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Universal is now including Digital Copies!

#1
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9/15/08 at 9:30pm
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Who knew?!?!?! I am working on the Forgetting Sarah Marshall bluray and got a nice surprise, a digital copy disk! This isn't a film I'll likely use it on but maaaan, I can think of some catalog titles I'd love to have on my iPod!!!!

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#2
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9/15/08 at 10:01pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Am I the only one who does NOT like the inclusion of these copies? I have no interest in watching movies on tiny screens or my PC, that's not what I buy discs for. It seems to me it's just a cheap (to the studios) method of extracting a few more bucks, since we typically have no choice of rejecting the DC if we want the BD disc (unlike 1 or 2 disc DVD sets). I already have way more DCs than I want, which is zero..., oh well, it's not like I haven't paid for a "few" discs I really didn't want before due to packaging...
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#3
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9/16/08 at 6:14am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

You're not alone, Craig.

I absolutely hate them, too. I ended up tossing my digital copy of AVP-R into the trash. I'm not sure why the studios are jumping all over this. I'm more annoyed than anything when studios try and advertise a title as a 'two disc set' when it's just the movie and a digital copy.

Certainly not a selling point for me.

Sorry, Sam, I certainly didn't mean to hijack this thread, though.

Universal, please release Streets of Fire on Blu-ray.

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#4
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9/16/08 at 7:10am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
Am I the only one who does NOT like the inclusion of these copies?
Nope. It's an absolute waste of plastic for me and I think it propels us faster to the loss of physical media.
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#5
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9/16/08 at 8:19am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I too couldn't care less about digital copies. I'd rather they found some other way to provide users with the file rather than including another disc but cest la vie.
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#6
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9/16/08 at 8:20am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
Who knew?!?!?! I am working on the Forgetting Sarah Marshall bluray and got a nice surprise, a digital copy disk! This isn't a film I'll likely use it on but maaaan, I can think of some catalog titles I'd love to have on my iPod!!!!

Works for me too, Sam. Look like you are taking it on the chin here, so I thought I would come to your defense.

I just can't wrap my brain around the negativity for including this, but I suppose not everyone has an iPod or other media player. To me its an acknowledgment by the studios that their customers would like to use their purchased media in ways other than sitting in front of a TV. And they are allowing it to happen w/o any question of legality.

With DVD, ripped copies are not too hard to come by, but with BR, its not so easy. Being able to load a legit SD copy of a purchased BR disc on my daughters iPod is a plus in our household.

I can see not wanting to pay for it if you don't want to have it, but being an unwashed heathen, I feel the same way about most "bonus" features that I may watch once, if at all.

Just give me a stripped down single disc, maxed out in terms of audio (uncompressed PCM please) and video, and leave the extras out. Do include a digital copy though, please ;-)

Call it a BR equivalent of a Superdisc.

Sell a super deluxe special edition with all the extras for collectors, if you will.

Brian
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#7
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9/16/08 at 8:41am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I don't mind the inclusion of a digital copy so long as studios offer consumers a choice between a version of the movie with it and one without it. Disney is doing this with both "WALL-E" and "Prince Caspian," and I for one appreciate it. However, better still is the bonus DVD they're throwing in for "Sleeping Beauty," without increasing the price of the much-anticipated 2-disc set. WAY better for portability around the house and keeping the kids entertained during those long car trips.

It does annoy me a bit though that the studios have taken to marketing these movies with digital copies as "2-disc" or "3-disc" sets, when that extra disc (1) isn't playable in a standard DVD or Blu-ray player, and (2) contains nothing other than the DRM code necessary to secure your ONE allowed digital copy of the movie online. It makes it appear that there's far more content included with the movie than there actually is. The most egregious example of this thus far is "Speed Racer," which comes advertised as a 3-disc set but only one of which actually contains any worthwhile content (and a compromised audio encode to boot).

 

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#8
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9/16/08 at 9:19am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I'm not sure why anyone would care if a digital copy is included with the movie. Its not like it will take up much space, probably between 200 and 500MB.

I for one would use it, and it doesn't seem to be bringing up the price of the disc so who cares?

Much ado about nothing.

Doug
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#9
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9/16/08 at 10:31am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

That's true if it's on a disk already Douglas, they are objecting to more wasted plastic for an EXTRA disk tho, and thats how many of the studios are handling it, particularly on BD where 99.999999% of the population does not have a BD drive on their computer yet. Personally I would MUCH rather have a code for an iTunes download than another disk but I thought it was cool that it was there as a START. I'd much rather have a seperate DVD disk than a flipper ANY DAY! Remember we are just at the forefront of this format, so things can and will evolve...

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#10
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9/16/08 at 12:49pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I only have one at the moment, from the Dark City BR. Just what does one do with the Digital Copy? Excuse my ignorance!
Regards,
Al
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#11
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9/16/08 at 1:39pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AL KUENSTER
I only have one at the moment, from the Dark City BR. Just what does one do with the Digital Copy? Excuse my ignorance!
Regards,
Al
The Digital Copy, once its authenticated via the serial number they give you and the process described within the disc package, downloads onto your PC/Mac a digitally compressed copy for use in portable devices such as iPods.

Although it isn't a make-or-break feature for me, I'm glad to have it because I hated the time it took to make a manual digital copy (of DVDs I own and paid for) for my iPod. It often took over an hour to do. Now it takes minutes, and the results are as good or better than the program I was using to do it. The resulting copy is a much smaller resolution than the original file, allowing an 8GB dual layer DVD movie to be shrunk to under a GB. I don't really dig watching full length movies on my iPod, but I like episodes of TV shows like Family Guy or The Simpsons on my iPod, especially while I'm waiting for my girlfriend to finish her shopping at the mall...gives me some entertainment while I wait!
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#12
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9/16/08 at 4:20pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I too would much rather they just provide a regular DVD, instead of this "digital copy" thing, or perhaps just give us an "upgrade" rebate or similar like Disney's been doing quite often of late (or a "companion" coupon that can be used even at online shops like Amazon).

But I guess they also don't want to make it too easy for folks to turn around and sell the DVD version for a net gain (that results in a net loss to them) since they are still depending on the DVD market for some 90% or so of their home video revenue.

Maybe what they should do is provide a lower quality (perhaps, single layer) DVD version that's specifically made to go in the BD release and throw the DC file in there also. Basically, something that would still look good enough on a smaller display whether it's DVD on a portable player (or <=20" TV/laptop) or DC for the iPod, et al, but not good enough to supplant the regular DVD version being sold separately. Heck, it could even just come w/ a DD 2.0 soundtrack to help squeeze all that onto a single layer.

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#13
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9/17/08 at 11:47am
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I would much rather a second disc of "bonus features" than a digital copy. I'm glad somebody finally brought up this topic. I thought I was the only one.
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#14
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9/17/08 at 12:29pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I don't like digital copies, but, I haven't noticed any price increase because of them. Some older films in the value sections of Wal-Mart now have them and they are still as cheap as they were before. For my needs these things are useless. I can live with them though. You never know what may come up in your life that may make these things usefull. Now, as far as how they label dvds as 2 or 3 disc sets because of the DC, for the most part the digital copy is labeled clearly on a sticker on the package. If you order online they say if it's included as well. So you have to assume one of the discs is the copy. No big deal. Again, I don't like them, but, they don't bother me as long as I don't have to pay any extra.

" I think it's time we go to plan B". "What's plan B?" "That's the one where we don't do something stupid".

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#15
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9/17/08 at 1:33pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I guess this is the new Hi-DEF "COMBO DISC", only now the Studios are promoting away from packaged media (both HD and SD) as opposed to the old Combo disc that was pushing Hi-DEF on the masses, away from "Digital downloads" ...

So now Blu ray owners will also have to pay extra for a movie version that is not HI-DEF?

...and of all things.. an IPOD version?

Well, you guys must excuse my uncontrolable laughter, but the "poetic justice" in this new development is just killing me...
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#16
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9/17/08 at 1:41pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by troy evans
Again, I don't like them, but, they don't bother me as long as I don't have to pay any extra.

How can you tell you're not paying extra because there's almost always (never??) an option to NOT get them. I guess what I mean is: they ain't givin' them away, LOL... My guess, by comparing to similar titles from the same studio without a DC, is they charge ~$3-4 for the DC...why I'm not *too* agitated about this practice. (I get MUCH more agitated about non-anamorphic trailers for brand new movies I don't even want to see on BDs, LOL)

I suppose they're useful for many people though. Like for playing in the car for the kids (LOL, all my DCs are definitely NOT for the kiddies), most people don't have a BDP in their car. Or in their computer yet. I suppose these DCs are aimed at a much younger demographic than me (the crusty old fart demographic category), which is probably the target BD demographic anyways.
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#17
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9/17/08 at 2:26pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I see. thanks Carlo.
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#18
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9/17/08 at 2:59pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
My guess, by comparing to similar titles from the same studio without a DC, is they charge ~$3-4 for the DC...
I have at least four titles with the digital copy and none of them have had an MSRP or retail price that was any different from the norm.
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#19
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9/17/08 at 3:18pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Doesn't this defeat the entire purpose of "DC"?
Isn't DC to replace physical media? Not become physical media!
Doesn't Uni have a download program?
Sounds like a step backward too me.
How much extra are we paying for the DC?

Movies are: "The Greatest Artform".
HD should be for EVERYONE!

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#20
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9/17/08 at 3:23pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed St. Clair
How much extra are we paying for the DC?
We're not paying anything extra. Like I said, I haven't seen any MSRP that is higher than the norm due to a digital copy.
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#21
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9/17/08 at 3:29pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

^ All the ones I got (typically from amazon.com) were $3-4 more than the $20 I typically pay. It is hard to tell for sure, what with their up/down prices. Like I said before though, how can you tell when getting or not getting the DC isn't an option with the title? They obviously aren't free to the studio, are they? So logically they have to cost more than if the BD came without, putting on my Spock hat...

Oh yeah, I *do* like the 2-disc BD cases they come in, which are hard to buy. So far I am re-using the 2-disc cases for other BDs I bought that didn't have all the extras of the SD set, sticking the SD "disc 2" in with the transplanted BD. That's worth almost a buck to me, LOL.

Edit: I do understand what you mean though. It is easier to judge IMO when you compare a new-release BD with DC, and a new-release one from the same studio without DC. There does appear to me to be a few bucks diff, not enough to deter me anyway.
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#22
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9/17/08 at 3:32pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
Like I said before though, how can you tell when getting or not getting the DC isn't an option with the title?
Like I said, every movie that I've bought has had the same MSRP as movies with no digital copy so it's not costing me more money.
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#23
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9/17/08 at 3:35pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR
We're not paying anything extra. Like I said, I haven't seen any MSRP that is higher than the norm due to a digital copy.

That may be so on the surface, but the studios are likely just using this "feature" as a means to help keep prices higher for as long as possible. Of course, it's not something that's easy to prove right now. If the studios decide the DC feature doesn't help "sell" Blu-ray as a premium product to the masses and decide to can it (and whatever other similar type "features") in exchange for cutting prices to draw the masses, then it'll become clearer that's what the DC feature is all about for them...

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#24
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9/17/08 at 3:40pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong
If the studios decide the DC feature doesn't help "sell" Blu-ray as a premium product to the masses...
Aren't there alot more DVD titles with digital copies than Blu-rays anyway? I know Fox just announced a bunch of DVDs with 'new' digital copies.
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#25
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9/17/08 at 3:47pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR
We're not paying anything extra. Like I said, I haven't seen any MSRP that is higher than the norm due to a digital copy.
I read what you said.
However, others have posted differently:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
My guess, by comparing to similar titles from the same studio without a DC, is they charge ~$3-4 for the DC...
Maybe if you posted which four DC releases your speaking too, it would help your position.

Movies are: "The Greatest Artform".
HD should be for EVERYONE!

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#26
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9/17/08 at 4:13pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Hmmm, doing a quick amazon check, looks like the BDs I have with a DC are only about $2 "more" than my benchmark $20 for a BD without DC. I have no doubt they could be less *without* a DC, but as Ed says, it's to keep the price up.

I read elsewhere today that the studios DO NOT WANT the price of BDs to fall much for another year or two (for whatever reason). By including "extra content", I guess this helps them maintain a price-point and also make it look better to the consumer. Besides giving something useful (the DC) to their (probable) target demographic.

Edit: my $20 price is just "mine", what the type of 1-disc BDs I buy typically go for, doesn't mean much really... Anyway, I think the issue is whether we do or don't want the DC. I'm sure *very few* people believe we're getting them for "free", "included in the price" is not the same as "free"...
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#27
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9/17/08 at 4:22pm
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Just Joking!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF
Besides giving something useful (the DC) to their (probable) target demographic.
O' my gawd, the probable target demographic for BD watches video on iPods?!?!?!
HD is in "T"rouble (w/a capitol T).
JJ

Movies are: "The Greatest Artform".
HD should be for EVERYONE!

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#28
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9/17/08 at 4:28pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR
Aren't there alot more DVD titles with digital copies than Blu-rays anyway? I know Fox just announced a bunch of DVDs with 'new' digital copies.

And those (along w/ many other 2-disc SEs sans DC) would no doubt be priced higher than barebones DVDs in general.

FWIW, (most of) the studios are apparently trying to keep prices higher for BDs, if at all possible, and probably also want to re-establish a premium price level for DVDs (via 2-disc SEs, DC and such). In general, they want to regain a higher margin for their product. Whether all that will work out the way they want is another story...

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#29
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9/17/08 at 4:41pm
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Re: Just Joking!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed St. Clair
O' my gawd, the probable target demographic for BD watches video on iPods?!?!?!
HD is in "T"rouble (w/a capitol T).
JJ

Well, they take pictures and videos with their phones. They like to text, which I guess is a notch above teletype, and telegraph for sure. Seems to be good enough for them, what can I say?? So they happen to like BD too...

I really doubt BD is targeted at "old folks" (speaking for myself...). Naturally the shotgun target is anybody who wants to spend $$, but generally new tech is aimed at those who are more likely to buy in to the newest thing, those for whom being "current" is more important. Most older folk (the public, not the forum members) have long-ago burned that impulse out of their systems and wallets.

LOL, what were we talking about again?
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#30
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9/17/08 at 7:02pm
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Re: Universal is now including Digital Copies!

I would welcome someone to show me where these digital copies on Blu or sd dvd have increased price on the same title that didn't have one before. I haven't seen this jump in price. I would also like to know where the combo/ flip disc Blu-rays are since I've yet to see one. That's more than likely because they don't exsist. On catalog titles that have sat on the shelves at BestBuy, Wal-Mart or where ever, none have had a price increase since they now include the DC. Online retailers have always had price variances so that proves nothing. If you're talking about the price difference between single disc and 2 disc sd dvd special editions, they have always cost a few bucks more even before DC were included. The second disc still has the special features as well as the DC on it now.

" I think it's time we go to plan B". "What's plan B?" "That's the one where we don't do something stupid".

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