Just came, I'm watching it, and i have to say it is without a doubt my new favorite HDDVD(s).

Far superior picture quality VS DiscoverHD's.

GTG, I'm going to look at some crazy salamanders with no eyeballs in HD.

(note: im watching on my 73831 Mitsubishi via my Toshiba HDXA2.)

are you using 1080p out of the XA2 and are you having any colorspace issues?

Far superior picture quality VS DiscoverHD's.

Damn!! You just cost me $70!

are you using 1080p out of the XA2 and are you having any colorspace issues?
Yes to 1080p, no colorspace. Please note, i am by no means an expert.

was all of this shot in hd video as opposed to film?

yes, it was all shot in 1080i HD Video.

Stumbo
How are the black levels, contrast, and shadow details on these discs?

yes, it was all shot in 1080i HD Video.
Not all. From a post of mine (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10215610#post10215610) in another thread:
FYI, according to this chat (http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/chat/chat_05.html) with the producers, they used both film and HD digital cameras. I'd assume that they used whatever they needed for any given situation.

Here's (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6425586.html?display=Feature) a pretty good article that focuses on the HD digital technology they used. One thing I found interesting is that it was mastered for 1080i50 in the UK, and then changed to 1080i60 for the US. So I wonder how the HD DVDs wil be mastered?

There's an excellent review over at www.highdefdigest.com.

Still waiting for Amazon to ship mine. Dang supersaver shipping!

Stumbo
How are the black levels, contrast, and shadow details on these discs?

For the most part it looks great, my favorite episode by far was the cave episode. Although the transfer is superb, there are still some scenes/episodes that arn't quite as sharp/clear as other, like with most films.

yes, it was all shot in 1080i HD Video.

No - that is not the case.

It has been edited in 1080 line video - but significant portions were shot on the 720p Panasonic Varicam, and some sequences were shot on film. Sequences were also shot on Sony HDCams I believe - though it all had 1080/25p motion rendition - though whether this means it was shot 1080p or 1080/50i and flickered I don't know.

It has been BROADCAST in 1080i - but this is a different issue.

was all of this shot in hd video as opposed to film?

No - it was shot in a mixture of formats - HD video (1080 and 720 formats) as well as film. It was post produced in the 1080 HD video domain.

You can definitely tell some scenes are just superior to others. I am almost done watching the series, and I will probably watch it again and take notes of my favorite scenes.

So far, the most amazing shot has been the cave salamander, Amazing! Especially the close-up of the blood pulsing through its external gills.

Only watched the first two episodes so far, but I agree with the hidefdigest review in that the audio is lacking. From the portions I've seen, the score is a little melodramatic, but tolerable, but it's really disappointing the only track is DD 5.1.

The bird with the bright "glowing" blue smiley face on his feathers as he was enticing the female was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen. Can't wait for more!

Only watched the first two episodes so far, but I agree with the hidefdigest review in that the audio is lacking. From the portions I've seen, the score is a little melodramatic, but tolerable, but it's really disappointing the only track is DD 5.1.

I watched the Last*, and first 3 Shows!!!

I thought the Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 track was great and didn't distract from the narration. The surround channels are put to good use to make you feel you're in the middle of the forest, etc. (Audio Calibrated via HD DVD Digital Video Essentials)

The sub-sonic LFE track though really enhances some of the on-screen action by moving the floor, couch, seats and pant-legs when called for! :D

The bird with the bright "glowing" blue smiley face on his feathers as he was enticing the female was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen. Can't wait for more!

*Wait until you see the Vampire Squid!!! (Ocean Deep) :eek:

Phil

I received my Amazon copy yesterday. The sound is far better than the Discovery HD on TWC... and the PQ is better.... great HD DVD set!

GTG, I'm going to look at some crazy salamanders with no eyeballs in HD.


LOL! :D Know exactly what you mean...

Creeeeak! I live!

:thread resurrected:

Any particular reason Planet Earth has suddenly spiked up to #18 on Amazon? I looked, but I didn't see any special sale.

Creeeeak! I live!

:thread resurrected:

Any particular reason Planet Earth has suddenly spiked up to #18 on Amazon? I looked, but I didn't see any special sale.

Two thoughts - 1. People taking advantage of the other HDDVD sales are also buying Planet Earth. 2. Loads of new HDDVD owners buying the must-own HDDVD reference title.

Planet Earth on HD DVD (BBC version) is fantastic. I watched last disc a few days ago and was floored. Beautiful deep ocean shots.

Two thoughts - 1. People taking advantage of the other HDDVD sales are also buying Planet Earth. 2. Loads of new HDDVD owners buying the must-own HDDVD reference title.

Agreed. We know that 90K HD DVD owners were added two weekends ago. We also know that they have been selling briskly since then.

So say there are ~125K new owners in just the past couple of weeks looking for that "wow" title.

Planet Earth would be among the top choices. Along with Transformers which has stayed in the Nielsen's top 10 for three weeks now.

I couldn't care less if it was all shot in HD or not, it's one of, if not the best packages I've ever seen. The footage is absolutely incredible and in my opinion this is a documentary that should be shown in schools to EVERYONE to give people an idea of how amazing this planet is outside of suburban USA which is filled with homes, fast food restaurants, and industrial areas.

Best HD-DVD by far (in my opinion,) and something that everyone should watch.

Two thoughts - 1. People taking advantage of the other HDDVD sales are also buying Planet Earth. 2. Loads of new HDDVD owners buying the must-own HDDVD reference title.

I tend to agree, but I just thought it was rather extraordinary that it would spike like this. I guess a bunch of people suddenly figured it out.

By the way, it's now up to #14.

Planet Earth dvd version was on Opera today on her favorite gift items. Not the HD version just the dvd version so I assume lots of buyers buying players are buying this now.

Just to make sure which is all the hub-bub about?
Planet Earth – The Complete BBC Series or
Planet Earth – US Version, Discovery Channel
Hopefully it’s the BBC version because that’s the one I just bought on Amazon for $48. It looked like it had higher ratings than the US version.

You got it. BBC.

So if this was shot in a variety of formats (1080p25, 720p, 1080i VIDEO), what are the implications of setting my XA2 to output at 1080p24?

Any particular reason Planet Earth has suddenly spiked up to #18 on Amazon? I looked, but I didn't see any special sale.

After months of just 3 or 4 Blu/HD movies on the shelves at my Walmart, there is now an end cap for hi def movies. Both sides have Planet Earth in stock. Of the 100's of hi def movies that are out, there is only 20 or 30 for each color. But Planet Earth is one of them. It's always "one of them" at every store i've seen hi def stocked. So, it's always one of the choices, and now it's one of the choices at walmart too. (my town is 4,000 people, if my walmart has it/your walmart has it).:)

Planet Earth . . . the "centipede" of HD DVD - talk about "legs!":D

Planet Earth . . . the "centipede" of HD DVD - talk about "legs!":D

No kidding.

It's up to #12 now. :cool:

PE is back in the Top 10 (at #10). :cool:

(It may not be that newsworthy, but I just think it's cool. :))

I was just at Wal-Mart this morning and they were sold out of it. I've been renting them, but honestly, this is good enough to buy.

It's doing exceptionally well, and for good reason. I'm surprised to see it crack the Top 10 though on Amazon, nice! This is direct evidence of the effect that recent HD DVD player sales are having.

And now it's at #9.

:cool:

oops

I was stunned by "Shallow Seas" and by the many time lapse shots; spring flowers blooming and washing over the landscape. Simply gorgeous!

I was wowed when I bought a VCR 158 years ago, then wowed again at laserdisc, then again at DVD. Now I am wowed again with HD-DVD, and not just the picture but the sound.

If you have a pre-school child around, scoop him or her up, hug them, tell them you love them and tell them they simply won't believe what the future holds for them!

Just came, I'm watching it, and i have to say it is without a doubt my new favorite HDDVD(s).

Far superior picture quality VS DiscoverHD's.

GTG, I'm going to look at some crazy salamanders with no eyeballs in HD.

(note: im watching on my 73831 Mitsubishi via my Toshiba HDXA2.)

You should add the Galapagos HD DVD to your collection, it's every bit as visually stunning as Planet Earth.

You should add the Galapagos HD DVD to your collection, it's every bit as visually stunning as Planet Earth.

That's good to hear, because I just ordered it! :D

You should add the Galapagos HD DVD to your collection, it's every bit as visually stunning as Planet Earth.The PQ of Galapagos is good, but not the content.

I was wowed when I bought a VCR 158 years ago

Was that the Singer hand-crank model or the foot-treadle model? :D

I was wowed when I bought a VCR 158 years ago
Was that the Singer hand-crank model or the foot-treadle model? :D

Back when the videocassettes were still made outta wood!

:D

Nice to see Planet Earth crack the amazon top ten yet again.

Planet Earth was the first HD disk I watched on a recently purchased A2. Honestly, some of the footage is so beautiful in HD I could cry.

I remember as a teenager in the late 70's driving as a family and reading the newspaper. There was an article about high definition television and how things would change to this someday. I remember thinking...well that sounds good but it is a long way off. Twenty-five years later and here we are...that is amazing.

I love Planet Earth but my one criticism is that the focus is pretty strong on animals (maybe could be called Animal Planet). Not that this is bad...just that I would like to see another series with more talk about the geography and geology and the land and the shifts of land over time and the weather and the winds and how it all fits together...etc...(Holy run-on sentence).

Hope someone has something like this in the works.

Still, it is incredible that this series has been put together and is ready to buy and we can go to the store and purchase it and be blown away by the quality. That's progress and it is good!

I just ordered this specifically for HD-DVD over Blu-Ray to use the bookmark feature, but figured I'd double-check just in case. I've run a search, but haven't seen this mentioned anywhere.

Thanks!

Is there any difference in QUALITY between:

BBC Planet Earth vs. DISCOVERY Planet Earth.

Please someone, if you know let me know asap

Is there any difference in QUALITY between:

BBC Planet Earth vs. DISCOVERY Planet Earth.

Please someone, if you know let me know asap

Check out the reviews on highdefdigest.com, I seem to recall they liked the Warner version better (I wouldn't bet on it though, so verify).

Truly amazing! Sometimes while watching I can't believe what I'm seeing.

I still haven't bought this yet, what am I waiting for?

I still haven't bought this yet, what am I waiting for?

If you look in the used title section I believe there are some used copies being sold that you may save a few bucks on it. Either way it is definetly a great boxset to get.

I was going to buy this today but $80 was just a bit too much, so instead i picked up blade runner and HP....Anyway, I will be getting Planet Earth soon...Promise you that :)

Ebay has a ton of them ( or at least they did a few days ago ) mostly unopened by people who received it for Christmas in HD and they don't have an HD-DVD player. I bought mine for $ 35.00 plus $ 2.00 shipping. Love it.

Might be worth it to browse for it there.

(No specific listings or sellers endorsed in this post) ;)

Been having a little splurge lately, Planet Earth is a must have set.

I was a little worried about differences between the UK & US versions but I'm now satisfied that the UK version is in 1080p with a single 1080i extra features disc
(which makes no difference to me on my 1080p HD TV anyways).

Ordered.

Been having a little splurge lately, Planet Earth is a must have set.

I was a little worried about differences between the UK & US versions but I'm now satisfied that the UK version is in 1080p with a single 1080i extra features disc
(which makes no difference to me on my 1080p HD TV anyways).

Ordered.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the UK /Euro version is 1080i, here's the stats I've already put in another forum on this.

BD/HD HBO US 1080i AVC MPEG4 New Encode - 480mins (material taken out to allow for advertisements!)
BD/HD BBC US 1080P VC-1 - 530 mins
BD/HD Euro 1080i/25 - 530 mins - The Euro one is played back at 1080i/25 which is what it was originally filmed for TV in (same as shown on BBCHD)

Which also means less 'judder' because its running at 25fps and not 24fps (unless your TV is one of the few that currently supports 24p), i wouldn't worry its not in 1080p because of this, and enjoy the series highly recommended.

I actually watch Planet Earth as a stress relief tool (and it works too). After a long day at work, I pop it in and my mind just wonders off into the world of Planet Earth. Very soothing.

I actually watch Planet Earth as a stress relief tool (and it works too). After a long day at work, I pop it in and my mind just wonders off into the world of Planet Earth. Very soothing.
Yeah it's one of those titles that does that, I've just watched Coast from the air on BBC HD and its very relaxing, i hope they release just the HD parts (10 mins each) on HD/BD i think they have made at least 8-10 maybe more.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the UK /Euro version is 1080i, here's the stats I've already put in another forum on this.

BD/HD HBO US 1080i AVC MPEG4 New Encode - 480mins (material taken out to allow for advertisements!)
BD/HD BBC US 1080P VC-1 - 530 mins
BD/HD Euro 1080i/25 - 530 mins - The Euro one is played back at 1080i/25 which is what it was originally filmed for TV in (same as shown on BBCHD)

Which also means less 'judder' because its running at 25fps and not 24fps (unless your TV is one of the few that currently supports 24p), i wouldn't worry its not in 1080p because of this, and enjoy the series highly recommended.
You say "BD/HD Euro 1080i/25". You mean the HD-DVD is 1080i/25? (I assume you mean 1080i50?) - If so, I thought HD-DVD players still didn't support this resolution and frame rate?

PS: As a lot of it was recorded at 1080i50 it would make sense to show it at that rate anyway

To be fair I preferred Sigourney Weaver's narration to Richard Attenborough (spelling? on both, yeah I suck at spelling) The BBC Version has Richard's the Discovery Version has Sigourney....

Since parts of it were captured with HD cam are there any compression artifacts that are present or visible on the HD-DVD.

The bird with the bright "glowing" blue smiley face on his feathers as he was enticing the female was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen. Can't wait for more!

Agree- I love that scene

I actually watch Planet Earth as a stress relief tool (and it works too). After a long day at work, I pop it in and my mind just wonders off into the world of Planet Earth. Very soothing.

Yes- I tend to fall asleep every time I try to watch an episode:D

To be fair I preferred Sigourney Weaver's narration to Richard Attenborough (spelling? on both, yeah I suck at spelling) The BBC Version has Richard's the Discovery Version has Sigourney....

wow, your spelling is very bad, you have a funny way of spelling 'David' :p

I really need to find a good deal on this. I don't want to spend more than $50, really tight with the cash right now. I want to be wow'd by the visuals...

wow, your spelling is very bad, you have a funny way of spelling 'David' :p

See I told you my spelling sucks, it's only surpassed in suckyness by my memory, why the hell do I keep thinking the guys name is richard ... oh well =) thanks for setting me straight...

See I told you my spelling sucks, it's only surpassed in suckyness by my memory, why the hell do I keep thinking the guys name is richard ... oh well =) thanks for setting me straight...

Because... Richard is his brother maybe ? :)...I thought it was Richard too until recently.

I really need to find a good deal on this. I don't want to spend more than $50, really tight with the cash right now. I want to be wow'd by the visuals...

Ebay, Amazon and your local Craiglist are your best bets .

check bestbuy .com its $55 right now + shipping and tax....i just bought a copy for $60 total...cant wait til it comes in

I just started Planet Earth Disc 1 and WOW, it looks so amazing in HD....I took advantage of the best buy sale price, glad i did....So far 20 mins into PE, this by far is going to be my fav HD DVD...I can see myself watching this over and over again for the beauty

is this the sigourney or attenboro one?

I loved the series, but one of the disks is kind of lame...the one with deserts, caves, and something else...kind of a snoozer.

other than that it's great!

David A is the narrator....its the BBC version

I almost wish I had waited and got this on HD-DVD instead of Blu-ray.....maybe a PS3 really isn't the "best" BD player available but HD-DVD's just seem to have little extra HD pop to me.

Anyone who has an HD DVD should have Planet Earth on HD DVD. One of my favorite titles by far.

I almost wish I had waited and got this on HD-DVD instead of Blu-ray.....maybe a PS3 really isn't the "best" BD player available but HD-DVD's just seem to have little extra HD pop to me.

They use the same encode so both formats are identical. The only difference is the color of the case. So most likely you would have noticed a difference due to hardware, maybe different TVs? Also you have to compare the exact same scenes, because although Planet Earth has many amazing scenes, there are also quite a few not so good scenes. In order to compare you need to use the exact same setup for comparison.

Planet Earth is a great title though, and very interesting for the most part. No regrets with this title.

the freshwater one with the worlds talles waterfall is my favorite part by far i think, its very impressive...even on my 3 year old CRT HDTV

Kreepy,

What's the special deal at BB? If you're not allowed to stated the price here, please PM me what the killer deal was.

Thanks,
Rob

Kreepy,

What's the special deal at BB? If you're not allowed to stated the price here, please PM me what the killer deal was.

Thanks,
Rob

Yea, X2. I also would like to know. Thanks in advance..

Planet Earth is a great series for upsetting parents at the shop where i work. We have it going on a lot of big screens and today heaps of kids were in the store watching a seal bite the neck of a penguin while surfs up (a movie with cute surfing penguins) was playing at the same time on a standalone screen setup.

ahahah

With all of the great reviews on Planet Earth, I figured I would just wait for a great price and pick it up. Well, I just broke down and ordered it on Ebay for a little under $42 shipped. Seller had 6 still available for buy it now (5 now), with very good feedback. Looks like he has been selling quite a few HD DVD and Blue Ray versions. It did not say new (or used for that matter), but based on all of his past listings and feedback, I am hoping they are new. I had most of the money sitting in my paypal account, and since wife will only see $8 on the credit card, I won't get in trouble (grin). I bet she likes it as much or better than me anyway.

Just snagged it from the discovery store for $35shipped. Too bad I can't just pick it up and save the $5 as I work a couple blocks from HQ.

Picked up the last copy my local Best Buy had today. It was marked $99.99, but they looked up the BB.com price, and they matched it. So I walked out with it for $54.95. Started watching tonight......amazing....

Ok guys, I am seriously confused about which version is which. The BBC version is 5 discs and the US version is 4 right? If so, why does my Hastings have one with a BBC tag on it that says 4 discs? I thought I had it all figured out until yesterday.

check that. I answered my own question. I could've sworn I saw somewhere that the BBC had 5 discs. Oh well. Just need to look for the red snap case.

if anyone is still interested in the US version, you can get it for $24.99 shipped from the discovery store: http://shopping.discovery.com/product-65764.html by using this coupon code EML2008 for an extra $5 off (code from Bourne at the hidefdigest forums).

Hey folks, what Planet Earth HDDVD is the OP talking about? The BBC version or the Discovery version?

It's because my Discovery copy of Planet Earth also came in Monday. The PQ is fine. However, the audio is so soft even at -12db master volume on my receiver. At -12db on other movies, it can rip my basement apart. :)

So guys, please let me know if you have audio issues on Discovery Planet Earth.

Hey folks, what Planet Earth HDDVD is the OP talking about? The BBC version or the Discovery version?

It's because my Discovery copy of Planet Earth also came in Monday. The PQ is fine. However, the audio is so soft even at -12db master volume on my receiver. At -12db on other movies, it can rip my basement apart. :)

So guys, please let me know if you have audio issues on Discovery Planet Earth.
I did crank it up louder than usual but only by 10db...

I did crank it up louder than usual but only by 10db...

So am I correct that the encoded audio is too low?

This whole thread mostly raves about the BBC version. I just picked up the Discovery edition for that great price $24.99 shipped. Couldn't let it slip by. I'm sure they didn't cut out the best parts for the commercials, there are polenty of boring parts. Plus I read recently that BBC made an announcement that 1080p on the case is a mistake, it's the same 1080i as the Discovery edition. And I prefer Sigourney over David. So it was a shoe in for me.

Isn't it funny how some swear by the better quality of the BBC version?

Isn't it funny how some swear by the better quality of the BBC version?

Yeah extremely funny. The wife and I were laughing about it last night....

Isn't it funny how some swear by the better quality of the BBC version?

So, you've seen both and you're claiming they're identical?

So, you've seen both and you're claiming they're identical?
No, never.

With all of the great reviews on Planet Earth, I figured I would just wait for a great price and pick it up. Well, I just broke down and ordered it on Ebay for a little under $42 shipped. Seller had 6 still available for buy it now (5 now), with very good feedback. Looks like he has been selling quite a few HD DVD and Blue Ray versions. It did not say new (or used for that matter), but based on all of his past listings and feedback, I am hoping they are new. I had most of the money sitting in my paypal account, and since wife will only see $8 on the credit card, I won't get in trouble (grin). I bet she likes it as much or better than me anyway.

One thing to watch out for on the eBay auctions is that some sellers are incorrectly listing the Discovery channel version as being the longer BBC David Attenenborough narrated version.

Over the last few weeks I've emailed a number of sellers to confirm the David Attenborough version that was described in their listings. Two sellers replied that they were, in fact, selling the shorter, Sigourney Weaver narrated, Discovery channel version. They both apologized for their mistakes and updated their listings. One of the sellers didn't even realize that there were two versions and had just copied the incorrect description from an online source. A couple of other sellers never even responded to the question.

So, if you're looking for the David Attenborough version, I would recommend confirming the item desciption before bidding.

Hey guys.... Planet Earth is available for $36.99 here (http://hddvdboxsets.com/?gclid=COO6zbumipICFShMGgodjWmfDg).

I bought it last week and it shipped quickly. This is however the Discovery version. They're going lower... I paid $44 for my copy.

It is not the BBC version. Plain as day it says
"$36.99 New zulu77 (AMUV9O48IK2RP)
Avg. Feedback Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars 17 reviews
Location: United States (FL)
Comments: Brand New sealed Official Discovery Channel Version narrated by Sigourney Weaver
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days"

Oh, and HD DVD box sets just scours the amazon marketplace prices. It is not any different than if you went to amazon.com and clicked on "New & Used".

Hey guys.... Planet Earth is available for $36.99 here (http://hddvdboxsets.com/?gclid=COO6zbumipICFShMGgodjWmfDg).

I bought it last week and it shipped quickly and it is the BBC version. They're going lower... I paid $44 for my copy.

Thanks for the link.

And, just to be absolutely clear, you received the David Attenborough narrated version?

I finally received my Discovery HD DVD set. And I must say I was disappointed in the picture quality compared to the BBC version (which I rented through Netflix). Outside of the 1080p vs 1080i debate...it's clear that the Discovery set has an inferior encoding. There were honestly times I thought I was watching a standard DVD. The picture was fairly soft in a number of outdoor shots. And the detail in dark settings (i.e. the Cave episode) had plenty of pixelation compared to the BBC version. The Discovery set obviously did not encode the source material the same as the BBC edition. Anyone else had a chance to compare both on their setup?

Thanks for the link.

And, just to be absolutely clear, you received the David Attenborough narrated version?

That one he linked to is NOT the BBC version. HDDVDBoxsets.com is a "subset" of Amazon Marketplace. When you go to AM and checkout the PE BBC for $36.99, the condition notes say it is the Discovery version.

It is not the BBC version. Plain as day it says
"$36.99 New zulu77 (AMUV9O48IK2RP)
Avg. Feedback Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars 17 reviews
Location: United States (FL)
Comments: Brand New sealed Official Discovery Channel Version narrated by Sigourney Weaver
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days"

Oh, and HD DVD box sets just scours the amazon marketplace prices. It is not any different than if you went to amazon.com and clicked on "New & Used".
My apologizes. What I ordered and received was the BBC version, by David Attenenborough. Apparently, the site has changed which version they're offering. Sorry for the confusion.

My apologizes. What I ordered and received was the BBC version, by David Attenenborough. Apparently, the site has changed which version they're offering. Sorry for the confusion.

No problem. And thanks for updating your original post.

I was just about to hit the "place order" button when I saw jeff_c's post.

Thanks jeff_c (and paperboy05) for the alert!

hddvdboxsets.com just picks the lowest amazon marketplace price. You are not guaranteed a specific seller each time you pick a movie. If you go through and order 10 different movies, your shipping will be outrageous because the discs are coming from so many different places. It's a good site if you are looking for a few discs and you go through and find the movies you want all from one seller, but otherwise, stick to Amazon.com.

Amazon.com itself has this now for $44.49 (with free shipping). HD-DVD version only - both the standard DVD and Blu-ray versions still cost a lot more.

And it's the much, much, much preferred version with David Attenborough (anyone who prefers the Sigourney Weaver version must hate nature documentaries, IMO, because Attenborough is the single greatest nature documentarian in the world! Attenborough was actually in a lot of the places featured in PE, while all Weaver did was sit in a recording studio and read off a script that Attenborough himself wrote most of!)

Man, I just scored the BBC PE for free! I was holding off on ordering it since that whole Australian site order cancellation fiasco a couple of weeks ago, and I was mentioning it to a family friend and he says "Hey, I got some sort of Planet Earth set on HD DVD for Christmas, and I don't have an HD DVD player. You want it?" I gladly excepted and the next day he brings it to work...and it is the BBC version. Made it twice as sweet.

I've watched a couple episodes and have been amazed so far.

The link above worked, but I bypassed it and went straight to Amazon.

Just picked up a BBC copy for $44.45

Seggers

I noticed Best Buy has them for $49.99 on there web site. I just ordered the $44.49 from Amazon, but now I'm thinking of getting the Blu Ray version from BB because it is so close to the HD-DVD price.

In case anyone missed my post in the hot deals thread:


http://www.Amazon.com/Official-1080i...sin=B000MRAAJM



This answer comes directly from BBC:

"Thank you for your email. To answer your query in detail. The USA version of Planet Earth released in April 2007 was encoded at 1080 59.94i, the UK version released in November 2007 re-used exactly the same encode.

Unfortunately there is an error on the USA packaging incorrectly describing the video stream as 1080p (the format common in for feature film releases). If you perceive a difference, there isn't one, as it is all interlaced material.

It might be helpful for you to know that all HD programmes made for the BBC have to be delivered in 1080 50i regardless of capture format. In addition due to the fact that all the players in the market right now are only guaranteed to play US frame rates we had to make a conversion to 1080 59.94i for these releases. This situation may change during 2008, but we have to put a product in the marketplace that is guaranteed to play on every player and not just some.

With regard to the content, it was decided not to put the "making of" documentaries on the US & UK HD-DVD & Blu-ray releases as most of the content is filmed in SD which would not upconvert well. The UK release also contains two additional programmes which had not been completed in time for inclusion on the US release.

I hope this resolves your query. If we can be of any further help please do not hesitate in contacting us. Kind regards."

Okay guys I finally gave in to this one, I bought the BBC version for $39.99 at Frys and before I open it how many of you are happy with this Planet Earth title? and what is the viewing material? is it just mountains and trees or are there lots of animals as well?

thanks

Plenty of animals - sometimes doing things that don't even seem real. Very interesting.

Okay guys I finally gave in to this one, I bought the BBC version for $39.99 at Frys and before I open it how many of you are happy with this Planet Earth title? and what is the viewing material? is it just mountains and trees or are there lots of animals as well?

thanks

Just got my copy yesterday and started watching. It is amazing, I find myself totally mesmerized, like when I first got HDTV and started watching some of the Discovery channel for the first time. The filming is incredible, this title is worth every penny!:)

I finally received my Discovery HD DVD set. And I must say I was disappointed in the picture quality compared to the BBC version (which I rented through Netflix). Outside of the 1080p vs 1080i debate...it's clear that the Discovery set has an inferior encoding. There were honestly times I thought I was watching a standard DVD. The picture was fairly soft in a number of outdoor shots. And the detail in dark settings (i.e. the Cave episode) had plenty of pixelation compared to the BBC version. The Discovery set obviously did not encode the source material the same as the BBC edition. Anyone else had a chance to compare both on their setup?

Is this for real? Is there really a difference between the two? (other than the narrator of course!)

Is this for real? Is there really a difference between the two? (other than the narrator of course!)

Beyond the narrator change, the run time of the Discovery Channel version is shorter. It was apparently edited to accomodate commercials for the US broadcast.