For those of you that own both a br player and hd player, if you had a movie that comes out on both formats (like Superman returns), which one would you choose to buy and why?

Again, please ONLY reply if you own a player for both formats.

I have been buying the HD DVD versions. They have had features that the Blu-Ray versions have not had, they've had more extras and to date HD DVD has beem more consistent with PQ so I shoose HD DVD when given a choice.
-Evangelo2

I usually take a look at the reviews and most times, there's no difference in PQ so then I go to PRICE.

I usually take a look at the reviews and most times, there's no difference in PQ so then I go to PRICE.

I do this if this is the case, but usually I find the HD DVD looks better.

HD DVD, mainly because my HD DVD player is a standalone and a little easier to navigate menus with. If I had stand-alone's from both formats I would obviously have to re-think my criteria.

I always buy everything on Blu-ray first as I feel it is the format that will win this format war and if there is a title from Universal or Weinstein I "have" to have I buy it on HD-DVD.

~Josh

I buy HD DVD for the best PQ and SQ in general. I rent the same version in BD as my A1 has problems with rental HD DVDs, but rental BDs play fine on the PS1 (that's not my preference but hate to have to restart a movie in the middle, even if this does not happen on every rental). So I own both.

Recently I bought Blu-ray - it was a bit cheaper and more scratch resistance, but now I'm wondering.... I really prefer the smoother PQ of HD-DVD.

I typically buy the HD-DVD version, as it has been proven to provide a more quality experience in my opinion. BD's are much more hit and miss for PQ. Price also plays a role as well, and quite frankly, I am finding alot of BD's to damn expensive compared to HD-DVD.

I like the sound on BR and I think the PQ is the same so im leaning to BR.I hope HDDVD will get more studios,I feel the force getting stronger on the dark side.

For those of you that own both a br player and hd player, if you had a movie that comes out on both formats (like Superman returns), which one would you choose to buy and why?

Again, please ONLY reply if you own a player for both formats.
Always buy the HD DVD version.
I have never experienced the "phantom" freezes, glitches, and problems that some claim to have had with their player.
Personally I am a PQ guy first, and AQ second; and since HD DVD has the most releases with the best PQ, I naturally buy more of their releases over BR. :)

I tend to buy mostly BDs for titles on both formats, and what I do for platform exclusives should be self explanatory.

One rule of thumb is disc size.

If one of the neutral studios releases the same movie on BD-25 and HD-30 (and I believe many are/will), I would go for the HD version.

The HD-30 version would almost certainly have some extra features (TrueHD audio?) that the BD-25 will not.

I'll take the one with the best PQ and AQ period.

I've been going with the BD versions, IF (and only if) there are no major technical differences, because I'd rather have a large collection in the format that i think will be around in the future.

examples and exceptions:
I exchanged my "Last Samurai" and "Searchers" HDs for the BDs when they arrived...but when it came to "Lady in the Water" i stuck with the version that contained the better audio track...HD-DVD.

The other major factor in my decision to purchase on BD is that the PS3 is silent when playing a BD, while the 360 drive sounds like a small tornado powers the system.

The HD versions without a doubt.Every BluRay movie i've ever compared to their HD DVD counterpart has been inferior to the HD DVD edition.That's not personal opinion, that's 100% pure fact.

As of 1/8/07 HD DVD is the superior format.Unfortunately as we all know, the better format doesn't always win the retail war.Only time will tell how this one turns out, but until then i'll be sticking to the HD DVD editions of movies as long as i have a choice.

Hd Dvd

I buy the HD-DVD version because of the advanced audio. I own the A1 and the PS3. I dont have a hdmi capable processor. Therefore, the A1 is the only way(analog outputs) that I can take advantage of DD+, etc.

I cant decide... sometime I buy both. When that happens the checkout girl is confused.

I always go for the HD-DVD version, the quality is either higher or at worst the same than the Blu-Ray counterpart.

I have done many blind buys with HD-DVD, Blu-Ray on the other hand, I always need to check reviews first (for PQ/AQ, I couldn't care less about someone's opinion of a movie).

Blu ray Disc vs HD DVD
PQ AQ
1 Courage Under Fire 4 3,5 Pulse 4 3,5
2 Alien vs Predator 4 4 Black Rain 4,5 3,5
3 Gridiron Gang 4 4 The Breakfast Club 3,5 3
4 The Covenant 5 4,5 Lady in the Water 3,5 4
5 Rising Sun 3,5 3,5 The Matador 4 3,5
6 Invincible 4,5 4 Casino 4,5 4
7 Transporter 2 4,5 4,5 The Ant Bully 4,5 4
8 Lady in the Water 3,5 3,5 Field Of Dreams 2,5 3
9 Pearl Harbor 4 5 Hulk 5 4,5
10 Flightplan 4 4,5 Derailed 4 3,5
11 The Ant Bully 4,5 3,5 Dune 4 3,5
12 Sky High 4 4 Chronos 3,5 4
13 All the King's Men 4 4 World Trade Center 4,5 4,5
14 The Devil Wears Prada 4,5 4 A Christmas Story 3,5 2,5
15 Legends of Jazz Showcase 4 5 Miami Vice 3,5 3
16 World Trade Center 4,5 4,5 Wolf Creek 4 3,5
17 A Christmas Story 3,5 2,5 National Lampoon 2,5 2
18 National Lampoon 2,5 2 Scary Movie 4 3,5 3,5
19 Kingdom of Heaven 4,5 4,5 How the Grinch Stole Christmas 4 3,5
20 The Phantom of the Opera 4,5 4 The Mummy 4 4
21 Enemy of the State 4,5 4 Superman Returns 4,5 5
22 The Transporter 4,5 4 An American Werewolf in London 3,5 3
23 Superman Returns 4,5 4 You, Me and Dupree 4 3
24 Superman II: Donner 4 3,5 Superman: The Movie 4 4,5
25 Superman: The Movie 4 4,5 Waterworld 4 4
26 Annapolis 4 3,5 Superman II: Donner 4 3,5
27 The Wild 4,5 4 King Kong 5 4,5
28 Ice Age: The Meltdown 4,5 4 Forbidden Planet 4 3
29 Million Dollar Baby 4 3,5 Forbidden Planet: Collector's Set 4 3
30 Talladega Nights 2 4 Casablanca 5 3,5
31 ATL 4,5 4 Under Siege 3 4,5
32 Fantastic Four 4 4 Spartacus 2,5 3,5
33 The Omen 3,5 3,5 Reds 4 3
34 X-Men: The Last Stand 4 4,5 V for Vendetta 4 4
35 Black Hawk Down 4 5 MI: Mission's Collection 4 4
36 Under Siege 3 3,5 Nacho Libre 3 3,5
37 Nacho Libre 3 3,5 Out of Sight 4,5 3
38 The Italian Job 4 3,5 12 Monkeys 3 3,5
39 The Searchers 5 3 The Interpreter 3,5 4
40 Little Man 3 3,5 Slither 4 3,5
41 Reds 4 3 MI III 5 4,5
42 Unforgiven 4 3,5 The Thing 4,5 3,5
43 MI: Mission's Collection 4 4 The Break-Up 3 3,5
44 Aeon Flux 4 4 Waist Deep 4 3,5
45 Sahara 4 4 Army of Darkness 2,5 3

Taken from the last 45 movies High Def digest disagrees.

Total PQ from last 45 movies for Blu-Ray = 180 points with an AQ of 174,5 points

Total PQ from last 45 movies for HD DVD = 173,5 with an AQ of only 162
:eek: :)

Talk about comparing apples and oranges... I'm talking from my own experience, with the movies I wanted to buy, not what a certain website has been having for review. Besides, since when a sample of reviews is the de-facto be-all end-all of the whole HD on disc market ?

I cant decide... sometime I buy both. When that happens the checkout girl is confused.

Best post ever on AVS. :D

I cant decide... sometime I buy both. When that happens the checkout girl is confused.
You
Have
a
lot
of
money

Talk about comparing apples and oranges... I'm talking from my own experience, with the movies I wanted to buy, not what a certain website has been having for review. Besides, since when a sample of reviews is the de-facto be-all end-all of the whole HD on disc market ?

HD DVD zealots are always bringing up the 'more consistent PQ' story, YOU guys do the apples and oranges comparing. You hit it on the nail though. PQ is a personal preference, considering the vast disagreements for example in the respective tier threads. But to assert HD DVD has a more consistent PQ as FACT is wrong, as the PQ is equal imo, the AQ is another story though :p , even with Warner making AQ for HD DVD better for the multiplatform titles.

:p

HD-DVD gets the benefit of the doubt if the same movie were available on both HD-DVD and Blu-ray, since the former (unlike the latter) has earned my business. If reviews and word on the AVS Forum states that the BD version is (a) far superior, (b) cheaper and/or (c) has the same or more bonus features than the HD-DVD version then I might consider the BD version. The only time this has happened to me was when Mission: Impossible III was released on both formats. The inclusion of a commentary track that was MIA on the BD version made the selection of the HD-DVD version a no-brainer.

Another vote for the HD DVD version at this time.

I highly prefer the physical characteristics of BD. They seem to have much better resistance to minor smudges and scuffing. I've also always hated how the two halves of DVDs / HD DVDs are exposed in the center ring. (I've had a couple DVDs with cracked / shattered centered rings because of this + poor case design.)

Still - I've been very disappointed with most BD releases to date. Picture quality is getting much better, but they often seem to lack a a good feature that the HD DVD offers (e.g. TrueHD). In many cases, I'm even reluctant to upgrade from SD DVD to the BD version because the titles are stripped of extras (e.g. Kingdom of Heaven, Terminator 2), which I enjoy greatly.

I guess I prefer HD DVD in principal as well. They have delivered everything that was promised and executed the releases very well. Their approach to HD on disc was elegant and efficient.

BD on the other hand has the extra fancy hardware (with a price tag to match) and more corporate support, yet continue to squander their technical advantages (MPEG-2 & Uncompressed PCM?), and release titles that I have felt fail to live up to expectations.

I could be thinking of Universal, but I thought paramount provided 1.5 mbps DD+ tracks on HD-DVD.


I try to buy HD-DVD if I have a choice. Better picture quality and Dolby TruHD and DD+ tracks. I sort of like rooting for the underdog too. The PCM audio on blu-ray is pretty incredible as well.

I choose the HD-DVD version every time. The PQ of Blu-Ray has approached and in some cases equaled HD-DVD, but so many of the transfers on HD-DVD have been consistently good it is difficult to buy the Blu-Ray versions now. This does not stop me from buying the Blu-Ray exclusives.

Until Jan 15th, I'd just buy cheapest with best quality. After that my son takes his XBox 360 back to college and I'm down to using the PS3. --- I may have to buy myself an XBox - the remote with the add on HD-DVD player is great.

If audio quality is discernably better on PS3 with my system then I'd probably go that way.

I own both a PS3 and the 360 add-on and I have bought like 21 HD-DVDs and 1 BD (X-Men III). I like the image quality that I get with both, but to me the HD-DVD just is better in PQ. Both my plasma and DLP like 720p since it is their native res so I refuse to watch 1080i on them. With the PS3 having its own set of issues of allowing the user to decide which res he/she wants to display is an issue I do not like at the moment.

A huge selling point to me is that I can control my 360 with my NevoSL universal remote, whereas with the PS3 I will be required to purchase yet another remote. All of my AV equipment is in my bedroom closet. Right now I have a Key Digital component matrix switcher. I can watch my HD-DVDs in any room in my house, whereas I can only watch Blu-Ray movies in my living room.

To me, it seems that the PS3 would require me to upgrade too much of my equipment for it to function the way I would like in my setup.

This is what I would have to upgrade in order to get my setup the way I would like in order to have a similar viewing experience using BD compared to my current one with HD-DVD:

1. Buy a HDMI matrix switcher (mucho dinero)
2. Buy a PS3 remote (operating distance would be an issue because of bluetooth)
3. Upgrade 3 HDTVs to get 1080p (crazy much dinero)
4. File bankruptcy (because of 1-3)

I own an A-1 and the PS3, and for movies released on both I will go with HD because they haven't let me down yet. I enjoy most of what I've bought so far. Now I do buy Blu-ray for movies I can't get for HD like KoH, Black Hawk Down, and X3. I prefer HD because there is difference on PQ, but I can't compare because I don't own the same movie on each format. For right now, I'm happy with both and can't wait to see what's in store for us!

Once again I think this point is being lost here so I'll try to make it clear. There are only two studios that release movies on both formats. Warner Brothers and Paramount. All of the Warner Brothers titles use the EXACT same vc1 encode on both formats.* There is absolutely no difference in quality. If you are seeing any difference then it is either coming from the player or something else in your playback chain.


Then the question boils down to which player renders the data best. We have Toshiba as essentially the sole manufacturer on the HD-DVD side (ignoring drive makers and the Microsoft 360 camp) vs. Sony, Pioneer, Samsung, Panasonic, etc., on the BD side. Will the A20 hold up against the next-gen BD players to be released in the fall? How will LG's proposed dual format player fare? That's the $64,000 question (or questions) which makes me hedge my bets when purchasing titles in either HD-DVD or BD format. When and if a reference player is produced, that's when I'll answer the question definitively. In the meanwhile, eeny, meeny, miny, moe ...

Last, but not least, let's not forget about durability of each medium. Can you spell de-lamination? Only an electron microscope can tell for sure. What good is reference PQ and AQ if the disc degrades over time?

I have only bought HD DVD versions of movies available in both formats, so far. One big advantage is something like Superman Returns, which has the standard DVD version on the other side.

One big advantage is something like Superman Returns, which has the standard DVD version on the other side.

I hate the pricing of combos (feels like you're forced to pay a $5-10 tax for the privilege of owning an SD/HD-DVD version of the same movie even if you're only interested in the HD-DVD version) but I agree. If you're going to get ass-raped at the counter for your HD vice to the tune of $30+ I'd rather have an SD version I can pop in my laptop, portable DVD player or mother's DVD deck than a bare-bones BD title from Fox coded with DTS soundtracks I won't be able to properly decode until the next Ice Age (get it? :D ).

Depends on extras (the HD-DVD's have been winning out mostly) or cost/availability (for Aeon Flux & Sahara, I went for the BD since I saw those versions at Best Buy and they didn't have the HD-DVD versions when I was ready to buy).

I was really trying to wait for Batman Begins on BD for a comparison, but I ended up giving in for the HD-DVD earlier today (putting my HD-DVD collection in the lead again). ;)

Well, I have an HD DVD player, and I can't currently afford a Blu-Ray player. I don't really know how well Blu-Ray performs, so I'd have to test it out for myself before making a definitive answer here. (Why'd I post in this thread???)

I've been buying the HD DVDs because of my player's accessibility. My wife likes to watch a lot of movies, and we can control the HD-A2 with our universal remote. My Blu-ray player is my PS3, so it isn't as "easy" for her to load films, because it can't be controlled with my universal remote.

at this point i have superman 1 and 2 on HD dvd, MI3 on hddvd and SR and Sleepy Hollow on BD (i had SR for hd-dvd but returned 6 copies due to freezing or glitching on chapters 20-21 of the HD side). I bought most of the dual format disks on HD-dvd because i didnt have a br player at that time. However, the sound of the warner titles tilts in HD-dvd's favor but i wont pay 32.99 for a combo when i can get the same disk for 24.99 on br even for the better sound.

Other hd-dvd movies (exclusives)
king kong
the hulk
COR
Pitch black
Cinderella man
fearless
the thing
slither
batman begins

Blu-ray (exclusives)
KOH
Blackhawk Down
underworld
ice age
Xmen3
fantastic4
click
stargate
T2
pearl harbor
Tears of the sun
the descent
Species

Blu ray Disc vs HD DVD
PQ AQ
1 Courage Under Fire 4 3,5 Pulse 4 3,5
2 Alien vs Predator 4 4 Black Rain 4,5 3,5
3 Gridiron Gang 4 4 The Breakfast Club 3,5 3
4 The Covenant 5 4,5 Lady in the Water 3,5 4
5 Rising Sun 3,5 3,5 The Matador 4 3,5
6 Invincible 4,5 4 Casino 4,5 4
7 Transporter 2 4,5 4,5 The Ant Bully 4,5 4
8 Lady in the Water 3,5 3,5 Field Of Dreams 2,5 3
9 Pearl Harbor 4 5 Hulk 5 4,5
10 Flightplan 4 4,5 Derailed 4 3,5
11 The Ant Bully 4,5 3,5 Dune 4 3,5
12 Sky High 4 4 Chronos 3,5 4
13 All the King's Men 4 4 World Trade Center 4,5 4,5
14 The Devil Wears Prada 4,5 4 A Christmas Story 3,5 2,5
15 Legends of Jazz Showcase 4 5 Miami Vice 3,5 3
16 World Trade Center 4,5 4,5 Wolf Creek 4 3,5
17 A Christmas Story 3,5 2,5 National Lampoon 2,5 2
18 National Lampoon 2,5 2 Scary Movie 4 3,5 3,5
19 Kingdom of Heaven 4,5 4,5 How the Grinch Stole Christmas 4 3,5
20 The Phantom of the Opera 4,5 4 The Mummy 4 4
21 Enemy of the State 4,5 4 Superman Returns 4,5 5
22 The Transporter 4,5 4 An American Werewolf in London 3,5 3
23 Superman Returns 4,5 4 You, Me and Dupree 4 3
24 Superman II: Donner 4 3,5 Superman: The Movie 4 4,5
25 Superman: The Movie 4 4,5 Waterworld 4 4
26 Annapolis 4 3,5 Superman II: Donner 4 3,5
27 The Wild 4,5 4 King Kong 5 4,5
28 Ice Age: The Meltdown 4,5 4 Forbidden Planet 4 3
29 Million Dollar Baby 4 3,5 Forbidden Planet: Collector's Set 4 3
30 Talladega Nights 2 4 Casablanca 5 3,5
31 ATL 4,5 4 Under Siege 3 4,5
32 Fantastic Four 4 4 Spartacus 2,5 3,5
33 The Omen 3,5 3,5 Reds 4 3
34 X-Men: The Last Stand 4 4,5 V for Vendetta 4 4
35 Black Hawk Down 4 5 MI: Mission's Collection 4 4
36 Under Siege 3 3,5 Nacho Libre 3 3,5
37 Nacho Libre 3 3,5 Out of Sight 4,5 3
38 The Italian Job 4 3,5 12 Monkeys 3 3,5
39 The Searchers 5 3 The Interpreter 3,5 4
40 Little Man 3 3,5 Slither 4 3,5
41 Reds 4 3 MI III 5 4,5
42 Unforgiven 4 3,5 The Thing 4,5 3,5
43 MI: Mission's Collection 4 4 The Break-Up 3 3,5
44 Aeon Flux 4 4 Waist Deep 4 3,5
45 Sahara 4 4 Army of Darkness 2,5 3

Taken from the last 45 movies High Def digest disagrees.

Total PQ from last 45 movies for Blu-Ray = 180 points with an AQ of 174,5 points

Total PQ from last 45 movies for HD DVD = 173,5 with an AQ of only 162
:eek: :)
I DON'T USUALLY DO THIS;

BUT YOU SIR, NEED A LIFE, OR A WIFE, OR SOMETHING. :eek:

I DON'T USUALLY DO THIS;

BUT YOU SIR, NEED A LIFE, OR A WIFE, OR SOMETHING. :eek:

No kidding. That post was just a LITTLE flawed, too, since they're mostly different movies and were reviewed by different people.

HD DVD comes first.

It depends, First off I look at the Tier lists on these forums for both formats, judging on standings and general comments + audio I will make the choice. I have no brand loyalty for this stuff and if one looks better on Blu-ray I will get it, if one looks better on HD DVD then hell yes Ill get it. Same with sound, if there is the same movie with basically the same quality PQ I will get the one on HD DVD if it has DD+ or TrueHD, but if it doesnt and Blu-ray version has Uncompressed PCM then youd better believe im in.

No kidding. That post was just a LITTLE flawed, too, since they're mostly different movies and were reviewed by different people.

Different movies don't influence a 'judgement' of PQ consistency of a platform, and might I say is the whole point, also those are the 45 LAST reviews of that particular site, yes those 45 reviews were written by ONE person. Don't worry, I am here to educate. :p

I DON'T USUALLY DO THIS;

BUT YOU SIR, NEED A LIFE, OR A WIFE, OR SOMETHING. :eek:

I didn't make the list in one sitting, I started spreadsheeting the reviewscores 45 movie reviews ago on that particular site, which takes up like 10 seconds of your time per movie, which is less than reading the review itself and getting educated about the HD format. And yes I don't post that much as you on fora either. :p :p

HD DVD zealots are always bringing up the 'more consistent PQ' story, YOU guys do the apples and oranges comparing. You hit it on the nail though. PQ is a personal preference, considering the vast disagreements for example in the respective tier threads. But to assert HD DVD has a more consistent PQ as FACT is wrong, as the PQ is equal imo, the AQ is another story though :p , even with Warner making AQ for HD DVD better for the multiplatform titles.

:p

You got a lot of nerve calling us zealots newbie.

Hmm checking you posts indicate you are a Blu ray fanboy. Have you been banned lately? IP check anyone?

After all this time these fanboys ignore the advantages of HD DVD and why they are popular among us.

You got a lot of nerve calling us zealots newbie.

Hmm checking you posts indicate you are a Blu ray fanboy. Have you been banned lately? IP check anyone?

After all this time these fanboys ignore the advantages of HD DVD and why they are popular among us.

Yes, you can add me to your buddy list Mr. Optimus Prime, stop harrasing me.

I buy HD-DVDs as I prefer watching on a stand-alone player. My XA1 is connected to a 73" Mitsu RPTV, while the PS3 is connected to a 42" plasma. Don't usually like to watch movies using a game console.

The always superior HD DVD version, of course.

I buy the best version PQ/AQ wise. If they are identical, I prefer BD because the PS3 is a much better player for my setup than the A1 and BD disks are much more durable.

I usually take a look at the reviews and most times, there's no difference in PQ so then I go to PRICE.


I'll usually be ready to go HD DVD because I give it the benefit of the doubt to have the best PQ and it's a real player, not a game console. However, if reviews state the BRD version is superior then I'll buy that format. If identical I'll go with price. If same price, I'll go with HD DVD because it's a stand alone player (game menu, fan, etc make the PS3 not as smooth a movie player)

However, the movie would have to be a major release (LOTR, Matrix, etc) otherwise, I'm content renting it, or going SD DVD and letting the A2 upconvert.

Another vote for HD DVD by a dual format owner here.

Movies released on both formats look better on there HD DVD versions to me! The HD DVD versions also usually have more features, extras and interactivity, including TrueHD then the BR versions.

I've seen many posts stating that any claims such as mine are wrong and both are equal. I love those posts for three reasons, first is that this is my opinion so how would it be wrong, second is that reviewers and recent polls here on AVS show by a large percentage (something like 70%) of the members all think there is a difference in PQ between the formats.

And last but not least I thought blu-rays promise of having more space and the ability of higher bitrates and bandwidth was supposed to give a superior picture. Now its debated on whether or not they are equal, what happened to being superior? Why is HD DVD putting out a better picture (equal picture to those that dont agree) at lower bitrates and bandwidth?

Bottom line for me, as time goes on I have enjoyed more BR titles as having good PQ but I only count 2 or 3 in my collection of about 30 titles and being truly impressive. Whereas in my HD collection I do have many titles that have bombed I have so many more that are truly impressive and give me the brilliant colors and 3d look to the PQ that I am looking for.

The HD versions without a doubt.Every BluRay movie i've ever compared to their HD DVD counterpart has been inferior to the HD DVD edition.That's not personal opinion, that's 100% pure fact.

As of 1/8/07 HD DVD is the superior format.Unfortunately as we all know, the better format doesn't always win the retail war.Only time will tell how this one turns out, but until then i'll be sticking to the HD DVD editions of movies as long as i have a choice.

oh...

I have compared and I see no difference in the Identical Transfers.

the only diference is when different studios release. with diff masters.

HD DVD always first for me, main reason is the audio, I use the 6 channel output out of my A1s ( I have two) while I have to use the optical out for my PS3 ( stopgap player until Blu-Ray has a player that decodes all the audio formats, DTS-HD the main thing for the Fox titles).

Also the Warner titles don't have a Dolby TrueHD track on Blu-Ray, another big minus for me

I have a ps3 and the 360 add-on. If both versions look and sound the same or really close, i go with blu-ray, cause the ps3 produces better, louder sound than the 360.

oh...

I have compared and I see no difference in the Identical Transfers.

the only diference is when different studios release. with diff masters.

Also the player he has might be a culprit. I have compared MI:3 side by side on my PS3 and HD-A2, and there is no difference, sorry to say.

HD DVD, its my preferred format for numerous reasons.