Breaking news from Comic-Con International 2007 via Engadget…

The already nicely priced Xbox 360 HD DVD player just got slashed to $179. The new US-only, retail pricing also includes 5 free HD DVD flicks when purchasing the player between August 1st and September 30th — you know, the same time period 300 and Heroes goes on sale in HD DVD format. Unfortunately, the free titles must be made from a selection of just 15 pre-selected films which Toshiba considers “popular.”

So, for all of you waiting for the right opportunity to jump into one of the HD formats, this may be your best chance yet!