Blu-ray has won the format war – what next? Keith Hennessey, editor of HD Review magazine, talks us through what the movie studios have in store…
How will consumers benefit now that the HD war is over?
It has certainly helped to clear up the confusion. It’s been said so many times already but the whole HD war scenario really was holding things back. Obviously consumers - and retailers, to a certain extent - were not going to invest heavily in something that might be rendered obsolete just a few months down the line.
Consumers now have the peace of mind to take the plunge and buy whatever HD hardware or software they have their eye on without fear of flushing their cash straight down the toilet. It also has benefits for the industry as a whole because studios also now have the security to fully commit to the format. Now that DVD’s successor is clear you’re going to see many more releases flooding onto the market (both new and catalogue) and hopefully new ways of using the fledging technology.
Do you think the best technology won?
Both formats had their plus points. For example, HD DVDs were being produced with features like Picture-in-Picture and community viewing options long before Blu-ray’s BD Live functionality. And the picture quality and sound quality was on a par with their Blu-ray counterparts. However, Blu-ray was improving and evolving at a much faster rate.
I think in the end it all came down to marketing and Sony and its Blu-ray backers were much more switched on than the HD DVD camp and saw the potential for the format much earlier. Just talking from a magazine point of view, each month we were receiving many more Blu-ray Discs than HD DVDs – we really had to work at chasing studio representatives and PRs just to get a single HD DVD in for review. Most companies didn’t have review samples even though they had the actual product on the shelf. It seemed like, in Europe at least, there was no infrastructure to distribute or promote HD DVD even within the industry let alone to the public, whereas Blu-ray did. It might not be a case that one technology was better than the other but that one camp was more prepared, educated and aware of the potential of high-definition discs than the other.
Looking at some of the more interesting additional features of Blu-ray, Picture-in-Picture displays are mentioned quite a bit. What have been some good examples? And are there interesting examples on the way?
There are plenty on the way – it’s actually really exciting to hear what studios have planned but it’s still fairly early days. Although discs like Resident Evil: Extinction include options like Blu-Wizard, which essentially lets you create your own playlist with the extras package and true Picture-in-Picture, the best is really yet to come with the introduction of BD-Live.
How about some of the other interactive features of Blu-ray - are they being used at the moment? Things like simple games, richer menus, etc? Are there any interesting examples already out there, and on the way?
Like I say there are some nice little touches being added but the real gold is yet to come. Disney has announced plans to release some of its back-catalogue material like Sleeping Beauty on Blu-ray with a whole host of simple interactive games, which should help to keep kids entertained as well as provide consumers with a genuine reason to buy the movie again even if they already own it, which is definitely a step forward.
Menus and extras really depend on how seriously the studios are taking the move to Blu-ray. Some are really quite quirky and cool, whereas others are more your standard DVD menu with a few bells and whistles attached. Some certainly work harder than others.
PS3 has just had a firmware update to Profile 2.0, allowing it to support BD Live. Are there any interesting movie discs set to support this, and how? The early stuff I’ve heard of sounds like just downloadable trailers, although Saw IV apparently has ‘MoLog’ element allowing viewers to blog on the film directly via their blu-ray player. What do you think are some of the more intriguing plans?
I’ve heard some awesome things are in development, all the things you’ve mentioned and much more. I’m particularly interested in the community side of things that enable you to sit down with friends around the world and watch a movie together just like you would play games against each other online, with headsets and everything.
The innovations ahead extend to being able to download sound clips for your mobile and additional content for the movies you’ve already purchased, hopefully putting an end to the whole ‘double-dipping’ scenario we’ve all experienced with DVD. I’ve seen some of it in action and if it works that well in practice it’s going to get a lot of people excited. What I would say though is that things are a little slow at the moment – recent import release and one of the first 2.0-compatible titles Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story gives you the option to download trailers etc, but without a super-fast internet connection the process can be a little laboured. I’m sure this will improve over time, though.
In terms of these BD-Live features I think my favourite so far is the plan to included an on-demand trivia quiz for the film you’re watching, so mid-movie you can compete against people online or in the same room to see who the true superfan is. Who knows, you might even get to use your Buzz controllers.
How supportive are studios when it comes to this kind of extra content? How much of a priority is it for them? It seems a few directors were very supportive of Blu-ray – are they likely to be the driving force when it comes to more in-depth use of Blu-ray functionality?
In the early days it was interesting to see the different approaches studios took towards Blu-ray and HD discs in general. Some would go all out and really try and deliver a package that excelled on all fronts, whereas others would just release their titles on Blu-ray almost as an afterthought and offer the same, or sometimes even less than the standard-def DVD version. But now Blu-ray is a much bigger deal for all those involved as it is a growing source of revenue and so some real consideration is being put into the product, which can only be a good thing.
Of course directors will have an impact because they are the driving force behind the movies – the Lucases and Spielbergs of this world can have a real impact because they reserve the right to decide which format their movies are released on and when, but in reality it’s really up to the studios. Directors can ensure the films look good by using high-def cameras, etc, but, according to the directors I’ve spoken to, the home video release is generally in the hands of the studio execs.
Sony Pictures has confirmed that some of its movie releases will include lower resolution ‘Portable Copies’ of the film to be viewed on PSP. Interesting, but have you heard about videogame releases that may employ Blu-ray’s interactive or Live features?
Not specifically but games have led the way in this field. For years now we’ve been able to download content, trailers and even full games using online services, as well as interact with other users; it’s now commonplace and I’m sure in the years to come that will be the case for Blu-ray too.
Is it likely we’ll see further additions to the Blu-ray feature set in the future? If so, what kinds of things?
Absolutely. The recent updates are just the start of something bigger that should change the way we experience home media. It’s still early days but there has been talk about adding the ability to cut your own version of the film –I don’t know how far along they are with features like this, though.
What other home cinema elements will need to evolve in users’ homes to get the most out of Blu-ray? Are their forthcoming TVs and home theatre audio setups that are going to be able to exploit the technology better?
It’s hard to imagine just how good things can get with technology evolving at the rate it is. Most HDTVs are full 1080p now, which should see an end to all this ‘HD ready’ nonsense, and some of the sound systems that can replicate surround sound without all the trailing wires are really coming on. Sony is already talking about integrating Blu-ray into most of its new appliances, including consoles, camcorders and the actual televisions themselves – kitting them out with full Blu-ray playback and recording functionality.
All you really need at the moment to really enjoy Blu-ray is a decent 1080p panel, a PS3 and an up-to-date audio system. Put all these together and I guarantee you’ll notice a huge difference over standard DVD because, let’s face it, now the HD format war is over the new war is Blu-ray versus DVD, which is going to be a much harder battle to win.
Recommended
Five discs with interesting extras…
Sleeping Beauty
Features a virtual castle to explore and an interactive game currently known as Maleficent’s challenge.
Men In Black
Boasts an interactive Trivia Game.
Hannah Montana
First-ever next-gen release to include both 2D and 3D viewing modes – comes with four pairs of 3D glasses for family viewing.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Offers the ability to download theatrical trailers and additional footage.
AVP: Requiem
This is still unconfirmed for the final release but ‘Alien vs. Predator vs. You’ is an interactive BD-Live-based game that allows multiple users to battle each other online, with the game’s narrative woven into the storyline of the film as it progresses.
…is pink
Hadn’t read this magazine before…may have a browse if i get a chance later in the week.
Comment by JohnSketch — Apr 15, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Hey Paul did you get the email I sent you about my article?
Comment by carl — Apr 15, 2008 @ 11:39 am
is anyone else really un-interested by all this bd live, profile 2 stuff?
links to the internet
“games” (lol)
trivia
download trailers? wtf.
i find it quite embarrassing that such a fuss is being made.
am i just being too un-imaginative?
Comment by d33p — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
not fussed over blu-ray films, maybe in a few years time. for now its all about the games.
Comment by mobiletone — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
I’d heard that there were supposed to be downloadable Mobile Ringtones, Wallpapers etc. which could work out to be quite good. However, as always, I think it’ll take a while till it’s full potential will be figured out. Suppose it’s a case of watch this space!
Comment by Monkey Rimmer — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Yeah, who cares about the BDlive stuff? Not me! I have a PS3, and a PC, and broadband, so that pretty much negates all the fanfare for this cut down dross we’re gonna be peddled. Anyway, perhaps one of the releases will have a particular something that makes everything worthy.
By the way, any word on how long the content is going to be available on the net? I buy a BD today, and can I be sure that the “wonderful” goodies that are part of my purchase price, are still going to be there in five years time? Mmmm!
Oh, and I like the new Store, and can’t wait for Thursdays releases. Broken Mirror is gonna be rather special. Can’t wait to frag a few of you there.
Comment by LordOfRuin — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Just thought, what happens when you buy an old BD in five or so years time?
Comment by LordOfRuin — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
@2
no you are not the only one!
the worst thing about watching some dvd’s is that you cant fast foward the trailers, so why would i download one.
some little 2bit miniclip game attached to the movie WOW! what a waste.
but hey each to their own!!
Comment by manley — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
@5 i hear where you’re coming from, i’m in a similar set up as you are. coming from an industry standpoint though most people aren’t wired up like we are. your average house has a couple of non-techie parents and little kids who can’t afford the big toys. it seems that they are trying to rope in that market becase well face it, if you’ve got a ps3 they already have us by the bullocks. they know the gamers will stay loyal so they’re not terribly concerned with us at the moment. they are for sure working on getting john smith and hit wife and 2.5 kids into blu ray and everything it can do for their little family. still agree with you over all though.
Comment by CHASE — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Not convinced by BD Live. Why would I want to wear a headset while I’m watching a movie? Why would I use up valuable bandwidth and HDD space with crappy trailers? Why would I want to interrupt my viewing experience to play a goddamn trivia quiz? Why do men have nipples??
I realise it’s all about choice - but I’m afraid all the variety in the world won’t make me buy AvP: Requiem!
Comment by rooee — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
@9
lmao
never a truer word spoken!
Comment by manley — Apr 15, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
@9 Men have nipples because when concieved all babies are female. It is not until a bit later that the final sex is determined.
As far as i see it any update is a good thing. It’s just personal preference if you like what it brings or not. Looking forward to the new store but it pales in comparison to my anticipation of GTAIV!!!! Come on.
Comment by Si Doob — Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
I never watch the extras on DVD, I only care about the movie. Liking HD, want to copy to my PSP and view only Remote Play, thats me sorted!
Comment by MrJimmy — Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
i hear ya CHASE.
i think this BDLIVE thing isnt meant for “us”.
but, as you say, the less techy populous would be amazed at internet type stuff suddenly appearing on the same screen that Tricia was on only 5 minutes previous!
Comment by d33p — Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Remote Play to my ps3 for on the go roaming iPlayer = Sorted!
Comment by JohnSketch — Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
All you really need at the moment to really enjoy Blu-ray is a decent 1080p panel, a PS3 and an up-to-date audio system
So basically you need to completely update your entire av system co$k
Comment by monkeyade — Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
@ Carl - yeah!! Did you get my email back?
Comment by Three Speech — Apr 15, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Off topic I know but it seems no images load on the new PS store. eg, if you look at adventure games you just get blue empty boxes.
Comment by anon — Apr 15, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Blu-ray’s sound much better through my 32″ Sony V when you change the sound by clicking R3 on the PS3 controler or sound options.
Do Blu-ray play the best audio by defult or do you have to select it in audio setting under?
will play around with it tonight!
try it yourselfs
Comment by Mostyn — Apr 15, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
broken images and empty icon spaces is what the new store is made of….
*sigh*
how can a company like SONY so consistently mess things up?
it loads things soooooooooooo damn sloooooooooooow
Comment by mobiletone — Apr 15, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
@19 — Mostyn
Blu-ray movies can query the player to find which audio format is the best supported. This seems to work pretty well on the PS3, as long as you’ve got your audio settings matching your preferred output.
For example on my setup where I use the optical output to a receiver that supports DTS, DD, and stereo PCM, most disks will default to DTS over DD and not use the 5.1 PCM track (as I would only hear the left and right).
But since you are going into a TV rather than a multi-channel receiver, I don’t know what would sound best for you.
Comment by NSI — Apr 15, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Got a PS3, but was a litlle dissapointed about the quality of BD. Maybe because i’ve got a HD ready tv (Bravia) But it looks like it has a bad ‘framerate’ and it is not THAT much better as DVD. I tried all the settings, both on TV and PS3. Games looking amazing tho….
Comment by Hypoman — Apr 15, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Ok, apparently you have to sit tight and let all the images load page by page so that they’re cached onto the system. uses up 50mb+. Dont know why they did it like this but I’ve done it now. Gave me a chance to charge my controllers though.
Comment by anon — Apr 15, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
Blu-Ray is nice, but the focus needs to be on more (and better games).
And I have a feeling that once FttP (Fiber to the Premises) starts being more common, then it’s going to be Blu-Ray vs. DVD vs. Digital Distribution. Having a steady 15/15Mb connection really makes a huge difference in whether or not you engage in Digital Distribution…fortunately for myself, it’s not a problem, even when I want to download HD movies.
Comment by Matt — Apr 15, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
Changing audio setting while playing back a blu-ray film ie. From Dolby Digital to Linear PCM does improve sound through a Sony LCD.
Comment by Mostyn — Apr 15, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
I tried watching a Blu-Ray movie for the second time the other day. It was one of the Harry Potters. on a 40-inch ish HD screen on a PS3 at my mate’s. While the definition was great, I found myself able to see every frame; i.e. the frame-rate is not great and you can kind of see the transition between each frame if your eyes are attuned. I thought it was really jerky and horrible.
Later, they loaned me Beowulf on Blu-Ray. I came home, and put it in my PS3… using my SD TV, which is old but has a decent picture quality and is great for most games (but not Unreal which looks awful). I was amazed that the Blu-Ray disc played in black & white. Unbelievable. Does Blu-Ray not support PAL properly? I was gobsmacked. So between the dodgy frame-rate and the inability to support my 50Hz PAL TV, I can tell you for sure: I won’t be buying ANY Blu-Ray movies in the near future. DVDs actually look tons better to me. I’d rather have a “softer image” effect and a decent framerate than high-definition, a dodgy framerate and a black & white image!
Comment by Bentley — Apr 16, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Bentley and others having BD problems with PS3: it’s not the PS3. I play BD movies through PS3, Onkyo TX-SR705 AV Receiver, Kef 5005 5.1 speakers and Panasonic PT-AX200 projector (720p on a 120 inch (!) screen). The picture looks stunning, audio is stunning, and framerate is smooth as silk.
The difference /might/ be that the Panny supports 1080p/24, ie. it doesn’t need to do a 3:2 pull-down for movie sources. But even then, framerate issues are unlikely to be caused by the PS3, as it is widely considered the best BD player out there.
Comment by TheRealDeal — Apr 16, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
At the quote above, the PS3 isn’t the best player out there, that’s a ridculous statement. Most economical, most updateable, yes. Best performance? Not a chance.
I’m not saying it’s bad, it’s not bad at all. It’s just not the best you can buy.
The problem people are having with jerkiness etc is down to your own settings i’m afraid to say. The PS3 is set to output blu-ray at 24fps by DEFAULT. If you don’t have an set that supports this feature (most new Bravia’s do, as do a lot of new Panasonic and Samsung panels) you have to turn this off, or it will look jerky.
If your set does support this however, you’re in for a treat. Full 1080p/24 with the newly update DTS-HD master audio? Get a copy of The Shining on blu-ray and prepare to ejaculate.
Comment by BaseballFury — Apr 19, 2008 @ 11:14 am
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