Bourne Ultimatum was amazing, and it is a must buy provided Universal does NOT release it as a combo. Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.

Bourne Ultimatum was amazing, and it is a must buy provided Universal does NOT release it as a combo. Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.


If its day and date most likely. This could be the first hybrid with no SD DVD. Combo only?

This one will be mine, combo or not.

Yeah, I also own a bunch of fake HD DVD movies ;)

It's probably going to be a combo. Of course Universal could always go twin format. With two HD DVD layers and one DVD layer, but that would be a disaster for the SD version.

I hope that Universal follows the foot steps of the first two parts and treats us with a Dolby TrueHD track.

Agreed - they should drop the DVD side from this one and use its high-profile status to try and push people towards upgrading to HD.

Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.
You mean Ant Bully, Happy Feet, A.T.L., Miami Vice, Smokin Aces, and 300 aren't real HD-DVD's? :D Danm "Worst Buy" employees said it was

I hope that Universal follows the foot steps of the first two parts and treats us with a Dolby TrueHD track.Did you mean "doesn't follow the foot steps of the first two parts?" The 2nd one doesn't have TrueHD and the highdefdigest review says the first one doesn't either. Or did you mean by not being combos? Since I expect it to be day-and-date I'll be surprised if it isn't a combo, but maybe people could talk them into releasing 2 versions (one combo and one not) on the first day.

--Darin

I wouldn't put much hope into thinking it won't be a combo. If Universal is going to attempt the "HD DVD Combo" disc thing with no SD release, this will be the movie they are going to try it with. What you need to be hoping for is that it's not $35+ like every other combo.

Who cares? :rolleyes:

Who cares? :rolleyes:
I don't. Combo's have been good to me. Expensive, but good.

I like combos. Just someone make them reliable already.

Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.

Yeah I am 1000% sure that all combos are in real HD, not fake HD. This will most definitely become a combo too, get over it. It will have the exact same features as a non-combo HD-DVD would, but it will also have the standard $5 premium, which might suck for some people but we can handle a $5 premium.

I have complained about combos myself many times, but I now sing a different song. After seeing a few people who do not own Blu-ray or HD-DVD players talk about purchasing the HD-DVD/DVD combo because they know they will need to upgrade in the future, I must admit it is a somewhat smart plan. And even I myself have used the DVD side of my combos a few times (borrowing to friends and family). And when my friends and family see these movies in the RED HD-DVD case, I assume that when they look at upgrading themselves they will look at HD-DVD as the way to go, because I did after all and now the know more about it.

Never mind a combo. Hope that the other side is used for extra features and not the SD version of the movie. This is to get more space for a Dolby TrueHD track with high bit rate encode.

It will be combo. Universal knows that this will be a hardware seller and what better way to push the combo format to everyone.

Remember Casino Royale for BD? This is the equivalent.

:) I am buying this movie regardless of wether it's a combo, hybrid, convertable...just bring the sucker on. :)

If they release if combo exclusive I'm all for it, this is the kind of movie that could really help the format. As for fake HD DVDs the 300 sure look real to me :D

I just hope that someone brave enough inside Toshiba or Universal is willing to take a step and sell this film on a combo disc only - no standard DVD - for at or around the same price as a standard HD-DVD. Toshiba could absorb the $5 as I am sure this move would shift 100,000+ hardware units.

+1 for combos :)
-1 for combo pricing :(

:) I am buying this movie regardless of wether it's a combo, hybrid, convertable...just bring the sucker on. :)


I want the convertible version! :D

I'm holding off on buying all three movies until its confirmed that BU is not a combo. Sorry I hate combos. Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought they were going to cut back on combos and that there would be non combo editions eventually released?

I like the whole combo idea, but at these prices it's just ridiculous. Especially here in Canada where universal combos cost $40. I wish someone at universal could wake up and actually care about its consumers, and not gouge them all the time.

I'm holding off on buying all three movies until its confirmed that BU is not a combo. Sorry I hate combos. Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought they were going to cut back on combos and that there would be non combo editions eventually released?

LOL, where did you hear that? From what we've seen, they've only gone to releasing catalog titles in standalone HD DVDs and day-and-date titles as combos. They went back and re-released Army of Darkness as a standalone disc, but that was originally a catalog released as a combo. Maybe BU will see a re-release on just an HD DVD, but expect it to be a combo only for a long while.

If you can afford few $ more you can import the E.U versions which won't be combos.
I did the same for Hot Fuzz.

I really do hope that it is a combo. I like getting a dvd version of the movie for very little cost.

here's what I think they'll do:

Release a combo bourne ultimatum
And
Release a trilogy box set with the regular non combo version in it.

Oh man that would be sweet!

Bourne Ultimatum was amazing, and it is a must buy provided Universal does NOT release it as a combo. Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.

Wow some strong feelings about Combos there.

I’m a fan of Combos. I pay $5 share them with my friends and family, they save rental fees, I come out smelling like a rose and people that have no idea what Blu-ray is become familiar with and develop fond feelings for HD DVD in general and the combo format in particular. That’s essentially a win, win scenario. If you are like most people on these forums you dropped several hundred on the player, probably more than a thousand on the HDTV to play it on and likely several hundred a year on fees for SD channels you never watch on Cable/ Satellite/ Fiber, but you are mad about spending $5 extra bucks on a disk? Well I guess we all have our limits.

This really isn't a thread on a movie still in the theater (we already have a thread on that topic), but it's an anti combo thread. WHY do we need another thread going over the same arguements?

Here was your combo thread from last week

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=884298

Here's existing thread from the last couple of days dedicated to discussions on Bourne Ult on HD-DVD

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=886200

+1 for combos :)
-1 for combo pricing :(

Agreed. It's a pain in the @ss to pay the extra 4 bucks, but I don't have a problem with combos, especially since I can use it in my portable DVD player.

Bourne Ultimatum was amazing, and it is a must buy provided Universal does NOT release it as a combo. Let's all pray that BU will be released as a REAL HD-DVD and not a fake one.

I have no problem with a combo, just the price. As long as they've lowered the price of a combo to the same price as a regular HD DVD release I will be happy.

It's day-and-date. It'll be a combo title.

If you can afford few $ more you can import the E.U versions which won't be combos.
Yeah this is true but you get a cover where the "THE LOOK AND SOUND OF PERFECT"-slogan doesn't glare at all. Plus you get thicker HD DVD cases, which in my opinion are pretty ugly and don't fit very well into an HD DVD-collection.

Yeah this is true but you get a cover where the "THE LOOK AND SOUND OF PERFECT"-slogan doesn't glare at all. Plus you get thicker HD DVD cases, which in my opinion are pretty ugly and don't fit very well into an HD DVD-collection.

True, but I would rather have a disc that plays through without skipping and freezing. If the EU version is a non-combo, that's where my money will be spent. Been burnt too many times on these damn combos that aren't compatible with players (and yes, I have updated firmware(s), tried the "wash and boil" technique, prayed to the HD gods above, did a ancient Celtic dance, and cursed the discs, but to no avail).

Combos are real HD DVDs. Get a good price online, just not at worst buy.
I have never had a problem with ANY combos and I own most of them.

Deal with it and get over it (and stop all these combo-hating threads, we get the idea!).

:)

Love HD-dvd, don't like combos.

I hope it will be HD DVD/DVD Combo ONLY.

Please Universal... stop releasing DVDs, and go next-gen!

Identity and Supremacy weren't combos but I'm with people in that Ultimatum shouldn't be a combo.

I like the whole combo idea, but at these prices it's just ridiculous. Especially here in Canada where universal combos cost $40. I wish someone at universal could wake up and actually care about its consumers, and not gouge them all the time.

In fairness, at least in the US, Universal's combo discs are actully priced the same as Paramount's new releases - and the Paramount disc does not provide the value added DVD option. Sony's MSRP on new movies is only a buck or two cheaper as well ($38.98 or something like that).

And if we want to discuss price gouging, how about Spiderman 3 with a whopping $49.99 US MSRP?!? I still can not believe that price.

In fairness, at least in the US, Universal's combo discs are actully priced the same as Paramount's new releases - and the Paramount disc does not provide the value added DVD option. Sony's MSRP on new movies is only a buck or two cheaper as well ($38.98 or something like that).

And if we want to discuss price gouging, how about Spiderman 3 with a whopping $49.99 US MSRP?!? I still can not believe that price.

Agreed! At least with a combo you're getting SD compatibility for that $40. Fox gives you next to nothing on BD for your $40, and now Sony wants $50 from you!

In fairness, at least in the US, Universal's combo discs are actully priced the same as Paramount's new releases - and the Paramount disc does not provide the value added DVD option. Sony's MSRP on new movies is only a buck or two cheaper as well ($38.98 or something like that).

And if we want to discuss price gouging, how about Spiderman 3 with a whopping $49.99 US MSRP?!? I still can not believe that price.

$50 for an arguably average movie? Nay I say!

I disagree. Combos are awesome, much more flexible piece of media for $3 more.

In fairness, at least in the US, Universal's combo discs are actully priced the same as Paramount's new releases - and the Paramount disc does not provide the value added DVD option. Sony's MSRP on new movies is only a buck or two cheaper as well ($38.98 or something like that).



FINALLY, someone brought that up. Thank you!

Spider-Man 3 was good, and I can't wait to see it in High-Def but it wasn't $50 worth of goodness!

Personally, I hope there is a Bourne HD boxset and a Combo or Twin release ONLY. They should drop the standard release. It'll be good for the format.

I hope it's a combo. That way I can enjoy it on any of the tvs/players in my house.

Agreed! At least with a combo you're getting SD compatibility for that $40. Fox gives you next to nothing on BD for your $40

That's just sad, I actually totally forgot about Fox. They've under-delivered to such an extent that they just don't even spring to mind when I'm thinking of HD or the format war.

And by the way, I think the $40 price point is too much, Period. Especially on the HD DVD front, where players can be had for very reasonable prices, these new releases sitting around at Best Buy and Circuit City with $30 and $35 price tags have GOT to be scarring away potential customers.

I disagree. Combos are awesome, much more flexible piece of media for $3 more.
Where are they only $3.00 more?

+1 for combos :)
-1 for combo pricing :(


What's the big deal with complaints about combo pricing when they cost the same (at least from Universal) as a new movie from Paramount, Sony (Spiderman 3 excepted), or Fox (ignoring jokes about Fox actually releasing titles).

This really isn't a thread on a movie still in the theater (we already have a thread on that topic), but it's an anti combo thread. WHY do we need another thread going over the same arguements?

Here was your combo thread from last week

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=884298

Here's existing thread from the last couple of days dedicated to discussions on Bourne Ult on HD-DVD

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=886200

Thank you! I'll never understand why some people just love to discuss the same topic over and over again. Then again, this is at least the second time I've made this statement in a combo thread.

Where are they only $3.00 more?

www.warnervideo.com (the only studio that releases combos and blu-ray, and decides to forego the almost universal $40 price for new releases. Note Disney also does not charge $40, but charges more for catalog titles.)

I hope it's a combo just so we can continue to have all these insightful "I hate combos" threads ... because you know we don't have enough of them. :rolleyes:

I hope it's a combo just so we can continue to have all these insightful "I hate combos" threads ... because you know we don't have enough of them. :rolleyes:


If these type of discussions annoy you, then why contribute to them?

On the subject of combos, I don't care for them and I'll buy the BR version (or imported version) if there is a choice because, unlike some, I want to actually watch the movie when I put it in my player, not boil the disc, restart my player and all the other crazy things one must do on some of these combos. It's more than just a few of us that have problems with them (just take a look at all the people who are reporting problems with 300).

www.warnervideo.com (the only studio that releases combos and blu-ray, and decides to forego the almost universal $40 price for new releases. Note Disney also does not charge $40, but charges more for catalog titles.)
Thank you.

I guess I meant "street" prices, not MSRP. I mostly buy from Deep Discount and Amazon, and both of them typically have a $5-$8 premium on combos, regardless of studio.

I did take advantage of the WHV sale yesterday though! But the one combo I bought came out to $20.00, while my discounted HD DVD only disks were $14.97...

Please be a combo!!!!!!

Agreed! At least with a combo you're getting SD compatibility for that $40. Fox gives you next to nothing on BD for your $40, and now Sony wants $50 from you!

Paramounts movies are also quite expensive. Shooter is priced fairly high.

Thank you.

I guess I meant "street" prices, not MSRP. I mostly buy from Deep Discount and Amazon, and both of them typically have a $5-$8 premium on combos, regardless of studio.

I did take advantage of the WHV sale yesterday though! But the one combo I bought came out to $20.00, while my discounted HD DVD only disks were $14.97...


Those are street prices, not MSRPs. Even Amazon has pretty set price discounts. 300 on Blu-Ray is $23.95 (32% off), 300 on HD-DVD is $27.95 (30%) off.

I think you're comparing new releases to catalog titles. All new releases are expensive. All combos are new releases. So the price of Breach, Children of Men, 300, or whatever won't compare to the price of catalog releases like Casablanca or Batman Begins. Instead you have to compare them to other new releases, like Black Snake Moan, Shooter, Premonition, Night at the Museum,and so forth. No matter the studio, a new release will always cost more than $20.

If these type of discussions annoy you, then why contribute to them?

On the subject of combos, I don't care for them and I'll buy the BR version (or imported version) ...

Some people don't like combos. We get it. As others have posted in this thread, it's been covered ad nauseum. Like the others, I contributed by letting people know that it's getting old just like you contributed by letting people know you'll get BU on BD.

At Fry's, I paid the same price for 300 (Combo) as I did for Shooter (non-combo). Both: $28.99 In my mind, the combo was a better buy (got SD DVD functionality for the same price).

But the really sad part is, those are good prices for those movies. :rolleyes:

Mark

I have no problem with a combo, just the price. As long as they've lowered the price of a combo to the same price as a regular HD DVD release I will be happy.

+1. Love the combo. Hate the price.

Some people don't like combos. We get it. As others have posted in this thread, it's been covered ad nauseum. Like the others, I contributed by letting people know that it's getting old just like you contributed by letting people know you'll get BU on BD.


I didn't say I was going to get Bourne on BD, although I wish it were offered on BD. I said if given the choice, I would purchase a BD or import title instead of a combo title.

Anyhow, the title of this topic is "Please don't let Ultimatum be a combo" and as such I was under the impression people were free to discuss their dislike for combos. Since, according to you, it has been discussed ad nauseum and it's getting old, maybe you should ignore it and go start a "Combos are going to save HD" or something similar thread. :rolleyes:

I didn't say I was going to get Bourne on BD, although I wish it were offered on BD. I said if given the choice, I would purchase a BD or import title instead of a combo title.

Anyhow, the title of this topic is "Please don't let Ultimatum be a combo" and as such I was under the impression people were free to discuss their dislike for combos. Since, according to you, it has been discussed ad nauseum and it's getting old, maybe you should ignore it and go start a "Combos are going to save HD" or something similar thread. :rolleyes:

I think ultimately what members are trying to do when they suggest no more combo threads is to bring the signal to noise ratio down (in this case redundant threads).

Whether the OP intended to or not, this has turned into a combo debate thread. I would say that the OP would have been better served to add his comments to the existing thread on this title (I say title loosely, since the industry hasn't said anything about the home video release). Since nothing has annouced, it's like fighting ghost or unseen forces.

Or, add one's comments to one of the 5 or 6 combo threads that were started in the last 60 days.

One has to admit that 99% of the debate on this topic has already taken place in past threads....nothing new is being discussed. I would love to see a combo sticky with ALL generic or general discussion (sans specific combo title problems etc) take place in that thread....if should provide what both camps want??

I think ultimately what members are trying to do when they suggest no more combo threads is to bring the signal to noise ratio down (in this case redundant threads).

Whether the OP intended to or not, this has turned into a combo debate thread. I would say that the OP would have been better served to add his comments to the existing thread on this title (I say title loosely, since the industry hasn't said anything about the home video release). Since nothing has annouced, it's like fighting ghost or unseen forces.

Or, add one's comments to one of the 5 or 6 combo threads that were started in the last 60 days.

One has to admit that 99% of the debate on this topic has already taken place in past threads....nothing new is being discussed. I would love to see a combo sticky with ALL generic or general discussion (sans specific combo title problems etc) take place in that thread....if should provide what both camps want??
I'm with rboster on this one. As per usual, with Universal's new releases, this will be a combo. We are all 99% sure of that without this thread. I respect Dr Kain but he knew this would become another combo debate. While I don't want to see another sticky, it would be useful to localize all the combo drama. This horse's bones have long been picked clean.
Thank you Universal for making an awesome movie. And creating one of the best trilogies (for my money, the best) ever. When this is released in HD I'm sure it'll will make us all smile :D

I want a combo. How else can I rip it to my laptop's hard drive, convert it to play on my PSP, or take it to a friend's house to play?

Those are street prices, not MSRPs. Even Amazon has pretty set price discounts. 300 on Blu-Ray is $23.95 (32% off), 300 on HD-DVD is $27.95 (30%) off.

I think you're comparing new releases to catalog titles. All new releases are expensive. All combos are new releases. So the price of Breach, Children of Men, 300, or whatever won't compare to the price of catalog releases like Casablanca or Batman Begins. Instead you have to compare them to other new releases, like Black Snake Moan, Shooter, Premonition, Night at the Museum,and so forth. No matter the studio, a new release will always cost more than $20.
I suppose this was pretty obvious, but I missed the distinction between new release HD DVDs and the pricing of catalog titles.

This makes more sense, thank you.

I want a combo. How else can I rip it to my laptop's hard drive, convert it to play on my PSP, or take it to a friend's house to play?

Damn right. I was actually disappointed because a friend from work got Blood Diamond (DVD) in from netflix damaged (cracked). I so wanted to just grab that from my library and lend it to her. I have already lent out Hot fuzz and 300 to several people.

I much prefer Combos to Sony's way of doing things.

Combo - moderate premium, compatible with old and new players.

Sony - Buy it once on DVD, then again on UMD (for the PSP), then again on Bluray. no copying allowed. Even by sticking the Disc into your PC you agree to nasty DRM measures, hidden rootkits, pc problems. God forbid you rip any CD's, this results in a Fine of $10,000. Make a backup copy of the movie?? Hell no. Buy it 2 times or more is Sony's stance. Which is contradictory to thier philosophy that you are "licensing" the software (movies or music) and do not OWN them. The original content is owned and always will be by Sony. So if I buy a movie once, why should I have to buy the "rights to view" or "License" again to view it elsewhere...

I do hope the price get's closer to normal DVD pricing. Fastest way to win this format war is to sell only Combo's at DVD or near DVD pricing. No seperate DVD & Combo (or HD-DVD). Then all those Blockbuster customers can rent HD-DVD if they choose, and not pay any extra.

With all the crap Sony has pulled, I can easily deal with Combos'.

I suppose this was pretty obvious, but I missed the distinction between new release HD DVDs and the pricing of catalog titles.

This makes more sense, thank you.

Well its not just that either, it can go farther. Disney is set a $35 MSRP on Cars as catalog, and King Kong was originally priced at $40 as a non-Combo catalog title.

So as the guy was saying big name movies that still have a good retail standing -+ 1 year old, and first time Home media available movies always sell higher because they can ask for more. Otherwise Spiderman 3 after discounts on amazon that bring a 39.99 MSRP movie (HD-DVD day and Date prices generally) down to 27.95, wouldn't be pre-ordering for $35 on the same site.

I much prefer Combos to Sony's way of doing things.

Combo - moderate premium, compatible with old and new players.

Sony - Buy it once on DVD, then again on UMD (for the PSP), then again on Bluray. no copying allowed. Even by sticking the Disc into your PC you agree to nasty DRM measures, hidden rootkits, pc problems. God forbid you rip and CD's, this results in a Fine of $10,000. Make a backup copy of the movie?? Hell no. Buy it 2 times or more is Sony's stance. Which is contradictory to thier philosophy that you are "licensing" the software (movies or music) and do not OWN them. The original content is owned and always will be by Sony. So if I buy a movie once, why should I have to buy the "rights to view" or "License" again to view it elsewhere...

I do hope the price get's closer to normal DVD pricing. Fastest way to win this format war is to sell only Combo's at DVD or near DVD pricing. No seperate DVD & Combo (or HD-DVD). Then all those Blockbuster customers can rent HD-DVD if they choose, and not pay any extra.

With all the crap Sony has pulled, I can easily deal with Combos'.

Back when Universal sold combos of Catalog titles they sold for $2 more then the non combo versions. Combo pricing we see is directly related to the fact that we convinced Universal to stop selling these low cost catalog combos and only sell Day and Date combos, which is priced again higher not because they are combos but because they are day and date.

People forget that the Actual MSRP of most new DVDs (if their is one the Premium version ala Warner) is usually at $30+. The Problem is Places Like Best Buy sell the DVD's at below MSRP and sell New release HD-DVD's at MSRP.

We all know for sure that this is gonna be a combo, so might as well learn to live with it, or not buy it. This horse has been beaten to death so many times already..

How far away are the twin discs? That would be a good compromise and a brilliant title to debut it on.

Loved the movie. But no matter how much I like a movie I will not by it if it is a combo.

I like combos. Just someone make them reliable already.

I hate them. I'm buying an HD-DVD for a freaking reason. If I wanted the movie on DVD, I'd just buy the damn DVD and save myself $20. Plus I hate flipper discs. And I won't buy them anymore. I refuse to buy Hot Fuzz due to it being a combo, and if need be, I'll do it to BU.

I don't like HD/SD combos, but buying one every now and then is no skin off my back.

How far away are the twin discs? That would be a good compromise and a brilliant title to debut it on.
Twin discs are already here, the first release was Freedom Vol. 1 which had 1 HD DVD layer and 1 DVD layer. The problem with them is that they are only spec'd at 3 layers max. Which means 2 HD DVD layers and 1 DVD layer, or 1 HD DVD layer and 2 DVD layers. So for shorter movies the twin discs could work out, 90 mins or less.

Wonder if they will have a fancy trilogy set, as I haven't bought the first two yet. That's the only thing keeping me from buying them right now.

Combo or not this is a must buy for me.

If combo discs are that bad. You can always import some of the non-combo versions. Hot fuzz has a non-combo version in the UK. I thought about it. But by chance the local target had it for $29 bucks so I got it...

Although depending on the reveiw of the UK disc I may still get it. Then sell the combo disc. As I already have the 2disc R2 DVD.

The hatred against combo's is irrational. OMG no picture disc! Yeah, I sit around and gaze in awe at the beauty of my picture disc dvd's.........

If combo discs are that bad. You can always import some of the non-combo versions. Hot fuzz has a non-combo version in the UK. I thought about it. But by chance the local target had it for $29 bucks so I got it...

Yeah but then we get all those ugly ass ratings the UK has plastered all over the case and disc. Not to mention having to choose your language every time you start the movie.

At least that was my experience with the Children of Men HD DVD.

The hatred against combo's is irrational. OMG no picture disc! Yeah, I sit around and gaze in awe at the beauty of my picture disc dvd's.........

I don't like the idea of having an inferior version of a film glued onto the backside of my HD media. I purchase HD DVD's for just that: High Definition. If I wanted an SD version of a film I would buy a standard DVD. Or buy it through one of many digital distribution services like iTunes.

Not to mention having to pay more for the movie and praying the movie actually works like it should.

About the cover art. If I wanted a movie with no artwork I might as well just get a bootleg version of the film. Have all my movies look like the Borat disc.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb132/GamerGuyX_GGX/cimg0870_2.jpg

For the record, you may disagree with many of these points. But the hatred is most certainly not "irrational".

The movie rocks!!! :) :) :)

The best movie that I have seen this year so far.

I hope Universal does away with DVD releases and only releases combos from now on.

How far away are the twin discs? That would be a good compromise and a brilliant title to debut it on.They are already here. I've got one (FREEDOM1). Its only 2 layers (HD-DVD 15 / DVD 5), they would need 3 layers for a full movie.

If they can get the Twin format to work, it is a much better solution than the flippers. HD-DVD fans will get their disc art and J6P wouldn't notice the difference.

I want a combo. How else can I rip it to my laptop's hard drive, convert it to play on my PSP, or take it to a friend's house to play?

With AnyDVD HD and a few re-encoding programs? Managed copy would be much easier.

We all know for sure that this is gonna be a combo, so might as well learn to live with it, or not buy it. This horse has been beaten to death so many times already..

unfortunately the horse hasn't died so we need to keep beating it. :)

Wait, twin discs are both an HD DVD layer and a DVD layer on the same side? So, you insert the disc the same way regardless of what type of player you're using and it plays? That's badass.

Combo is GREAT, every person that is completely uneducated about anything tech wise seem VERY excited when I tell them that with HD DVD titles in hi-def they have the ability to play them on regular DVD too. They go nuts from happiness..

I think everyone is pissed about combos because they cost a lot and I agree.

Just drop the fuc*ers to $24.95 and even $19.99 and see HD DVD fly off the shelves.

I was really dissapointed when I went to my close by Target and saw they upped the 300 Combo price to freakin' $39.99..I mean COME ON...just next to it was a Blu-Ray version for $24.95.

One thing though, combo or not, at $30+ a pop HD DVD still managed to be 65:35 (in BD favor) when compared in sales. Pretty awesome if you ask me..this means majority of people loves them...but some hesitated because of the price.

The hatred against combo's is irrational. OMG no picture disc! Yeah, I sit around and gaze in awe at the beauty of my picture disc dvd's.........


It's just an excuse in many cases.

Closet BD supporters know the combo is the best leverage that HD DVD has, and with each release the reality of a big single SKU release looms closer.

The day Universal puts out a regularly priced AAA title (something that would sell millions on day one) in combo only format, no separate DVD release to speak of, is the day they tip the balance in favor of HD DVD.

Something like that would truly penetrate the mass market, not to mention the rental market, and it scares the you-know-what out of the BD side.

Getting combos off the table is probably priority one to any BD hack, and they are definitely on this forum doing their work.

I am sure there are a very few people who hate combos due to the missing disc art, possibly a few more legit people complaining about price.

I am weary of posters who seemingly have the world's worst luck when it comes to discs. They claim to get bad combo after bad combo for every different title that comes down the line despite most people having no problems at all, or at most having one problem with a singular title on one occasion.

The only time I've used the SD side is when the HD locks up and freezes; which is about half the time. Luckily, I've been able to exchange them for actual working copies.

I don't like combos because I don't like double sided disks. I have no interest in watching the DVD side, and I don't want to lend my combo disks to my relatives so they can scratch up the HD side. And I don't like paying more for them. But even if they were the same price, I'd still prefer single sided disks, because I hate double sided disks.

Being forced to buy combos is one of the things that will push me to get a Blu-ray player when they come down in price.

Wait, twin discs are both an HD DVD layer and a DVD layer on the same side? So, you insert the disc the same way regardless of what type of player you're using and it plays? That's badass.Yeah, the Twin format is awesome. It just automatically plays the format your player supports. They need to get this working before they do the day-and-date HD only release. The flippers will just confuse the public. With the twin, you cannot put in the wrong side and think its broken. Theres only that one disc available, but I have not heard of any widespread problems with the format. The best thing to do would be to release the standard vanilla DVD along side a 2 twin-disc HD special edition. Disc one is just the movie and disc 2 is the special features. Keep normal pricing for the special edish (just a bit more than the SD release). That way everyone's happy.

Yeah, the Twin format is awesome. It just automatically plays the format your player supports. They need to get this working before they do the day-and-date HD only release. The flippers will just confuse the public. With the twin, you cannot put in the wrong side and think its broken. Theres only that one disc available, but I have not heard of any widespread problems with the format. The best thing to do would be to release the standard vanilla DVD along side a 2 twin-disc HD special edition. Disc one is just the movie and disc 2 is the special features. Keep normal pricing for the special edish (just a bit more than the SD release). That way everyone's happy.

Question: Since HD DVD players are backward compatible, how do they know which version of the movie to play?

It's just an excuse in many cases.

Closet BD supporters know the combo is the best leverage that HD DVD has, and with each release the reality of a big single SKU release looms closer.

The day Universal puts out a regularly priced AAA title (something that would sell millions on day one) in combo only format, no separate DVD release to speak of, is the day they tip the balance in favor of HD DVD.

Something like that would truly penetrate the mass market, not to mention the rental market, and it scares the you-know-what out of the BD side.

Getting combos off the table is probably priority one to any BD hack, and they are definitely on this forum doing their work.

I am sure there are a very few people who hate combos due to the missing disc art, possibly a few more legit people complaining about price.

I am weary of posters who seemingly have the world's worst luck when it comes to discs. They claim to get bad combo after bad combo for every different title that comes down the line despite most people having no problems at all, or at most having one problem with a singular title on one occasion.

This is one of the most irrational, paranoid posts I have ever read on this forum. The truth is that not many people want combos and a significant percentage of owners have playback issues. For the good of HD DVD, combos need to be dropped. Worst case scenario should be switching to twins as long as they aren't as problematic as combos. HD DVD30 + DVD5 twins are much better than combos, but most owners just want the HD DVD30 disk. From there the only real debate is whether to go superbit, superbit plus extra supplements disk, or find a middle ground with quality encodes plus supplements on one disk.

It's just an excuse in many cases.

Closet BD supporters know the combo is the best leverage that HD DVD has, and with each release the reality of a big single SKU release looms closer.

The day Universal puts out a regularly priced AAA title (something that would sell millions on day one) in combo only format, no separate DVD release to speak of, is the day they tip the balance in favor of HD DVD.

Something like that would truly penetrate the mass market, not to mention the rental market, and it scares the you-know-what out of the BD side.

Getting combos off the table is probably priority one to any BD hack, and they are definitely on this forum doing their work.

I am sure there are a very few people who hate combos due to the missing disc art, possibly a few more legit people complaining about price.

I am weary of posters who seemingly have the world's worst luck when it comes to discs. They claim to get bad combo after bad combo for every different title that comes down the line despite most people having no problems at all, or at most having one problem with a singular title on one occasion.

Paranoid? Sure....but, I keep saying there is nothing new being said in any of the recent combo debate threads. Well, you have proven me wrong. You my friend get a cookie for a completely new debate about combo discs. But, be careful the cookie maybe poisoned....please ignore the blu sprinkles on top. :eek: :rolleyes:

Now that I have a 30GB iPod Movie, I don't mind Combos. LOL

Even if I didn't I don't care/can't stop Universal releasing Combos.

Even if I didn't I don't care/can't stop Universal releasing Combos.

Yes but you can choose not to buy combos. Which is exactly what I do.

No combo and TrueHD would be very welcome...

I've come to love combos and their flexibility. Even the price premium tends to be only $2-3 over new releases from other studios in non-combo format. The fact that my 1G player has been flawless with any HD DVD makes this a no brainer. Bring on the combo only with no SD DVD.

I love the combos due to the fact that I can transfer that movie to my Zune and watch it at work or on an airplane. You can't do that with non combo discs. I can watch Hot Fuzz and 300 anywhere I want. Shaun of the Dead? No can do.

I think it goes without saying that Ultimatum will be a combo. It will be a new release, after all. And...I WILL BUY IT!!!... :D

Oh, and I also love combos!...:)...it makes perfect sense for new releases. I don't yet have it on DVD and thanks to combo discs, I have both. Disc art...disc schmart...that has got to be most bogus reason to hate combos that I've ever heard! How completely silly!!

With AnyDVD HD and a few re-encoding programs? Managed copy would be much easier.

You're kidding me, right? My SD DVD/CD red laser burner will not read HD DVDs, no matter what I download off the Internets and how much I beg it to. Also, why should I have to go through all the trouble of downloading whatever spyware/adware laced programs from the Internets when all I have to do is pay an extra $2-$3?

Speaking of that, I find it amusing that many here have spend thousands (some have spent tens of thousands) on their home theater but whine over an extra $2-$3 as if that money would prevent them from making their mortgage payment that month. I bet these are the same people who go to a restaurant and order four appetizers, three entrees, and two desserts but yell at the manager if the restaurant doesn't carry diet soda. :eek: :cool:

I am weary of posters who seemingly have the world's worst luck when it comes to discs. They claim to get bad combo after bad combo for every different title that comes down the line despite most people having no problems at all, or at most having one problem with a singular title on one occasion.
Good advice. I own probably 5-7 combos, and have had only one problem (Superman Returns).

LOL, where did you hear that? From what we've seen, they've only gone to releasing catalog titles in standalone HD DVDs and day-and-date titles as combos. They went back and re-released Army of Darkness as a standalone disc, but that was originally a catalog released as a combo. Maybe BU will see a re-release on just an HD DVD, but expect it to be a combo only for a long while.

Then I may fork out the extra $$ for UK non combo versions. Personally the price is not the deal breaker for me here in the states. I detest combo's enough that I may break the piggy bank to get movies like Bourne and Hot Fuzz...

Thanks for the update....