Is Disney Done with DVD? (The Never Ending Blu-Ray Debate)

[2099net]

As soon as Disney only send Blu-rays without DVDs, then you can complain about conspiracies. And, sadly for you, I think we're probably only about 12 months away from that point. As it was, Disney sent this site materials much more suited for doing a DVD review or a Blu-ray review or combination of both, than a company like FOX has been doing for several years with there screener copies. So where is the conspiracy again?

No, I can complain about conspiracies *now*, because now is when Disney only sends a BluRay with disc 1 of the DVD, instead of the 2-disc DVD version. Yes, one could review that disc 1. But that's not the point. The point is, it's yet another way in which Disney tries to shove it down our throats. It's a sign. They do it step by step deliberately. They know people who complain (like me) can, will and are now being told to shut up by others because "they send disc 1 of the DVD, didn't they?" This makes it easier for Disney to go on to step 2, eliminating the DVD entirely. Then people will say: "well, why don't you have a BD-player? You saw it coming by the fact that they only send 1 DVD disc, didn't you?" Very shrewd.

It's what? Two and a half-years? Three years? Since Blu-ray debuted. It's not unreasonable for Disney to expect "review" sites to have blu-ray capable reviewers. And indeed, Ultimate Disney does. So Disney has not sent out an "unreviewable" screener. They sent it out late, and it just so happens the person who received it doesn't have blu-ray. Well, they sent it out late to everybody - reviews are only now starting to appear on other websites, so again, this site was not singled out.

My guess is, it was purposely sent out late due to piracy concerns, but that's only a guess.

As for reviewing the DVD release, I'll repeat again, anyone with a Blu-ray player could also review the DVD. All of the DVD supplements are on the Blu-ray disc. It's no as if this release has any vintage shorts (in which case I accept 100% the presentation of these on DVD would be remarked on), nor does it contain a whole documentary previously released as a theatrical release (like The Pixar Story, which again, I accept the presentation would be important and remarked upon). We're talking about supplements which are marked on content, not on presentation.

Have you, Goliath, ever seen a DVD review which comments on something like edge enhancement being applied to supplement like a making of or deleted scenes? The format these supplements were delivered on would have no bearing on the final review, because indeed, Luke's own reviews only comment on the content and run-time of such supplements. So a critique of the film's presentation, the content of the supplements and their run-times could be written, even if the Blu-ray supplements were viewed in place of those on the second DVD.

If Disney was late sending the discs out due to piracy concerns as I supposed earlier, then its still better than the studios who send out screeners with burnt-in copyright messages in the movie or DVRs without the supplements included do, and still much, much more suitable for reviewing (with of course, the appropriate disclaimer in the review when it comes to the supplements).

Everyone seems to be ignoring the fact that Ultimate Disney has (responsibly - with the appropriate disclaimer unlike some sites) already reviewed discs which did not reflect the quality of the final retail release.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua was sent to the site on DVD, HSM3 which came out around the same time and was a Blu-ray/DVD combo package was sent as a blu-ray (as I believe BlackCauldron85 stated in one of her posts). It's clear the combo packages are being sent out in one format only, while for films available in distinct formats, Disney still offers the choice.

Disney sent a Blu-ray/DVD combo package to a website that already has Blu-ray reviews. And somehow, Disney as a result is "evil" and with it's own agenda? I still cannot see it, nor any conspiracy.

[KubrickFan]

It's what? Two and a half-years? Three years? Since Blu-ray debuted. It's not unreasonable for Disney to expect "review" sites to have blu-ray capable reviewers. And indeed, Ultimate Disney does. So Disney has not sent out an "unreviewable" screener. They sent it out late, and it just so happens the person who received it doesn't have blu-ray. Well, they sent it out late to everybody - reviews are only now starting to appear on other websites, so again, this site was not singled out.

It not just happens to be the person who doesn't have Blu-Ray, he refuses to do the review. Someone who doesn't happen to have a BD-player, just gives it to someone else to review. They don't rant for a whole page that was supposed to be filled with a proper review.

Have you, Goliath, ever seen a DVD review which comments on something like edge enhancement being applied to supplement like a making of or deleted scenes? The format these supplements were delivered on would have no bearing on the final review, because indeed, Luke's own reviews only comment on the content and run-time of such supplements. So a critique of the film's presentation, the content of the supplements and their run-times could be written, even if the Blu-ray supplements were viewed in place of those on the second DVD.

They don't on making ofs, because there isn't any reason to put edge enhancement on supplements. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen it. Most reviews definitely discuss the quality the deleted scenes have. But maybe not on this site.
And if there is no need to write about the quality of supplements, I really don't understand what all the trouble with the Blu-Ray screener is about.

[DarthPrime]

Its really odd, but today I'm looking at prices for Pinocchio. I was planning to get the plush at Wal-Mart with the DVD. I'm sure it will be near $20 since Wal-Mart always charges extra for the additional items. Anyway I look at see the Blu-ray for $21.99 at Toys R Us. Special features are nice, but not always a must for me, so I'm looking at the Blu-ray and saying $2 more? I know I'll buy Blu-ray eventually, so why not?

I still don't know that I will do it, because I have no ideal when I will get a player, but it is very tempting.

It seems Disney is going to put the DVD in their releases now. I know Bolt has it too. Maybe dropping the price on the combo packs to near $20 on release week will help. There are also some $200 suggested retail players coming out this spring/summer. I can see $150 or less Blu-ray players in no time.

Maybe this isn't as bad of a move by Disney as I first thought. I still don't think DVD is going away anytime soon, but if I can get the Blu-ray with a DVD copy that I can still watch for a couple dollars more it sort of makes since to just get the Blu-ray (even though I don't have a player yet).

[Goliath]

At the same time, that straight A student which I would call Luke making one mistake will not make me do something stupid and leave a board with such wonderful members (you know I loves ya Scaps, Springy, Tim, Mike, John, Amy, Panfan, the list goes on ).

What about me?

[CampbellzSoup]

Its really odd, but today I'm looking at prices for Pinocchio. I was planning to get the plush at Wal-Mart with the DVD. I'm sure it will be near $20 since Wal-Mart always charges extra for the additional items. Anyway I look at see the Blu-ray for $21.99 at Toys R Us. Special features are nice, but not always a must for me, so I'm looking at the Blu-ray and saying $2 more? I know I'll buy Blu-ray eventually, so why not?

I still don't know that I will do it, because I have no ideal when I will get a player, but it is very tempting.

It seems Disney is going to put the DVD in their releases now. I know Bolt has it too. Maybe dropping the price on the combo packs to near $20 on release week will help. There are also some $200 suggested retail players coming out this spring/summer. I can see $150 or less Blu-ray players in no time.

Maybe this isn't as bad of a move by Disney as I first thought. I still don't think DVD is going away anytime soon, but if I can get the Blu-ray with a DVD copy that I can still watch for a couple dollars more it sort of makes since to just get the Blu-ray (even though I don't have a player yet).

Exactly

Why NOT get the Blu Ray if it comes with the damn DVD if you're planning on upgrading in the future.

[DarthPrime]

Its really odd, but today I'm looking at prices for Pinocchio. I was planning to get the plush at Wal-Mart with the DVD. I'm sure it will be near $20 since Wal-Mart always charges extra for the additional items. Anyway I look at see the Blu-ray for $21.99 at Toys R Us. Special features are nice, but not always a must for me, so I'm looking at the Blu-ray and saying $2 more? I know I'll buy Blu-ray eventually, so why not?

I still don't know that I will do it, because I have no ideal when I will get a player, but it is very tempting.

It seems Disney is going to put the DVD in their releases now. I know Bolt has it too. Maybe dropping the price on the combo packs to near $20 on release week will help. There are also some $200 suggested retail players coming out this spring/summer. I can see $150 or less Blu-ray players in no time.

Maybe this isn't as bad of a move by Disney as I first thought. I still don't think DVD is going away anytime soon, but if I can get the Blu-ray with a DVD copy that I can still watch for a couple dollars more it sort of makes since to just get the Blu-ray (even though I don't have a player yet).

Exactly

Why NOT get the Blu Ray if it comes with the damn DVD if you're planning on upgrading in the future.

Well when it comes down to the current price like the $21.99 deal at Toys R Us I can see the upgrade. Honestly I'm in the minority, but I might watch the special features once and that's it. Its not a big deal breaker for me not to have disc 2 for awhile. However when the Blu-ray is priced $10 + difference from the DVD I don't see the point without a Blu-ray player.

I really think the $20ish price is very reasonable IF they include the DVD as well. I think more people like me will switch over if they did this, when the cheaper players arrive later in the year.

I really think the few players coming out with $200 and $250 suggested retail prices will be very close to $150, and possibly near $100 on holiday sales this year. $100 will be a major price factor on Blu-ray in my opinion.

[drfsupercenter]

If it came with both DVDs, maybe...

Plus, doesn't it just come in a crappy paper case? Like not even a proper storage unit? (At least it was like that for Sleeping Beauty...)

[CampbellzSoup]

It stores inside the Blu Ray


If it came with both DVDs get the heck out here with that one...

[ajmrowland]

Yeah, they decided to make the blu-ray case the thickness of a DVD case. Didn't lighthouseMike already post some pics?

[bigpatky]

If it came with both DVDs, maybe...

Plus, doesn't it just come in a crappy paper case? Like not even a proper storage unit? (At least it was like that for Sleeping Beauty...)

pinocchio's dvd came in the plastic blu-ray 3 disc case. (2 blu-ray discs and 1 dvd) on one hand, it's nicer because it's safe storage, on the other hand, i had wanted to give it to my mother-in-law for my daughter to watch when she visits but i can't give her the blu-ray case and i have to find a case/paper slip myself for the dvd.

[drfsupercenter]

Well, if I were to buy it, I would put the DVD in its own case, probably print the artwork from a cover site somewhere... and then put the second Blu-Ray disc where the DVD stores.

I hate when they put the second disc BEHIND a piece of paper on the left, WTF is the purpose of that?! I know it saves on space but not all of us are trying to save space! I prefer functional and easy to use than a PITA!!

But I love how this has turned into a discussion about Pinocchio, here I thought we were talking about all Blu-Rays (and Disney is really the only company that includes the DVD, and they only do it for certain ones)

[DarthPrime]

If it came with both DVDs, maybe...

Plus, doesn't it just come in a crappy paper case? Like not even a proper storage unit? (At least it was like that for Sleeping Beauty...)

No its actually a 3 disc Blu-ray case. If it came with both DVDs there would be no point in having a DVD and a Blu-ray release, if the price was reasonable.

But for people that plan to upgrade to Blu-ray and don't care that they will miss bonus features for awhile, its not a bad ideal to just get the Blu-ray. I wonder if we will see more studios including DVDs in Blu-rays now.

[ajmrowland]

Well, if I were to buy it, I would put the DVD in its own case, probably print the artwork from a cover site somewhere... and then put the second Blu-Ray disc where the DVD stores.

I hate when they put the second disc BEHIND a piece of paper on the left, WTF is the purpose of that?! I know it saves on space but not all of us are trying to save space! I prefer functional and easy to use than a PITA!!

Actually, it's the first disc they put behind the paper slips. I'm glad they didn't do it this time.

As for storing the DVD somewhere else, I don't do that. Whether you take it with you, or keep the Blu-ray on the shelf that's still a waste of space either way.

[Goliath]

@ 2099net:

Whether or not Luke or any other UD reviewer reviews the picture quality of the bonus features is irrelevant to my point. Infact, I did say Luke could review the film o DVD and the bonus materials which were on the Blu, if he wanted. But that's not what I'm arguing. I'm saying this is part of a strategy of Disney to push BD down our collective throats. Don't you get it's a signal: 'you better upgrade to BluRay'??

[wallymatters]

@ 2099net:

Whether or not Luke or any other UD reviewer reviews the picture quality of the bonus features is irrelevant to my point. Infact, I did say Luke could review the film o DVD and the bonus materials which were on the Blu, if he wanted. But that's not what I'm arguing. I'm saying this is part of a strategy of Disney to push BD down our collective throats. Don't you get it's a signal: 'you better upgrade to BluRay'??

The rest of us are moving on with the superior PQ and AQ of blu-ray. We'll be better off without you.

[ajmrowland]

@ 2099net:

Whether or not Luke or any other UD reviewer reviews the picture quality of the bonus features is irrelevant to my point. Infact, I did say Luke could review the film o DVD and the bonus materials which were on the Blu, if he wanted. But that's not what I'm arguing. I'm saying this is part of a strategy of Disney to push BD down our collective throats. Don't you get it's a signal: 'you better upgrade to BluRay'??

The rest of us are moving on with the superior PQ and AQ of blu-ray. We'll be better off without you.

Now that's just a personal attack.

I do think it is a signal, but it doesn't hurt me. I'm all blu'd up and ready for what's coming!

[ajmrowland]

@ 2099net:

Whether or not Luke or any other UD reviewer reviews the picture quality of the bonus features is irrelevant to my point. Infact, I did say Luke could review the film o DVD and the bonus materials which were on the Blu, if he wanted. But that's not what I'm arguing. I'm saying this is part of a strategy of Disney to push BD down our collective throats. Don't you get it's a signal: 'you better upgrade to BluRay'??

The rest of us are moving on with the superior PQ and AQ of blu-ray. We'll be better off without you.

Now that's just a personal attack.

I do think it is a signal, but it doesn't hurt me. I'm all blu'd up and ready for what's coming!

[ZOOMBOOM0688]

(and Disney is really the only company that includes the DVD, and they only do it for certain ones)

Actually FOX is starting to do this as well!

I don't really care about the DVD, but I do like it because it makes the purchase more valuable and they are WAY better then the STUPID digital copies I HATE that the discs are useless after you use them.

ALSO, (off topic, i know) WHY THE H3LL do people need to watch a movie on their phones or i pods with 3" screens? I never understood that.

[The_Iceflash]

I'm getting really fed up with how obnoxiously they are pushing their Blu-ray versions over the DVD versions. Just looking at the current Snow White situation proves that. Unlike Disney, not everyone wants to or finds it necessary to move to a new format. If we're going to be introduced to a new format every 10 years I might as well not even buy any home videos. It's ridiculous looking at the time frame when DVD's sales began to dominate and when the next format was introduced. There's no justification for making/introducing a new format right now and there's no justification to push it as much as they are with the economy like it is. If you are a Blu-Ray supporter, great. More power to you. Just don't push it on me and criticize those not a supporter of it as "behind in the times" and "not valuing the movies as much as we do." DVD also isn't magically subpar. I can get some really stunning sound and picture from a DVD. It does not lack there.

[2099net]

What they're doing with Snow White is exactly what they are did with DVD and VHS. Except it's slightly better, because the Blu-ray comes with the movie DVD rather than nothing..

As for the various "limited editions" I doubt they'd be any cheaper if they were just DVDs included. Do you really think the suggested $250 Book/Pin/Box set would drop to $230 if only DVD was included?

As for why are they doing Blu-rays in the limited edition collectors set - well, presumably because they expect the sort of people who can spend $250 (I know in shops it won't be that much) on a movie and "gubbins" to be more likely to be Blu-ray adopters.

I do think that in both cases though (Book set and Plush set) it would just be easier for Disney to include 2 discs in each format for a truely "neutral" set - after all the physical cost of a DVD is probably less than 50c when produced is the quantity Snow White will be.

But then, if they did that, what's to stop somebody who has a Blu-ray from giving both DVDs away and Disney loosing a sale as a result? It's not just lost revenue, but lost sales when boasting about first week sales etc.

One one hand people are saying its confusing as it is now (although logically there is little confusion if you remember the Blu-ray comes out first - no matter what the configuration or bundled "gubbins"). Imagine how confusing it would be with multiple formats for each limited edition too!

As for no justification, of course there is! In the UK, 90%+ of all new TVs are HD ready. Sky TV is doubling its HD subscribers every quarter. Freeview is going to go HD by the end of 2012 when the country is switched off (and probably before then, I'm not up to date on the latest new multiplex news). Why wouldn't anybody who just bought a HD TV, and signed up for Sky HD not want to own movies in HD too?

The same is true in the US, many cable subscribers already get HD TV, their analogue transmissions will be switched off before all of those in the UK are, freeing up their analogue system for however they want to do HD transmissions...

High Definition is not the future, its the present for a lot of people both sides of the ocean.

The introduction of a HD solid media format is more than justified. The fact that its reportedly had a faster uptake than DVD did in the same timeframe shows that - especially when for the first couple of years Blu-ray was fighting a format war with HD DVD!