Departed, The
HD-DVD | HD-DVD/DVD Combo | Elite Red HD Case Official Pre-Sell Date: January 16, 2007

Studio: Warner Bros.
Theatrical Release: 10/6/06
Theatrical Box Office (M): $109.70
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure
MPAA: R
Rating Comments: For strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material.

Synopsis: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg star in Martin Scorsese's new crime drama "The Departed." "The Departed" is set in South Boston where the state police force is waging an all-out war to take down the city's top organized crime ring. The key is to end the reign of powerful mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) from the inside. A young rookie, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate Costello's mob. While Billy is working to gain Costello's trust, another young cop, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is among a handful of elite officers whose mission is to bring Costello down. But what his superiors don't know is that Colin is working for Costello, keeping the crime boss one step ahead of the police. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operation he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the gangsters and the police that they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin find themselves in constant danger of being caught-and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Actors: Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Leonardo Dicaprio


Copyright Info: (c) 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Type: Sell Through
Latest Promotion: New Release
Announce Date: 1/19/07
Order Date: 1/9/07
Street Date: 2/13/07
UPC: 085391117285
Cat#: 111728
ISBN: 1-4198-4550-0
Closed Captioning: Yes
MSRP: $39.99
MAP: $29.95
Map Expiration Date: 3/15/07
Special Version: HD-DVD/DVD Combo
Rating Comments:For strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material.
Packaging Type: Elite Red HD Case
Media Quantity: 1
Disc Configuration:
1) HD-30DL
Soundtrack Language: English
Run Time: 151
Units per Carton: 30
Product Dimensions (D x W x H):
0.5 x 5.375 x 6.781 IN
Product Weight: 0.18 LB
Carton Dimensions (D x W x H):
15.314 x 7.281 x 6.188 IN
Carton Weight: 5.92 LB

Subtitles: English SDH, English, Francais, Latin Spanish
Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio - 2.40, Widescreen [16:9 Transfer]
Sound Quality: English 5.1 DDP
English: Dolby Surround 5.1 MLP
French (Q) 5.1 DDP
Latin Spanish 5.1 DDP

Related Titles: Blood Diamond

I smile everytime I see TrueHD... :D

Too bad it's a combo.

Awesome, TrueHD!

Too bad it's not LPCM either.

Too bad it's not LPCM either.

It will probably be the same track, just losslessly packed as TrueHD. I doubt it would sound any different, but I'm sure there will be comparisons when it's released.

I will be for sure buying this!

Too bad it's not LPCM either.There's really no point since even first generation HD DVD players can play 5.1 TrueHD. Like it's been said before, it's probably the same track. It's just compressed.

Too bad it's a combo.

I know, but I'll still be buying it

buying this one

****ing combos.

****ing combos.

Given that you have a Blu-ray player, you can just buy the BD and save five bucks. Warner is finally doing PCM so there's no longer a spec advantage for going HD-DVD.

****ing combos.

Sucks, I know, but I'd rather buy and show my HD-DVD support with this one than give BR the sale. :)

Awesome, TrueHD!
am I blind lazy or both? I dont see THD.

nevermind...just lazy. I read the specs but didnt read the back of the box in the picture

Sucks, I know, but I'd rather buy and show my HD-DVD support with this one than give BR the sale. :)

Just imagine the conundrum you'll be in if Warner ever actually launches TotalHD.

I went :eek: when I saw $109.70 and then saw that was just box office.

Looks like they retail at $39.99...

am I blind lazy or both? I dont see THD.

nevermind...just lazy. I read the specs but didnt read the back of the box in the picture


FYI,

In the specs, it says: "English: Dolby Surround 5.1 MLP".

That is Dolby TrueHD.


Eric

Damn a combo? Looks like I'll have to pick it up for BD

LOL is it complicated to understand that all futureshop NEW release from Warner are gonna be Combo on HD DVD, and in 4/4 2007 they'll switch to THD for most if not all there title in 2008... why post that you won't get it when it's enevitable that it will be..

Stop sounding like it's like OMG I DIDNT KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great news. Can't wait. :)

LOL is it complicated to understand that all futureshop NEW release from Warner are gonna be Combo on HD DVD

Interesting Freudian retailer slip, Ryoohki! Vive le difference! :)

I LOVE Marty S. when he's on, and everything I know about this flick is that it's A+. Too bad that there's no Commentary, but once it wins for best picture there will no doubt be another version...No matter, I'll buy both...sigh...

Do combos have any artwork (i.e. are the HD and DVD layers on the same side) or do they look like those crap early flipper discs on DVD with no artwork?

Interesting Freudian retailer slip, Ryoohki! Vive le difference! :)

I LOVE Marty S. when he's on, and everything I know about this flick is that it's A+. Too bad that there's no Commentary, but once it wins for best picture there will no doubt be another version...No matter, I'll buy both...sigh...

If you've ever seen Infernal Affairs you'd probably get why this movie is crap in comparison. On its own it's not bad, but in light of the original, I'd say it's on the same level of Stallone's Get Carter :(

Ill be buying it for sure. Don't care for the DVD side but what ever.

Hopfully all the extras are on the HDDVD side. I hate when they split them over the 2 sides.

Too bad it's not LPCM either.


TrueHD is the same as PCM, uncompressed = uncompressed.

I will buy the HD DVD. I want to see how it compares to Infernal Affairs.

I have both formats, and when given a choice I usually go for HD DVD. In this case, I can decode True HD via my Toshy, but I can't get PCM from my PS3 because I have it hooked up via optical for sound...

So I guess it's a combo HD DVD for me :D

TrueHD is the same as PCM, uncompressed = uncompressed.Not on my system. :D

The TrueHD discs are nice, but the LPCM discs sound a lot better IMO, this will only be the 2nd non-exclusive I will purchase in Blu. (1st being Sopranos, also for the LPCM) :cool:

Hmm, this may be the first title I get on BR vs. HD DVD. Can't see any reason for paying $5 more for a combo HD DVD.

Will be a great disc on either side, but in this case I'll grab the Blu and save myself a few dolla dollas. :cool: Shall be going with HD-DVD for Happy Feet though.

So, essentially they're flippers with no artwork? If so, that's something that I don't like aethetically and financially, I have no desire to pay more money for HD DVDs with useless additions. That's why I'm not pleased with the TotalHD crap; if pricing goes up there goes my HD DVD purchasing until a winner is decided and prices drop back to $18. Right now, the only reason I buy HD DVDs is because they don't cost much more than DVDs. If HD DVDs move up to BR pricing I'm out.

Frankly, HD DVDs should be no more than $18, essentially comparable to new DVD releases or several dollars more than most slightly older releases on DVD. I have made a few minor exceptions for favorites I didn't see going down in price anytime soon do to continuing popularity like Riddick and Van Helsing, but they have been around $21. The only one I went buck wild on was Equilibrium/Rebellion just because I love that movie but still at the price I'm not happy and I doubt I would do it for more than four or so other movies.

Not on my system. :D

The TrueHD discs are nice, but the LPCM discs sound a lot better IMO, this will only be the 2nd non-exclusive I will purchase in Blu. (1st being Sopranos, also for the LPCM) :cool:

I am not sure how this is possible. In both cases the information is lossless. TrueHD is equivalent to zipping and unzipping a file. So, this would be like saying a Word document loses information when it is zipped and unzipped. :confused:

So, on the surface this looks like a placebo effect or something to me....since the data is exactly the same whether it is LPCM and TruHD. Lossless is lossless....

Oh god, if The Departed is a combo, I guess I'll buy the BR version.

Oh god, if The Departed is a combo, I guess I'll buy the BR version.

That would make sense, especially IF the combo costs more. I'm going to buy the HD DVD version only because my HD DVD player (XA-2) puts out a better PQ than my Sammy BD Player. However, once I get a better BD player (waiting for one that will decode all the advanced audio codecs), I'll always go for the disk with the better value. In this case, buying the HD DVD version over the BD, for someone who has a choice makes little sense if the BD version is cheaper. Honestly, IF I had the Panny or Pio BD player, I'd have picked up the BD version. In fact if the price difference is more than $5 I will still get the BD version here...

FWIW, WB's new strategy will make it very hard for someone to pick HD DVD over BD, especially if the HD DVD combos cost more than the BD versions. Better THD than combos!

Why the dislike of the combo discs? I like them, I can watch the HD DVD version on my HD DVD player, and I can watch the DVD version on my computer or at my friends places, none of whom have HD DVD or Blu-Ray. I am not a big fan of the two sided discs, I wish they could get both the HD DVD and DVD version on the same side, but I like the combo discs.
EXACTLY! Thats why I PREFER combo discs. Everybody complaining about price and what-not, listen, if you look hard enough you can find combo's at a reasonable price. It was not long ago that fry's was selling "Superman Returns" for only $24.99. I do agree however that a $39.99 MSRP is B.S.

Is this on Amazon's pre-order list yet?

Is this on Amazon's pre-order list yet?

Nope, and I can't figure out why. I'd like to preorder as my PRIME trial expires 2/4.

If you've ever seen Infernal Affairs you'd probably get why this movie is crap in comparison. On its own it's not bad, but in light of the original, I'd say it's on the same level of Stallone's Get Carter :(


It has been mentioned many times over that this version is a loose reworking, rather than an obvious copy/remake.

I saw Infernal Affairs first but still loved The Departed, I didnt find them THAT similar, only the premise.

It has been mentioned many times over that this version is a loose reworking, rather than an obvious copy/remake.

That's pretty obvious; it's still a "remake" though in that it borrows the whole premise from Infernal Affairs so it invites the comparison and in that regard it's a poor man's Infernal Affairs.

I am not sure how this is possible. In both cases the information is lossless. TrueHD is equivalent to zipping and unzipping a file. So, this would be like saying a Word document loses information when it is zipped and unzipped. :confused:

So, on the surface this looks like a placebo effect or something to me....since the data is exactly the same whether it is LPCM and TruHD. Lossless is lossless....

I guess we'll find out when the departed is released if LPCM 5.1 is really better than truHD....

So far it's been more impressive than an already impressive truHD.

What is the big deal here? Sometimes when I am in my conspiracy mode I think that the Blu-ray group purposely post anti combo discs. I will grant you they are more expensive, but hey, buy one disc and you carry it in your laptop, or even the wifes SUV for the kids to watch.

Do you really think that IF the BD group could even make these suckers they wouldn't be promoting them to all out heaven? And the fanboys would be singing their praises as well.

I hate combos but I'm buying this movie. One of the best movies I've seen in 10 years. Way better than the last 5 Oscar winners.

I hate combos but I'm buying this movie. One of the best movies I've seen in 10 years. Way better than the last 5 Oscar winners.

The Departed was a damn good film and also one of my favourites........BUT, I can't say that it's WAY better than Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Return of the King, which were all great films.......A Beautiful Mind was alright, and I haven't seen Chicago.

I think the problem is that the ONLY way to get the movie in HD-DVD is to pay extra for the combo disc, which is wrong. It's just as wrong as forcing a playstation gamer to buy a bluray movie player.

You can just as easily buy the HD-DVD version and the DVD version separately if you're one of the VERY FEW people that actually need both versions. But forcing EVERY consumer to buy both versions and charging them more for it is wrong.

They should also come out with an HD-DVD ONLY version, then I wouldn't be forced to buy a combo disc. It's all about giving consumers the choice, and not boning them on a price hike for something they may or may not even use.

So, on the surface this looks like a placebo effect or something to me....since the data is exactly the same whether it is LPCM and TruHD. Lossless is lossless....We need to make sure volumes are the same if people are going to compare these. I'm not sure how this works with different players, but I believe that some of the LPCM tracks have different volumes than the DD tracks on BDs, from what I've heard. One that comes to mind is "Stealth" where they seemed to have very different volumes.

--Darin

Like it or not, Combo discs are one of the only things HD-DVD's got going for it over Blu-Ray. It basically says to the consumer "Hey, in case our format fails (hey, it entirely possible) you will still have a SD-DVD that will work on any dvd player without having to buy the same movie twice. Where as Blu-Ray does not have that kind of flexibility". I personally feel they SHOULD offer both versions (HD only and Combo) however, combo discs make the transition easier for the "average" consumer. Plus, if this is HD-DVD's one strength over the big Blu...why not use that?

I don't know if this is any help, but for all of you Combo-haters, there are no combos in Europe.

Here in Spain 'The departed' has been announced in hd-dvd for 20th March.

And I just saw yesterday at the store that 'TFATF: Tokyo drift' is not a combo either (same thing in the UK).

Oh, and 'Miami Vice' is set for February 21th, although I don't know which cut it will be. I think in the UK is released first.

So if you want to buy hd-dvd, there is still that possibility.

HD-DVD = Combo Disc => I will go with the BD50 (and I don't even have a BD player yet). It is as easy as that.

Given the fact how easy HD-DVDs scratch AND the fact that flipper discs are even more notorious to scratches I find it very hard to believe that many guys are "taking their combo discs to their friends to play them on their DVD player" or "take them with me in the car to watch them there" or "let my children take the disc and play it on their DVD player"....

Combo discs are a pathetic way of charging more for any given release - just like the whole TotalHD "concept". Warner/Universal seem to be convinced that HD-DVD on its own isn't "attractive enough", therefor they need to find ways to "add value". BUT this is so VERY annoying to any HD ENTHUSIAST.

They (Warner and Universal) should really try to compare figures of how many purchase Combo Discs BECAUSE they are combo discs (and not just because we have no choice ergo they would choose combo discs even if a HD-DVD only version would be available) and those who don't purchase it BECAUSE they are combo discs (reasons: pricier and above all antique FLIPPER discs). As it stands now I think MOST who are format neutral will choose the Warner BD50 releases with lossless audio from now on. I know I will. But I will still buy just about ANY decent "pure and natural HD-DVD" release that will become available.

I would pick up the release from Spain since it is not a combo. Xploited cinema should carry it.

What is the big deal here? Sometimes when I am in my conspiracy mode I think that the Blu-ray group purposely post anti combo discs. I will grant you they are more expensive, but hey, buy one disc and you carry it in your laptop, or even the wifes SUV for the kids to watch.

Do you really think that IF the BD group could even make these suckers they wouldn't be promoting them to all out heaven? And the fanboys would be singing their praises as well.


Yes, in theory, but I don't think "The Departed" is great SUV entertainment for the kiddies. :)

We cannot forget that the studios are not just catering to the HD enthusiast here. They are trying to cater to the mass majority of people and combo discs help make the transition easier for regular people. They buy a disc that not only plays in HD but also plays on their regular dvd player. Talk about scratching and all that, well if your disc scratches easily, than that just probably means your not taking proper care of it. I bring dvd's to my fathers house all the time because he has a nice HT set-up, but he does not own an HD-DVD player yet. With a combo disc I don't have to worry about it not working on ANY player.

I wouldnt mind combo disks if it came on two seperate disks instead of the doublesided one it comes with. This one is a blu ray purchase for me.

For Superman Returns, I went with the HD DVD version mainly for the True HD track, for Departed, the Blu-ray version has PCM so it's an esy choice. Plus, I like the fact that the Blu-ray version will have artwork on the disc. It's a minor thing but it matters.

Combo discs are stupid. If they're going to do a combo, make it a 2 disc set, HD DVD on one disc and DVD on the other. Or find a way to have HD DVD and DVD on the same side like Blu-ray supposedly can (if BDA ever decide to do this).

I might have to buy the BR version as well if the price difference is significant and its BD-50.

I don't see either title listed on Amazon yet which is odd. Its only about 3 weeks from being shipped out the door. Canadian Amazon has it listed. HD price 34.29, Blu-ray price 27.99.

I guess that will translate into about a $5 price difference in american. Warner is shooting HD-DVD in the foot.

It has been mentioned many times over that this version is a loose reworking, rather than an obvious copy/remake.
Actually, The Departed is quite similar to Infernal Affairs and many scenes are exactly the same. For example, the scene where one of the mob guys points out how you can tell who is a cop is pretty much copied verbatim from the original (in translation of course). And for what it's worth, I thought IA was far superior to TD, mainly because it was smarter and more tense.

Or find a way to have HD DVD and DVD on the same side like Blu-ray supposedly can (if BDA ever decide to do this).
The Japanese HD DVD I have of 'Virtual Trip: Tahiti" is on a "twin" format disc that has both on one side.

Having a combo on two separate discs (like the poster above me mentioned) is a fantastic idea.

Having a combo on two separate discs (like the poster above me mentioned) is a fantastic idea.

Even better is just giving the buyer a $10 coupon towards the standard dvd or hd-dvd (depending on which they purchased).

Those who want both can use that to purchase them.

If the point is just to give incentive, it seems like a coupon is the cheapest way to go.

We cannot forget that the studios are not just catering to the HD enthusiast here. They are trying to cater to the mass majority of people and combo discs help make the transition easier for regular people.

But, they make the transition a lot harder for regular people, not easier. First off, regular people won't even know combo discs exist, because they won't be looking in the HD-DVD section at all. Those few who do stumble onto it, will then think the HD-DVD will look better on their DVD player than a regular DVD, and when it doesn't, they'll think HD-DVD is just a bunch of hype. Those who imagine they see an improvement will have an even tougher time, as the next HD-DVD they buy may not be a combo, and suddenly it won't play on their DVD player.

But, they make the transition a lot harder for regular people, not easier. First off, regular people won't even know combo discs exist, because they won't be looking in the HD-DVD section at all. Those few who do stumble onto it, will then think the HD-DVD will look better on their DVD player than a regular DVD, and when it doesn't, they'll think HD-DVD is just a bunch of hype. Those who imagine they see an improvement will have an even tougher time, as the next HD-DVD they buy may not be a combo, and suddenly it won't play on their DVD player.
This is true, there are some pretty dumb people out there :p . With that said, I actually retract my previous statement. Yes, it does not neccessarily make the transition easier per say, but what it does is add flexibility for the consumer.

I don't like Combo discs one bit. One disc for the price of two and no artwork. Ugh!

If this movie is as good as everyone is saying, I might actually pick it up. And if I do, I'll be getting it on Blu-ray.

HD-DVD combo vs. BD-50 for 5 bucks less is a no brainer. And I don't even have a Blu-ray player yet.

We cannot forget that the studios are not just catering to the HD enthusiast here. They are trying to cater to the mass majority of people and combo discs help make the transition easier for regular people. They buy a disc that not only plays in HD but also plays on their regular dvd player. Talk about scratching and all that, well if your disc scratches easily, than that just probably means your not taking proper care of it. I bring dvd's to my fathers house all the time because he has a nice HT set-up, but he does not own an HD-DVD player yet. With a combo disc I don't have to worry about it not working on ANY player.

In the minority here, but I agree!

Blu-ray, all the way.:cool:

Blu-ray, all the way.:cool:
You "switched" fast :eek:

Well Guys the MSRP for the two are exactly $1 difference.

Well Guys the MSRP for the two are exactly $1 difference.


It's actually a $5 spread.

Eric

Warner has set a $38.95 list price for the Blu-ray version, and $39.95 for the HD DVD/DVD combo.

Hidefdigest (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Departed_Specs_See_Warner_Jump_Into_Uncompressed_Audio_on_Bl u-ray/444)

Now THAT'S funny!
J

Hidefdigest (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Announcements/Departed_Specs_See_Warner_Jump_Into_Uncompressed_Audio_on_Bl u-ray/444)


They are incorrect. THE DEPARTED has an MSRP of $39.99 for HD DVD Combo (MAP $29.95) and $34.99 for Blu-Ray (MAP $24.95). This is according to the official Warner Home Video announcements that I have posted to this and the Blu-Ray software forums (and those are the standard WB prices anyway).

Eric

Finally up on amazon for pre-order. Put my order in about 5 min ago.

Finally up on amazon for pre-order. Put my order in about 5 min ago.

Last I checked that weren't adding the 10% though.

Last I checked that weren't adding the 10% though.

I emailed them and they added it to mine.

Still no auto deduction of 10% on mine either. I don't understand why they can't put whatever code they need to on this item when they list it for sale. It can't be that difficult.

Pre-ordered it on Amazon today! W00t! - I have to agree with MichaelHDDVD- i've been able to convert some friends to HD-DVD just by bringing the combo discs over to their house. My salesman neighbor thought it was a very cool idea since he travels all the time.

Sucks, I know, but I'd rather buy and show my HD-DVD support with this one than give BR the sale. :)
Yeah but have you noticed the price hike on BD with the addition of PCM? They are only $1 different so you are not really saving anything by going blu-ray.

Yeah but have you noticed the price hike on BD with the addition of PCM? They are only $1 different so you are not really saving anything by going blu-ray.

There has been no price hike. The MSRP for blu-ray's is still the same.

Like it or not, Combo discs are one of the only things HD-DVD's got going for it over Blu-Ray. It basically says to the consumer "Hey, in case our format fails (hey, it entirely possible) you will still have a SD-DVD that will work on any dvd player without having to buy the same movie twice. Where as Blu-Ray does not have that kind of flexibility". I personally feel they SHOULD offer both versions (HD only and Combo) however, combo discs make the transition easier for the "average" consumer. Plus, if this is HD-DVD's one strength over the big Blu...why not use that?


This is sounding more like blah blah blah. There is more reading into this than all the tranlations of the Bible. Enough already :rolleyes:

Hands down Best Picture. Buying this for sure. So happy to see it being released on HD-DVD.

Link to Blu-ray version at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Departed-Blu-ray/dp/B000M5AJQI/sr=1-7/qid=1169664324/ref=sr_1_7/104-5169779-5149507?ie=UTF8&s=dvd


Link to HD DVD version at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Combo-Standard-DVD-HD/dp/B000M5AJQ8/sr=1-6/qid=1169664324/ref=sr_1_6/104-5169779-5149507?ie=UTF8&s=dvd


The MSRPs are $5.00 different. The Amazon prices are $4.00 different. They are NOT $1.00 different!!!

Too bad it's a combo.
Why the complaint about a combo. I've just bought the HD add on form my 360 and now i'm waiting for My LG 42P3D to make it back from the repair shop (long painful story). I purchased the Bourne Supremacy & it came with King Kong. I've seen "combo" disks are available for some titles but i've seen some neg remarks about combo. WHy?

I don't like combo discs because they cost more with no added benefit to me. I would never watch the SD side of a combo, so I don't want to pay more for it.

The other thing I don't like about combo discs is the lack of artwork. I like having cool looking graphic design on the disc. That's worth more to me than an SD version that will never get seen.

Does anyone know what the chances of BB or Circuity City or even Fry's getting this on release day?

on imdb, someone said there's going to be a deluxe version coming out in March but no word if it's BD, HD-DVD or just DVD.

on imdb, someone said there's going to be a deluxe version coming out in March but no word if it's BD, HD-DVD or just DVD.
Pfft...I hate double-dips :mad: .

on imdb, someone said there's going to be a deluxe version coming out in March but no word if it's BD, HD-DVD or just DVD.
This on top of the 2 Disc edition (DVD)?? Hmmmmmmmm Amazon has the 2 disc edition available, but it is only DVD, if they came out with another release in March that would almost be a waste of money.....

This is sounding more like blah blah blah.

Perhaps you should pull your fingers from your ears then so you can hear what others are saying.

There are many reasons for combos, and they have been stated many times. If BluRay had the capability, you can bet your life that Sony would be releasing combo discs just the same.

The only persistent arguments against combos are price and no disc artwork (or difficulty reading the label.)

It's kind of ironic that most people can't afford to own both HD DVD and Blu Ray platforms, yet those who can afford both are the ones making the most noise about the price of combo discs. Why is that?

In all honesty, I doubt those people are the ones the studios are trying to reach.

If they make a few people "jump ship" to Blu Ray as some are claiming (even if those people would need to buy at least 100 combo discs to offset the cost of buying a Blu Ray player) that's obviously a risk the studios are willing to take.

Warner doesn't care because they are format neutral, and they get your money either way.

Universal? Who knows... maybe they have a higher purpose in mind for these combos as a tool to ultimately end the format war when they have the capacity to make single SKU runs of all their DVD / HD DVD titles.

That would be a death blow to Blu Ray, because not only would every DVD available at Best Buy, Wal Mart, Target, etc. have the HD DVD version built-in, but every DVD rental at Hollywood Video, Blockbuster, Netflix, etc. would also be an HD DVD by default.

When you consider the kind of market penetration these combos could ultimately yield, and think for a moment about what these combos could do to end the format war in HD DVDs favor, it's a bit easier to understand why some are crying out for an end to their production.

Combos are nifty, but they hurt sales in the long run. Americans have shown time and time again that the number one factor in a purchase is PRICE. If you have a HD DVD player and want to buy a HD DVD, you want the cheapest one you can get, not one with a hiked up price for a SD version of the same thing which you don't care about.

they'll catch on soon enough when they see the stats on blu ray vs. HD DVD for this particular movie. THey'll have a spike in blu ray sales from dual owners, and a drop from solo HD DVD owners not wanting to spend that much.

The easiest way to win a format war is to be cheaper than the other guy, not offer bells and whistles people don't want for more money. Crazy. and sure, even if they are "format-neutral in this case, they still will see a dip in overall sales from all the hd dvd owners who don't own blu-ray and will find the cost prohibitive.

Blu ray for me.

they'll catch on soon enough when they see the stats on blu ray vs. HD DVD for this particular movie. THey'll have a spike in blu ray sales from dual owners, and a drop from solo HD DVD owners not wanting to spend that much.

How will they know the breakdown of single-format people and dual-format people? I don't understand how they could track such a thing. They'll likely chalk up bigger sales for the BD version to the PS3.

How will they know the breakdown of single-format people and dual-format people? I don't understand how they could track such a thing. They'll likely chalk up bigger sales for the BD version to the PS3.They could. Or they could do a test in the future where they release an HD DVD in both combo and non-combo (at a lower price) and see how many they sell of each.

--Darin

This one is showing up in my cart on Amazon with the 10% discount now for all that were waiting on this!

It's kind of ironic that most people can't afford to own both HD DVD and Blu Ray platforms, yet those who can afford both are the ones making the most noise about the price of combo discs. Why is that?

Probably because buying both HD-DVD and BD actually nets you exclusive movies that aren't available on the others among other things. They're paying more for something they actually use. That's not the case with combos for 98% of us, who with combos would be paying extra for something we will never use.

You might be able to afford a PS3 no problem, but that doesn't mean you'd be willing to pay $5 extra for games that come with a Japanese translated manual without complaining when that is something you're never going to use.

Sure, it's nice to talk about how people can start stockpiling their HD-DVD collection now with combos before they buy the player, but that's pure theorycraft and really hasn't applied out in the real world. I have never met a single soul that has done this, but I can't count on 5 hands the number of people I've met that were upset that they're paying $5 extra for (in our case) a worse version of the movie (no cover art on the DVD).

It was an idea that sounded alright on paper, but has very little real-world applicability.

They could. Or they could do a test in the future where they release an HD DVD in both combo and non-combo (at a lower price) and see how many they sell of each.

--Darin

yep. it seems like it's a fairly small segment of the population. But when you spread the sales out across the country and compare it to similar releases, they're bound to see a blip.