Blu-Ray/HD-DVD new releases - Why so late?

[robfosters]

I know the technologies are still in their infancy, but is anyone else starting to get annoyed with the hi-def release situation?

How long do you think it will be before new films are released the same time as DVD? I would love to go into my local blockbuster and pick up a new release on a hi-def disc, but unfortunately, that is not possible.

Lots of people talk about whether or not the new technology will take off. In my opinion, it will only really take off, when this issue is addressed.

The new pirates of the caribbean film is one of very few titles that will be released the same time as DVD, but I assure you, while you can buy it, you wont be able to rent it straight away. The video stores only carry a few copies of blu-ray because they think it's not that mainstream, but everytime I go in, they film I want is out on rent. Surely that must tell them something.

I dont mind playing another quid per night for a blu-ray or HD-DVD, I just want to be able to enjoy a high-def new release without having to pay high prices to buy the disc, when I only want to watch it once!

[chelsea.tone]

If i remember correctly, it was only 4-5 yrs ago that Blockbusters went mainstream on DVD rental, so its gonna take quite a while. Just my thought

Tony

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by robfosters

I know the technologies are still in their infancy, but is anyone else starting to get annoyed with the hi-def release situation?

How long do you think it will be before new films are released the same time as DVD?

US releases, on both HD DVD and BluRay, tend to be day and date with the DVD versions. Most UK early adopters are supporting that market rather than the UK one so it's obviously going to take it longer to establish itself over here.

As for renting titles you would be better using one of the many online stores that offer rentals IMHO.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by robfosters

The video stores only carry a few copies of blu-ray because they think it's not that mainstream, but everytime I go in, they film I want is out on rent. Surely that must tell them something.

Like it or not high definition DVD in any form isn't mainstream and the big video rental stores couldn't possibly make a profit by carrying a wide range of products that only have a limited appeal.

[stevos]

My blockbusters are normally got the new bluray releases as soon as they are launched in the UK.

As for when will they release them at the same time, that depends on when they stop believing we will buy both formats if the HD version is released a few months later.

[Pecker]

KEEP IT NICHE!

There appears to be a mad clamour for high def to be in every household in the country. But why?

Okay, okay, I know. The more people with HD DVD and/or Blu-ray Disc players, the more films will get released in high definition.

But you can only watch ine film at once. Not all films are all that suitable for a high def double dip - I'll certainly not be replacing Will Hay's 'Good Morning Boys' on HD DVD.

As long as enough people are buying high def that most new films are released on one of the superior formats, coupled with a slow but steady flow of catalogue releases, that'll be enough for me.

Steve W

[Sonic67]

The Reaping and The Bean Holiday film both seemed to come out with the DVD.

[Sonic67]

Transformers seems to be out on HD DVD earlier than the DVD.

[Atchi123]

To be honest if they really wanted to create some buzz and drive demand for High-Def formats they should be releasing titles before the DVD version. IMO that be a bold move but would certainly drive awareness and create demand.

[Bald Monkey]

Originally Posted by Atchi123

To be honest if they really wanted to create some buzz and drive demand for High-Def formats they should be releasing titles before the DVD version. IMO that be a bold move but would certainly drive awareness and create demand.

I totally agree, I don't see why it would be that 'bold' a move either... All they'd have to do is announce that the HD versions were being released a week early, (ie. not SD a week late ) and the interest in HD would grow massively IMO, I'm not suggesting sales would, but it would certainly raise awreness IMO.

The SD version being a week later would not affect SD sales IMO, if you're gonna buy a film you're gonna buy it if it's out htis week or next. But I , and I expect others have bought the SD version as it was out first, then decided not to get the HD version, just yet... but if HD had been out first I would have bought that!

Can anyone think of a downside to HD released a week before SD 'cos I can't ???

[Pecker]

All I can think of is that studios release as soon as possible, unless there some sort of 'window' they're waiting for.

High def extras will probably take longer to create than SD.

So, waiting until a week after a high def release might simply mean sitting on a pile of discs that could otherwise be making you money.

Other than that, I think it's a great idea. And it really wouldn't be that much of a loss, because the studios would presumably only have to do this for a short time, until high def took a firm hold.

Steve W

[Bald Monkey]

Originally Posted by Pecker

All I can think of is that studios release as soon as possible, unless there some sort of 'window' they're waiting for.

I don't know... but I think all DVD releases are timed to fit into the calender, other releases etc etc.. non of them are simply done as fast as possible.. Although I could well be wrong of course!

Why just for a short time too? Lets not forget you pay a premium for HD, so a week earlier release would be another Value added concept to make us part with our hard earned.

[MI55ION]

Originally Posted by Bald Monkey

I totally agree, I don't see why it would be that 'bold' a move either... All they'd have to do is announce that the HD versions were being released a week early, (ie. not SD a week late ) and the interest in HD would grow massively IMO, I'm not suggesting sales would, but it would certainly raise awreness IMO.

The SD version being a week later would not affect SD sales IMO, if you're gonna buy a film you're gonna buy it if it's out htis week or next. But I , and I expect others have bought the SD version as it was out first, then decided not to get the HD version, just yet... but if HD had been out first I would have bought that!

Can anyone think of a downside to HD released a week before SD 'cos I can't ???

That's a bald proposal dude but I like it!

A good way to raise awareness.

[Manmc]

Great idea with the earlier release date for HD but it reminds me of Dvd-A/Sacd somewhat . You wonder if the studios really have the heart ?

Disappointed to see a banner running over their Hd-Dvd prebook section proclaiming the 'eratic (!) distribution of the format ' being a justification for early ordering Anyone else come across that problem elsewhere ? Apart from cancellations , I haven't . No such problems for BD apparently ? ( Maybe because of all those cancellations )

~M~

[Sonic67]

Shrek 3 is coming out day and date with the DVD.