In a week filled with minimal news, there was one major announcement that is sure to make HD DVD fans happy. Yes, Universal has finally announced some of their exclusive HD DVD title line-up. Although none of the big blockbuster titles we know Universal has sitting around on a shelf were announced, more than a few big name titles were announced that will be sure to put a smile on your face. With upwards of 100 titles to be released throughout 2007 we can expect great things from Universal this year.
…he Guy Richie classic Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels is going to be making its way to HD along with other great action flicks like The Bourne Identity, Inside Man and Dawn of the Dead. Perhaps the most notable exclusive is that ever popular gem from 1983, Scarface that is sure to please fans. Not only can we anticipate some great action films, there is a whole load of big name comedies: The 40 Year Old Virgin, Bruce Almighty, Meet the Fockers, American Pie, Liar Liar, Shaun of the Dead, The Jerk and the always classic Slap Shot. The Micheal Douglas suspenseful thriller The Game will be making its way to the shelves as well.
Some not yet released titles that you can anticipate include Smokin’ Aces and Robert DeNiro’s The Good Shepard. These titles just scrape the surface of Universal’s plans for this year, some other titles include but aren’t limited to are Erin Brockovich, Brazil, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Children of Men, Pride & Prejudice, and for you TV show fans Battlestar Galactica – The Complete First Season.
The Weinstein Co. will also be continuing their exclusive support of HD DVD with the release of 2006’s comedy School For Scoundrels.
On the Blu-ray side of things, a sure fan pleaser is the announcement of May 22nd street date for Disney’s The Pirates of the Caribbean films. These blockbuster titles are going to be followed by another big seller, albeit a disappointing release for Pixar’s standards, Cars, which will be the first high definition release for Pixar. Perhaps some more shocking news if you want to label it, is amidst the rumors, Blu-ray will be releasing porn titles, more specifically Debbie Does Dallas… Again on March 28th. This is going to be released by Vivid, who looks to be releasing the same title on HD DVD on the same date.
After CES I was beginning to wonder what was going on with Universal, but this week’s announcement more than makes up for it with some very highly anticipated titles. Blu-ray made some pretty big announcements as well, but apart from the above mentioned news it was a pretty laid back week in the world of High Definition.
