Where your trusty columnist has joined the ranks of the Xbox owners…
Things have moved along like people have figured in the next-gen DVD wars, which is to say, there isn’t a clear winner since the last time we talked. There is some news from Paramount, being that Mission: Impossible III will release SD, Blu and HD DVDs all on the day and date (10/30 for those who are curious). The HD release and extras will be duplicated from the Blu-Ray extras, with the exception of a picture-in-picture commentary …ith director J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise. Whether Tom tries to induct J.J. into Scientology during the commentary or not remains to be seen, but the commentary will be exclusive to HD-DVD.
In other news of note, the 4th quarter disc release plans appear to be coming clearer. While Disney (a Blu exclusive) is decided to hold off on the release of films like Cars and the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel until 2007, conversely New Line (a HD-DVD exclusive) is deciding on releasing films like Se7en until the New Year as well.
In terms of release rumors and announcements, Sony will be releasing Gattaca and The Professionals to be released on 10/17, while HBO will be releasing the rather underwhelming Sixth Season of The Sopranos to HD-DVD on 12/7, with a Blu-Ray release to debut sometime in 2007. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire had some details leaked online last week which were subsequently pulled (not to mention some cover art), but until a release date is announced, nothing is concrete.
In hardware news, there appears to be a firmware update coming out soon from Toshiba that will (or may) enable Dolby TrueHD soundtracks, which would be a big boost for those of you lucky enough to have a unit in your hot little hands.
I like the cheesy catchphrase I’ve developed, so until next week, high definers, keep your brightness set low and your resolution set high!
