Paramount Unveils Full 'M:i3' Specs; 'Impossible Missions' Box Set Also Due

The official and final details are in for the much-anticipated bow of 'Mission: Impossible III' on HD DVD and Blu-ray, as well as first news on a special box set of all three films in the 'M:I' franchise.

Paramount Home Entertainment has issued the full press release for 'Mission: Impossible III,' which made headlines last week when the studio announced it would become the first A-list title to debut simultaneously on both next-gen high-def formats when it hits stores October 30.

We've also confirmed some additional disc specs not included in the press release. In addition to the announced audio commentary with director J.J. Abrams and star Tom Cruise, four making-of featurettes, deleted scenes and theatrical trailer, both the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions will include the "Inside the IMF," "Mission: Metamorphosis," "Launching the Mission" and "Moviefone Unscripted" featurettes, photo gallery and TV spots that feature on the two-disc special edition DVD release.

Note that the HD DVD version will, as previously announced, include an exclusive enhanced interactive video version of the Abrams and Cruise commentary; however, the Blu-ray version will also include the track, but as audio-only.

Both the Blu-ray and HD DVD versions will be two-disc sets and, with the exception of the "Inside the IMF" and Mission: Metamorphosis" featurettes, photo gallery and TV spots, all supplementary material will be presented in full 1080p high-def video.

But that is not all the 'Mission' excitement Paramount has lined up for fans. Also due on October 30 is the 'Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Collection" three-title box set, which will also be releases simultaneously on HD DVD and Blu-ray.

Though Paramount would not confirm actual disc specs or pricing information, the release will include all three 'Mission: Impossible' films. And unlike 'M:iIII,' the first two installments will not initially be made available separately outside of the box set.

Expect further details on the 'Ultimate Missions Collection' to be announced in the weeks ahead.

The latest details for all 'Mission: Impossible' titles have now been added to our complete HD DVD Release Schedule and Blu-ray Release Schedule.