http://dvd.themanroom.com/dvd-cover.php?did=3294
http://dvd.themanroom.com/images/covers/hddvd/large/3294.jpg

They changed the Cover art, and now it's a Combo..

Will it maintain it's DD TruHD + DD Plus 5.1? Anyway all the extra will be on the DVD side so..

AWESOME!!! Come on OCTOBER!!!!!!!

Goddamn combos! This isn't even a day-and-date release.

Wasn't too interested at first, but being a COMBO I'll definitely consider it now. I just wish Spartacus (which I really want to get) was a COMBO.

I ONLY buy combos. I refuse to buy anything else. Buying just the HD DVD is a complete waste of money. All of my SD DVDs are combos as well. It's the only sensible way to go.

Yes, now THAT is a cover!!! Smart move.

Hmmm. Combo huh. That will be VERY interesting if it is still TrueHD. I also wonder what the sampling rate/bit depth is of the Universal TrueHD soundtracks compared to what Warner has been delivering. Mainly, I wonder if they have 48/24 masters to work with.

Aren't the new combo discs suppose to be 30/9's?

Brad

Maybe it's the first ombo with HD DVD30 and DV9.

yes Combos are going to start to be 30/9 per Amir :)

I have no problem at all if that is the case

I think this could be the most exciting release for me so far

Carpenter, Russell, old time Cinemascope and a true classic ;)

-Gary

I'm glad some rational minds prevailed and they went with the original poster art instead of the rather ugly artwork that was on the last DVD release. It's a shame some of it has to be covered up with those white/silver contours, but it's really not that big of a deal. I don't really spend time looking at the covers anyway.

If this is a 30/9 combo, I won't be as angry. I still like having artwork on my discs, though, as well as not having to flip the disc to watch extra features.

I ONLY buy combos. I refuse to buy anything else. Buying just the HD DVD is a complete waste of money. All of my SD DVDs are combos as well. It's the only sensible way to go.
:confused:
How can you differentiate HD DVD combos from SD DVD combos. By definition, if you have one, you have both.

Doesn't bother me that it's a combo now but I preferred the previous cover art.

I personally prefer the new cover art. I like when studios use the original poster artwork.

I personally prefer the new cover art. I like when studios use the original poster artwork.
Indeed, usually they go for floating heads. The "frozen in ice" artwork wasn't that bad, but I'm glad to see the original back.

Combo, though...liked that concept until I found out it chops the storing space in half...here's hoping the 30/9 ones come along sooner rather than later.

back to the poster art? Cool. A combo? (shrugs shoulders) Eh, would rather it not but in the end, I could care less. Just give me the film and make sure the extras are in the release somewhere.

Just having The Thing, one of my all-time favorite movies, on HD DVD is enough. DD+ is so damn good I'm not too bothered by TrueHD being cut, if in fact it is. And so far it is only a RUMOR that TrueHD 5.1 is being unlocked in the next upgrade so it would be useless now anyway.

And it is VERY cool they went back to the poster art. I remeber seeing it hanging on the outside of the Orpheum theater in Westwood Village and having no clue what the movie was about, but that it looked really scary.

...I could care less...
By all means go ahead and care less. :D :D

I ONLY buy combos. I refuse to buy anything else. Buying just the HD DVD is a complete waste of money. All of my SD DVDs are combos as well. It's the only sensible way to go.

:confused: :confused: :confused:


Art

I don't get it. Why is it a combo? Is there something new in this edition to warrant another DVD release so soon after the previous one?

I don't like combos at all. I'm buying HD DVDs now, not DVDs. I shouldn't be forced to pay extra for a disc I don't want in the first place. And yeah, I don't get ricwhite's comment either.

Combo are a great way for CE to make even more money on the disc. the dvd is all paid for since years and it cost them almost nothing to put them on, so them make even more money on Catalog..

I don't have any problem with HDDVD15, Unleashed is Prestine.

The Thing would be 2.35:1 at 12mbits AVG VC1 it would be 9.2GIG + DD+ (600meg) + TruHD 3.5 GiG approx... so it would fit..

Anyway Universal has been very constant with HD DVD so far so don't worry

I'm not worried about quality, I'm worried about the artificially inflated pricetag. Combos are stupidly expensive.

I'm not worried about quality, I'm worried about the artificially inflated pricetag. Combos are stupidly expensive.

Exactly. Apparently 15 GB is enough room for great-looking HD transfers, particularly with the extras usually on the DVD side. But I hate the $39.99 price tag most of these combo discs have. I would've picked up Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a long time ago had it been priced like a normal WB HD-DVD title.

Why didn't they bundle them with VHS tapes when the first DVDs came out??? It would have been the same "smart ass" concept...

Perhaps, just perhaps, Universal is going to release both versions of the Thing -> Combo and HD-DVD only! That way it would be a real eye opener for all the studios when they see actual sales figures in comparison. Give us HD-enthusiasts a choice not to pay a premium for an inferior version as "extra feature"! Next time they include an UMD/iPod version on the disc and force us to pay for it as well - "think of all those people who want to watch the movie on the go" BS. And why not bundle it with the VHS tape, Laserdisc, D-Theater tape, CD soundtrack, audiobook, comic book - don't we all agree there are lots of people who want to watch the newest HD releases on their old equipment as well. GREAT concept. " Buy a fancy new Ferrari but you have to accept that it comes only bundled with a VW Golf for just a little premium - but don't worry, it is more practical for all your downtown shopping trips after all"

How are we going to get the studios to stop doing this? I'm guilty of buying two combos so far (promising myself both times that it was the last time).

If they release combos for old favs like this, it's going to be hard to refrain enough to make them rethink this...

It actually doesn't bother me so much right now because until I go back to school I make over 2 grand a month. Besides, I've got a friend who hasn't gotten HD DVD yet that I loan these to.

...Perhaps, just perhaps, Universal is going to release both versions of the Thing -> Combo and HD-DVD only! That way it would be a real eye opener for all the studios when they see actual sales figures in comparison...
Unfortunately there are not enough players out (it's still only a few thousand) plus the title appeal is not broad enough to give any meaningful info.

At least they changed the cover back to the original poster art! I can deal with the combo.

Why didn't they bundle them with VHS tapes when the first DVDs came out??? It would have been the same "smart ass" concept...

Agreed. The only combo I like is with a drink and fries.

I think ricwhite was joking. At least I hope he is.

Universal Flips for 'The Thing'
Tue Aug 22, 2006 at 03:21 PM ET

Universal Studios Home Video has made a change to their upcoming October lineup of HD DVD titles, mutating the 1982 cult classic 'The Thing' into a HD DVD/DVD combo disc.

As originally announced last week, John Carpenter's gory remake was to hit HD DVD on October 24 oozing with extras, as well as a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. According to Universal's current listing for the title on its official media and retail website, the disc's goodies remain unchanged, though its list price has been upped to $34.99.

However, as current technical limitations to the HD DVD/DVD combo format mean that the HD DVD side is limited to an HD-15 (15Gb) single-layer disc (versus a more roomy HD-30), we can only hope Universal won't have to drop any features to make room to add on the standard DVD.

In the meantime, we've updated disc specs for 'The Thing' in our HD DVD Release Schedule, including its newly-revised box cover art.


http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Universal/Disc_Announcements/Universal_Flips_for_The_Thing/189

What´s good about paying more for less?
Normal HD-DVD: 30 gigabytes
Combo HD-DVD: 15 gigabytes

If you want the DVD, buy the DVD! Are you going to be happy with your Combo-discs in five years? I´m already grinding my teeth thinking about the limited space and probably reduced image quality/compression.
Is there a visible difference between combos and "real" HD-DVDs?

Gonna have to buy this movie any way. No choice.

What´s good about paying more for less?
Normal HD-DVD: 30 gigabytes
Combo HD-DVD: 15 gigabytes

If you want the DVD, buy the DVD! Are you going to be happy with your Combo-discs in five years? I´m already grinding my teeth thinking about the limited space and probably reduced image quality/compression.
Is there a visible difference between combos and "real" HD-DVDs?

Gonna have to buy this movie any way. No choice.

Combos look just as good as 30GBs. I don't think anyone disagrees with that. It's just unfortunate that the extras are on the flipside. The Thing was previously announced as having TrueHD and although nothing has been confirmed, we are guessing it will be dropped from the combo. Some have speculated that perhaps The Thing will be the first 30GB combo, in which case everything would be on the HD side as well. I guess we'll just have to wait until we have more information.

Huh? 15gb cannot compete with 30gb. It's the simple law of numbers.

I am terribly disappointed that they would make this a combo. Less quality for more money. :mad:

Goddamn combos! This isn't even a day-and-date release.


I am with you on this one!! the combos need to end!!! damn it :mad: I think Universal is doing it just because Blu cant

I'll use every opportunity to protest combos' quality hit and price hike.

Dan

I'll use every opportunity to protest combos' quality hit and price hike.

Dan

I hope we would have some pull on this site :D

I told myself I was not going to double dip unless it was a movie I really liked!

I sure as hell ain't going to triple dip...just to get it!!! :eek:

Very disappointing news. I already own 2 different SD DVD's of THE THING (not to mention 2 laserdiscs and a 1983 VHS version). I just pray this "combo" nonsense doesn't affect the sound or picture quality.

Very disappointing news. I already own 2 different SD DVD's of THE THING (not to mention 2 laserdiscs and a 1983 VHS version). I just pray this "combo" nonsense doesn't affect the sound or picture quality.

Why would it, i mean it's only 1h41 long with Credits and it's 2.35:1. Unleashed (while not having a DDtruHD Track) look killer !

I know some people prefer the combo editions disks. I personally think it is l insulting. If i wanted The Thing in SD version i could buy it very cheap. I personally own two different versions of it already, it is one of my favorite sci-fi movies ever. The picture quality however imo is typical of movies of that age on dvd. Why would anyone want to watch the SD version when they have the HD version ? I have no answer to that question. I own about 14 HD dvds , not one of them is a combo. I doubt i will ever buy a combo disk out of principal

Why are they bothering with a combo disc for this? Isn't there some $9.99 or even cheaper dvd already on the shelf for years? If someone was going to buy the dvd they would have bought it by now, why do they think someone who doesn't have an HD-DVD player or even know about them suddently would want to pay $35 after stumbling upon these HD-DVDs in a lost isle, and probably would laugh at the price before even noticing the small sticker that says it's hybrid, and then would laugh again. It just doesn't make sense

It is a combo? Screw that. I'll pass.

I know some people prefer the combo editions disks. I personally think it is l insulting. If i wanted The Thing in SD version i could buy it very cheap. I personally own two different versions of it already, it is one of my favorite sci-fi movies ever. The picture quality however imo is typical of movies of that age on dvd. Why would anyone want to watch the SD version when they have the HD version ? I have no answer to that question. I own about 14 HD dvds , not one of them is a combo. I doubt i will ever buy a combo disk out of principal

I think some people put reason behind it incase you wanted to bring the film on a trip, to watch in your car or on a laptop, maybe bring it to a friend's or family. But at this cost and most being old releases you could just buy a regular HD-DVD and separate DVD at the same price as the $10 more hybrid but you get two individual discs, which is worth paying for, I'd hate to pay for two copies of a movie, one I might not eve use, and with them stuck togethor, and who's going to lend out a $35 HD-DVD to be played on an SD DVD player.

Why are they bothering with a combo disc for this? Isn't there some $9.99 or even cheaper dvd already on the shelf for years? If someone was going to buy the dvd they would have bought it by now, why do they think someone who doesn't have an HD-DVD player or even know about them suddently would want to pay $35 after stumbling upon these HD-DVDs in a lost isle, and probably would laugh at the price before even noticing the small sticker that says it's hybrid, and then would laugh again. It just doesn't make sense

My feelings exactly. I dont understand the thought process behind this (maximize profit :eek: ?).
I HATE this stupid "combo" disc brainfart. I am forced to pay more for something I dont want; possible lower quality or missing extras due to disc space; and I have to put my reading glasses on to see which side of the disc to play! :mad:

No use crying over spilled milk.

I'll definitely be picking this one up.

No use crying over spilled milk.

I'll definitely be picking this one up.

Yeah, well, let's tell 'em not to spill any more! :p

I think some people put reason behind it incase you wanted to bring the film on a trip, to watch in your car or on a laptop, maybe bring it to a friend's or family. But at this cost and most being old releases you could just buy a regular HD-DVD and separate DVD at the same price as the $10 more hybrid but you get two individual discs, which is worth paying for, I'd hate to pay for two copies of a movie, one I might not eve use, and with them stuck togethor, and who's going to lend out a $35 HD-DVD to be played on an SD DVD player.

Yeah, and the more important thing to consider is that most of us who want to buy The Thing or Animal House on HD-DVD already have the standard DVD, so it wouldn't cost us anything at all extra to have both versions.

This will be the 6th time I've bought this film.

1) VHS
2) Widescreen LD
3) Signature Series LD Box Set
4) Collector's Series DVD (port of signature box set)
5) Anamorphic DVD
6) HD DVD

So I've given Universal PLENTY of money for this film, not to mention seeing the film in the theater and several times on HBO. I'm a total Thing junkie. Rob Bottin is the shiznit!:cool:

This will be the 6th time I've bought this film.

1) VHS
2) Widescreen LD
3) Signature Series LD Box Set
4) Collector's Series DVD (port of signature box set)
5) Anamorphic DVD
6) HD DVD

So I've given Universal PLENTY of money for this film, not to mention seeing the film in the theater and several times on HBO. I'm a total Thing junkie. Rob Bottin is the shiznit!:cool:
Get ready for the 2008 version on DL HD with higher data rate and improved picture. Thanks to the combo's SL design.

Yeah, and the more important thing to consider is that most of us who want to buy The Thing or Animal House on HD-DVD already have the standard DVD, so it wouldn't cost us anything at all extra to have both versions.

Besides maybe already owning a dvd copy I've been holding off from buying many DVDs because I know I'd rather wait for the HD-DVD version to save money and not spoil it, but in the end they force you to buy both with the possibility of hurting the quality of the version you really wanted, and so much for advance menu features if special features on opposite side. Makes you want to bang your head against the wall on how stupid this is.

Maybe we should start a campaign around the world to tell people to stop buying dvds because you'll be forced to pay for another copy in the long run.

Makes you want to bang your head against the wall on how stupid this is.
Combos are semi-clever in concept re: regular customers...

"Hey, that disc has both the DVD and HD DVD versions on it, let's give it a buy in case this'll be the winning format!"

Unfortunately it's safe to say that not many people think this way, and the pricing/HD-15 are major drawbacks both for them, and us, the HD DVD owners.

I can see the positives of the concept:

* Since the extras will be SD anyway, you can leave them off the HD side and save room.
* This allows you to take the disc to places where you don't have HD -- a bedroom, a friend's house, a portable player.

But, I disagree with it in practice. Anything that compromises potential quality of the HD side is never going to get the thumbs up with me. And, even if they avoid that pitfall, I don't much like paying extra $$$$ for a feature that I'd rarely, if ever use.

I'd be happier if combos dropped to standard level pricing. Or were dropped altogether.

just to interject, DVD Empire still has this title listed at $20.99 for pre-order. In the past, when things like this have occured, they always honored the original price, so get it for cheap while you can.

I hope the original commentary from the DVD is in tact (with Russel and Carpenter) . Very well done and one of the best out there

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I have a fickle question to do with this title.

First off, I love this movie! Freaking AWESOME!!!

I live in Australia where HD-DVD isn't popular, nevertheless I'd like to order some titles from deepdiscount, but I'm wasn't sure if there were 2 covers for this title?

I've seen the cover of the person's face under ice (the new one) and then the one of an ominous figure standing with light comming from behind them (the original one). I MUCH prefer the original cover so would like to order from the place that has that one.

So my question is, has anyone seen either of these one sale? I thought they may have discontinued one, or maybe not even released one?

I've emailed Deepdiscount, but they are taking a while getting back to me...maybe someone here knows? If they don't sell the one I want, I'll have to try on ebay.

Could I print one out otherwise? I don't have a colour printer, but I imagine the original would have the glossy silver on it too...and I shouldn't really have to spend extra to get the cover I want (if I do the research first).

Thanks...sorry for being so fickle! hehe! :)

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I have a fickle question to do with this title.

First off, I love this movie! Freaking AWESOME!!!

I live in Australia where HD-DVD isn't popular, nevertheless I'd like to order some titles from deepdiscount, but I'm wasn't sure if there were 2 covers for this title?

I've seen the cover of the person's face under ice (the new one) and then the one of an ominous figure standing with light comming from behind them (the original one). I MUCH prefer the original cover so would like to order from the place that has that one.

So my question is, has anyone seen either of these one sale? I thought they may have discontinued one, or maybe not even released one?

I've emailed Deepdiscount, but they are taking a while getting back to me...maybe someone here knows? If they don't sell the one I want, I'll have to try on ebay.

Could I print one out otherwise? I don't have a colour printer, but I imagine the original would have the glossy silver on it too...and I shouldn't really have to spend extra to get the cover I want (if I do the research first).

Thanks...sorry for being so fickle! hehe! :)

The one on sale since its release date, is with the original cover you've mentioned - ominous figure standing with light coming from behind. DVDEmpire.com has the full details and cover artwork listed.

The reason why you've been seeing various versions of the cover is because there were some errors on the distributors' side who originally thought The Thing would be a combo disc and issued the cover artwork but when it was officially announced, it was announced as a non-combo release.

Okay, excuse me if I'm just ignorant, but why is everyone excited about this release? The Thing is already on HD-DVD in a non-combo edition. Is this going to be a brand new transfer that blows away the previous edition? Will there be brand new special features? If not, then why are people upset that this is a combo? Or is the original non-combo discontinued?

I'm so confused. :(

Hey oh_riginal, this thread is really old...it was in reference to the release of The Thing on HD-DVD now. It was originally going to be a combo disc, but was changed to plain HD-DVD (Thank goodness, as we got dual-layer goodness!).

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I have a fickle question to do with this title.

First off, I love this movie! Freaking AWESOME!!!................

I've seen the cover of the person's face under ice (the new one) and then the one of an ominous figure standing with light comming from behind them (the original one). I MUCH prefer the original cover so would like to order from the place that has that one.

So my question is, has anyone seen either of these one sale? I thought they may have discontinued one, or maybe not even released one?............



Here you go brother. And yes, it is freaking awesome!

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/2595/dscn0047iq1.jpg

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2566/dscn0048oq8.jpg

Hey oh_riginal, this thread is really old...it was in reference to the release of The Thing on HD-DVD now. It was originally going to be a combo disc, but was changed to plain HD-DVD (Thank goodness, as we got dual-layer goodness!).
Despite the change to non-combo, DVD Pacific have the newer "face in the ice" cover art on their HD-DVD title for sale, whilst Amazon.com have the older upright figure cover art.

It's possible the only stocks now are the newer "face in the ice", but I would contact Amazon and confirm which version they are selling.

I know DeepDiscountDVD are having a sale, but if you really really want the older cover art and Amazon have it, then it's probably worth paying for it.

I have the older cover art version and yes it does have the glossy silver on the artwork. I doubt it can be reproduced with conventional printing processes.

Despite the change to non-combo, DVD Pacific have the newer "face in the ice" cover art on their HD-DVD title for sale, whilst Amazon.com have the older upright figure cover art.

It's possible the only stocks now are the newer "face in the ice", but I would contact Amazon and confirm which version they are selling.

I know DeepDiscountDVD are having a sale, but if you really really want the older cover art and Amazon have it, then it's probably worth paying for it.

I have the older cover art version and yes it does have the glossy silver on the artwork. I doubt it can be reproduced with conventional printing processes.

Do you know if anyone actually has a copy with the "face in the ice" artwork? It may be that DVD Pacific just hasn't changed the artwork they first received.

Do you know if anyone actually has a copy with the "face in the ice" artwork? It may be that DVD Pacific just hasn't changed the artwork they first received.
Nope, don't know anyone who has the "face" artwork on HD-DVD.

It would be best to check directly with the retailers to confirm which version artwork they are currently selling.

I can understand Universal changing the artwork on the HD-DVD to match that for the DVD: the "face" artwork has the correct AR description.