Posted Tue Oct 10, 2006 at 10:20 AM PDT by
Universal continues its aggressive support of the HD DVD format with two new catalog title announcements for December, as well as unveiling a host of interactive features for 'Miami Vice.'
Just added to the studio's December 19 HD DVD lineup, both the blockbuster 'Mummy' spin-off 'The Scorpion King' and Martin Scorsese's Oscar-nominated 'Casino' will feature 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfers and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks.
Supplemental details are not yet known for either release, though as usual with Universal's HD DVD titles, expect most if not all of the same extras as on the standard DVD releases. Note that 'The Scorpion King' is also slated as an HD DVD/DVD combo, so if nothing else it should include all of the standard-def extras on the DVD side of the disc.
Universal has also unveiled the full specs for the December 5 debut of 'Miami Vice,' which was first announced for next-gen release last week.
In addition to 1080p/VC-1 video, the HD DVD/DVD combo package will include the Unrated Director's Cut of the film on the HD DVD side only, plus a new Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround that is sure to pack a wallop.
Universal is also getting aggressive with its support for interactivity, adding its new "U-Control" feature that allows users to customize how the watch the disc's HD exclusive content. Among the HD bonus goodies on 'Miami Vice' will be the ability to access "Tech Specs" and "GPS Tracking," and if you've already played around with the studio's 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,' you're probably familiar with what to expect.
Suggested retail for 'Casino' has been set at $29.95, with both 'Miami Vice' and 'Scorpion King' going for the studio's slightly higher $34.95 combo pricing tier.
We've updated the spec listings for all three titles to our complete HD DVD Release Schedule, and watch for box cover art to be revealed soon.
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