HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "BD-50"Receive High-Def Disc News via RSS

Sony Commits to BD-50; Says No 'Da Vinci' Blu-ray 'Til 2008

Tue Mar 27, 2007 at 02:16 PM ET
Tags: Sony, BD-50 (all tags)

As part of Sony's press blitz commemorating the 100,000 units shipped for 'Casino Royale' on Blu-ray, the distributor broke its silence on two subjects that have been of keen interest to Blu-ray fans -- BD-50 disc adoption and 'The Da Vinci Code.'

In remarks made to the trade newspaper Video Business, Sony worldwide president David Bishop promised that 80% of the studio's upcoming Blu-ray titles would be released on BD-50 discs. The 50GB discs are capable of twice the data storage of the format's historically standard BD-25 disc.

"It's important, especially in this phase, that we make sure we are showing the absolute best quality in video and audio, and 50GB accomplishes that," explained Bishop. Bishop conceded that while replication companies are not yet at full Blu-ray production capabilities, he was confident that they will be able to handle the studio's push for 50GB titles.

Meanwhile, it looks like we can set aside the "will they or won't they" discussion surrounding 'The Da Vinci Code' on Blu-ray for a year or so, as Bishop confirmed that the studio is waiting to schedule the highly anticipated title (originally rumored for Blu-ray releaselast November) until sometime in 2008, when it believes more of the movie's core audience will have made the jump to Blu-ray.

"That audience who saw and loved ['Da Vinci'] on DVD is primarily older and in the next wave of adoption," said Bishop. "We will have another opportunity when 'Angels and Demons' [based on a book by 'Da Vinci Code' author Dan Brown] comes out theatrically in 2008."

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Blu-ray Royale ships record units [Video Business]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Casino Royale' Blu-ray Breaks 100,000 Unit Milestone (Mar 27, 2007)
Blu-ray Can't Crack 'Da Vinci Code' (Sep 05, 2006)

Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Booty to Include Two Discs, BD-Java Features

Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 02:32 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Exclusive HD Content, Disney (all tags)

In a pair of Blu-ray firsts for Disney, the studio will unleash their premiere two-disc and BD-Java-enhanced titles when it brings the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films to the format this spring.

As first announced late last month, the studio is set to debut 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' on Blu-ray on May 22, just in time for the theatrical premiere of the third film in the series, 'At World's End.'

With expectations high for both releases to be a "trojan horse" for Blu-ray -- meaning the kind of huge A-list titles that will entice new consumers to finally dive into the format -- Disney appears to be pulling out all the stops to ensure that fans will not be disappointed.

Each title will be a "75GB" release, aka a BD-50 dual-layer disc for the movie, and an extra BD-25 single-layer disc with additional extras.

Tech specs include the usual 1080p video transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks. Extras will replicate the existing, feature-packed standard-def DVD versions.

And exclusive to the Blu-ray releases will be two BD-Java bonuses. 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' will include "Scoundrels of the Sea," an interactive in-movie feature that presents facts on-screen about the legends and lore of pirates. 'Dead Man's Chest' will include an "exciting" new Java feature called "Liar's Dice," a single-player game shot in live-action HD video.

Disney has set a $34.95 suggested list price for each of the 'Pirates' flicks.

Full specs for both titles have now been added to our Blu-ray Release Schedule under May 22.

We've also set up dedicated threads for both titles in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' Blu-ray release and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' Blu-ray release.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Disney Sets 'Pirates,' 'Cars' Blu-ray Dates (Jan 24, 2007)

Buena Vista Quietly Goes VC-1 With 'Flightplan' Blu-ray

Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 04:51 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Buena Vista (all tags)

Due in stores today, Disney's latest wave of Blu-ray titles features the studio's first VC-1-encoded title, the Jodie Foster thriller 'Flightplan.'

As first announced last month, Buena Vista has three new Blu-ray titles arriving in stores today: 'Flightplan,' 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Invincible.' But while all of the studio's previous Blu-ray titles have utilized the MPEG-2 and AVC MPEG-4 codecs exclusively, they've snuck 'Flightplan' in under the radar with a 1080p/VC-1 transfer (the studio's press release for the title incorrectly stated that the disc would be released with MPEG-2) .

The 'Flightplan' experiment comes amid continued online controversy over the use by some Blu-ray-supporting studios of the more space-hungry MPEG-2 codec over VC-1, limiting the amount of high-def content that can be squeezed onto a standard BD-25 disc. While the recent introduction of the BD-50 disc has provided some much needed breathing room (the new disc packs in twice the storage space of a BD-25), some would still like to see Disney and other Blu-ray backing studios support the seemingly more efficient VC-1 codec (which was developed by HD DVD supporter, Microsoft).

Though Disney has not made any announcements of an official codec switch for its upcoming Blu-ray titles, sources say the studio has already lined up its second VC-1 release, 'Casanova,' which is due for release in early 2007.

As always, we'll keep you posted on the latest Blu-ray releases and codec information, and you can check out our full review of 'Flightplan,' which is up now -- watch for full reviews of 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Invincible' beginning later today.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Disney Unveils First BD-50 Titles (Oct 23, 2006)

'Employee of the Month,' 'Crank' Lead Lionsgate January Blu-ray New Releases

Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 12:09 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Lionsgate (all tags)

Lionsgate will bring the box office hits 'Employee of the Month' and 'Crank' to Blu-ray this January, along with an uncut 'Saw II.'

Kicking things off January 9 is 'Crank.' The Jason Statham actioner will be Lionsgate's latest BD-50 dual-layer release, and include three making-of featurettes presented in full 1080p video.

January 16 brings the Dane Cook comedy 'Employee of the Month,' which will feature an audio commentary with Cook and director Greg Coolidge, four featurettes, deleted scenes and bloopers.

Finally, January 23 will bring yet more blood with an uncut 'Saw II,' which Lionsgate will debut simultaneously with a separate Blu-ray release of the R-rated cut of 'Saw II' and a day-and-date-with-DVD 'Saw III.' The unrated 'Saw II' will feature even more gore than the theatrical version, plus audio commentary with the filmmakers and two featurettes.

All of Lionsgate's January titles will feature 1080p/MPEG-2 video transfers and DTS-HD High-Resolution and Dolby Digital Surround EX 5.1 surround options.

Retail will be $39.95 a pop.

New listings and updated specs including box art have been added to our Blu-ray Release Schedule.

We also set up dedicated threads for all the titles in our new Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Crank' Blu-ray release, the 'Employee of the Month' Blu-ray release and the 'Saw II (Unrated)' Blu-ray release.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Lionsgate Bumps Third Wave of Blu-ray Titles (Sep 27, 2006)

Buena Vista Goes All BD-50 for January Blu-ray Slate

Wed Nov 15, 2006 at 12:33 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Buena Vista (all tags)

Announcing their first line-up of all BD-50 dual-layer Blu-ray discs, Buena Vista Home Entertainment will kick off the new year with four new releases, led by a day-and-date 'The Guardian.'

Joining the Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher action drama on January 23 are the 2002 Best Picture Oscar winner 'Chicago,' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' and rescheduled from its original November 21 release date, the Heath Ledger romantic comedy 'Casanova.'

"We continue to forge new frontiers with our Blu-ray discs and to further explore the seemingly limitless boundaries of creativity the format allows," said Buena Vista president Bob Chapek of the studio's first all-BD-50 slate. "We've just begun to cultivate the future growth of our industry with Blu-ray."

Though no video or audio specs have yet been confirmed, all four releases will pack in the extras. Among the supplements included are audio commentaries on all four releases, multiple making-of featurettes, deleted scenes and more.

'Casanova' will also include "Reflections of Venice," a Blu-scape short film created specifically for Blu-ray by noted cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg.

Buena Vista has set a $34.95 suggested list price for each release.

The latest details for all four titles have been added to our Blu-ray Release Schedule, and stay tuned for final specs as soon as they are officially announced.

Related links:
Buena Vista Reveals Initial 2007 50GB Slate [Home Media Retailing]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Buena Vista Confirms Third Blu-ray Wave (Sep 18, 2006)

Paramount Adds HD Exclusives to 'World Trade Center'

Mon Oct 23, 2006 at 02:54 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, BD-50, Paramount (all tags)

Paramount is rolling out the high-def red carpet for 'World Trade Center,' with the studio planning lavish two-disc Blu-ray and HD DVD versions loaded with exclusive content.

As originally announced last week, Paramount will release the Oliver Stone film on both next-gen formats simultaneous with the standard-def DVD version on December 12.

Both the Blu-ray and HD DVD editions will be two-disc sets, with the Blu-ray boasting a BD-50 dual-layer disc for the main feature.

In addition to all the same extras as the standard def DVD version, including two audio commentaries with Oliver Stone and the real-life 9/11 survivors depicted in the film and nine deleted scenes, bonus HD content exclusive to both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions boasts four featurettes, a still gallery, a theatrical trailer and TV spots.

Paramount has set a $39.95 list price for each version of 'World Trade Center.'

Updated specs for both have been added to our HD DVD Release Schedule, and Blu-ray Release Schedule.

We also set up dedicated threads for both editions in our new Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'World Trade Center' Blu-ray release and the 'World Trade Center' HD DVD release.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'World Trade Center' to See Simultaneous Blu-ray, HD DVD Release (Oct 17, 2006)

Disney Unveils First BD-50 Titles

Mon Oct 23, 2006 at 01:55 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Buena Vista (all tags)

Continuing the rapid adoption of the BD-50, Buena Vista Home Entertainment has announced the release of its first four Blu-ray dual-layer 50GB discs in time for the holiday season.

As reported late last week, both 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Invincible' will hit Blu-ray on December 19, the latter Disney's first day-and-date release on the next-gen format. The studio has today confirmed via this press release that both titles will be BD-50s. They will be joined by the hit thrillers 'Enemy of the State' and 'Flightplan,' which the studio previously announced for a November 21 Blu-ray release last month.

Extras on all titles except 'Pearl Harbor' will mirror the bonus content found on their DVD counterparts. 'Invincible' will also included a bonus featurette exclusive to the Blu-ray release, while 'Flightplan' adds a new Blu-Scape short film entitled "Jet Stream."

Note that 'Pearl Harbor' was released on standard-def DVD in two versions: a two-disc set, and one of the more lavish box sets ever on the format, a four-disc monstrosity teeming with extras. The Blu-ray release appears to mirror the two-disc set, with three featurettes, a music video and trailers.

With the House of Mouse now onboard the BD-50 bandwagon, they join Warner, Paramount, Fox, Sony and Lionsgate, who have all announced dual-layer Blu-ray releases. All studios have pledged to continue their aggressive support of the format well into 2007, so we should continue to see a steady stream of new BD-50 titles announced.

Retail for all four of Disney's BD-50 titles has been set at a suggested $34.95 each.

We've updated the listings for all four titles to our Blu-ray Release Schedule.

We also set up dedicated threads for all releases in our new Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the ''Flightplan' Blu-ray release, the 'Enemy of the State' Blu-ray release, the 'Invincible' Blu-ray release and the 'Pearl Harbor' Blu-ray release.

Related links:
Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment Unveils First Day-and-Date and 50GB Blu-ray Titles (Press Release) [Yahoo]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Buena Vista Adds 'Invincible,' 'Pearl Harbor' to Blu-ray Line-Up (Oct 18, 2006)
Buena Vista Confirms Third Blu-ray Wave (Sep 18, 2006)

'World Trade Center' to See Simultaneous Blu-ray, HD DVD Release

Tue Oct 17, 2006 at 12:13 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Paramount (all tags)

Due day-and-date with the standard DVD release, Paramount Home Entertainment will release 'World Trade Center' on both Blu-ray and HD DVD in time for the holidays.

Though Paramount previously hinted that Oliver Stone's controversial 9/11 drama would hit high-def later this year, the studio has officially announced a December 12 street date for the release.

No tech specs or supplement details are available as of yet, though Paramount did confirm that 'World Trade Center' will be the studio's first BD-50 dual-layer Blu-ray release.

The studio has also set a $39.95 list price for each edition.

We'll keep you posted as more news comes in, and we've added listings for 'World Trade Center' to our HD DVD Release Schedule and Blu-ray Release Schedule.

We also set up dedicated threads for 'World Trade Center' on both formats in our new Forums area -- click the following links to discuss either the HD DVD release or the Blu-ray release.

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Warner, Paramount Announce First BD-50 Blu-ray Discs (Oct 11, 2006)

Warner, Paramount Announce First BD-50 Blu-ray Discs

Wed Oct 11, 2006 at 02:14 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-50, Warner, Paramount (all tags)

With whiplash speed, the BD-50 is enjoying rapid adoption by the major studios, with Warner and Paramount today announcing their first dual-layer Blu-ray disc releases will hit stores by the holiday season.

As reported yesterday, Warner will release the classic westerns 'The Searchers' and 'Unforgiven' on Blu-ray on October 31, with the studio confirming today they will also be BD-50 releases.

Paramount also told Video Business that it plans to unveil its first BD-50 title, Oliver Stone's controversial 'World Trade Center' in the coming weeks, though no actual street date has yet been announced.

The news comes on the heels of announcements from Sony, Fox and Lionsgate of their first BD-50 Blu-ray disc releases. In total as many as a dozen BD-50s could be on shelves by year's end.

"We discovered that once you optimize the picture and the sound, on a lot of movies that just eats up most of the room," 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment marketing EVP Peter Staddon said at the Media-Tech conference Tuesday in Long Beach, California. "In order to give the full Blu-ray experience, you need the extra 25GB, particularly on any long movie."

Hollywood's ready acceptance of BD-50 can only be good news for Blu-ray. We've always thought that any next-gen format has to offer a wealth of supplemental content and interactive features as well as full-resolution HD video and audio if it is going to succeed with mainstream consumers. With dual-layer Blu-ray discs at last becoming commonplace, it can finally go toe-to-toe with HD DVD in terms of supplemental content.

We'll keep you posted on the latest BD-50 announcements, and we've updated all the BD-50-related listings in our Blu-ray Release Schedule. Stay tuned!

Related links:
Warner, Paramount Announce 50GB Titles [Video Business]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Vendetta' Leads List of Seven New HD DVD, Blu-Ray Titles From Warner (Oct 10, 2006)
Sony Ready to Unveil First BD-50 Blu-ray Titles (Oct 05, 2006)
Lionsgate Goes BD-50 with 'Descent' (Oct 09, 2006)

Sony Officially Announces First BD-50 Blu-ray Discs

Fri Oct 06, 2006 at 05:34 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Sony, BD-50 (all tags)

As expected, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment today has announced its first three BD-50 dual-layer Blu-ray disc releases, led by the box office hits 'Click,' 'Black Hawk Down' and 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.'

Information had leaked yesterday that the studio was on the verge of announcing the format's first dual-layer BD-50 discs, whose increased 50GB storage capacity allow them to deliver increased bonus features and interactivity.

Today Sony officially confirmed the news via this press release. Hitting stores this Tuesday, October 10 will be 'Click,' followed by 'Black Hawk Down' on November 14, and 'Tallageda Nights' on December 12.

All three titles will include extensive bonus features shot in full high-definition video, and 'Black Hawk Down' will also be the first Sony title to implement the format's proprietary "Blu-Wizard" authoring environment, which supports enhanced interactivity.

We've updated our Blu-ray Release Schedule with the new specs, and stay tuned for in-depth reviews of 'Click' and Sony's future Blu-ray BD-50 titles in the weeks ahead.

Related links:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Unveils First Three 50GB Blu-ray Disc Titles [Press Release]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Sony Ready to Unveil First BD-50 Blu-ray Titles (Oct 05, 2006)


MORE HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "BD-50":

» High-Def Digest home page