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Warner Bumps 'Otis: Uncut' Blu-ray to October

Thu May 08, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Warner (all tags)

Horror fans will have to wait a little longer for the high-def premiere 'Otis: Uncut,' which Warner says will now hit Blu-ray this October, four months later than expected.

As previously reported, Warner had originally set a June 10 arrival for 'Otis: Uncut,' day-and-date with the standard-def DVD. The studio has now set a new date of October 7 for the next-gen version.

Extras remain the same, including an audio commentary by director Tony Krantz and screenwriter Erik Jendresen, the "Twisted World of Otis" featurette, an alternate ending, and "Suite 16," aka "the home movie of Otis’ fantasies made by Otis himself."

Tech specs include 1080p video and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and subtitle tracks in English and Spanish.

As previously announced, Warner has set the suggested retail price for the Blu-ray at $28.95.

You'll find specs for 'Otis: Uncut' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under its new date of October 7.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Raw Feed's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Otis: Uncut' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Otis: Uncut (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Warner Premieres 'Otis: Uncut' on Blu-ray this June (Mar 10, 2008)

'Bridge Too Far,' 'Battle of Britain' Blu-rays Rescheduled for Father's Day

Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, MGM, Fox (all tags)

After a delay of over six months, MGM has rescheduled the Blu-rays of 'Battle of Britain' and 'A Bridge Too Far' for early June.

Originally announced for a November high-def debut, MGM yanked both WWII-themed titles from their schedule, citing plans to re-schedule both as part of a planned Father's Day promotion.

Now MGM has made good on those plans, slotting in both 'Battle of Britain' and 'Bridge Too Far' for a June 3 Blu-ray launch. (Where they'll join three other recently-announced Fox/MGM war-themed titles, 'Patton,' 'The Sand Pebbles' and 'The Longest Day,' which are all due the same day.)

MGM has yet to issue tech specs or supplement details for either 'Battle of Britain' or 'Bridge Too Far,' but full details should arrive shortly. Watch this space.

Suggested retail for the Blu-rays has been set at $39.98 a pop.

You'll find the preliminary specs for 'The Battle of Britain' and 'A Bridge Too Far' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under their new street date of June 3.

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Battle of Britain (Blu-ray)
A Bridge Too Far (Blu-ray)
Michael Clayton (HD DVD)
The Sand Pebbles (Blu-ray)
The Longest Day (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
MGM Bumps 'Battle of Britain,' 'Bridge Too Far' Blu-ray Releases (Nov 02, 2007)
Fox Preps Trio of War Classics for Blu-ray (Feb 29, 2008)

Digital Leisure Grounds 'Space Ace' HD DVD

Fri Mar 14, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, High-Def Gaming, Digital Leisure (all tags)

Citing Toshiba's "cessation of support for the format," Digital Leisure has pulled the plug on its planned HD DVD port of the arcade classic 'Space Ace.'

As previously reported, Digital Leisure had announced a dual-format release for 'Space Ace,' with both the HD DVD and Blu-ray due to touch-down on April 8. The company's decision now leaves only the Blu-ray still on track for release.

Also blasted like an asteroid is the "head-to-head" online gaming feature that was to be an exclusive to the HD DVD version. (At press time, Digital Leisure says the Blu-ray version of 'Space Ace' will not be BD-Live enabled. Whether the company plans to reissue the title in the future in a Profile 2.0-compliant version that includes the online gaming component remains to be seen.)

Although the company says it does not plan to issue an official statement regarding its HD DVD support, a company rep tells us that with the cancellation of 'Space Ace,' Digital Leisure is no longer planning any future titles for the format. That leaves 'Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp' (which the company had previously indicated in press materials would see a dual-format release sometime in 2008) also DOA on HD DVD.

As always, we'll keep you posted on all future Digital Leisure announcements as they come to us.

In light of the nixing of 'Space Ace,' we've removed the title's listing from our HD DVD Release Schedule. You'll find complete specs for the Blu-ray version in our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 8.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Space Ace (Blu-ray)
Dragon's Lair (Blu-ray)
Dragon's Lair (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Space Ace' Rockets to Blu-ray, HD DVD (Feb 06, 2008)

Image Cancels Upcoming HD DVD Slate

Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Image Entertainment (all tags)

Image Entertainment has canceled its entire remaining HD DVD release slate, and says an official announcement ending support for the format is forthcoming.

One of the leading suppliers of independent titles on high-def, Image had previously supported both the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, releasing a variety of music, special interest, and theatrical releases over the past two years.

A company spokesperson tells us that a written press release, due in the next several days, will confirm an end to their HD DVD support. Furthermore, effective immediately, Image has canceled all of the remaining HD DVD titles on its release schedule.

Among the HD DVD titles affected by the change are 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead' (originally due April 15), and a spate of IMAX films (which had been set for an April 8 release).

Image's upcoming Blu-ray release schedule will be unaffected by the news.

We'll keep you posted on Image's official exit from the HD DVD format as soon as an announcement is released.

In the meantime, we've removed all of the distributor's upcoming titles from our HD DVD Release Schedule.

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


Tai Seng Nixes 'Dragon Tiger Gate' HD DVD, Re-Announces for Blu-ray

Mon Mar 03, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Street Date Changes, Tai Seng (all tags)

Tai Seng has canceled the HD DVD release of 'Dragon Tiger Gate,' and announced that it will instead issue the title on Blu-ray this May.

As we've previously reported, 'Dragon Tiger Gate' was originally scheduled for a February 26 release exclusively on HD DVD. The title will now debut on Blu-ray May 27.

Offering a unique twist on the format-agnostic approach, Tai Seng had said that it planned on "testing the waters" with the HD DVD release of 'Gate,' which had been scheduled to hit shelves the same day as its Blu-ray-only release of 'Initial D' (that title arrived in stores as planned on February 26).

Although Tai Seng has not issued official word of a change in their format-neutral stance, at press time they had no future HD DVD titles planned. We'll keep you posted on any changes to the company's plans as they come to us.

Announced specs for the Blu-ray version of 'Dragon Tiger Gate' appear to best the now-canceled HD DVD version. The BD-50 dual-layer release will boast a Cantonese 7.1 Surround track (bumped up from the 5.1 on the HD DVD), additional English and Mandarin 5.1 mixes, and 1080p video.

Supplements include an audio commentary with the filmmakers, a "making of" documentary, eight additional featurettes, deleted scenes, a still gallery, and domestic and international theatrical trailers (all of which were announced for the HD DVD).

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray is $29.95.

In light of Tai Seng's news, we've added a listing for 'Dragon Tiger Gate' to our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 27.

We've also set up dedicated threads for both Tai Seng's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Dragon Tiger Gate' Blu-ray release and the (now canceled) 'Dragon Tiger Gate' HD DVD release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Dragon Tiger Gate (Blu-ray)
Firefly (Blu-ray)
Initial D (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Dragon Tiger Gate' Coming to HD DVD (Dec 07, 2007)

Sony Unveils Specs (and a Street Date Bump) for 'Steep' Blu-ray

Mon Mar 03, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Sony (all tags)

Sony has unveiled an extensive array of new extras for the March Blu-ray release of 'Steep,' but fans will have to wait an extra week to hit the slopes with the high-def version.

As we've previously reported, Sony originally told retailers to expect a March 18 Blu-ray street date for the extreme skiing documentary, day-and-date with the standard DVD. Now the studio has issued an official press release for the title with full specs, including a one week street date delay for the Blu-ray version, which will now hit stores on March 25.

Just-revealed extras shared across both formats include an audio commentary and Q&A with director Mark Obenhaus and skiers Ingrid Backstrom and Andrew McLean, two photo montages, and an interview with the late Doug Coombs (one of the greatest big mountain skiers of all time).

Tech specs boast 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio (48kHz/24-bit).

Sony has also unveiled box art for the Blu-ray:


As previously announced, Sony has set a $38.95 suggested list price for the Blu-ray.

You'll find disc details for 'Steep' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under its new date of March 25.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Sony's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Steep' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Steep (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Extreme Skiing Comes to Blu-ray with 'Steep' (Jan 15, 2008)

'Master & Commander' Blu-ray Back on Course for May

Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Fox (all tags)

After a series of street date delays, Fox has re-announced 'Master & Commander' for Blu-ray release this May.

Originally pegged for a high-def debut late last year, the highly-anticipated 'Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World' has suffered an unrivaled number of release snafus, with Fox delaying and re-announcing the title several times over the intervening months.

Now the studio has set a new (and we hope final) street date of May 13 for the Russell Crowe-starrer, which the studio will release concurrently with two other catalog favorites, 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid' as part of a Father's Day-themed Blu-ray promotion.

'Master & Commander's bonus features remain as previously announced, including four deleted scenes and the film's original theatrical trailer (in HD). Exclusive to the Blu-ray are a BD-Java-based "Historical and Geographical Pop-Up Map," a "Search Content" feature, and D-Box enhancement.

Tech specs for the BD-50 dual-layer release include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, English DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround (48kHz/24-bit) and French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and subtitle options.

MSRP also remains unchanged at $39.98.

You'll find complete disc details for 'Master & Commander' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's now indexed under its new date of May 13.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Fox's latest rescheduling in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Master & Commander' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (Blu-ray)
Mrs. Doubtfire (Blu-ray)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Fox Delays 'Master & Commander' Blu-ray (Again) (Jan 17, 2008)

Sony Sets Specs, New Date for 'Saawariya' Blu-ray

Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Sony (all tags)

Bollywood fans will have to wait a little longer for the high-def release of 'Saawariya,' which Sony says will now hit Blu-ray this May, two months later than expected.

As previously reported, Sony had originally set a March 15 arrival for 'Saawariya,' day-and-date with the standard-def DVD. The studio has now set a new date of May 6 for both versions for 'Saawariya.'

Presented on a BD-50 dual-layer disc, the next-gen edition will include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and Hindi and English dub Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround options.

Supplements are fairly minimal, with only a "Making the Music" featurette and a "Premiere Night" montage of press kit footage included.

As previously announced, Sony has set a suggested retail for the Blu-ray of $38.95.

You'll find complete specs for 'Saawariya' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under its new date of May 6.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Sony's latest rescheduling in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Saawariya' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Saawariya (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Bollywood Comes to Blu-ray with 'Saawariya' (Jan 03, 2008)

Paramount Nixes 'There Will Be Blood' HD DVD? (UPDATED)

Mon Feb 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)

UPDATE: 2/25/08, 3:00pm ET Although Paramount has removed 'There Will Be Blood' from its press site as reported below, the title may not in fact be cancelled. According to retail reports, the studio is still planning an April 8th release date, but has put an embargo on release details until March 4. (Details for the standard DVD have also been removed.) Stay tuned...

Though Paramount has yet to detail its Blu-ray transition plans, one of its previously-announced HD DVD titles may not be hitting store shelves as originally planned.

Announced just last week, the April 8th release of 'There Will Be Blood' would likely have been among the biggest titles to hit HD DVD this Spring, but following Paramount's announcement late Thursday that it will re-embrace Blu-ray, the title has quietly been removed from from the studio's official media website.

At press time it wasn't clear whether the apparent cancellation was a direct result of Paramount's move to Blu-ray. As we've previously reported, the studio has yet to provide a timetable for its first Blu-ray releases, nor has it commented on the fate of its upcoming HD DVD slate.

Notably, although 'There Will Be Blood' has been removed, Paramount still lists over a half a dozen HD DVD titles for release through early Spring. Here is a complete list of previously-announced Paramount/DreamWorks titles that remain officially scheduled as of this writing:

February 26: 'Beowulf'
March 4: 'Into the Wild,' 'Things We Lost in the Fire'
March 11: 'Bee Movie'
March 25: 'The Jack Ryan Collection,' 'The Kite Runner'
April 1: 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'

Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any official announcements from Paramount as they come in.

Thanks to Nick for the tip!

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Beowulf: The Director's Cut (2007) (HD DVD)
Into the Wild (HD DVD)
Things We Lost in the Fire (HD DVD)
Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
The Jack Ryan Collection (HD DVD)
American Gangster (Blu-ray)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Paramount Goes Blu (Feb 21, 2008)
Paramount Says 'There Will Be Blood' on HD DVD (Feb 20, 2008)

Sony BMG Bumps 'Beyonce Experience' Blu-ray

Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, Music on High-Def, Sony BMG (all tags)

Only days before it was due in stores, Sony BMG has announced an indefinite delay for the planned late-February Blu-ray bow of 'The Beyonce Experience.'

As we first reported early last month, Sony BMG had planned to bring the "Irreplaceable" singer's first solo high-def release 'The Beyonce Experience - Live at Madison Square Garden' to Blu-ray on February 26 (the title had previously been released on standard DVD back in November).

The distributor now says that 'The Beyonce Experience' has been yanked from its schedule due to "last-minute production delays." Although they stopped short of issuing a new street date, a company spokesperson tells us that the release is now on track for a re-announce "sometime later this year."

At press time, there were no changes to the disc's previously announced specs, which were set to include 1080i video and uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround audio. We'll keep you posted of any future updates or additions.

In light of the delay, we've moved 'The Beyonce Experience' to the "Release Dates Pending" section of our Blu-ray Release Schedule. Stay tuned.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for the disc in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss 'The Beyonce Experience' Blu-ray release

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Beyonce: The Beyonce Experience - Live (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Beyonce Experience' Comes to Blu-ray (Jan 08, 2008)


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