, Warner Home Video late today announced it will release the first "hybrid" next-gen disc that will feature HD-DVD content on one side and standard DVD content on the other, reports Home Media Retailing.

On May 9 Warner will release the Jennifer Aniston comedy 'Rumor Has It...' as a hybrid HD-DVD disc the same day as its standard DVD counterpart. The studio has not announced details on tech or special extras for the disc, although the standard DVD does not contain any supplementary features aside from the film's theatrical trailer. The hybrid HD-DVD disc will retail for $39.95.

"Purchasing a disc now in this format gives consumers the greatest flexibility in viewing options," Steve Nickerson, SVP of market management for Warner, told HMR. "If they own an HD-DVD player, they'll get all the benefits of HD-DVD. If they’re considering a future purchase of an HD-DVD player, they can still enjoy the movie [on their existing DVD player] until they upgrade."

Warner also announced an additional three HD-DVD titles for May release. Streeting May 2 are 'Goodfellas' and 'Swordfish,' followed by 'Training Day' on May 9. All will contain 1080p-encoded transfers, Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround tracks, and the same supplemental features as their standard DVD counterparts. No exclusive HD content will be included, and retail will be $28.99 apiece.

All of Warner's new disc title announcements have been added to our comprehensive HD-DVD Release Schedule.