I'm pissed off at Universal burning HD cases. So screw HD-DVD.

Sell me on Blu Ray. What titles are good? I wanted HD-DVD for 2 titles- Miami Vice and Batman Begins. I liked the shoot out scenes in Miami Vice, and I liked Katie Holmes hot body in Batman. What would I like that Blu Ray offers? So far I see Casino Royal as the only title which interests me.

Tell me 10 titles that I will like. They must have a good story, hot women, and good picture quality. If there are 10 titles, then I will go Blu Ray and give the finger of death to HD-DVD and Universal.

Universal burned your HD cases? I'd be pissed too!!

Miami Vice? wtf? That movie sucks.

You should've stuck with HD DVD if you want hot women. They have more porn.

Universal burned your HD cases? I'd be pissed too!!

For those who don't know the full story--

Toshiba was offering 5 HD-DVD's with the purchase of any HD-DVD player.

Everyone who ordered a Universal title had their HD-DVD burned. Here is a picture a member posted in the HD-DVD forum-

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/dplatt/Photo_072607_001.jpg

To make a long story short, I was going to buy into the HD-DVD format but I will not buy from companies that treat customers like crap. Maybe Sony has more respect for customers?

My Universal HD DVD (Seabiscuit) that I got from the free HD DVD offer came in perfect condition. I guess I was lucky. But you're getting them for free, so it's not a big deal. If you don't want it, sell it here or on eBay and you'll probably get $15 or so.

Tell me 10 titles that I will like. They must have a good story, hot women, and good picture quality. If there are 10 titles, then I will go Blu Ray and give the finger of death to HD-DVD and Universal.
LOL. OK :rolleyes: I tell you 10 titles that you will like. How about you check out the BD Release schedule (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/releasedates.html) and pick 10 yourself. Goodness.

Maybe Sony has more respect for customers?


No, Sony eats babies and turns that baby poop into profit.

:p

1. Casino Royale
2. POTC 1-3
3. 300 (not exclusive)
4. The Departed (not exclusive)
5. Into the Blue (hotter body than Katie Holmes)
6. Underworld: Evolution (also hotter body than Katie Holmes)
7. The Host (not exclusive but BD features lossless audio)
8. The Fifth Element (remastered)
9. Letters from Iwo Jima (not exclusive)
10. Apocalypto

plus, blu-ray has horror. evil dead, house of 1000 corpses, hostel 1&2, halloween, dawn of the dead, day of the dead, bram stokers dracula. not mention the biggest blockbusters of the year. plus, sooner or later God of War 3 will be coming to the PS3. hey that's blu-ray too. kratos is the baddest mofo ever.

I'm pissed off at Universal burning HD cases. So screw HD-DVD.

Sell me on Blu Ray. What titles are good? I wanted HD-DVD for 2 titles- Miami Vice and Batman Begins. I liked the shoot out scenes in Miami Vice, and I liked Katie Holmes hot body in Batman. What would I like that Blu Ray offers? So far I see Casino Royal as the only title which interests me.

Tell me 10 titles that I will like. They must have a good story, hot women, and good picture quality. If there are 10 titles, then I will go Blu Ray and give the finger of death to HD-DVD and Universal.

Minus the good story, you'd be better off with HD-DVD for their porn... ;)

This is probably the most insane topic I've read in a while, and there were some doozies too...

Take a look at the release lists (current and coming soon) on the top of each forum page (HD-DVD and Blu Ray). Figure out what you like. Buy what floats your boat.

For those who don't know the full story--

Toshiba was offering 5 HD-DVD's with the purchase of any HD-DVD player.

Everyone who ordered a Universal title had their HD-DVD burned. Here is a picture a member posted in the HD-DVD forum-

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/dplatt/Photo_072607_001.jpg

To make a long story short, I was going to buy into the HD-DVD format but I will not buy from companies that treat customers like crap. Maybe Sony has more respect for customers?

I'm not sure why people are shocked by this. Promo items (remember what CD's are?) always had either a hole drilled into the UPC code or a cut in the side of the case. This allows retailers to distinguish that these are promo items and can't be exchanged in store. I'm sure that most people have tried to return them to the store for store credit, thus them putting "the mark of death" on the case.

Either method, the artwork and case is going to get smoked. I think some got lucky because it was early on in the program, or could be later in the program as they stopped so they could fulfill the shipments quicker. I wouldn't be surprised if the BD offer does this too (can't confirm...but I might be able to here soon!).

Personally I think it stinks and there is no logical reason for it. They could simply unwrap them.

there is a logical reason for it.

granted I wish they'd just black out the UPC instead.

Personally I think it stinks and there is no logical reason for it. They could simply unwrap them.

Toshiba could have told people the movie cases would be damaged, but they hide the fact. This is fraud and breach of contract. People who buy the player expected 5 movies in new condition. Obviously, the movies came in horrible condition and are not collectable. Many people take pride in keeping equipment and movies in clean and new condition.

1. Casino Royale
2. POTC 1-3
3. 300 (not exclusive)
4. The Departed (not exclusive)
5. Into the Blue (hotter body than Katie Holmes)
6. Underworld: Evolution (also hotter body than Katie Holmes)
7. The Host (not exclusive but BD features lossless audio)
8. The Fifth Element (remastered)
9. Letters from Iwo Jima (not exclusive)
10. Apocalypto

Thanks for the suggestions. I've never heard of Underworld or Into The Blue. I will have to rent them. I like Alba, so I will probably like Into the Blue. Never heard of POTC either or Host. I'll rent them first.

POTC is Pirates of the Caribbean. underworld is great if you like watching kate beckinsale in skin tight clothing.

Miami Vice? wtf? That movie sucks.

You should've stuck with HD DVD if you want hot women. They have more porn.

Miami Vice is a good movie for people who like guns. It had great shoot outs and rare guns! The chinese woman wasn't bad on the eyes. It had a little of everything a man likes.

Porn isn't hot. It is nasty women showing off their decaying and bad smelling roast beef sandwich. I preffer hot women, and most hot women keep a little dignity which adds to the hottness.

WTF! I'd be pissed too.

Here are my picks for current releases I own:

1. Kingdom of Heaven
2. Big Fish
3. Black Hawk Down
4. The Patriot
5. Casino Royale
6. Donnie Brasco
7. Rocky Balboa
8. Curse of the Golden Flower
9. Chicken Little
10. Apocalypto

All are exclusive and have lossless audio and great PQ if my memory serves me.

Spielberg loves Blu-ray

Close Encounter of 3rd King BD exclusive.

oh! by the way Batman Begins will come out on Blu-ray, it's just a question of when and the same goes for the Matrix trilogy.

Many people take pride in keeping equipment and movies in clean and new condition.

Seriously! I'd accept a hole punch in the UPC, but ruining the case and insert like that is unacceptable.

I just received my 5 free movies (XA2 Deal Back in May), the 2 Universal Movies (SeaBiscuit and Rundown) have the same damaged cases.

Toshiba could have told people the movie cases would be damaged, but they hide the fact. This is fraud and breach of contract. People who buy the player expected 5 movies in new condition. Obviously, the movies came in horrible condition and are not collectable. Many people take pride in keeping equipment and movies in clean and new condition.

Not a lawyer, are ya?

Toshiba could have told people the movie cases would be damaged, but they hide the fact. This is fraud and breach of contract. People who buy the player expected 5 movies in new condition. Obviously, the movies came in horrible condition and are not collectable. Many people take pride in keeping equipment and movies in clean and new condition.
So you haven't bought jack and you're "mad". :rolleyes:

I'm pissed off at Universal burning HD cases. So screw HD-DVD.


:eek: :p :p :D

I think this might be the WEIRDEST reason so far for someone switching sides.

hmmm... I think I know what you are looking for... Here's a list that might sway you:

1. Bikini Destinations: Triple Fantasy (Title sez enough)
2. Wild Things (Threesome!)
3. Into the Blue (Jessica Alba+2 piece=NICE)
4. Underworld: Evolution (Beckinsale in leather)
5. Casino Royale (Bond Babes)
6. MI:III (Since you like Holmes)
7. Closer (Julia Roberts talking dirty, Natalie Portman half-naked)
8. Black Snake Moan (Christina Ricci chained up)
9. Pirates 1 or 2 (Swashbuckling Keira Knightley)
10. The Queen (Royalty is hot!)

ROFLMAO...Britney Spears comes to mind :eek:

Porn isn't hot. It is nasty women showing off their decaying and bad smelling roast beef sandwich.

:eek: :p :p :D

I think this might be the WEIRDEST reason so far for someone switching sides.


I don't.

People like displaying their movies as collectibles. If I were a major collector, I'd be pissed off too.

I'm pissed off at Universal burning HD cases. So screw HD-DVD.

Sell me on Blu Ray. What titles are good? I wanted HD-DVD for 2 titles- Miami Vice and Batman Begins. I liked the shoot out scenes in Miami Vice, and I liked Katie Holmes hot body in Batman. What would I like that Blu Ray offers? So far I see Casino Royal as the only title which interests me.

Tell me 10 titles that I will like. They must have a good story, hot women, and good picture quality. If there are 10 titles, then I will go Blu Ray and give the finger of death to HD-DVD and Universal.


As someone who owns HD DVD, I'm glad you're leaving.
As someone who own BD, I wouldn't want you, either.

Acting as above is very degrading to our site. Please refrain from such. If you want movies for "hot women," perhaps you should just think about something else.

All I can add to this is that I'll never eat another roast beef sammich again. :eek:

there is a logical reason for it.

No there isn't. The purchase deal wasn't for 5 damaged HD DVDs. I understand WHY they did it. But it isn't LOGICAL. They could dissuade resale by simply unwrapping each disc. There is nothing rational about such a decision. They should be required to replace the cases.

As someone who owns HD DVD, I'm glad you're leaving.
As someone who own BD, I wouldn't want you, either.

Acting as above is very degrading to our site. Please refrain from such. If you want movies for "hot women," perhaps you should just think about something else.

I have to totally agree, I want some movies with hot boys.

:eek: :p :p :D

I think this might be the WEIRDEST reason so far for someone switching sides.


Not really...

I have my 5 free HD DVD's coming. 3 of which are Universals. If they look like Jack the Ripper went apesh*t on them, I sure as hell won't be buying anymore Universal titles unless it gets fixed.

Whats wrong with wanting a movie in HD because of the hot women, being attracted to those of the opposite sex is normal for those who are so inclined, god knows I am more interested in Starship Troopers because of Denise Richards than I am the story.

:eek: :p :p :D

I think this might be the WEIRDEST reason so far for someone switching sides.

It is about respect. I don't spend my money if I know a company is going to screw me in the future. If Universal thinks they can burn cases, what is next?

A collector who wanted one of those Universal movies will have to go and buy it at the store so it is in collectable condition. What good is the movie Universal mailed? It is buying the exact same thing twice.

I'm not dependent on Universal for my entertainment. There are other studios. There are other movies. I like broadcast tv and sports. There are many places I can spend my money. Universal is not getting a dime.

I liked the shoot out scenes in Miami Vice, and I liked Katie Holmes hot body in Batman.

Are you really that simple minded? You sound like a cave man.

As someone who owns HD DVD, I'm glad you're leaving.
As someone who own BD, I wouldn't want you, either.

Acting as above is very degrading to our site. Please refrain from such. If you want movies for "hot women," perhaps you should just think about something else.

What is wrong with hot women in movies? Not everyone wants to watch "Good Night, and Good Luck" or "The Insider" every night. If documentaries or serious issue movies are your thing that is cool. I'll watch PBS every now and then, but it is not my #1 destination.

People like to watch "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" because it is funny and because Phoebe Cates takes her top off. Sometimes people want to watch stuff explode in movies. The James Bond movies were good because they cast hot women and there was action. "Hostel" was a good horror movie because chicks took their tops off, and the "bad" guy gets killed in the end.

What is wrong with hot women in movies?

I agree.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-9/1071897/Hairspray2.jpg

Why don't you do your own research and read through many of the threads that already exist on the topic and form your own conclusions. For PQ, the Tier thread is a great place to start. For title releases, most of them have their own threads. Use the search function for everything else.

"Hostel" was a good horror movie because chicks took their tops off, and the "bad" guy gets killed in the end.

Thanks for the spoiler. :mad:

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think anyone here in this thread has received a promotional (read: free) CD or movie in the past.

If the format was doing well (let's just say like SDVD), you would have had the UPC bar on the back replaced with a promotional one that says, "Not for resale" or something to that effect. Some folks take a hole punch to the bar code to let retailers know that they should not accept this as a return. Since Universal is moving inventory that was already created (sitting in a warehouse), they put the burn in the case. While I will admit that was a little too extreme, they had to do something to prevent people from taking them back to the retailers for store credit or different titles. Universal could have just drilled a hole in the case through the UPC code (like the music industry does with CDs), BUT since the bar code is lower down on the packaging, thus cutting closer to the disc, I can see why they couldn't have done that.

The only thing they could have done was either replace the insert with an insert without the UPC code, or pull the shrinkwrap off, undo the security seal, punch a hole into the UPC code and then reseal. That would have been too much work for a promo item.

With that said, and the case in the condition you showed above, have you bothered calling or writing Universal about this? I bet they would be more than willing to help you out. It's worth a shot.

My PS3 free disk of Talledega Nights came with a not for resale sign on the cover that's it. Why can't HD-DVD do that

My PS3 free disk of Talledega Nights came with a not for resale sign on the cover that's it. Why can't HD-DVD do that

because that is included in the package and made for the release of ps3. the titles offered for hd-dvd can be picked by customers from current catalog of titles.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think anyone here in this thread has received a promotional (read: free) CD or movie in the past.

If the format was doing well (let's just say like SDVD), you would have had the UPC bar on the back replaced with a promotional one that says, "Not for resale" or something to that effect. Some folks take a hole punch to the bar code to let retailers know that they should not accept this as a return. Since Universal is moving inventory that was already created (sitting in a warehouse), they put the burn in the case. While I will admit that was a little too extreme, they had to do something to prevent people from taking them back to the retailers for store credit or different titles. Universal could have just drilled a hole in the case through the UPC code (like the music industry does with CDs), BUT since the bar code is lower down on the packaging, thus cutting closer to the disc, I can see why they couldn't have done that.

The only thing they could have done was either replace the insert with an insert without the UPC code, or pull the shrinkwrap off, undo the security seal, punch a hole into the UPC code and then reseal. That would have been too much work for a promo item.

With that said, and the case in the condition you showed above, have you bothered calling or writing Universal about this? I bet they would be more than willing to help you out. It's worth a shot.

You're missing the point. He does not have an HD-DVD player. He does not have an xbox drive. He has never purchased any hi-def movies on any format nor was he really interested in BD. There was only one intent with this post, to stir the HD-DVD/BD pot! :rolleyes:

and I liked Katie Holmes hot body in Batman.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Yeah, I expected them to do some sort of prevention to stop me from returning these to best buy/walmart but I did not expect them to destroy the case. I've received promotional items and yes there are preventative techniques that do not destroy the case. I have since bought some replacement cases and will print the new inserts for my own asthetic purposes; maybe I am just anal like that but I would not put these "burned" cases near the other ones. On the plus side, I get to use some of the great custom art out there (and they were free) :)


Are the 5 free movies from Sony done this same way?


As I mentioned earlier, I don't think anyone here in this thread has received a promotional (read: free) CD or movie in the past.

If the format was doing well (let's just say like SDVD), you would have had the UPC bar on the back replaced with a promotional one that says, "Not for resale" or something to that effect. Some folks take a hole punch to the bar code to let retailers know that they should not accept this as a return. Since Universal is moving inventory that was already created (sitting in a warehouse), they put the burn in the case. While I will admit that was a little too extreme, they had to do something to prevent people from taking them back to the retailers for store credit or different titles. Universal could have just drilled a hole in the case through the UPC code (like the music industry does with CDs), BUT since the bar code is lower down on the packaging, thus cutting closer to the disc, I can see why they couldn't have done that.

The only thing they could have done was either replace the insert with an insert without the UPC code, or pull the shrinkwrap off, undo the security seal, punch a hole into the UPC code and then reseal. That would have been too much work for a promo item.

With that said, and the case in the condition you showed above, have you bothered calling or writing Universal about this? I bet they would be more than willing to help you out. It's worth a shot.

6. MI:III (Since you like Holmes)


LOL! What???? He likes Katie Holmes so you tell him to go watch her husband? :confused:

What is wrong with hot women in movies? Not everyone wants to watch "Good Night, and Good Luck" or "The Insider" every night. If documentaries or serious issue movies are your thing that is cool. I'll watch PBS every now and then, but it is not my #1 destination.

People like to watch "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" because it is funny and because Phoebe Cates takes her top off. Sometimes people want to watch stuff explode in movies. The James Bond movies were good because they cast hot women and there was action. "Hostel" was a good horror movie because chicks took their tops off, and the "bad" guy gets killed in the end.

Damn it you spoiled the ending of Hostel. I haven't seen it yet.

Not a lawyer, are ya?

Not sure why he would need to be, his points are valid, albeit I grant you its unlikely anyone is going to sue anyone over it.

Damn it you spoiled the ending of Hostel. I haven't seen it yet.

I didn't say what bad guy dies. :) Plus, that isn't really the ending. It is more of something that happens in addition to the ending to make the movie more satisfying. I haven't given anything away. If you watched the movie you would have no clue what happens until it does.

I'd try to sell you on BR but..
what if I sold you?
and you got a BR with a booger in the case. and decided to sue me and go back to VHS?

If I was going to complain or whine about the free releases either format offer with a player purchase - it would be the fact that they're all crappy titles. But I don't complain. Because they're free. I don't complain about free stuff.

I suspect that a class action suit against Toshiba would prevail on the grounds that Toshiba did not disclose that the packaging would be damaged and the customer had a reasonable expectation (backed up by other promos including Blu-ray) that the product would be delivered in new condition.

Damages might be increased since this was apparently willful on the part of Toshiba and their partner Universal.

---
This is REALLY TACKY. I have participated in many freebies and never received something like this.

Someone should write Ken Graffeo about this.

hmmm... I think I know what you are looking for... Here's a list that might sway you:

1. Bikini Destinations: Triple Fantasy (Title sez enough)
2. Wild Things (Threesome!)
3. Into the Blue (Jessica Alba+2 piece=NICE)
4. Underworld: Evolution (Beckinsale in leather)
5. Casino Royale (Bond Babes)
6. MI:III (Since you like Holmes)
7. Closer (Julia Roberts talking dirty, Natalie Portman half-naked)
8. Black Snake Moan (Christina Ricci chained up)
9. Pirates 1 or 2 (Swashbuckling Keira Knightley)
10. The Queen (Royalty is hot!)


You're good Cleveland !!

A class action lawsuit?
Really?

Sometimes this culture disgusts me.
I should have gone to law school.

I'd try to sell you on BR but..
what if I sold you?
and you got a BR with a booger in the case. and decided to sue me and go back to VHS?

If I was going to complain or whine about the free releases either format offer with a player purchase - it would be the fact that they're all crappy titles. But I don't complain. Because they're free. I don't complain about free stuff.

Toshiba and Universal did not give the 5 HD-DVD's for free!! They were part the player purchase. MANY PEOPLE PURCHASED THE PLAYER BECAUSE TOSHIBA INCLUDED 5 HD-DVD's. How many threads said... "including 5 HD-DVD make the player price $149 or $99 when the price of the movies is subtracted from purchase price"? You paid $299 or $249 for the player and expect to get 5 HD-DVD's in new condition. The value in the movies is they are in new condition. What is a HD-DVD worth with a burned case? $5? $2? They are worth $0 because I'd toss the burned HD-DVD in the garbage.

A class action lawsuit?
Really?

Sometimes this culture disgusts me.
I should have gone to law school.

A class action lawsuit would help Toshiba. Toshiba can hire 1 team of lawyers and have court dates in 1 city. This makes it too easy on Toshiba. I would preffer to see 1000 different people sue Toshiba in small claims court. Now Toshiba has to hire 1000 lawers and send them to 1000 different cities. This will cost Toshiba more money.

Plus, a class action lawsuit would end with a stupid settlement. It would be something like "every customer with a burned case will get a buy 1 get 1 free cupon for a Universal title". Consumers have a better chance of getting money in small claims court.

Toshiba and Universal did not give the 5 HD-DVD's for free!! They were part the player purchase. MANY PEOPLE PURCHASED THE PLAYER BECAUSE TOSHIBA INCLUDED 5 HD-DVD's. How many threads said... "including 5 HD-DVD make the player price $149 or $99 when the price of the movies is subtracted from purchase price"? You paid $299 or $249 for the player and expect to get 5 HD-DVD's in new condition. The value in the movies is they are in new condition. What is a HD-DVD worth with a burned case? $5? $2? They are worth $0 because I'd toss the burned HD-DVD in the garbage.


It's not part of the price. It's called a promotion. The retail package costs the same if you send in that coupon or not. If it were part of the price then that would mean HD DVD has player selling for $113. A lot of HD DVD supporters pretend that it goes towards the price because it adds more perceived value to their "battle". A thread on AVS doesn't mean it's true - and each of those threads you have just as many peopel crying foul. MAYBE if they let you choose any title you want and offered an "or you can take no movies but get a $75 discount" - but that's not the case is it? The reason they're marked is because they are FREEBIES and not for SALE - they are meant to have no retail value as shipped. Sure it would be nice if they didn't do that. But to cry and decide to change formats because of a blemish on your free disc case seems a little absurd. and I would like to hope BR supporters here feel the same if the reverse happened. If someone came over here and said they won't support BR because their free discs had a blemish on the case - they would get laughed out of here. The movie plays - you paid nothing - stop complaining and go enjoy some freakin HD already.

try watching your TV and not the case. You threw it away? Are you just pulling our leg now? I smell BS now.

It's not part of the price. It's called a promotion. The retail package costs the same if you send in that coupon or not. If it were part of the price then that would mean HD DVD has player selling for $113. A lot of HD DVD supporters pretend that it goes towards the price because it adds more perceived value to their "battle". A thread on AVS doesn't mean it's true - and each of those threads you have just as many peopel crying foul. MAYBE if they let you choose any title you want and offered an "or you can take no movies but get a $75 discount" - but that's not the case is it? The reason they're marked is because they are FREEBIES and not for SALE - they are meant to have no retail value as shipped. Sure it would be nice if they didn't do that. But to cry and decide to change formats because of a blemish on your free disc case seems a little absurd. and I would like to hope BR supporters here feel the same if the reverse happened. If someone came over here and said they won't support BR because their free discs had a blemish on the case - they would get laughed out of here. The movie plays - you paid nothing - stop complaining and go enjoy some freakin HD already.+1.

PS - The free Blu films that people are beginning to receive have no burns or blemishes ;)

that's good to hear. Otherwise this poor chap might have to avoid HD all together!
sigh.
to be honest I didn't send in my free offer.
none of the titles appealed to me.



and I'm lazy.

It's not part of the price. It's called a promotion.

Wrong. It is called a mail in rebate.

What if you purchased a computer with a $100 mail in rebate, but the company does not send you a check for $100. They send you a coupon for $100 off their product. Is that fraud?

Toshiba and Universal did the same thing. They promised new movies. They sent burned and ripped cases.

I can't believe someone can't make up their own mind and needs 10 titles to be named by others... I also can't believe they would base this decision on a pic of a burnt HD DVD case! :eek:

I can't believe someone can't make up their own mind and needs 10 titles to be named by others... I also can't believe they would base this decision on a pic of a burnt HD DVD case! :eek:

Universal burned everyone's HD-DVD case. Everyone. There are big threads about it in the HD-DVD forums if you want to read more. I did not decide what format based on 1 person getting a burned and ripped case, but on how the HD-DVD camp treated all their customers.

As for 10 titles-- I often ask for suggestions. At $29.99 a BR movie, I don't want to buy a bunch of movies I don't like.

Face it folks, HD DVD is in this to lose. ;)

Seriously, WTF can they possibly be thinking by raping cases?

Universal burned everyone's HD-DVD case. Everyone. There are big threads about it in the HD-DVD forums if you want to read more. I did not decide what format based on 1 person getting a burned and ripped case, but on how the HD-DVD camp treated all their customers.

As for 10 titles-- I often ask for suggestions. At $29.99 a BR movie, I don't want to buy a bunch of movies I don't like.

even if you like them you should not be spending $30 a title. many sales online and via B&M stores to spend anywhere from $15 to $25 a title.

Universal burned everyone's HD-DVD case. Everyone.


Ummm....no. Get your facts right...

I got Seabiscuit as 1 of my 5 and it arrived in perfect condition. The case wasn't gouged. The UPC code was left alone.

Chris