HomeMediaExpo
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Return to House on Haunted Hill offers 96 different storylines on one HD disc
There's been a void of titles using the new interactive features of Blu-ray and HD DVD, but Warner may be taking things in a different direction with the direct-to-disc title Return to House on Haunted Hill. Demonstrated during the Home Media Expo, it announced the high definition versions will include seven points where viewers can choose what happens in the story, with up to 96 versions of the storyline. "Navigational cinema" is another way for HD discs to differentiate themselves from the standard DVD (other than their higher quality video and sound of course), we'll decide if its a worthwhile add-on or silly gimmick when the title is released October 16th.Read - VideoBusinessRead - Variety
Harry Potter, Blade Runner coming to Blu-ray and HD DVD in Q4
More news from the Home Media Expo, as Warner Home Video made it a point to show off its upcoming deluxe box sets, few more widely anticipated than the high definition releases of Harry Potter and Blade Runner. Fans of the Harry Potter series can get all five films, on Blu-ray or HD DVD along with "exclusive memorabilia", at a price of $149.99, a $30 premium over the standard DVD set. Blade Runner is getting a five disc DVD re-release that will also hit Blu-ray and HD DVD, but no word on prices for the HD editions or special features. According to VideoBusiness both should debut sometime in the fourth quarter, it appears that Total HD or not Warner is taking advantage of its support for both formats by releasing its heavy hitters sooner, rather than later.
Toshiba selling $99 HD DVD player, with a catch
Toshiba is running a short, promotional sale by selling its HD A2 HD DVD player for $99 with three HD DVD movies over at the Home Media Expo in Las Vegas. You may be thinking this is great news: but wait, there's a catch. Only attendees of the show will be able to take advantage of the deal, and with ticket prices of between $100 and $500, the deal isn't as great once you get in. Toshiba, maybe you should focus on reducing the prices for general consumers rather than running these awkward "promotions." The fact that you're trying to sell players at a conference reeks of desperation, which is weird since it looks like you've got nothing to worry about.[Thanks, Judith]Update: Toshiba, probably inundated with requests, wanted to make sure everyone realized "The $99 player is an accommodation price only for attendees of the Home Media Expo's EMA trade show this week and is being offered by the HD DVD Promotional Group. It is not in any way connected with a broader consumer offer from Toshiba." So yeah, don't expect to snag one at your local Best Buy or anything, ok?
