How Seamless is Your Branching?

There is a lot of talk about Seamless Branching, particularly the upcoming Warner title Return to House on Haunted Hill. Multiple sources are stating that this title will have seamless branching on Blu-ray Disc but not on HD DVD. This is not the first time – the Nine Inch Nails title Beside You in [...]

New Fox and Disney Releases to have Enhanced Interactivity

According to the August 22nd issue if Blu-ray Disc News, new interactive features planned for Fox’s upcoming global release slate include picture in picture capability, enhanced viewing and surround sound modes with the ability to mix and match picture and sound, direct access to in-movie features through one of the four colored buttons on the [...]

“Blue-Ray Tech.” Responds Strongly to Paramount/HD DVD Deal

Independent Blu-ray factory Blue-Ray Technologies spoke out strongly about the reported $150 million in incentives Toshiba and the HD DVD cadre gave to Paramount and DreamWorks Animation to shun Blu-ray discs according to cdrinfo.com. Erick Hansen of BRT calls it an act of desperation by HD DVD, which is in grave danger of losing [...]

Microsoft’s Kevin Collins Responds to Paramount Payoff Rumors

Here is the link to the post by Microsoft’s Kevin Collins on the HTF. He is responding to the Bill Hunts of the world that think Microsoft paid off Paramount/DreamWorks for their recent move to HD DVD exclusivity.
In a nutshell, Microsoft’s interests in HD DVD:

Xbox 360 HD DVD drive
VC-1 support for BOTH formats
HDi support
Work in [...]

Nickerson Departure Won’t Change Warner High Definition Media Strategy

Video Business today quoted WHV spokesman Jim Noonan saying that Nickerson’s departure “is not about a change in strategy”. Nickerson will be replaced by Dorinda Marticorena who is currently VP of kids and sports marketing.

Ratatouille Added to November 6 Pixar Releases

Various sites have reported that Ratatouille has been added to the Cars and Pixar compilation Blu-ray releases set for November 6. This has been confirmed by the two page advertisement in the Home Media Magazine. I am guessing it will be an expensive fourth quarter for HD Movie fans!

Steve Nickerson to Leave Warner

An article on The Hollywood Reporter states that Steve Nickerson, Warner Home Video’s ubiquitous next-generation disc guru, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. It is not clear what effect if any this will have on Warner’s position of neutrality in High Definition Media, though prior to Warner Nickerson was employed at Toshiba and [...]

Paramount’s HD DVD Decision Decried by Analysts

We read today at the Internet Movie Database that the decision by Paramount/DreamWorks to release high-definition discs exclusively in the HD DVD format is likely to decrease its overall sales of high-definition discs significantly and delay the public’s decision to purchase players for either HD DVD or Blu-ray. Jim Bottoms, CEO of media research firm [...]

Why Does Bill Hunt Love Blu-ray?

Photo taken by Sam Posten

How can your argue with this picture? We think the HD DVD
Promotion Group needs to work on their “Personal Marketing”.
Read Bill’s articles on TheDigitalBits

Costco HD DVD/Blu-ray Roundup w/ Pics

What can we say, we love checking out what’s new at our local Costco. During our latest trip we decided to give our readers the low down when it comes to Costco’s stance in the HD DVD/Blu-ray format war. The displays seen here may or may not be the same as at your local [...]