Universal has announced the launch of the new Blu-ray “Flipper” discs, releases that feature the Blu-ray on one side, and a DVD release on the flip side.
The first films to be made into “flipper” discs are the Bourne Trilogy, which will be released on January 19th, individually. Each of the films will be “flippers,” and will include the feature film and bonus features.
“Universal’s flipper discs are the perfect way for consumers to future-proof their collections while still enjoying their favorite movies on all their existing DVD players,”adds Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.“The flipper disc offers an easy way for viewers to convert to Blu-ray now or at any time in the future, confident in the fact they will be able to experience their home entertainment purchases in the highest quality picture and sound when they do.”
In the press release, Universal uses terms such as “industry-changing,” but I do recall purchasing HD DVD “flippers” in 2007, including Universal films. Why did it take so long for Blu?
Result for: trilogy
In more news that bodes well for the future of the Blu-ray format, Warner has revealed that at least the first installment of the blockbuster trilogy The Lord of the Rings is finally headed to Blu-ray, and it is “coming soon”.
The revelation came as part of an insert added into the new ‘Poltergeist’ Blu-ray Disc that shows what “Collector’s Editions” of BDs are coming as well as movies that are “Coming Soon.” A few other notable movies shown on the insert are “Shawshank Redemption”, “The Notebook”, “The Wizard of Oz” and “Rush Hour” among others.
Industry sources have also noted that the entire trilogy is headed to Blu-ray in 2009, although there was no word on whether the first editions sold would be theatrical cuts or extended cuts.
The news follows on the footsteps of Iron Man breaking BD sales records in just 3 days and word that the Dark Knight is coming to Blu-ray in two editions and with tons of BD-Live features.
Result for: trilogy
The giant e-tailer Amazon and the once huge audio/video retailer Tower have started new sales on Blu-ray movie titles, with some popular movies reaching as low as $12 USD.
Amazon, for its deal, has slashed the price on a few popular titles and added a new “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” offer. A few of the movies seeing price cuts are ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘I Am Legend’, ‘3:10 To Yuma,’ and ‘300.’ The B2G1F promotion will last all week and includes 95 titles including ‘The Fifth Element,’ ‘Hellboy,’, ‘Underworld Evolution’ and ‘Spider-Man: The High-Definition Trilogy.’ You can view the complete list here: Amazon “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” offer.
On the other hand, Tower has slashed the prices of many Blu-ray titles, some even lower than that of Amazon. Just like the e-tailer, there is free shipping on orders above $25 USD.
A few of the notable price cuts have ‘300′, ‘3:10 to Yuma’ and ‘Blade Runner’ at $12 USD, the cheapest price I have seen for great BD movies in a very long time.
To see all the BD titles available, check here: Tower Blu-ray sale.
