Warner's Total HD disc brings New Line into HD

[DrPepper]

take from thedigitalbits.com

Here's the even bigger surprise: Representatives of both New Line and HBO were on hand at the event... and they pledged to begin supporting THD in 2007. New Line's Steve Einhorn commented, "We plan to completely support THD specifically. This will move our schedule ahead considerably." In response to a question from the audience as to whether this means New Line will release the Lord of the Rings films in THD, he added that the studio was "working on it now", that the titles were "high on their agenda" and that they were "looking at the right time and venue" for the release.

[enablerbro1]

Does THD work? Is it stable, reliable? Doesn't it just halve the possible file size on either format thus halving the data and, ultimately, the quality? I don't know that I like the sound of it. Players that can play either, discs that can be played on either player, what a mess. As a consumer I'm none too happy and can see the majority of people not buying into either format with it being so in the air. Who can blame them?

[newTV]

I am so glad that it looks like it wont be too long before LOTR HD comes and thats all i a waiting for!

[kmark40]

Originally Posted by newTV

I am so glad that it looks like it wont be too long before LOTR HD comes and thats all i a waiting for!

Totally with you. I need to be self indulgent on this one, cus I just want LOTR in HD! Hmmm? Will it be the theatrical version or extended?

[shaithis]

It HAS to be the extended or they will get ripped to bits over the decision.

[kmark40]

Originally Posted by shaithis

It HAS to be the extended or they will get ripped to bits over the decision.

100% agree.

(Fellow Lumley fan eh? )

[BadAss]

Extended means BD50/HD30 or bust. I personally can't see it happening any time soon. Its just a logistical nightmare. I want this format to die before it even hits the shelves.

I think both sides HD-DVD and Blu-ray should unite and create a petition against this pending disaster. We all have our chosen formats and we are the ones buying these movies, so they should give us one version each or nothing.

[Nic Rhodes]

My money would be on BD25 / HD DVD 30, which might explain their current policy.

[irascian]

Originally Posted by shaithis

It HAS to be the extended or they will get ripped to bits over the decision.

There was a quote from Jackson a couple of years ago where he mentioned the high-def versions and said there would be scenes that were filmed which hadn't made it into the extended version and which would appear on the high def version.

However he was quite adamant that the extended versions were a "one off" and he talked specifically about the fact that the new scenes would NOT be re-integrated into the main film the way they had been for the extended version. He's said several times that the theatrical versions are his preferred versions (he's always maintained that the extended versions were never the director's cut - just versions he put out for the more enthusiastic fans) and, more importantly, gave the impression that the high def versions would be the theatrical cuts and that those extended versions on standard DVD really were a "one off".

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by Nic Rhodes

My money would be on BD25 / HD DVD 30, which might explain their current policy.

Ditto - it seems the most reasonable option.

As for the extended editions I would be surprised if we got them - I should imagine the first release will be the original cuts. New Line are quite a small studio and therefore will want us to double/triple dip. Maybe the originals this year, extended next and ultra extended/uber boxset the year after.

[MitchR]

Anyhow, this would mean LOTR will NOT be HD DVD exclusive, pitty