Universal to deliver 100 exclusive HD DVD movies in 2007

[hmurchison]

From Bill Hunt's The Digital Bits

(LATE UPDATE - 1/25/07 - 4 PM PST)

Afternoon, everyone. I just wanted to jump in here with some late-breaking high-def news. Universal, presumably to make up for their relative silence at CES, has just announced that they're planning more than 100 exclusive releases on the HD-DVD format in 2007... and they've revealed at least a few new titles that are on the way (if not specific release dates). The first 40-50 of these will be available in the first half of 2007, starting with Brokeback Mountain (now available) and Hollywoodland (on 2/6). Also on the way to HD-DVD in 2007 according to the studio (90% of the titles as DVD/HD-DVD Combo releases) are new films like Children of Men, The Good Shepherd and Smokin' Aces, as well as classic catalog titles like Scarface, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Bruce Almighty, The Bourne Identity, Meet the Fockers, American Pie, Inside Man, Pride & Prejudice, The Big Lebowski, Liar Liar, Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Brazil, Erin Brockovich, Shaun of the Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Slap Shot and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The studio also confirmed that the first season of Sci-Fi's new Battlestar Galactica will be released on HD-DVD this year, as well as additional TV series titles yet to be announced. There's definitely some cool titles in that list, and presumably more (and more details) will be announced at a later date. It'll be great to see Lebowski and Brazil in HD, that's for sure... and the prospect of Battlestar has us pretty excited too.

By the way, as it happens today, I had the chance to speak directly with senior Universal reps this afternoon for a story about their HD-DVD support and the format war in general. So watch for lots more on this subject here at The Bits next week.

Stay tuned...!

Note the part about %90 being combo discs. This is going to infuriate some of you but Universal is serious about the combo format and hopefully we'll see affordable pricing for a majority of the discs.

[blackacidevil98]

Slap Shot makes it all worth it. "f*&#ing machine took my quarter!"

[1080p]

I hope that "Brazil" Is the Directors cut.. One of my all time favorite movies!

[Glenmulder]

im excited about lock stock and Pride and Prejudice

[BerserkerTails]

Whoo hoo! Good job on the announcement Universal, some great titles in there. Looks like The Big Lebowski will be the first of my top 10 all-time favourite movies that I'll own in HD. Here's hoping some dates, covers and specs are released soon.

[BumpHeadZ]

some jim carrey flicks......would be nice to see me myself and irene 40 year old virgin is good lol great flick

[hmurchison]

Yeah I can't wait to see the rest of the 80 titles Universal plans to launch. Also what title is going to be their first web enabled title?

[1080p]

I hope Universal fixes their website to have a separate section for HD DVD or at least some ads.

[casper77]

this is GREAT news for HD DVD supporters (me included). Scarface in HD. "Say hello to my little HD DVD"

[Bee]

As I said in the other post...the reason why I chose HD DVD was because I just looked at all of my DVD's and the majority of my films were Paramount and Universal....and some Fox. So, for me it wasn't about who had more studio support, or how much space one had, or even who was less expensive it was about who owns my favorite movies...and given Universal is exclusive and Paramount neutral, my choice was easy. With that being said, I can't wait for Scarface, 40 yr old Virgin, Shaun of the Dead (love this movie), Dawn of the Dead (I'm assuming the 2004 version???) and The Game. I just can't wait now. Now that Casino is out, all Paramount needs to do for me is release The Godfather trilogy and I'll be content for a a few months......

[illegalprelude]

good news for HD-DVD owners. Atleast there will be some fresh blood for them to pump through

[PeterB]

Just posted the story and the official press release:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...to_Blu-ray/449

Yes, good news for HD DVD fans. Though I have to admit I shed a tear, because there is still no 'Jaws.' But I'm really excited by the possibility of some Hitchcock!

[BuyHDOnline]

This is great news but so so excited about the combo news.

So let's have some release dates please....

[mc1983]

Wow. Great news, I see a lot of movies in that short list that will be instant purchases. As long as they keep the price to a minimum I have no problem with them being combos.

[dandeeswish]

Awesome news! I can't wait for Scarface!