[Noggin1980]

Just posted by Robert (Toshiba dealer on our American rival site)

Beginning in January 2008, the HD-DVD Combo will be discontinued by Warner Home Video for the Theatrical New Release Business Unit. Warner will be offering the HD version only.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be the last title we are offering the HD-DVD Combo for. The Invasion will be the first HD only title on the TNR release slate.

-Robert

While a few will be diasapointed I think the majority will be pleased by this news.

[Spidey987]

Hopefully this means cheaper disc prices. I've read that the combo Harry Potter was meant to be in line with the Blu-ray version and yet it still seems to be listed around the £18 mark on import sites.

[Noggin1980]

It's a very safe bet that it will mean that HD-DVD and Blu-ray warner titles are exactly the same MSRP as shown by all the current non combos.

[Rasczak]

Disappointing

Personally I am a big fan of combis - especially where TV series are concerned. I see a number of advantages behind them:

Firstly they allow playing of your titles in all players - including laptops, portable DVD players, bedroom DVD players - you know, the sort of machines that aren't top of the upgrade list.

Secondly they allow Digital Flexibility. If I want to copy a movie onto my iPod then software exists for the DVD version allows me to do so.

I know alot of people dislike combis. And I read the odd comment on this forum where people talk about having to 'wash' their combis - this is something I have never encountered so it has never bothered me.

[Starburst]

Excellent news


It also means no need to re-release former combos as standard HD DVD in the attempt to re-acquire custom that was lost through the short sighted view of not providing a choice on the initial release.

[Pecker]

I have mixed feelings.

Steve W

[Adam_uk]

Thank GOD!

Universal please follow suit!

[Miniholic]

I'm with Raczak on this one. I don't mind combi's, never had any playback problems. Plus, I often lend films to my Dad to watch, and he has no intention of going HD for now.

I guess it'll give me a good excuse not to loan discs out to friends if I don't want to though.

[Bald Monkey]

I wonder if the combo's out there will become collectors items now.. They must be in low numbers compared to most mass market products today.. Shame they arn't of more popular / collectable movies.. but still you never know, that TMNT combo, might be an heirloom

[Jeff]

I liked them.

But it does show Warner still have plans for HD DVD for the new year.

[cooey]

Very pleased to hear Warner are dropping combos!!

[MI55ION]

Good news for the format!

Combos would have been a good idea in theory if they were the same price as Blu-ray versions and did not have any problems with playback. Unfortunately, the issue would still be that they need to be handled with greater care and are more prone to damage which is a nuisance for some and enough to turn them blu. Although I can see where it has advantages i.e. universal compatibility, my personal feeling is that with the way it was priced, HD DVD sales suffered and made it unpopular. I wouldn't mind them reintroducing combos when the format is ready, however this would be more of a long term strategy of phasing out DVDs (if it ever does come) rather than immediate market penetration. The combo format was a trial and from this news, I don't think it worked out as planned.

[kingfats]

Originally Posted by cooey

Very pleased to hear Warner are dropping combos!!

Agreed!