HD-DVD: First "Blue Screen" Picture-in-Picture Commentary

[Pirate]

Warner Home Video is planning to push the boundaries of high-def technology with the July HD DVD release of '300,' which is set to include the world's first "blue screen" picture-in-picture commentary.

Warner first announced '300' in early May for a July 31 release on both Blu-ray and HD DVD, with initial specs including an In-Movie Experience video commentary track (exclusive to the HD DVD version).

Though IME tracks are common to many HD DVD releases, '300' will be unique in that it includes what Warner is dubbing the first-ever "Blue-Screen Picture-in-Picture Version." Throughout the track, director Zack Snyder compares the pre-CGI-enhanced version to the finished film, allows viewers to compare the complete movie in both rough and completed forms.

The HD DVD will also include additional exclusive features, including the "Vengeance and Valor" interactive game, a "Pick Your Favorite Scenes" function allowing users to assemble clips and create a unique montage, and other web-enabled downloadable features to be announced.

The remaining specs will be identical to both the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions of '300,' including standard audio commentary, multiple featurettes, a suite of "Web-i-Sodes" and additional scenes.

Warner has set a $39.95 list price for the HD DVD/DVD combo version, while the pared-down Blu-ray sells for $34.95.

Note that these separate-but-unequal versions of '300' are the latest in what appears to be new trend for Warner, who in the past have usually released identical Blu-ray and HD DVD editions of a title. But that appears to have changed now with both '300' and the recent 'Blood Diamond,' which the studio issued in a stripped-down Blu-ray version earlier this month, ahead of a more full-featured, IME-enhanced HD DVD edition due on July 3.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...HD_DVD_300/722

This is a very exciting feature, IMO.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

This is a very exciting feature, IMO.

Agreed.

Peace...

[Pirate]

Just the idea of my favorite filmmakers walking out on screen and "schooling" me, makes me feel all giddy for the format.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

Just the idea of my favorite filmmakers walking out on screen and "schooling" me, makes me feel all giddy for the format.

I know what you mean. This adds a dimension of "fun" to the movie viewing experience.

Peace...

[Pirate]

When people ask me why I didn't go to film school, I coyly state: "DVD commentaries, baby." This feature will make that BS answer seem even more feasible.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

When people ask me why I didn't go to film school, I coyly state: "DVD commentaries, baby." This feature will make that BS answer seem even more feasible.

Or like more BS. The thing is, it will be neat BS!

Peace...

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Or like more BS.

Well, at least for a few years, they won't know what I'm talking about, so they'll just nod and smile.

[Taxi]

'300' will be unique in that it includes what Warner is dubbing the first-ever "Blue-Screen Picture-in-Picture Version." (Emphasis mine)

Really unfortunate name there...

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

they won't know what I'm talking about, so they'll just nod and smile.

Do you mean like now?

Peace...

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Do you mean like now?

[Nods and smiles]

[tomdkat]

Peace...