I was recently wondering what potential the high def discs have for double dipping the releases (in either format).

I remember not too long ago, probably around 1999, learning of the concept of an 'anamorphic transfer' onto DVD. In the history of DVD, I've probably repurchased the 2nd or 3rd release of a DVD 10-15 times, due to the fact that the newer release was anamorphic and it was a good visual flick.

Can anyone speculate what the equivalent of the anamorphic DVD transition might be for the high def discs?
The only thing I can forsee is the codec that was used to put it on the disc might change down the road. Any other factors we might be concerned about, beside seeing more 'extras' in a future release (which I'm sure we can all fathom)?
I can't remember the codec differences for HD-DVD and BluRay and what the potentials for each one are, but I've seen them mentioned in some reviews. I don't want this thread to turn into a codec debate, just wondering if some of the HD players have different potentials, but haven't taken advantage of them before.

I suspect they will mostly be in the form of "Directors Long Lost Special Personal Cut: EXTREME" versions, though maybe discs that can support 2.35:1 projectors might be common (if current HD discs or players can't do it now). I don't think there is anything to do on the disc for 1080p24 playback, and TrueHD sound isn't enough of a sell (though I do remember double dipping for Saving Private Ryan when there was a DTS version released). Otherwise, barring some new TV standard or requirement, hopefully we are golden with what we have for the next 10 years.

I'm not a fan of extras at all and I don't fall for the hype of unrated and extended cuts either. What will get me to rebuy early BD releases would be those which are released with far superior transfers. I sincerely hope LionsGate is already planning on new versions of their original lineup which looked rather blah.... Stargate, Stir Of Echoes, Total Recall...

Superior transfers and may be even higher bitrates - BluRay SuperDuperBit. I hope HD DVD guys don't pull the same trick (if and when) TL is adopted.

Superior transfers and may be even higher bitrates - BluRay SuperDuperBit. I hope HD DVD guys don't pull the same trick (if and when) TL is adopted.

Well I'm certainly against studios intentionally releasing crap the first time around while planning a better quality second release. That said, if TL does come out you HD DVD owners should be thrilled if that translates into better PQ. There's no such thing as HD that's too good is there? ;)

I'd guess T2 or King kong EE will be the first double dip HD movie. T2 has been redone a crazy amount of times. And the curennt KK is the regular cut. I could see a 2 disc EE with THD on it

depends what you mean by extras.

remastered/refilmed/re-SE scenes (like SW, ET....)
new longer versions
new shorter versions
improvements ( better audio....)
special collectors editions (fancier box)
N anniversary special edition

I'd guess T2 or King kong EE will be the first double dip HD movie. T2 has been redone a crazy amount of times. And the curennt KK is the regular cut. I could see a 2 disc EE with THD on it

A new BD of The Fifth Element with a new master is in the works, so that will probably be the first. I think they will release the extended edition of King Kong though. I think Kingdom of Heaven is a given at some point, but that will just have the extras from the DVDs put back.

For the most part, we won't see many re-releases for a while. The focus will be on getting more titles out. Just as it was with DVD, they won't do many double dips until they start to run out of popular titles.

I like this idea better than double dipping. your comments welcomed


A discussion of internet downloads and network storage adding to more HD DVD and Blu-ray content being virtually present on the disc instead of a double dip

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=788514

Prehapps if it is the fifth element it will be the first SuperBit HD movie..
But I really do think T2 will be one of the first. Although france is getting it in a few months on HD_DVD so in a way that counts.

A new BD of The Fifth Element with a new master is in the works, so that will probably be the first.


don't think it counts. If PG is right and they replace for people that bought the original then it is not a double dip

I'm just hoping we don't have 7 more versions of Evil Dead or Army of Darkness to choose from in HD :)