May 12, 2010 :: Posted by - author-1 :: Category -
Blu-ray Tools,
knowledge
Q6: Should I replace all my DVDs with Blu-ray Discs?
A: No. Remember, Blu-ray players will play DVDs and most will boost the video resolution (or “up-rez” them), so “there is no reason for the consumer to think that all of their video library is going to be antiquated,” says Panasonic’s Rich Simone. Adds Swann, “I would recommend getting new releases in Blu-ray, either by rental or purchase, and watch your old ones using the up-converting feature.”
Studios will try to entice movie lovers to repurchase films they may have already on DVD (and perhaps videocassette) by remastering the video and adding new extra features. “They can see them in the way the director originally intended them to be seen,” says Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s Rich Marty. “DVD is a huge market, and those will continue to look great, but now they have a choice. We think once they see them in high-def, it’s going to be a no-brainer.”
Q7: What are the unique features of Blu-ray discs?
A: Most bonus features such as commentaries, documentaries and deleted scenes are “the same kind of thing DVD has, except that it tends to be more interactive and complex on Blu-ray,” says Hunt. Some discs have interactive games, such as the Casino RoyaleCollector’s Edition’s multiplayer Bond trivia game. A few of the newest releases take advantage of bonus features delivered via the Internet: Last month, Del Toro conducted an online chat with owners of the Hellboy II Blu-ray Disc.
“It is my hope when we are proposing, planning and designing the interactive instruments for The Hobbit (Part 1 is scheduled for 2011), we can take full advantage of it,” Del Toro says. “We are trying to make people very aware that there are features locked in the Blu-ray Disc that allow them to go interactive with the Net.” And The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan will have a Dec. 18 screening of the Blu-ray Disc (9 p.m. ET/6 PT), during which those who own it can watch and chat online with him during the film. (More details at thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/dvdsite/event.) Another online feature lets viewers post their own feature-length commentary to share with friends.
But overall, while Hollywood may tout next-generation interactive features, Swann says, “the real feature is the picture.” Read more…