All aboard the double dip express:

Warner Brothers is preparing a double dip for all of the Harry Potter films starting in December.

First up on the slate will be 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition' and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition' available on December 8.

Each of the Ultimate Editions will include a new one-hour featurette that highlights a unique aspect of the filmmaking process and will be combined to make the complete 8-hour documentary, Creating the World of Harry Potter. Ultimate Editions include five hours of special features (one hour of which is the new featurette); theatrical and extended versions of the film; 48-page collectible photo book and other magical collectibles.


Might be worth it, as they will include both theatrical and extended cuts of the films, and the In-Movie Experience (at least the first two will have IME).

Anybody willing to buy all of these a second time?

Extras, schmextras! Extended versions I like, but HP1 is only longer by 7 minutes and HP2 by 13 minutes. I'll pass.

I always felt these films were a HUGE lost opportunity. I understand the limitations of theatrical running time, but why not film all (or most) of each book and then offer a real extended edition on DVD/Bluray that is not just handful of crap scenes that, frankly, belong on the cutting room floor.

There could have been, for example, a 2 1/2 hour version for theatrical release that would then be the first DVD/Bluray release. Followed then with a 4 hour extended edition - still double dipping, but al least bringing some real extra value to viewers. I think this is essentially what Peter Jackson did with the LoTR trilogy. Not too many people seem to prefer the shorter theatrical editions.

Ah well, I guess vision is in short supply these days in hollywood - Knight Rider Series III anyone! (Of course, I felt this way about re-imagining Battlestar Galactica, and that turned into one of the best shows in TV history.)

I'm just going to wait til all the movies have been released, and the big giant accordion style box set comes out...cause that's all that's left for them to do.... the triple dip when all is said and done...

Boo to another shameless cash grab :(

No thanks! My HD DVD versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

Mark

No thanks! My HD DVD versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

Mark

Does anyone know what audio will be on these ..Dolby True or DTS MA?

These have been available through Amazon Pre-order for over a month.
However, there is no release dates as of yet.

boo to another shameless cash grab :(

+1

Extras, schmextras! Extended versions I like, but HP1 is only longer by 7 minutes and HP2 by 13 minutes. I'll pass.

I always felt these films were a HUGE lost opportunity. I understand the limitations of theatrical running time, but why not film all (or most) of each book and then offer a real extended edition on DVD/Bluray that is not just handful of crap scenes that, frankly, belong on the cutting room floor.

There could have been, for example, a 2 1/2 hour version for theatrical release that would then be the first DVD/Bluray release. Followed then with a 4 hour extended edition - still double dipping, but al least bringing some real extra value to viewers. I think this is essentially what Peter Jackson did with the LoTR trilogy. Not too many people seem to prefer the shorter theatrical editions.

i'm not sure there's 4 hours worth of material in the first 3 harry potter books; for instance hp1 the book is ~75,000 words the fellowship of the ring was something like ~175,000

fotr got a theatrical run time of 2:58 (983 wpm) minutes and 3:28 (841 wpm) minutes extended
hp1 got a theatrical of 2:32 (493 wpm) minutes and 2:39 (471 wpm) extended

tolkein of course was a verbose bastard, so a lot of his was not related to the plot (poems, long descriptions, etc...), but there are whole sections of the lotr are missing and not even inserted in to the extended editions. i don't recall much being left out of hp1 or 2, it wasn't really until the third one where things started to get left out. now once you hit 4 and 5 (haven't seen 6 yet) both those feel like cliff notes versions of the films.

oh and fwiw i actually prefer the shorter versions of lotr except for the first one.

thehdroom.com is reporting DTS-MA 5.1 for these. Interesting.

Does anyone know what audio will be on these ..Dolby True or DTS MA?

Yeah, I'd like to know too. Didn't the original Blu-rays have PCM?

I don't care about anything except seeing the deleted scenes with Rik Mayall from the first film.

The MSRP is giving me a migraine but I've been waiting for these for years; so much of the deleted footage actually improves the film, such as including Ron's previously missing apology-of-sorts to Hermione for being so rude to her and causing her to run off to the troll-attacked bathroom. I never really forgive Ron for his attitude, and the chaos to which it helps contribute, in the theatrical cut.

Didn't the original Blu-rays have PCM?

Yes, they had both PCM 5.1 and Legacy Dolby 5.1.

The MSRP is giving me a migraine but I've been waiting for these for years; so much of the deleted footage actually improves the film, such as including Ron's previously missing apology-of-sorts to Hermione for being so rude to her and causing her to run off to the troll-attacked bathroom. I never really forgive Ron for his attitude, and the chaos to which it helps contribute, in the theatrical cut.

Well if it weren't for all that chaos, they would've never became friends. So, it all worked out. :D

These have been available through Amazon Pre-order for over a month.
However, there is no release dates as of yet.

The first two will be released on December 8th.

no thanks! My hd dvd versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

mark


+1

No thanks! My HD DVD versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

Mark

Hah-hah!! Bless you, Sir. HD-DVD 4-EVA!! (But not really... :()

I havent seen any of HP movies. I plan to see/blind buy them but will wait for the inevitable complete release with all movies and all extras....may take a couple of years of dips and double dips releases, but I can wait.

After purchasing the special edition school trunk/book/whatever version I feel that this is a bit of a rip but eh no biggie I guess. I'm happy with my current versions.

DISC 1: Theatrical Version
DISC 2: Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres.
DISC 3:
- Diagon Alley
- Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights.
- Classrooms:
- Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes.
- Sorting Hat
- Library
- Gallery of Art & Architecture
- Hogwarts Yearbook
- Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts.
- Hogwarts Grounds
- Quaffle and Bludger - Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch.
- Tour Hagrid's Hut - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid's Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang.
- Extra Credit
- Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers - Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter
Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.
DISC 4:
- Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe - An introduction to the many special features for the Harry Potter films [NEW]
- Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins - Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. [NEW]
- A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special
- Deleted Scenes
- Trailers and TV Spots
DISC 5
- Digital Copy of Theatrical Film
- In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, Storyboard Comparisons, Still Galleries (Blu-ray only)
- WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more. (Blu-ray only)
- BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. (Blu-ray only)



Wow. They need a whole 2nd disc for an additional seven minutes of footage? Haven't they heard of seamless branching? Sounds like a ploy to have a higher MSRP by calling it a 5 disc set. One is a lame digital copy too. balls....

I'll wait for reviews for this one, but I'm slightly interested.

I'll wait for reviews for this one, but I'm slightly interested.

Same here. I LOVE the films but c'mon already with these different editions.

What really bugs me about these double (and sometimes triple) dips on HD is how many titles there are out there that many of us want but they haven't been released yet! Where's Alien/Aliens, Back to the Future Trilogy, Cleopatra, and Dances with Wolves? There are hundreds of other titles that need to be released on Blu before we get yet another version of Harry Potter!

Mark

What really bugs me about these double (and sometimes triple) dips on HD is how many titles there are out there that many of us want but they haven't been released yet! Where's Alien/Aliens, Back to the Future Trilogy, Cleopatra, and Dances with Wolves? There are hundreds of other titles that need to be released on Blu before we get yet another version of Harry Potter!

Mark

EXACTLY, Mark. And you know eventually there will be the uber duber deluxe box when all the films are finished. And I just hate this digital copy extra disc crap that we keep having no option to opt out of, (save for I think Wall-E and a few others)

http://www.collider.com/2009/09/18/harry-potter-ultimate-editions-announced-watch-the-trailer-for-sorcerers-stone-and-chamber-of-secrets-ultimate-editions/

Information on the Blu Ray with back coverart....DTS-HD Master Audio.

what really bugs me about these double (and sometimes triple) dips on hd is how many titles there are out there that many of us want but they haven't been released yet! Where's alien/aliens, back to the future trilogy, cleopatra, and dances with wolves? There are hundreds of other titles that need to be released on blu before we get yet another version of harry potter!

Mark

+2

You know, the more I think about this, the more I bet we'll get the Ultimate Editions of PRISONER OF AZKABAN and GOBLET OF FIRE when THE DEATHLY HALLOWS I comes out, then the Ultimate Editions of THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE when THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 2 is released.

You know, the more I think about this, the more I bet we'll get the Ultimate Editions of PRISONER OF AZKABAN and GOBLET OF FIRE when THE DEATHLY HALLOWS I comes out, then the Ultimate Editions of THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE when THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 2 is released.
Ah! But then when will the ultimate editions of Deathly Hallows 1 & 2 come out? :)

only available in the boxed set.

LOL! Yeah, probably.

DISC 1: Theatrical Version
DISC 2: Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres.
DISC 3:
- Diagon Alley
- Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights.
- Classrooms:
- Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes.
- Sorting Hat
- Library
- Gallery of Art & Architecture
- Hogwarts Yearbook
- Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts.
- Hogwarts Grounds
- Quaffle and Bludger - Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch.
- Tour Hagrid's Hut - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid's Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang.
- Extra Credit
- Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers - Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter
Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.
DISC 4:
- Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe - An introduction to the many special features for the Harry Potter films [NEW]
- Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins - Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. [NEW]
- A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special
- Deleted Scenes
- Trailers and TV Spots
DISC 5
- Digital Copy of Theatrical Film
- In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, Storyboard Comparisons, Still Galleries (Blu-ray only)
- WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more. (Blu-ray only)
- BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. (Blu-ray only)



Wow. They need a whole 2nd disc for an additional seven minutes of footage? Haven't they heard of seamless branching? Sounds like a ploy to have a higher MSRP by calling it a 5 disc set. One is a lame digital copy too. balls....

Can someone provide a link confirming this disc breakdown?

Edit: I was able to locate a copy of the press release, and the separate discs for theatrical and extended versions is in the description of the DVD version. The description of the BD version doesn't have the disc-by-disc breakdown. My big question is whether the PQ is likely to be any better than the original BD releases.

patrick,

from collider.com:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres - BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins - Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. • A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special - Deleted Scenes Trailers(New)

DISC 3: • Diagon Alley • Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry’s Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights. • Classrooms: Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; • Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes. • Sorting Hat • Library: Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts. • Hogwarts Grounds: Quaffle and Bludger - Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; Tour Hagrid’s Hut - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid’s Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang. • Extra Credit • Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers - Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.(From Previous Release)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 13 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres. BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters - Explore how the cast and creative team of directors and designers take the character’s descriptions on the page to the actor’s performances on film. • Screen Tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed - 2002 HBO First Look special - Trailers and TV Spots(New)

DISC 3: • Deleted Scenes • Lockhart’s Classroom • Photo Gallery: Certificates - Have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart’s many achievements; Required Reading - Find out what text books you’ll need for Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class. • Extra Credit • Behind Hogwarts • A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves - The author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life, and the changes that happen in the process. • Dumbledore’s Office • Build a Scene - Building a scene as magnificent as Professor Dumbledore’s office takes more than wood, plaster, nails and paint. It takes imagination. • Tour Dumbledore’s Office - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore’s office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts. • Interviews with Students, Professors and More • Gallery of Production Sketches • Activities • Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game] • EA Game Preview(From Previous Release)

Audio is DTS-HD Master Audio. 6.1 for the theatrical, 5.1 for the extended cut.

If this is done right, I would double dip on the set.

But the bad thing is that transfers/encodes will probably suck anyway since it's Warner and they're gonna cram in there theatrical/extended cuts + IME.

patrick,

from collider.com:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres - BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins - Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. • A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special - Deleted Scenes Trailers(New)

DISC 3: • Diagon Alley • Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry’s Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights. • Classrooms: Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; • Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes. • Sorting Hat • Library: Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts. • Hogwarts Grounds: Quaffle and Bludger - Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; Tour Hagrid’s Hut - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid’s Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang. • Extra Credit • Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers - Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.(From Previous Release)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 13 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres. BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters - Explore how the cast and creative team of directors and designers take the character’s descriptions on the page to the actor’s performances on film. • Screen Tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed - 2002 HBO First Look special - Trailers and TV Spots(New)

DISC 3: • Deleted Scenes • Lockhart’s Classroom • Photo Gallery: Certificates - Have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart’s many achievements; Required Reading - Find out what text books you’ll need for Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class. • Extra Credit • Behind Hogwarts • A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves - The author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life, and the changes that happen in the process. • Dumbledore’s Office • Build a Scene - Building a scene as magnificent as Professor Dumbledore’s office takes more than wood, plaster, nails and paint. It takes imagination. • Tour Dumbledore’s Office - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore’s office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts. • Interviews with Students, Professors and More • Gallery of Production Sketches • Activities • Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game] • EA Game Preview(From Previous Release)

Audio is DTS-HD Master Audio. 6.1 for the theatrical, 5.1 for the extended cut.

Thanks, that listing on that site does look like a copy of something released by Warner. So the question is whether the two versions will be done through seamless branching or just two separate versions of the movie on the same disc, as they did on I Am Legend, for example.

Ah! But then when will the ultimate editions of Deathly Hallows 1 & 2 come out? :)

Oh, you didn't hear? :eek: They're going to turn The Tales of Beedle the Bard into a 5 movie series based on the short stories in that tome. So that's likely to be when they release DH1&2's Ultimate Editions!


j/k :D

If this is done right, I would double dip on the set.

But the bad thing is that transfers/encodes will probably suck anyway since it's Warner and they're gonna cram in there theatrical/extended cuts + IME.



Yes, it is Warner, after all, so the best guess is there will be two entirely separate versions of the movie on the same disc and the PQ will be no better than on the original releases.

Ultimate Edition of Deathly Hallows Part I will be probably in the fall of 2011 since Deathly Hallows Part II comes out May of 2011(Video release of Deathly Hallows Part II will probably hit in November 2011).

Ultimate Edition of Deathly Hallows Part II will be a fall 2012 release with the release of the Harry Potter series boxset that contains the exact same elements these individual releases of the ultimate editions have.

As for the video, WB will likely use seamless branching with IME. I don't see them doing new transfers for the first two. It would be nice considering films 3 through 5 look pretty great on Blu Ray (Add film six to that list, I'm willing to bet).

For me, these would be a rent before buy deal. I have DVDs and BRs of the first 5, and honestly, the extras on them are hit or miss. Some are actually pretty good, and the interviews are worth watching. Some of the "making of the movies" segments are actually re-watchable. The ones on PoA for instance. But a lot of the other stuff is not up my alley. The games and "view this room" stuff does nothing for me.

I certainly wouldn't buy another version for 7 minutes of footage, and it better be 13 minutes of really ground shattering stuff to get me to spend again on Chamber of Secrets.

K,

These are definitely must buy(for me) for the extended cuts, IME, and the 8-hour documentary spread over the eight releases eventually. That documentary is the big selling point for me.

But, you are correct. The special features on all the films have been really hit or miss. I personally feel that Prisoner of Azkaban had the best special features....

As for the extended cuts K, if you saw Chamber of Secrets on TV, then you already saw the extended cut. If I recall, they did that with Sorcerer's Stone as well. But, the other films haven't got that treatment on TV yet. The rest of the films after Chamber of Secrets is what I'm most looking forward to, in terms of extended cuts, eventhough I know they won't be earth shattering extended cuts. I'd be willing to be that on average, the extended cuts for the rest of the films in this series will be seven to ten minutes.

patrick,

from collider.com:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres - BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins - Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. • A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special - Deleted Scenes Trailers(New)

DISC 3: • Diagon Alley • Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry’s Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights. • Classrooms: Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; • Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes. • Sorting Hat • Library: Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts. • Hogwarts Grounds: Quaffle and Bludger - Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; Tour Hagrid’s Hut - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid’s Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang. • Extra Credit • Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers - Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.(From Previous Release)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 13 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres. BD-Live(New)

DISC 2: • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters - Explore how the cast and creative team of directors and designers take the character’s descriptions on the page to the actor’s performances on film. • Screen Tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed - 2002 HBO First Look special - Trailers and TV Spots(New)

DISC 3: • Deleted Scenes • Lockhart’s Classroom • Photo Gallery: Certificates - Have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart’s many achievements; Required Reading - Find out what text books you’ll need for Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class. • Extra Credit • Behind Hogwarts • A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves - The author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life, and the changes that happen in the process. • Dumbledore’s Office • Build a Scene - Building a scene as magnificent as Professor Dumbledore’s office takes more than wood, plaster, nails and paint. It takes imagination. • Tour Dumbledore’s Office - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore’s office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts. • Interviews with Students, Professors and More • Gallery of Production Sketches • Activities • Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game] • EA Game Preview(From Previous Release)

Audio is DTS-HD Master Audio. 6.1 for the theatrical, 5.1 for the extended cut.

got it. guess what I found and posted before was for the DVD set...?

got it. guess what I found and posted before was for the DVD set...?

Yes

Yes

dagnabbit ;)

dagnabbit ;)

Indeed. ;)

Yes, it is Warner, after all, so the best guess is there will be two entirely separate versions of the movie on the same disc and the PQ will be no better than on the original releases.

I'm no techhead, but would it even be possible to release two completely separate encodes on one disc (for aggregate runtimes of 309 on SORCERER'S STONE and 335 for CHAMBER), with two separate 6.1 and 5.1 Master Audio streams, and come out with an image anyone would consider to be quality?

I'm no techhead, but would it even be possible to release two completely separate encodes on one disc (for aggregate runtimes of 309 on SORCERER'S STONE and 335 for CHAMBER), with two separate 6.1 and 5.1 Master Audio streams, and come out with an image anyone would consider to be quality?

Who said anything about quality? This is Warner, after all. And these movies were originally released on both formats, so Warner has already demonstrated that they can get one version of each movie into one HD DVD disc, which is not much more than half of a dual layer BD.

If the PQ and AQ is superior to the current Blu-ray's then I'll get 'em. I have yet to buy the current versions.

With WB's track record... it's anyone's guess.

Why couldn't they remix the extra footage's soundtrack stems, so both cuts had the same 6.1 audio? They're having to remix the movie anyway if this is 6.1 discrete DTS-MA. Strange.

I highly doubt they'll surpass the quality we have already, I'm sure it's just the same thing repackaged as far as the transfer/encode goes. If the picture quality does happen to be a bit better, I might bite, but I don't think I'm holding my breath on that one.

No re-encode / new transfer = No sale. There was only a little difference between upscaled DVD and the Blu-ray when it came to the first 2 parts.

I'll probably pick up the extended editions of one and two, but I doubt I'll get them when they come out. I'm content to wait for a sale.

Yes, it is Warner, after all, so the best guess is there will be two entirely separate versions of the movie on the same disc and the PQ will be no better than on the original releases.

Which is not even good to begin with. :(

I don't see them doing new transfers for the first two. It would be nice considering films 3 through 5 look pretty great on Blu Ray (Add film six to that list, I'm willing to bet).

That's something I would disagree. All HP looks filtered and with bad compression on BD.

Based on the quality of day-and-date releases from WB, I'm willing to bet not even part 6 will look great.

Titles like Watchmen, Gran Torino, Ghosts of Gilfriends Past, Observe and Report, Yes Man, Body Of Lies and every other day-and-date release from Warner looks either (at least) a little filtred or ineffectively compressed.

AAAHHHH! I know WB is gonna get me again...! I'm such a sucker for re-isssues! I was gonna by the Canadien Philospher's Stone just for a word in several parts....what's wrong with me?!

i'm not sure there's 4 hours worth of material in the first 3 harry potter books. i don't recall much being left out of hp1 or 2, it wasn't really until the third one where things started to get left out. now once you hit 4 and 5 (haven't seen 6 yet) both those feel like cliff notes versions of the films.

You're probably right with hp1 and hp2 - although there are a few fun scenes in the latter that were left out (de-knome-ing the weasley garden, for example). Hp3 and on certainly could have been significantly expanded.

Looks like they are already triple dipping.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3461#comments

So they first had Movies 1-5 with PCM sound. The Ultimate Editions will have DTS MA 6.1 theatrical/5.1 extended. Now this new gift set will have Dolby True HD 5.1. Is the next gift set with only movies 1-7 going to have an even different sound format, perhaps Dolby True HD 7.1 or maybe even 9.1?

This thread is frustrating, but very helpful.
I've been holding off buying the set.
My son is even going as HP for halloween (and his brother will be Hedwig), so they are "gearing up" -- but with SD DVD.

Thanks for the info...

Mike

they should offer upgrades

http://www.collider.com/2009/09/18/harry-potter-ultimate-editions-announced-watch-the-trailer-for-sorcerers-stone-and-chamber-of-secrets-ultimate-editions/

Information on the Blu Ray with back coverart....DTS-HD Master Audio.

UGH.

So they are putting these in non-standard craptacular packaging. Just to make sure that I have absolutely no where to put it other than in my HUGE dedicated Harry Potter display (here's a hint: I don't have one and never will!). Why can't they just use a standard Blu-ray case instead of the f'n cardboard JUNK??? If you want to include the book and whatnot fine, but instead of that flimsy cardboard case inside that won't fit with anything else, give me the standard case in the bigger box so I can file away all the crap and just stick the damn movie on the shelf..

You know what Warner? Never f'n mind. I'll stick with the standard releases. I'm not that big of a Harry Potter fan. Add this one to TMNT and every stupid digibook as a release I will not buy. None of these movies are my favorites (and thus are not required), but they are titles I would have purchased if they didn't piss me off.

I like the thin plastic case (eg Matrix, Firefly, etc).
They help you save shelf space.

Mike

USPS just delivered this: :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=159062&stc=1&d=1259018010

Ultimate Harry Potter 1 to 6 - Limited Edition Prestige Castle Hogwarts [Blu-ray] (contains 6 Blu-rays with 2 empty slots for Harry Potter 7 Parts 1 and 2 Blu-rays)

@ Airboss -

From where?
The kids would like that.

Mike

@ Airboss -

From where?
The kids would like that.

Mike


Amazon.fr (http://www.amazon.fr/Coffret-Int%C3%A9grale-Harry-Potter-Prestige/dp/B002AKKFSU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1259019654&sr=8-3)

I just checked "Harry Potter and the Half-Blooded Prince" BD and it's region free. I would think the rest of the BD would be region free also but I haven't checked them yet.

Here's another view:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=159067&d=1259020515

EUR 169,99 = USD 254
Ouch.

Mike

EUR 169,99 = USD 254
Ouch.

Mike


Plus around EUR 10.50 shipping and $8.80 INTL SERVICE FEE.

I'll probably skip on these. I bought the first four on HD DVD for $10ea after getting the 5th title as a freebie on the Toshiba rebate and enjoying it. Planned to get the ones from the 6th film onward on Blu- obviously. Now they're throwing out the theatrical/extended editions. They should've done this from the start. The series isn't among my top movies ever so I don't think I'll be double dipping, even if I wouldn't mind having them. This is expecting too much out of customers.

STOP. Everyone just wait for the final, 8 movie EXTREME editions: which is the Ultimate editions, with even more extras, cast commentaries, crew love stories, on-location documentaries, alternate commentaries with the movie stars only their drunk, harry potter wand, collectible cases that transform into <insert nifty harry potter world item here>, the books on audio-cd, new cast interviews with their reflections on the whole 8 film saga, and, and, even MORE extra footage in every film! especially filmed just for the giganta release! (Since the actors are older when this part is filmed, it will turn out to be future Harry assisting events in the background to happen as they should to prevent a whole new alternate ending from happening, in which everyone else in the gang dies except for harry himself. It will all be completely legitimate too, cause they will convince the author to write a short, eighth book that explains it all!)

See, cause if you don't wait, your'e going to be quadruple dipping by the time this super special set comes along. =)

I don't care about all the extras, but I do like having both theatrical and extended cuts of movies. I just don't think I'm going to bother here. This isn't double dipping on one release, it's double dipping on each title of a series that already has five releases out.

The first and second movies aren't even any good. Chris Columbus did the best job of trying to film the entire book and cram it all in there but he also forgot to include the magic and the movies sucked.

Starting with the Ultimate Editions of 3 onwards, I wonder if Warner will give the movies a new encode. Some of the scenes in the existing encodes of 3, 4, and 5 which were released on both HD DVD and Blu-ray have a lot of visible compression artifacting including hideous broadcast HD type macroblocking. If Warner just recycles the same crappy encode the way they did for the new Matrix releases on Blu-ray, they can eat a fat dick, I won't give them money for that crap.

Also, we shouldn't be rewarding this kind of behavior by giving Warner more money, just look at the way they are treating Lord of the Rings.

I'll probably skip on these. I bought the first four on HD DVD for $10ea after getting the 5th title as a freebie on the Toshiba rebate and enjoying it. Planned to get the ones from the 6th film onward on Blu- obviously. Now they're throwing out the theatrical/extended editions. They should've done this from the start. The series isn't among my top movies ever so I don't think I'll be double dipping, even if I wouldn't mind having them. This is expecting too much out of customers.

I got the 1st 4 prettty cheap on ebay for hd dvd earlier this year and got 5 with the Toshiba rebate also. I will by HBP on blu next month. I really don't want to double dip I would just rather watch the extended editions hopefully via netflix. Too much money for my blood for these extended versions.

The first and second movies aren't even any good. Chris Columbus did the best job of trying to film the entire book and cram it all in there but he also forgot to include the magic and the movies sucked.


I preferred the latter movies (except 6), but I still thought the first two movies had plenty of magic and were an excellent way to start the franchise.

The first and second movies aren't even any good. Chris Columbus did the best job of trying to film the entire book and cram it all in there but he also forgot to include the magic and the movies sucked.

Starting with the Ultimate Editions of 3 onwards, I wonder if Warner will give the movies a new encode. Some of the scenes in the existing encodes of 3, 4, and 5 which were released on both HD DVD and Blu-ray have a lot of visible compression artifacting including hideous broadcast HD type macroblocking. If Warner just recycles the same crappy encode the way they did for the new Matrix releases on Blu-ray, they can eat a fat dick, I won't give them money for that crap.

Also, we shouldn't be rewarding this kind of behavior by giving Warner more money, just look at the way they are treating Lord of the Rings.

Your broadcast HD must be pretty nice if it has as much artifacting as these discs have. I won't deny that it is there, but comparing it to broadcast HD?

So, is the PQ of these any sort of improvement over the original discs? From reading The Digital Bits' review, it sounds as if it's the same.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviewshd/bdreviews120409.html

So, is the PQ of these any sort of improvement over the original discs? From reading The Digital Bits' review, it sounds as if it's the same.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviewshd/bdreviews120409.html

Somewhere somebody posted screencaps and it would appear the first one is a new transfer (and therefore new encode). Color values and framing were different.

Different framing?

I'm curious about that.

I've read on several reviews that the DTS-MA is more robust than the pcm audio on the first discs. I wonder...

I've read on several reviews that the DTS-MA is more robust than the pcm audio on the first discs. I wonder...

It's a 6.1 mix from the EX masters. PCM were 5.1

It's a 6.1 mix from the EX masters. PCM were 5.1


Interesting. I doubt that translates to any added value on a 5.1 system unless the DTS is 24 bit.

USPS just delivered this: :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=159062&stc=1&d=1259018010

Ultimate Harry Potter 1 to 6 - Limited Edition Prestige Castle Hogwarts [Blu-ray] (contains 6 Blu-rays with 2 empty slots for Harry Potter 7 Parts 1 and 2 Blu-rays)

That is so awesome!

That is so awesome!

That is so overkill

So, is the PQ of these any sort of improvement over the original discs? From reading The Digital Bits' review, it sounds as if it's the same.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviewshd/bdreviews120409.htmlActually, this is what the Digital Bits had to say:

[Editor's Note: Upon further comparison with the previous BD releases of Stone and Chamber, I actually believe the new video presentations are slightly better, presumably resulting from the additional disc space devoted to the film in the new Ultimate releases. Contrast is a little improved, with slightly deeper blacks, and there's a bit more fine detail in the image. The difference is not large, but there is a bit of an improvement.]

I don't own any of the movies on BD, with the sole exception of HBP (and for $5 more than a single disc DVD, it was a no-brainer). I'm getting these. I just hope that the prices come off a little bit, under $30 would be nice.

Cobolisdead,

You stated that it has 6 discs. Is this years 1-6? Meaning Ultimate editions of all 6 movies?

Actually, this is what the Digital Bits had to say:

[Editor's Note: Upon further comparison with the previous BD releases of Stone and Chamber, I actually believe the new video presentations are slightly better, presumably resulting from the additional disc space devoted to the film in the new Ultimate releases. Contrast is a little improved, with slightly deeper blacks, and there's a bit more fine detail in the image. The difference is not large, but there is a bit of an improvement.]

Interesting. Obviously, they must have edited/added from the time of my last post.

so do we know if they really updated the video for sure?

maybe i missed it but do these movies have the extended scenes worked into the film? like what you see on ABC Family all the damn time? thanks kids

^yeah, the deleted scenes are worked into the movie. Once you put the disc in it goes to the main menu and if you hit play you select whether you want the theatrical or extended version. If you push the pop-up menu while the movie is playing there is an option to switch to the other version of the movie, however when you do this it doesn't start from where you left off, it goes back to the beginning.

I watched parts of CoS last night and watching the extended version, the deleted scenes are fairly well incorporated and video looks pretty good for those scenes, however the lighting conditions and color look a little bit different, probably due to the post production messing with colors and contrasts and such.

so do we know if they really updated the video for sure?

The video definitely looks a little bit different in the majority of scenes. The colors look just slightly more saturated/less washed out, and contrast in dark scenes seems to be improved. I only watched the previous Chamber of Secrets blu once, however it was just one week ago, and it looks to me like some instances of heavy grain, probably due to the super35, has been toned down. There might even be some very light DNR applied because some scenes that had a lot of grain before seem to look super smooth now, however I wouldn't call them 'soft' either.

Perhaps this is all in my head though, I have no way to do screencaps so...

No thanks! My HD DVD versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

Mark

When I saw all the new Blu versions I thought the same thing. I like my Blu Ray but my HDDVD versions still look great with my trusty X-A2.

USPS just delivered this: :D

Ultimate Harry Potter 1 to 6 - Limited Edition Prestige Castle Hogwarts [Blu-ray] (contains 6 Blu-rays with 2 empty slots for Harry Potter 7 Parts 1 and 2 Blu-rays)
Are these actually the Ultimate Editions that this thread is discussing or simply special editions in a limited packaging?

The fact that no-where else in the world seems to have released more than movies 1 and 2 as Ultimate Editions leads me to suspect these are not actually Ultimate Editions. I would like to be proven incorrect though.

Don't know if someone already mentioned it but the titles that had a bit of 3D plus the upcoming last movies that will be in S3D will make for another release down the road.

I finally got my hands on these at a price well below retail and I couldn't pass them up. I'm happy with them, even if for just the extended scenes. Packaging is pretty well done.

I'm happy.

Don't know if someone already mentioned it but the titles that had a bit of 3D plus the upcoming last movies that will be in S3D will make for another release down the road.

Unlikely since they were reprocessed for 3-D, not true 3-D.

Still waiting patiently for the price to drop on these. I won't pay $32 for a double dip, but if they get to $25 or below, then I'll pick them up.

Still waiting patiently for the price to drop on these. I won't pay $32 for a double dip, but if they get to $25 or below, then I'll pick them up.

I got mine for $29.99 CAD but I found out it was a mistake, the very next day they were tagged at $44.99 at the same store...

I guess I'll get the other 6 from the US.
Any ideas when they will release the next?

Hasn't even been announced yet. That suggests to me at least May.

Any updates?
I still see only the HP1 & HP2 BR ultimate editions at Amazon.

Mike

Any updates?
I still see only the HP1 & HP2 BR ultimate editions at Amazon.

I guarantee you we won't see UE's of AZKABAN and GOBLET OF FIRE until shortly before DEATHY HALLOWS, PART I hits theatres this Christmas. I'd expect November...

Any word on the rest of the movies being released in an ultimate set like the first 2? Thanks

This has been asked several times now. There's no indication when more UEs are going to be released at this time. Maybe this Fall, but that's a wild guess.

How long did it take between the cover art hitting Amazon and the first two UEs being officially announced? The POA and GOF UE art has been online for a couple weeks.

I'm sure the ultimate editions of films three and four will show up in time to cross promote Deathly Hallows Part One. (And presumably, five and six will be teamed with Deathly Hallows Part Two.)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3114/b003eyvy0401scrmzzzzzz.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4272/611lqts6mwl.jpg

I'm still trying to get confirmation if these are indeed improved transfers over the originals.

No thanks! My HD DVD versions still work beautifully and for pennies on the dollar! :)

Mark

I heard the HD-DVD of The Half Blood Prince is demo material. :eek:

You'll have to buy at least the last 3 on blu-ray.

Neat, but I think I will wait for the entire series to get released in an ultimate edition 8 film set.

Additional details have been released on ultimate editions of HP3 and HP4. On first blush, does not appear these will be extended editions? Perhaps there are no additonal scenes, but for someone (me) who finds extras beyond the film completely pointless, the lack of longer versions will be a dissapointment.

What are the bit rates on the new versions? Some of the old ones were atrocious (12 and 13 Mbit/s average!!).

What are the bit rates on the new versions? Some of the old ones were atrocious (12 and 13 Mbit/s average!!).

perhaps just efficient :eek:

I heard the HD-DVD of The Half Blood Prince is demo material. :eek:

You'll have to buy at least the last 3 on blu-ray.

Half blood prince on HD DVD??? I thought they stop making HD DVD's

Still waiting patiently for the price to drop on these. I won't pay $32 for a double dip, but if they get to $25 or below, then I'll pick them up.
Your patience has been rewarded, at least for Sorcerer's Stone: $24.99 at Amazon currently.

I'm still trying to get confirmation if these are indeed improved transfers over the originals.

Sort of a pointless purchased if not. I already have the movies on bluray, and since the ultimate editions of 3 and 4 do not include longer versions of the films, better quality would be the only reason for me to buy them.

Has anyone compared these new UE versions with the prior bluray releases? I'm curious whether there is any picture or sound quality improvement.

I must say, it is most disapointing that there is not a longer version, particularly, of GoF.

Has anyone compared these new UE versions with the prior bluray releases? I'm curious whether there is any picture or sound quality improvement.

I must say, it is most disapointing that there is not a longer version, particularly, of GoF.

Going by HD digest the pq doesn't seemed to be improved.

There isn't anything majorly wrong with the Blu-Ray PQ of either PoA or GoF so what exactly is it that people want Warner to do in order to improve them ?

Warner is releasing the Harry Potter movies 1-4 as 2-disc Collector's Editions (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/815436) from 10 November 2010 in Australia.

From a quick look at the specifications, these seem to be similar to the Ultimate Editions, minus the 3rd disc, booklet and other miscellaneous extras: but the important Theatrical/Extended and 1 hour documentary appear to be included.

I'm not sure what "O-Ring Packaging" means, but I have a vague recollection it was tried with a previous boxset and the consumers weren't happy.

Warner is releasing the Harry Potter movies 1-4 as 2-disc Collector's Editions (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/815436) from 10 November 2010 in Australia.

From a quick look at the specifications, these seem to be similar to the Ultimate Editions, minus the 3rd disc, booklet and other miscellaneous extras: but the important Theatrical/Extended and 1 hour documentary appear to be included.

I'm not sure what "O-Ring Packaging" means, but I have a vague recollection it was tried with a previous boxset and the consumers weren't happy.

Just curious with these movies do you have a choice between extended and theatrical?

i watched the first extended..biggest gimmick:(

Just curious with these movies do you have a choice between extended and theatrical?
Includes Theatrical and Extended Cuts of the film
Would seem to indicate one can select either version on playback.

It was my understanding that only the first 2 movies (out of the 4 released so far as Collectors/Ultimate Editions) have an Extended version available.

The only advantage of the Collectors/Ultimate Editions for movies 3+ appears to be the 1 hour documentary, since no Extended version is provided.

Since the documentary is on its own BD25 in each case, hopefully Warner release the documentary discs separately at some point for those who already have the previous standard releases.

I already have the Harry Potter 1-6 collection but want the extras, so the choices are becoming complex.

Thanks Ian I've just ordered 1&2. Until they add extended on the others I'll will wait.

Thanks Ian I've just ordered 1&2. Until they add extended on the others I'll will wait.
I don't think they will add an extended version for movies 3 and 4, since the ultimate editions have already been released with only Theatrical versions.

It's curious that the UK never had an Ultimate Editions release for any of the movies and there aren't even any placeholders for Collectors Editions, yet Australia has Ultimate 1 & 2 and gets Collectors 1-4 soon. Perhaps Australia/NZ are being used as guinea-pigs to see how well the Collectors Editions sell.

It's interesting that the USA has Ultimate 1-4 at $35 each: not much more than the Australian Collectors, but better optioned.

I think the Collectors Editions are simply the Ultimate Editions, without the extra DVD or the booklet or cards etc, in different packaging.

I'm not particularly interested in starting a double-dipping spree on these until I can get an Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone with the original title. If the price drops a bit on Azkaban soon I may bite since it's my favorite, but I can't justify it right now if the only thing it has over the old release is new extras.

I'm not particularly interested in starting a double-dipping spree on these until I can get an Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone with the original title. If the price drops a bit on Azkaban soon I may bite since it's my favorite, but I can't justify it right now if the only thing it has over the old release is new extras.

mine too! a bit more of gary oldman would be good

I'm not particularly interested in starting a double-dipping spree on these until I can get an Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone with the original title.

Amazon.ca had the Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone for CA$42, although I don't know how much was in French.

Alternatively, you can still get the Australian Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone, but it's $90 and I'm not sure whether any material is in PAL format.

Final option: buy the USA Ultimate Edition and the Australian Collectors Edition and swap the discs (and live with Sorcerer's packaging labeling).

IMO, Warner will not release any more Philosopher's Ultimate Editions (like for the UK), but will concentrate on Collectors Editions. I suspect Australia will not see any more Ultimate Editions apart from the first 2 as I don't think they are selling well enough for Warner to spend money on further special Region B editions.

Amazon.ca had the Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone for CA$42, although I don't know how much was in French.

Alternatively, you can still get the Australian Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone, but it's $90 and I'm not sure whether any material is in PAL format.

Final option: buy the USA Ultimate Edition and the Australian Collectors Edition and swap the discs (and live with Sorcerer's packaging labeling).

IMO, Warner will not release any more Philosopher's Ultimate Editions (like for the UK), but will concentrate on Collectors Editions. I suspect Australia will not see any more Ultimate Editions apart from the first 2 as I don't think they are selling well enough for Warner to spend money on further special Region B editions.

$90 each that's crazy.

$90 each that's crazy.
That's JB HiFi!

Philosopher's Stone Ultimate is no longer available direct from Amazon.ca: only from their marketplace seller (CA$100).

Consequently, it is not possible to obtain Philosophers Ultimate now for less than $90 from retailers. I think its rarity will now make it a collector's item, with a price to match.

That's JB HiFi!

Philosopher's Stone Ultimate is no longer available direct from Amazon.ca: only from their marketplace seller (CA$100).

Consequently, it is not possible to obtain Philosophers Ultimate now for less than $90 from retailers. I think its rarity will now make it a collector's item, with a price to match.

I'm happy with the Sorcerers stone ultimate edition for $35 I just want to see the added footage.

Honestly sorcerer stone is absolute rip off extended edition:( I have seen 2nd one extended too, honestly nothing to take home. It is not like LOTR extended edition that I am still waiting.

Honestly sorcerer stone is absolute rip off extended edition:( I have seen 2nd one extended too, honestly nothing to take home. It is not like LOTR extended edition that I am still waiting.

Oh well. My daughter will have them anyway she loves Harry Potter

I have seen the four ultimate editions and compare them with the individual disks and the most significant improvement is terms of the sound... Also, of course full of extras...

Amazon.ca had the Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone for CA$42, although I don't know how much was in French.

Alternatively, you can still get the Australian Ultimate Edition of Philosopher's Stone, but it's $90 and I'm not sure whether any material is in PAL format.

Final option: buy the USA Ultimate Edition and the Australian Collectors Edition and swap the discs (and live with Sorcerer's packaging labeling).

IMO, Warner will not release any more Philosopher's Ultimate Editions (like for the UK), but will concentrate on Collectors Editions. I suspect Australia will not see any more Ultimate Editions apart from the first 2 as I don't think they are selling well enough for Warner to spend money on further special Region B editions.

Is the Canadian version an actual Philosopher's Stone version, or did they just port over the US version? I have the original Canadian disc and it is the correct one but I seem to recall hearing that the Australian version had "Sorcerer's Stone" despite the packaging saying "Philosopher's Stone," so I'm a little hesitant to take Warner's word for it with the new discs.

Thank you for the input by the way.

Is the Canadian version an actual Philosopher's Stone version, or did they just port over the US version? I have the original Canadian disc and it is the correct one but I seem to recall hearing that the Australian version had "Sorcerer's Stone" despite the packaging saying "Philosopher's Stone," so I'm a little hesitant to take Warner's word for it with the new discs.

I have no idea whether the Canadian Philosophers was actually a Sorcerers in disguise, but I think the French version is actually labeled as Sorcerers, just to confuse the issue.

The original Australian release of Philosophers (Theatrical) was actually a Sorcerers with a Philosophers cover. It was re-released AFAIK as a proper Philosophers.

You raise an interesting point: I'm now wondering whether the Philosophers Ultimate or Philosophers Collector editions are truly Philosophers, since the UK doesn't have an Ultimate version and only Australia/NZ is getting the Collectors editions at this stage.

Sometimes Australia gets the US version of titles and sometimes the UK.

I have seen the four ultimate editions and compare them with the individual disks and the most significant improvement is terms of the sound.

That is surprising. Why would the audio be different from the original PCM 5.1?

Harry Potter 4 and 5 on HD DVD have picture in picture commentaries but not on the original Blu-ray editions. Does Harry Potter 4 Ultimate edition have the picture in picture commentary? That will give us some ideas what Harry Potter 5 Ultimate Edition may include.

I'm those who went with HD DVD version back then.

Update:
Harry Potter 4 Ultimate Edition does include picture in picture commentary that was previously only on HD DVD version.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/3716/harrypotter_goblet_ultimate.html
In-Movie Experience (HD, 157 min.) – This first appeared on the HD DVD for 'The Goblet of Fire.' It’s been carried over as a PiP track that plays along with the film. It’s hosted by the Phelps boys, who play the Weasley twins in the movie. People who saw this first on HD DVD know what to expect. You see scads of behind-the-scenes imagery along with how some of the special effects evolved from their crude beginnings. Overall, it's an entertaining romp for 'Potter' fans, and it's nice to see it carried over here.

That would suggest HP 5 Ultimate Edition when it comes out should also include the picture in picture commentary that was only on HD DVD version.

That is surprising. Why would the audio be different from the original PCM 5.1?

it's in DTS-HD master audio. I feel like it's an improvement, but that would depend on your setup.

it's in DTS-HD master audio. I feel like it's an improvement, but that would depend on your setup.

If WB used the same audio master, PCM or DTS HD will sound the same unless the sound receiver isn't very good in decoding PCM audio.

I can confirm that the Canadian Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray is the true "Philosopher's Stone" version. Even the extended cut uses the "Philosopher's Stone" title and corresponding dialogue scenes. I'm watching it right now, in fact.

Note that with the version I bought (on Amazon.ca, had it shipped to me in Chicago), the outer slip-cover is bilingual, with English and French text throughout. (I'm just talking about the thin piece of paper/plastic/whatever that fits over the rest of the packaging.) I just threw it out, and all the proper packaging is English, no French to be found.

Interestingly, on the inner inner case (the one that actually holds the discs), the billing block on the back says "Sorcerer's Stone," while the front and spine say "Philosopher's Stone."

Also, for questions on audio mixes, the theatrical cuts of "Philosopher's"/"Sorcerer's" and "Chamber" both include new 6.1 DTS-HD MA audio mixes instead of the 5.1 uncompressed PCM on the original Blu-Rays. They're definitely new mixes, and they both sound pretty bloody fantastic.

The extended cuts of PS/SS and CoS have 5.1 DTS-HD MA mixes instead of the 6.1 - I don't know if the mix for these is the same as the previous 5.1 mixes or not.

It's also my understanding that the UE's of "Prisoner" and "Goblet" have new audio mixes, despite the fact that they're 5.1 DTS-HD MA instead of 6.1. I don't own these yet, though (just the Canadian version of PS and the US version of CoS).

Looking forward in getting my first 2

I can confirm that the Canadian Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray is the true "Philosopher's Stone" version. Even the extended cut uses the "Philosopher's Stone" title and corresponding dialogue scenes. I'm watching it right now, in fact.


Thanks for the info! I'll probably sit tight with my current copies for now but I'll eventually probably start rebuying them so I'll keep that in mind.

As for the audio, it's probably just 5.1 that's been flagged for matrixing to 6.1-ES. I believe that the original DVDs were like that as well. So it's probably the same mix except for the PCM track not being flagged for matrixing (which is easily remedied with Dolby ProLogic IIx anyway). I seem to recall a similar discussion with the first Pirates of the Caribbean Blu-ray's PCM track (wow... 2007... that takes me back :D).

Ah, I see. I assumed it was a new mix due to it being listed as 6.1 on the packaging, and my roommate's receiver decoding it as DTS-ES (the receiver doesn't accept audio through HDMI, so I have to use digital optical), which I've always understood to mean 6.1. You're probably right, though. I never owned the previous Blu-Ray, and I didn't have a surround sound system the last time I watched the DVD, so I have no basis for comparison - all I know is that it sounded fantastic. (We have a 7.1 setup, though, and while watching the theatrical cut, I didn't notice much of anything happening in the surround back channels.)

I still find it odd that the theatrical cut is listed as 6.1, whereas the extended cut (seamlessly branched on the same disc) is listed as 5.1. My receiver decodes the extended cut's audio as DTS rather than DTS-ES. What do you think that's about?

I can confirm that the Canadian Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray is the true "Philosopher's Stone" version.
Sadly, it is no longer available from Amazon.ca, unless you want to pay $100 for it, and the only one currently on ebay is the Aussie version (the other Philosophers Stone is actually Sorcerers Stone from USA).

Ah, I see. I assumed it was a new mix due to it being listed as 6.1 on the packaging, and my roommate's receiver decoding it as DTS-ES (the receiver doesn't accept audio through HDMI, so I have to use digital optical), which I've always understood to mean 6.1. You're probably right, though. I never owned the previous Blu-Ray, and I didn't have a surround sound system the last time I watched the DVD, so I have no basis for comparison - all I know is that it sounded fantastic. (We have a 7.1 setup, though, and while watching the theatrical cut, I didn't notice much of anything happening in the surround back channels.)

I still find it odd that the theatrical cut is listed as 6.1, whereas the extended cut (seamlessly branched on the same disc) is listed as 5.1. My receiver decodes the extended cut's audio as DTS rather than DTS-ES. What do you think that's about?
Yeah, it's an advertising policy on DTS's end to call it 6.1. The lack of matrixing on the other cut was probably the result of it being mixed a few years later and they didn't bother. Dolby ProLogic IIx or other similar processing on your receiver will accomplish virtually the same thing anyway.

Sadly, it is no longer available from Amazon.ca, unless you want to pay $100 for it, and the only one currently on ebay is the Aussie version (the other Philosophers Stone is actually Sorcerers Stone from USA).

Isn't it like $42 at FutureShop??

Isn't it like $42 at FutureShop??

I'm not familiar with other Canadian Bluray retailers.

Currently can't get into Futureshop.ca website.

I'm not familiar with other Canadian Bluray retailers.

Currently can't get into Futureshop.ca website.

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire-2005-blu-ray-blu-ray-disc/m2182552.aspx?path=3f85ca9827294670178a777d11e5279een02

$45 at FutureShop. So you'll likely be able to find it on eBay for about $55 one would think....

That's the fourth film, not the first one. BB and FS don't list it anymore. Mind you, they don't list Watchmen UCE either and I saw one copy locally.

A search on Futureshop.ca found no Philosophers Ultimate Bluray.

I expect it is discontinued as no-one seems to have it at the original price and it isn't on ebay either.

I'm looking into the Aussie Collectors 2-disc Edition to see if it is the Philosophers Ultimate Disc 1 and 2: much cheaper at $25 if you don't want the extra merchandising.

UPDATE: after checking the runtimes on the covers of the Philosopher Ultimate/Collectors/Standard editions (152 & 157 min/152 min/152 min), I'm inclined to believe the Aussie Collectors Edition is simply the movie disc from the Standard Edition plus the Documentary disc from the Ultimate Edition, so not a satisfactory replacement for the Ultimate. Until someone actually purchases a Collectors Edition and can confirm the specs (the cover could be a mistake), we won't know for sure.

is it true that only the first 2 contain extended versions of the movies?

is it true that only the first 2 contain extended versions of the movies?

Correct. All the other sets will have the previously released versions only unless they change it for Deathly Hallows.

FYI-
Anyone who hasn't seen the new Deathly Hallows movie, be prepared for a slightly soft picture that looks almost dnr'd and lacking grain in majority of the movie. *I seen it in Imax to make sure I seen a good projection.
Can't wait for this to come out on blu-ray for people to make claims that it looks soft and the faces look waxy when it was filmed/mastered in this manner. :)

I saw it in IMAX last night and visually it looks like the Half Blood Prince. The audio was fantastic.

BTW this was my first IMAX experience and it rocked! Im so glad one of the local theaters finally decided to get an IMAX theater!

FYI-
Anyone who hasn't seen the new Deathly Hallows movie, be prepared for a slightly soft picture that looks almost dnr'd and lacking grain in majority of the movie. *I seen it in Imax to make sure I seen a good projection.
Can't wait for this to come out on blu-ray for people to make claims that it looks soft and the faces look waxy when it was filmed/mastered in this manner. :)

It probably looked that way because of the IMAX DMR process used due to Deathly Hallows not actually being shot with IMAX cameras. They essentially remove visible grain because it would become much more noticeable when magnified.

I saw it in IMAX last night and visually it looks like the Half Blood Prince

I wouldn't say it looked anything like The Half-Blood Prince. Actually, it looked nothing like it.

I can say that because I hated how The Half-Blood Prince looked.

Deathly Hallows reacquired the look of Order of the Phoenix.

Bruno Delbonnel's Oscar nomination was utterly undeserved. He made the entirety of Half-Blood Prince look far too dark, muddy and murky. Just flat-out dull and uninteresting.

He won't be missed as far as I am concerned. I knew within five minutes of watching the new film he had nothing to do with it. Yates obviously realised he was wrong for the franchise regardless of his nomination, likely because of the level of complaints the look of that film received from fans, amongst things.

Even though the franchise has always had its shifts in cinematography, the sixth film will be the one that sticks out like a sore thumb. In a way it deserves to, because unlike the new film, it was shamefully terrible anyway. The horrible music by Nicholas Hooper was another failure of that film. Thank goodness he got the slip as well. Alexandre Desplat's score for Deathly Hallows is the best Potter score since Prisoner of Azkaban which makes sense to me. The third film remains my favourite, with the first part of Deathly Hallows taking second place, for now. Hopefully the second part will be even better.

Yeah I just meant that it is dark. I personally like the look, it's what my Kuro is best at displaying :)

With the end so clearly in sight, I don't see why I wouldn't just wait for all of the movies to be released in one set before I buy them all. I've held off buying thus far after all...

is it true that only the first 2 contain extended versions of the movies?

according to IMDB it's just the first two films that have extended versions. So I dont see a problem here

Shame they didnt revisit some of the poor CGI in the first movie

Shame they didnt revisit some of the poor CGI in the first movie
They might be waiting for the multiple dip of a box set after they have flogged the individual movies, with a "final" SE.

It's a tough call though: a movie is the product of its time (including the material constraints) and altering it holds that in contempt, yet many consumers seem to like things that are normalised.

Personally, I dislike revisionism a la Lucas and even the trend to "tealise" everything makes me shudder.

I can't stand the either/or attitude pervading home video releases and I think it would be far more appropriate for the studios to ensure that a movie is always released, at least as transparently as possible to its Theatrical look, as well as in altered versions if they so wish.

You don't find consumers clamouring to have the Mona Lisa touched up with an "On Golden Pond" golden hue, just because it might be currently fashionable and the charm of TRON would be destroyed if they completely redid the CGI to make it more modern before releasing the home video.

I also don't buy the "Directors Intent" argument, used to justify a particular revisionist alteration to the home video release, because "that is what they would have done at the time given better tools or the opportunity". If the Director wants to stuff around with artistic modifications post-release, then fine, but make damned sure you release the original version as well as your changes, so the consumer has a choice. It's why I'm so annoyed at what was done with the Alien franchise on Bluray, amongst others: what we have been given may look nice, but I want the option of the original (restored with as much care and attention as possible and retaining all that grain, etc).

With the end so clearly in sight, I don't see why I wouldn't just wait for all of the movies to be released in one set before I buy them all. I've held off buying thus far after all...

+1. That's my strategy!

Same here. I once had the HD DVD box set but sold it early on. Anyone heard if they are going to do 3D on the last 3 parts in part or whole?

They might be waiting for the multiple dip of a box set after they have flogged the individual movies, with a "final" SE.

It's a tough call though: a movie is the product of its time (including the material constraints) and altering it holds that in contempt, yet many consumers seem to like things that are normalised.

Personally, I dislike revisionism a la Lucas and even the trend to "tealise" everything makes me shudder.

I can't stand the either/or attitude pervading home video releases and I think it would be far more appropriate for the studios to ensure that a movie is always released, at least as transparently as possible to its Theatrical look, as well as in altered versions if they so wish.

You don't find consumers clamouring to have the Mona Lisa touched up with an "On Golden Pond" golden hue, just because it might be currently fashionable and the charm of TRON would be destroyed if they completely redid the CGI to make it more modern before releasing the home video.

I also don't buy the "Directors Intent" argument, used to justify a particular revisionist alteration to the home video release, because "that is what they would have done at the time given better tools or the opportunity". If the Director wants to stuff around with artistic modifications post-release, then fine, but make damned sure you release the original version as well as your changes, so the consumer has a choice. It's why I'm so annoyed at what was done with the Alien franchise on Bluray, amongst others: what we have been given may look nice, but I want the option of the original (restored with as much care and attention as possible and retaining all that grain, etc).

Twas kidding

I LOVED the was HBP looked with the natural lighting.

I LOVED the was HBP looked with the natural lighting.

Nothing natural at all. The film was color graded (I say degraded) to hell and back, twice. Cuarón and Newell did a far superior job with "mood" colors in their films.

Looked absolutely like garbage in IMAX 3-D. Worst $18 I've spent theatrically, and I drove 45 miles to see it in that format to boot...AND paid for 2 guests, who did NOT think the trip was worth it. :(

Azkaban, Goblet, and Half-Blood Prince are all gorgeous films for different reasons. The cinematography in this series has been truly impressive.

Anyone know when order of the phoenix and half blood prince will be released in ultimate edtions?

Can someone post average video and audio bitrate (or even BDInfo reports) for POA and GOF UCEs? Did video get a new encode? English DTS-HD MA is 16 or 24 bit depth?
Also, is there anyone who bought it recently? Did Warner return back the magnet in "books"?

What is new for prisoner of azkiban

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix•BD Only: In-Movie Experience! Explore the People, Places, Creatures and the Moviemaking Magic Behind Them, All As You Watch the Movie
•DVD Only: Featurette Gallery: 28 Short Segments Covering People, Places, Creatures and the Moviemaking Magic Behind Them
•Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 5: Evolution
•Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Behind the Magic
•Building the Magic: The Sets of Harry Potter
•Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Rebellion Begins
•Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Fulfilling a Prophecy
•Additional Scenes (in HD on Blu-ray)
•Trailing Tonks: Natalia Tena (aka Nymphadora Tonks) Leads a Very Personal Film Set Tour
•Harry Potter: The Magic of Editing: Director David Yates and Editor Mark Day Show What a Difference a Good Edit Makes
•Theatrical Trailers
•44-Page Photo Book
•Lenticular Card
•Limited Edition Character Cards◦#9 Luna Lovegood
◦#10 Dolores Umbridge

•Bonus Digital Copy

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceBD Only: Maximum Movie Mode. Daniel Radcliffe leads a unique, personal exploration of the movie while you watch!◦Picture-in-Picture
◦Focus Featurettes
◦Scene Comparisons
•DVD Only: Featurette Gallery: 14 Short Segments That Unlock More Moviemaking Secrets
•Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 6: Magical Effects
•Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Behind the Magic
•Additional Scenes (in HD on Blu-ray)
•J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life: A Personal Look at the Journey in Creating and Launching the Final Book
•Close Up with the Cast of Harry Potter: Cast Members Are Your Personal Guides to Aspects of Moviemaking That Include Editing, Makeup, Stunt, Set Design, Props, Costumes and More!
•The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Get a Sneak Peak at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort
•What’s on Your Mind?: Lightning-Round Q&A with Cast/Crew
•One-Minute Drills: Cast Members Sum Up Their Characters
•Gallery of Five Distinctive Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ABC Family Promo Spots
•Theatrical Trailers
•44-Page Photo Book
•Lenticular Card
•Limited Edition Character Cards◦#11 Draco Malfoy
◦#12 Albus Dumbledore

•Bonus Digital Copy


http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/479/dgdgd.jpg
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1171/protectedimage.jpg

Excellent news!!

I own the dvds of the series. I only have part 6 in blu ray. I was wondering if it was worth the upgrade with the ultimate editions? hopefully some experts can shime in. I got the panasonic tcp50gt25 set.

Jacob

Well, the upgrade in both picture and sound are well worth it. The audio tracks are DTS HD-MA so that will be the first thing you notice. The "scorcerer's stone" and "chamber of secrets" both have a directors cut of the film that I enjoy better than the theatrical versions. Do the upgrade, it's well worth it.

thanks for the response. I was over at best buy. they only had the ultimated edition in dvd and not blu ray. I was not able to get it.

Jacob

Well, the upgrade in both picture and sound are well worth it. The audio tracks are DTS HD-MA so that will be the first thing you notice.

This is false. There is no improvement in picture or sound. The picture quality is identical to the previous releases, and the sound is exactly the same except housed in a DTS-MA container. At the price these are going for, I'd pass and pick up the single disc editions of the first four.

Edit: I thought the poster above was talking about in comparison with the standard Blurays.

This is false. There is no improvement in picture or sound. The picture quality is identical to the previous releases, and the sound is exactly the same except housed in a DTS-MA container. At the price these are going for, I'd pass and pick up the single disc editions of the first four.

I think you are probably right but I have heard there was a bit of tinkering with the DTS-MA. I'm sure it's rumor and nothing more.

Ive got my copies, havent opened them as of yet has anyone done a comparison?

As amazing as this film series has been, it is something of a disapointment that there was no advance provision made for extended home verisons (like Peter Jackson did for LotR). IMO, the most eggregious cut was the whole Gaunts storyline from HBP. The film is far poorer for it's absence. Oh well!

This is false. There is no improvement in picture or sound. The picture quality is identical to the previous releases, and the sound is exactly the same except housed in a DTS-MA container. At the price these are going for, I'd pass and pick up the single disc editions of the first four.

Are you sure it's not your response that is false? The way I read it, the post you were quoting was in response to someone who appeared to be asking whether or not it was an upgrade from dvd, not from the single disc BD. At least that's the way I read it.

As amazing as this film series has been, it is something of a disapointment that there was no advance provision made for extended home verisons (like Peter Jackson did for LotR). IMO, the most eggregious cut was the whole Gaunts storyline from HBP. The film is far poorer for it's absence. Oh well!

I stopped buying the Ultimate Editions after Part 2 for the same reason. While the set of extras are about as compelling as could be, I don't BUY movies for extras, I buy them for the movies themselves, and there's just too much missing from the books not to have something worth cutting back into these films. The first two books were less than half the size of most of the others in the series and even they had significant or at least worthwhile portions cut. Unless there's a significant upgrade in A/V quality over the single disc editions, I'll wait until the directors aren't too busy or too lazy to re-evaluate their cut. With the franchise ending, you know Warner will be milking these films for many years and after the Ultimate Editions, new cuts will be about the only way to do that...

Are you sure it's not your response that is false? The way I read it, the post you were quoting was in response to someone who appeared to be asking whether or not it was an upgrade from dvd, not from the single disc BD. At least that's the way I read it.

D'oh! You're right. They are an improvement over the DVDs. That's what I get for not reading the whole thread!

Unless there's a significant upgrade in A/V quality over the single disc editions, I'll wait until the directors aren't too busy or too lazy to re-evaluate their cut.

I think everybody is over-optomistic about footage left on the cutting-room floor with the Potter movies. I fear what we have now is all there is.

Unless there's a significant upgrade in A/V quality over the single disc editions, I'll wait until the directors aren't too busy or too lazy to re-evaluate their cut.

I think everybody is over-optomistic about footage left on the cutting-room floor with the Potter movies. I fear what we have now is all there is.

Possibly, but if the usual studio politics has anything to do with, my money would be on Warner's current priority being to milk the films now, while they're getting so much press, rather than waiting until the talent has time to go back and finish any sequences that were cut - Potter is endowed with so much CG, there may be a ton of effects that need to be finished in addition to standard post correction.

IMHO, if we don't see extended versions of all of these films in the future on BD, it won't because the studio doesn't want to release them or they don't have anything more to cut it, it will be because packaged media has proven no longer profitable enough to justify the expense, which could happen if the economy takes any more hits to its recovery, not to mention how Microsoft is still sneakily trying to convince everyone that the age of packaged media is over, by way of naive, gullible internet "journalists".

This is false. There is no improvement in picture or sound. The picture quality is identical to the previous releases, and the sound is exactly the same except housed in a DTS-MA container. At the price these are going for, I'd pass and pick up the single disc editions of the first four.

Edit: I thought the poster above was talking about in comparison with the standard Blurays.

Glad you agree....

Possibly, but if the usual studio politics has anything to do with, my money would be on Warner's current priority being to milk the films now, while they're getting so much press, rather than waiting until the talent has time to go back and finish any sequences that were cut - Potter is endowed with so much CG, there may be a ton of effects that need to be finished in addition to standard post correction.


Of course it's in the movie studio best interest to try milking the same movies as many times as possible as long there are enough buyers willing to buy them. Some buyers would consider owning every version for the same movie a collector's item.

Why is the point of WB releasing HP Year 1 to X boxset after each movie comes out? Obviously, the "latest" boxset get replaced with another "latest" boxset after the next movie comes out.

With Year 7 being splited into two parts, it's possible WB may release another Year 7 Part 1 and 2 combined as special edition after part 1 and part 2 have been released separately.

If WB going to re-release Year 1 to 7 in 3D in theaters, they will re-release the Blu-ray in 3D.

Comparing multi-dipping Blu-ray and DVD, Blu-ray can be dipped more times than DVD because there is only so much picture and audio quality can be enhanced on DVD technology and DVD only has Red/Green 3D.

I think everybody is over-optomistic about footage left on the cutting-room floor with the Potter movies. I fear what we have now is all there is.

Yes, I think that may well be the case. My point is that they could have anticipated longer versions for the home theater market by filming essentailly two versions of each book. So, not cutting-room-floor stuff so much, rather extended versions. So much stuff was lost from the films in the service of runtime. Some of the films, notably Goblet and Half-Blood Prince, felt very rushed and choppy as a result. The film version of DH will end up being over 4 1/2 hours and all of it, I'd wager, put t good use.

So last night I finally performed an audio home test on the Chamber of Secrets Ultimate Edition. Switching back and forth on the inital PCM release and comparing to the new DTS-HDMA, it was no comparison even after volume matching. For whatever reason, the DTS MA was much fuller in comparison to the PCM. The quiddich match was ridiculously better.

So last night I finally performed an audio home test on the Chamber of Secrets Ultimate Edition. Switching back and forth on the inital PCM release and comparing to the new DTS-HDMA, it was no comparison even after volume matching. For whatever reason, the DTS MA was much fuller in comparison to the PCM. The quiddich match was ridiculously better.

Seeing as the DTS-MA is encoded from that same PCM it's obvious they weren't truly volume matched.

Seeing as the DTS-MA is encoded from that same PCM it's obvious they weren't truly volume matched.

I wish your snotty comment was correct but alas, you should research before posting. As I researched after posting, I found that Warner not only remixed the audio (not re-encoded) but increased the sampling rate on the DTS-MA as compared to the original PCM release. Either one would yield a more pleasing outcome...and I'm glad you opinions don't match the policies of your company as I rather like THX.

I wish your snotty comment was correct but alas, you should research before posting. As I researched after posting, I found that Warner not only remixed the audio (not re-encoded) but increased the sampling rate on the DTS-MA as compared to the original PCM release. Either one would yield a more pleasing outcome...and I'm glad you opinions don't match the policies of your company as I rather like THX.

Snotty? :confused:
Somewhat immature response...

It's the same mix: both are from the 5.1 EX master and the differences between 16 and 24-bit are negligable, one isn't going to sound dramatically "fuller". The differences you cite are purely level based.

The "sampling" rate is still 48kHz by the way.

http://www.hdtvetc.com/blu-ray/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-blu-ray-3d-exclusive-to-sony-well-kinda.php

It's also unclear as of yet how said moratorium will affect the (unannounced but obviously in-the-works) Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2 Ultimate Editions, which should hit shelves next year.
(And who knows whether or not they'll include the 3D versions? "Ultimate" doesn't mean what it used to.)

Ultimate Double-Play Editions for the UK (not imported US versions) have appeared on Amazon.co.uk. They appear to contain both Blu-ray and DVD of the films. Not sure what else is in them. Release date is November 21.

Philosopher's Stone (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIILXS/)
Chamber of Secrets (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIIM7I/)
Prisoner of Azkaban (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIIMB4/)
Goblet of Fire (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIIMFU/)
Order of the Phoenix (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIIMKA/)
Half-Blood Prince (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005WIIMP0/)


- Chris

Wonder if they will finally be the extended cuts

Ultimate Double-Play Editions for the UK (not imported US versions) have appeared on Amazon.co.uk. They appear to contain both Blu-ray and DVD of the films. Not sure what else is in them. Release date is November 21.

Surprising there is so little information available this close to release.

Australia has had 2-disc Bluray Collectors Editions for movies 1-6 available for some time, including a Bluray disc of the Theatrical movie plus what seems to be the special features Bluray disc from the Ultimate Editions. It was very difficult determining whether the movie was the Theatrical or Extended as it was not explicitly spelled out in the merchandising.

Warner seems to be going all-out with multiple dips of this franchise and making it confusing. I realised they had lost the plot when they changed the Ultimate Editions range after the first 2 movies, destroying the consistency and value.

The UK has never had Ultimate Editions released before, so maybe these will be the USA Ultimate Editions with the inclusion of the movie on DVD.

Wonder if they will finally be the extended cuts
Only movies 1 & 2 are extended in the Ultimate Editions, but it would be worth having those in a cheaper edition. I can't see Warner releasing extended versions of movies 3-6 without disenfranchising those customers who have already bought the Ultimate Editions.

Are there any PQ improvements with these Ultimate versions vs the theatrical versions?

Are there any PQ improvements with these Ultimate versions vs the theatrical versions?
According to High-Def Digest, PQ is similar to the latest releases.

I think I read somewhere that the first Bluray release PQ was improved upon a little, but then we have had a few iterations since then.

Considering Theatrical and Extended versions are usually generated via seamless branching, they couldn't have better PQ for the extended bits without also improving the Theatrical elements or else the differences would be noticable. So, I guess you could say the Theatrical and Extended versions in the Ultimate Editions are equivalent. The Ultimate versions may have better PQ than the original Theatrical Bluray releases.