I can still remember the times when "format war discussions" where about picture or sound quality, and I could actually follow that kind of discussion, be it in the good old days of VHS vs. Beta or in today's Sony vs. Toshiba monster bash. Now it seems as if the codec battle might be a thing of the past and I noticed that features like "HD PiP" have become the favorite toy for fanboys on either side of the fence.

The one thing that really bothers me is that I simply can't understand the discussion. Call me old-fashioned or, if you prefer that term, senile, but I simply can't make myself care about that kind of stuff. I want to watch a movie, and I don't have the slightest interest in picture overlays, director's commentaries or information about the things some actor might have had for lunch on the day a certain scene was shot. OK, I might be persuaded into buying a HD version of "Underworld" in which I can access an alternate video stream in which Ms Beckinsale doesn't wear any clothes, but I guess that's nothing that will be released any time soon.

So here's the question: Do you really care if those special features are present on a disc?

(Yes, I do have a slight preference for one of the formats, but I refuse to engage in semi-religious bickering about it. If "my format" loses the war, I'll simply buy another player and get over it.)

The primary reason the forum has discussions on those things is because that is where HDDVD is trying to distinguish itself. HDDVD has less bandwidth and capacity, so they don't want to talk about those things.

I care primarily about bandwidth and capacity: the two core technical aspects that govern the potential of the format down the road.

Depends on the movie. If the movie has some sort of interesting production technique (a la 300) then the PiP features are interesting.

The issue is that if the studios don't add PiP and other stuff there's little reason to bypass the $9.99 DVD version of the movie for that $28 HD version.

Until your screen gets larger than 40" the quality differences arent' enough for many to pay nigh %300.

These studios better find a way to make the HD versions a bit more "unique" . We're atypical of the standard consumer base in that we place a high priority on the technical stuff. Consumers don't care that this disc is high bitrate or that it has lossless audio.

There needs to be a hook that gets consumers excited and quite honestly there doesn't seem to be enough "wow that's cool" stuff with current discs. I have hope that in the future there is.

I have watched at least 5 PiP commentaries from the HDDVD I own and this is one of the features that I enjoy the most. I liked commentaries on DVD, but only a select few really ever caught my full attention (Ronin, Re-Animator, 40 year old virgin, Episodes of Family Guy, LOTR). But I can 'honestly' (as you wanted it) say that I thuroughly enjoy HDDVD's PiP commentaries.

To name a few, Batman Begins, M:I:3, Bourne Supremacy. They were all good commentaries, and I watched the entire movie through with the PiP on. Especially Bourne...excellently done.

I will admit, they aren't for everyone...but if the PQ/AQ is not compremised then I think it should be a norm to have PiP commentaries. And so far we have not seen PQ/AQ degraded between formats.

The special features are typically a distant third for me. I find that some of the content is compelling and worth a watch.

Depends on the movie. If the movie has some sort of interesting production technique (a la 300) then the PiP features are interesting.

The issue is that if the studios don't add PiP and other stuff there's little reason to bypass the $9.99 DVD version of the movie for that $28 HD version.

Until your screen gets larger than 40" the quality differences arent' enough for many to pay nigh %300.

These studios better find a way to make the HD versions a bit more "unique" . We're atypical of the standard consumer base in that we place a high priority on the technical stuff. Consumers don't care that this disc is high bitrate or that it has lossless audio.

There needs to be a hook that gets consumers excited and quite honestly there doesn't seem to be enough "wow that's cool" stuff with current discs. I have hope that in the future there is.

I would not count on PIP and other gizmo's as the thing that would get Jblow to buy either HDM format. You watch it one time, and its uniqueness is over. Kids movies may benefit more from all of the interactivity, but that only goes so far.

Aside from size and picture quality, I could see little that the DVD offered over laserdisc. Laserdiscs had extra's that were on par with DVD, but that didn't stop DVD from finishing off laserdisc in very short order.

I know your format of choice offers all of the interactivity capability right out of the box. To think that will be a driving force for that format to win customers would be really short sighted. It will be combination of things, not just a car on a GPS running through Tokyo.

I suspect that this self-selected sample is rather different than the average person.

Many people simply want to insert the disk and have the movie start. They are even annoyed if the disk starts at a menu rather than just the film.

The importance of interactive features PIP etc. will grow but it will take a while.

I think it is fairly important that Blu-ray is going to provide the ability to process two HD streams at the same time. I can see a lot of applications for this.

This kind of stuff is good for multiple viewings. Which makes sense since I bought the disc. If I only wanted to watch the film once I wouldn't buy it, I would rent it. Yes PIP from IME or U control is awesome! If you disagree you haven't experienced it yet. Look, if you don't like special editions you are well in the minority. When they make a special edition of such stinkers like The Monster Squad and Red Dawn which they just did, it's obvious people like the extras. Many film come out in a special edition right off the bat. Bottom line is if people didn't like extras studios wouldn't make special editions and special editions exploded with dvd.

I bet this poll will end up pretty split, but HD media needs to distinguish itself above and beyond just better picture and sound to get mass adoption. Considering the requirements to take advantage of the improvements HD has to offer, it's going to take a long time for either format to even make a dent in DVD on the AQ and SQ merits. I think the nex-gen features are going to do more to help adoption than anything else because they can be enjoyed by someone even without a HDTV and give people more of a reason to replace their current discs. That being said, to me personally, I would rather see every movie released in "Superbit-style", but I do realize how important new features are to many people.

Interesting, maybe, but not enough to influence by purchasing habits.

I would have liked the choice to vote: Picture first and mild interest in special features.

I bet the poll will be skewed and the results invalid as anything more than entertainment. How many J6P's are here?

Those who frequent the HDM forums and vote on these polls are those with HDM equipment. (not all but most)

I would like to see this poll done at a DVD only forum to get a true gauge of the desire for extra features.

This almost looks like a defense poll for BD owners, cause their format isn't finished enough to do them the same way HD DVD does them. All BD owners will vote no. That doesn't sound "random" to me.

Look, if you don't like special editions you are well in the minority. [...] Bottom line is if people didn't like extras studios wouldn't make special editions and special editions exploded with dvd.

I wouldn't say that I dislike special editions - especially if they include extended versions like the LOTR SEEs. Now that I mention those... I even watched the 43586 hours of documentaries there and really enjoyed them. :)

I guess my point was that I simply can't understand why people that seem to be perfectly normal in their heads start fighting over a topic like PiP commentaries and the question which format gives you the better PiP technology. I posted this poll just to see how relevant this kind of feature is for other people because I'm perfectly aware of the fact that my personal opinion is nothing more than a personal opinion.

I'm simply curious and please believe me when I say that this is not a poorly disguised piece of marketing for either side of the fight.

I bet the poll will be skewed and the results invalid as anything more than entertainment. How many J6P's are here?

Those who frequent the HDM forums and vote on these polls are those with HDM equipment. (not all but most)

I would like to see this poll done at a DVD only forum to get a true gauge of the desire for extra features.

This almost looks like a defense poll for BD owners, cause their format isn't finished enough to do them the same way HD DVD does them. All BD owners will vote no. That doesn't sound "random" to me.

Generaly agree. But I take a more long term look and believe that these features on Blu-Ray will be equal to HD DVD within 12 or so months. That's about the time I will make my purchase and PQ snf SQ will be the deciding factors.

Yes but it depends on the movie

I don't like the choices in this poll. If there was an option for "Sure its neat, but its not more important than studio support/content" that would be the one for me.

I don't mind if it's there, but if there is ANY impact to be made to the video or audio bitrates, then axe it (or exile it off to a 2nd disc). Right now the main thing HDM has going for it over plain jane DVD is unparalleled PQ and AQ. Everything else is secondary, at best.

I never watch director commentaries. I'm interested in a 'making of' such as 300 but would rather see a good 15 min special clip that may include juxtaposing the original images and the final movie than to watch through part of the film with such PiP feature.

For the rest, give me a good blooper or an alternate ending.

That being said, there will be people who like these things, and it doesn't bother me that they're available. So overall they will improve the value for some.
(As to those who think that the average viewer hates the menu: I don't think so when the menu contains things like bloopers, alternate endings, historical background, etc.)

As to 300 historical background: Sparta was built completely in wood (since it was a military encampment).

I bet the poll will be skewed and the results invalid as anything more than entertainment. How many J6P's are here?

Those who frequent the HDM forums and vote on these polls are those with HDM equipment. (not all but most)

I would like to see this poll done at a DVD only forum to get a true gauge of the desire for extra features.

This almost looks like a defense poll for BD owners, cause their format isn't finished enough to do them the same way HD DVD does them. All BD owners will vote no. That doesn't sound "random" to me.

Surely you jest? Of course it is. BD was caught with its pants down. The poll should have been made public to show who is voting for what.

Surely you jest? Of course it is. BD was caught with its pants down. The poll should have been made public to show who is voting for what.

Sure, and as a corollary, perhaps a second public poll asking:
"If PIP reduces PQ and AQ in HDM do you want it?"

Capacity and bandwidth have to come from somewhere.

ted

I'm surprised so many people here seem to be *against* special features. It is so strange to see this happen. I assumed many early adopters (and hence people on this board) were film buffs. What self respecting film buff wouldn't be interesting in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. Hell, Enter the Dragon has 4 full length documentaries on Bruce Lee (not even directly relating to the movie). I've watched 2 so far, maybe I'll watch the rest some time. But I like the fact that there is content on any one of the discs I own that I haven't seen. At any point I can pop a disc in and see something new. This is of value to me. Its also of value to a great many people, evidenced by the sales of SD-DVD sets like the Lord of the Rings extended edition.

Also, I notice the consensus seems to flip-flop depending on the topic of the thread. For example, if the thread is discussing HD-DVD exclusive features (such as 300), people tend to say they don't care about some blue-screen mumbo-jumbo, they just want the movie. If the topic is XBL HD downloads, then the consensus is why pay so much for a no-frills copy of the movie without special features. If the topic is format specs, people claim BR will have HD PiP and it will be the coolest thing ever. The consensus seems largely dependent on what point the thread is trying to make. Reeks of bias if you ask me.

I love special features. IMO, there should be more content, not less on the disc. Especially if I am paying $25-$30 that disc better have a lot more than just the movie. So strange when people want less.

I'm not against them...I have just never bothered watching them (too much time). So, for me, they are unneeded (like French subtitles, for example). Just give me a great 1080P picture and lossless sound.

But here is the kick. ALL of us are here on the internet. No exceptions. The NEW features for HD DVD are Web Enabled. That means more than just looking at outtakes. It means going off the disc and onto the internet to different sites via the instructions on the disc.

We have never seen this before. This is brand spanking new. There is almost no limit as to how far this can be carried out. Fans of the movie may be able to add info and content to the websites that the movie takes you to.

I agree. Don't cripple the PQ or AQ for the sake of features. 1920x1080 - every single pixel matters. And TrueHD and DTS-HD audio. Anything left . . .

Let her rip!

It's easy to say you don't care about something you never had...

I'm surprised so many people here seem to be *against* special features. It is so strange to see this happen. I assumed many early adopters (and hence people on this board) were film buffs. What self respecting film buff wouldn't be interesting in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. Hell, Enter the Dragon has 4 full length documentaries on Bruce Lee (not even directly relating to the movie).

A real film buff doesn't want the FILM ITSELF compromised because of stuff about the film. The enthusiast wants the film as close to identical as a movie theater experience without the noise, crowds, crying babies, people on cell phones, sticky floors, and overpriced concessions. All that extra stuff is great as long as it's extra.

I also think these new features will be great because of the internet access. Who knows what they will come up with. Afterall, who doesn't like the internet!

You got a "Hell No" option ??

I also think these new features will be great because of the internet access. Who knows what they will come up with. Afterall, who doesn't like the internet!
Beside al qaeda?

A real film buff doesn't want the FILM ITSELF compromised because of stuff about the film. The enthusiast wants the film as close to identical as a movie theater experience without the noise, crowds, crying babies, people on cell phones, sticky floors, and overpriced concessions. All that extra stuff is great as long as it's extra.

PIP is an extra. No one forces you to watch it during the first viewing. I enjoy watching it during the second or third viewing. I think it's very interesting to see how they did it and why on a movie I really enjoyed. I would think that most true enthusist would as well.

I personally am all for extras, however if extras involve the main disc then there are possibly trade offs that involve quality thus I would prefer them on a second disc. The problem with interactive feature such as PIP is that they *do* impact on the possible presentation of the main feature as they share capacity and bandwidth with the main data stream. These are compromises that the consumer will have to decide as to their value. For me if it impacts on the PQ and AQ of the presentation then it is a compromise that I would prefer to do without. Does this mean that I am not a cinephile?

ted

PIP is an extra. No one forces you to watch it during the first viewing. I enjoy watching it during the second or third viewing. I think it's very interesting to see how they did it and why on a movie I really enjoyed. I would think that most true enthusist would as well.

Not so, the nature of the encode is directly impacted by PIP as capacity and bandwith are shared.

Yes I know - brand new shiny codecs.

ted

I personally am all for extras, however if extras involve the main disc then there are possibly trade offs that involve quality thus I would prefer them on a second disc. The problem with interactive feature such as PIP is that they *do* impact on the possible presentation of the main feature as they share capacity and bandwidth with the main data stream. These are compromises that the consumer will have to decide as to their value. For me if it impacts on the PQ and AQ of the presentation then it is a compromise that I would prefer to do without. Does this mean that I am not a cinephile?I agree with you here. I don't think its acceptable to compromise the quality of the feature film for some bells and whistles. But just look at King Kong on HD-DVD. The movie was like 3 hours long, had the best PQ of any HD-DVD (or BluRay for that matter) for a long while, and they still had IME and other bonuses. I don't think that film could have looked much better than it did. So if they can do all that on a 3 hour film, I don't thinks its going to be an issue.

I agree with you here. I don't think its acceptable to compromise the quality of the feature film for some bells and whistles. But just look at King Kong on HD-DVD. The movie was like 3 hours long, had the best PQ of any HD-DVD (or BluRay for that matter) for a long while, and they still had IME and other bonuses. I don't think that film could have looked much better than it did. So if they can do all that on a 3 hour film, I don't thinks its going to be an issue.

Now you know this can take us down a road that is inappropriate for this thread.

AQ?

and I've commented enough
ted

Now you know this can take us down a road that is inappropriate for this thread.

AQ?

and I've commented enough
ted

ohh boy not this again :rolleyes:

PiP rocks, some are better than others just like audio commentaries and I do enjoy them.

4- If done really well and offers something different/good, sure. Otherwise, no.

I bought the boondocks DVD set, and the alternate audio tracks make the set; its a shame it's only on 2 episodes.

I'd like it, and I think it's cool, but it's not a big thing...I probably won't use it much even if it is there, but I'll check it out nonetheless.

OK, I'm sorry because I missed some options in the poll that would have made a lot of sense - especially the clarification "I like them if they are really well-made" for the "No" option would have been important...

I'd enjoy them. I like extras. I'm an absolute whore for 2-3 disc special-pimped out-does everything for you-and gives you a bl0wjob editions. So yes it would be interesting for me. However it's not a deal breaker if it wasn't included. I like extras but I still like my movie more.

I don't mind if it's there, but if there is ANY impact to be made to the video or audio bitrates, then axe it (or exile it off to a 2nd disc). Right now the main thing HDM has going for it over plain jane DVD is unparalleled PQ and AQ. Everything else is secondary, at best.

Totally agree.

The primary reason the forum has discussions on those things is because that is where HDDVD is trying to distinguish itself. HDDVD has less bandwidth and capacity, so they don't want to talk about those things.

I care primarily about bandwidth and capacity: the two core technical aspects that govern the potential of the format down the road.

I'm guessing you already watching all your movies from a hard disk drive, because they got ton of bandwidth and capacity... what's it like? ;)

I too find it odd that people are against special features. Somehow getting less for your money is important to people now?

Too bad this poll isn't public, as I predict it's mostly the BD fanboys who are against it.

I would bet my left testicle:
1) If BD could also do it, nearly everyone would love the features
2) If BD could do it, but not HD DVD, than BD fanboys would be touting that off as a "super duper great feature that HD DVD doesn't have" and HD DVD fanboys would be saying they only care about the movie.

Ahhh...the good ol' internet. Where fanboyism runs extreme.

Don't knock the Bluescreen PIP from 300 until you see it in person. If you are a movie conoisseur and have always been curious about how they made this ground breaking work then this HD DVD exclusive extra is just for you.

A shot from my PJ 92"


http://www.imageviper.com/displayimage/93093/0/300.jpg

I too find it odd that people are against special features. Somehow getting less for your money is important to people now?

Too bad this poll isn't public, as I predict it's mostly the BD fanboys who are against it.

I would bet my left testicle:
1) If BD could also do it, nearly everyone would love the features
2) If BD could do it, but not HD DVD, than BD fanboys would be touting that off as a "super duper great feature that HD DVD doesn't have" and HD DVD fanboys would be saying they only care about the movie.

Ahhh...the good ol' internet. Where fanboyism runs extreme.

Lee Stewart Quoted
This almost looks like a defense poll for BD owners, cause their format isn't finished enough to do them the same way HD DVD does them. All BD owners will vote no. That doesn't sound "random" to me.

And for my next prediction - next's weeks winning lottery numbers will be . . . . :rolleyes:

@mproper

The fanboy factor is the reason why this poll is not public. Having followed more than one discussion that was as heated as it was utterly senseless, I guessed that no Blu-Ray user would dare saying that he'd actually like this kind of feature as his fellow Blu-Ray fans might stone him publicly after admitting to this kind of thought crime. I also assume that the HDDVD fanatics would gut any one of their fellows who doesn't think that PiP is to be compared to the second, third and fourth coming of christ.

What's wrong with you, guys? This isn't a poll about format preferences, it's one about things we think are important or irrelevant when purchasing a disc with a movie on it. And even if it was about formats (which it isn't or at least shouldn't be) - why do you get so agitated about something so profoundly unimportant? I just don't get it, really.

The movie comes first, that's obvious. But I really enjoy PiP content and interesting bonus content in general.
As a movie lover, I'm very interestend in finding out more about the production, the effects etc.

To the 55% who voted for the first option: you have never watched a single bonus feature on one of the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions? This is hours and hours worth of amazing content, and I absolutely loved it.

Did you ignore Full Tilt Boogie entirely because it's a special feature?

Have you never seen the great "Making of 'Jurassic Park'" where you get truly amazing insight into the production of this classic?

Have you never listened to John Carpenter's and Natasha Henstridge's "Ghosts of Mars" commentary which is considerably more entertaining than the movie itself?

Did you never experience Robert Rodriguez' 10 minute film school on "Desperado"?

If your answer to these questions is "No", then I'm sorry, but you have no clue what you're talking about.

I too find it odd that people are against special features. Somehow getting less for your money is important to people now?

Too bad this poll isn't public, as I predict it's mostly the BD fanboys who are against it.

I would bet my left testicle:
1) If BD could also do it, nearly everyone would love the features
2) If BD could do it, but not HD DVD, than BD fanboys would be touting that off as a "super duper great feature that HD DVD doesn't have" and HD DVD fanboys would be saying they only care about the movie.

Ahhh...the good ol' internet. Where fanboyism runs extreme.
Fits my new sig

I too find it odd that people are against special features. Somehow getting less for your money is important to people now?

Too bad this poll isn't public, as I predict it's mostly the BD fanboys who are against it.

I would bet my left testicle:
1) If BD could also do it, nearly everyone would love the features
2) If BD could do it, but not HD DVD, than BD fanboys would be touting that off as a "super duper great feature that HD DVD doesn't have" and HD DVD fanboys would be saying they only care about the movie.

Ahhh...the good ol' internet. Where fanboyism runs extreme.

you sir have hit the nail on the head.

I am all for extras. After watching The Bourne Identity it was cool to see how they prepared for the fight scenes.

In general, I do not care for PiP when watching a movie. I almost never listen to the audio commentary tracks and a visual reminder of why these people are not fetured in movies is an unwelcome addition to my movie watching experience. However, if more studios make use of the feature the way 300 is, I would be more enthusiastic about it. I like mini documentaries and the making of type features and, on an HD disc, I would like them in HD.

Since the question specifically mentioned PiP and the thread seems geared towards HD DVDs advantage in that area, I answered "No" to the poll question.

I cannot believe people are making this big of a deal out of PiP. I have yet to really wactch an HD DVD movie with PiP commentary features in it. Not for me. I would gladly trade PiP for mandatory TrueHD tracks on every single Universal day and date release...

I too find it odd that people are against special features. Somehow getting less for your money is important to people now?

So Superbit DVDs got you less for the money?

Many people care about the movie (including me) and could care less about extras.

I use the extras from time to time, so it's important. None of the questions fit this

No, I just want the movie

Amen! :cool:

Yeah, I want special features - in particular I want an always updated trailer download so I can see what are upcoming HD DVDs or upcoming movies in the theater.

my vote goes to "I would like to at least have the option, to use or not use"

Honestly, after seeing that 300 pic, I might watch that *once*. And it certainly wouldn't be on the first or second viewing.

I do like to have special features for some of my all-time favorites, but in general I can live without them, especially if it means more space/bandwidth for the feature.

It's not about being a "J6P" and it's not about getting "less for my money". If I don't care about it, how am I getting less? If anything, if the inclusion of special features compromised the presentation of the film, you could say I get less for my money in that scenario. It goes both ways.

I think in most cases the best solution is a second disc for extras a la POTC.

As far as the PIP stuff, I honestly can't ever see using it. I have a lot of HD-DVD's with the feature and have never turned it on once.

Amen! :cool:

yup, just give me the best PQ and AQ and I'll be happy. I've got blu-ray so I'm very happy :D

yup, just give me the best PQ and AQ and I'll be happy. I've got blu-ray so I'm very happy :D
do you ever post anything that isn't a "dig"????

do you ever post anything that isn't a "dig"????
He's got plenty of time since he can't watch any of those special features :D

yup, just give me the best PQ and AQ and some extras and I'll be happy. I've got HD DVD so I'm very happy :D

The interesting thing about special features, audio commentaries, IME, etc is that you don't have to watch 'em. If you dislike 'em so much just don't turn them on and click play movie. But most DVDs have special features for a reason, because people play them. Is it any surprise that the two disc edition of 300 on DVD is selling better on Amazon than the single disc version? 2 Disc Edition is currently ranked #1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/dvd******pd_dp_ts_d_1/105-8528401-9552449) the single disc edition is ranked #9 below both the HD DVD and Blu-Ray version. Why would people spend more money on a 2 disc edition if they just want "the movie"?

I guessed that no Blu-Ray user would dare saying that he'd actually like this kind of feature as his fellow Blu-Ray fans might stone him publicly after admitting to this kind of thought crime.

I don't know about that. I'd like the feature...I think it's pretty slick, and I look forward to getting it on Blu-Ray. If I had a HD-DVD player, I'd be buying the HD-DVD version of 300. But on the other hand, it's not a big enough deal for me that I'd buy HD-DVD so I can have it for the few more months that it won't be available on BD, or for that matter choose one format over the other.

Is it any surprise that the two disc edition of 300 on DVD is selling better on Amazon than the single disc version? 2 Disc Edition is currently ranked #1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/dvd******pd_dp_ts_d_1/105-8528401-9552449) the single disc edition is ranked #9 below both the HD DVD and Blu-Ray version. Why would people spend more money on a 2 disc edition if they just want "the movie"?

In all fairness, I think when you get out into the real world outside of Amazon, you'll find the cheaper single disc version is the one that sells the most.

I guess I'm in the minority- I really enjoy the extra features. I always feel a little cheated when picking up a DVD with no extras. Even more so with HD media at the premium prices.

I don't understand the argument about quality suffering. Pirates is on 2 discs; problem solved. Tokyo Drift is chock full of extras and still has reference level quality on one disc.

The interesting thing about special features, audio commentaries, IME, etc is that you don't have to watch 'em. If you dislike 'em so much just don't turn them on and click play movie.


Well the question was "Honestly - do you actually care about PiP and similar special features? "

Regardless of whether you can just turn them off, for me, the answer is no.

I bet the poll will be skewed and the results invalid as anything more than entertainment. How many J6P's are here?

Those who frequent the HDM forums and vote on these polls are those with HDM equipment. (not all but most)

I would like to see this poll done at a DVD only forum to get a true gauge of the desire for extra features.

This almost looks like a defense poll for BD owners, cause their format isn't finished enough to do them the same way HD DVD does them. All BD owners will vote no. That doesn't sound "random" to me.

This is the maddening thing about this forum more and more. All the BR folks will vote no and all the HD-DVD folks will vote yes in defense of their format regardless of what they really think in many cases.

We are beyond the point of actually having any kind of impartial discussion on this stupid format war. Heck the first reply vote here was a shot at HD-DVD.

Apparently Extra features are only important to me because HD-DVD doesn't have higher bandwidth or some such hahaa.

I haven't voted yet, but if I could choose my vote would go to Movie first, but I do watch some of the extras so they do have some value.

Since the only choices are No interest (which isn't true) or I don't use it but I am interested anyway (not ever sure what this is for. Are you looking for HD-DVD folks to admit they are voting (I hate it, but will vote yes just cause BD doesn't have it hahaa.... Good luck). So I will vote Yes it is important even thought it sure isn't a deal breaker for me, but since I do watch them sometimes it is a better answer than the other two.

Cheers,

Richard

I don't like the choices in this poll. If there was an option for "Sure its neat, but its not more important than studio support/content" that would be the one for me.

I don't like the choices either.

Why can't we just chose Blu-Ray or HD-DVD?

All polls regardless of the question should really only have three possible answers. For example:

What are your thoughts on the ever depleting natural resources of our planet?
A, Blu-Ray
B, HD-DVD
C, I have both / No preference

This would sure save us a lot of time I think.

Cheers

My answer to the OP's poll is that for most movies I just want to see the movie (for instance, couldn't care less about PIP or audio commentary on Dude Where's My Car).

But for classics/favorites these features are very important to me as I want as much information about the film as possible. For instance, I definitely will watch the PIP and special features for 300.

I am unable to vote, as there is not an option for me...

I sometimes care about special features, and may purchased based on them

If all else is equal (video and audio are the same for both formats), I will purchase the one with better special features, assuming the price is acceptable.

Lot's of "ifs and buts" there, I know, but this is my logic behind dual format releases... What has better video, audio, bonus features, price. In that order. Price is within a few dollars anyway, so unless the extras sound completely boring to me, that will seal the deal. Take 300, for example. I could have bought either, but opted for the HD-DVD, to see what all the hype is about. I'm actually really looking forward to it (first time I can ever say that about an extra, too).

Some may argue the video or audio COULD have been better if released only on BD-50, but I'm tired of the "could've, would've, should've" bickering. The encodes are what they are (which, based on recent releases to both formats is usually quite good - great) - Enjoy them!

If they're using the same encode (usually are) then of course I'll take the one that offers additional content. I do watch special features, though mostly on comedies or a subject that I'm interested in (war, conspiracy, time period type movie).

This is the next gen movie format, and I actively dislike seeing a menu that looks like it came from a standard dvd. I want a little flash dang it. :)

I also don't like the movie to kick off right away, I like to be able to pick which audio track first and I find it really annoying that I can't pause my blu-ray movies and access the menu's. How lame is that?

I've listened to audio commentary/special features on only a handful of DVDs, out of the hundreds I've owned, so I can't "honestly" claim to care about them. I am one of those people with the super special extended edition of LOTR trilogy and never watched a single extra. The few I've watched have been okay (theres been a couple audio commentaries that I've liked, mostly on comedies and such), but nothing I'd cry over missing. The only place I can think of that special features are even looked at is on Comedies (extra scenes and various commentaries, but I don't see how those could really benefit from the super special features of going online to a website or PIP commentary)

They just really don't matter very much. I have better things to do than watch generally mediocre extra features that just fill up space and add bullet points to the back of the package so suckers will buy them up thinking they are getting more for their money. I don't know anyone who actually watches special features consistantly... or at all. None of my casual movie watching friends, none of my HD owning friends, none of my gamer friends, none of my family or older relatives, etc. I don't think I'm some anomaly either. Extra features are just a distant third when it comes to why people buy movies (they may think extra features are important -- somehow the industry has tricked many into thinking they are important, but if you don't watch them, how important can they be?).

The poll is a bit too black/white though -- it should be more like "are they important to you?" instead of wanting them or not. Many of us who don't watch them don't mind having them... I don't think anyone really wants every disc release to be without extras, but many (including me) just care about the film... that's the reason we bought the movie in the first place.

Some of you claim it's just BD fanboys voting for "No, I just want the movie"... And if thats the case, then it's equally safe to assume the lot of HDDVD fanboys would be voting for extras, even if they don't watch them or care about them. Thus, this poll is useless as theres going to be people on both sides fighting for their format rather than honestly voting.