No LOTR before 2008?

Jesse Blacklow · 09-11-2006, 01:45 PM

According to New Line's official page for the re-released DVDs (warning: embedded clip) of the LOTR trilogy, it looks like another chance to really show off either format is not to be, this year or the next:

Quote:

WHEN IS THE LORD OF THE RINGS GOING TO BE RELEASED IN HIGH DEFINITION (EITHER HD-DVD OR BLU-RAY)?

The high definition formats that have recently launched offer exceptional picture and sound quality in addition to new interactive bonus feature capabilities. New Line Home Entertainment is committed to the high definition format and is very excited about the idea of releasing the Trilogy in the format. However, New Line is also committed to maximizing the capabilities of the technology to deliver a cutting edge high definition experience. This will take more time as well as the participation of the filmmakers to achieve. It is currently not scheduled for release until, at the earliest, 2008."

On the one hand, I'm glad that they're holding off in order to offer the best quality, but on the other, this is exactly the kind of flick that will sell players. Ah well, we can always hope they change their minds.

PattyFraser · 09-11-2006, 01:49 PM

I'm anxious to get this title in HD, but on the other hand I'm glad it won't be out till then. Surely by then all bugs with maximum storage on high definition formats (whichever) will be worked out, and the best in transfer technologies will be available. I want it, but I want it to be right.

Jason Harbaugh · 09-11-2006, 02:11 PM

Couldn't be better news. When I heard the rumors that they were coming at the end of the year I thought it was a big mistake. Glad to see that they want to do it right.

Garrett Lundy · 09-11-2006, 06:28 PM

Well my wallets happy, now I'm not even going to be tempted to buy a new player or TV for 2 more years

Paul_Scott · 09-11-2006, 06:39 PM

they could have released them this year as bare bones edtions- helped build the format up- and then re-visited them 5 years from now and benefited from advancements in the uses of the newer codecs as well as using the opportunity to offer up the extended versions or substantially more supplemental material.

they could have had a win/win and instead they are going to look forward to the 'big score' all at once by waiting until the formats have grown naturally 'by themselves' .

at least Warner knows you can't expect to sell anything to people who haven't bought players because they figure nothing worth watching is available yet.

**HTF Ads**

Sean Bryan · 09-11-2006, 07:52 PM

I'd take that info with a grain a salt.

This info seemed to first appear in a FAQ on Amazon.com's listing of the new DVDs before it was reported to be on lordoftherings.net. Obviously, it is in New Line's best interest for people to not have the impression that Hi-Def versions are right around the corner, not when they want people to buy these new DVDs.

I think they have no definite plan for when this will be released one way or the other. Their statement of 2008 at the earliest feels more like a guess that is exaggerated in the direction that will make the new DVDs look more appealing.

It very well may be that these films don't hit HD DVD (or BD) until 2008, but I'm not convinced that 2007 is impossible. Actually, I could see Holiday 2007 as a very realistic time to see these films on a High Definition disc format.

Now, if Peter Jackson is quoted saying something like, "Well, we have plans -big plans- for The Lord of the Rings on HD DVD, but we haven't started on that yet and it shouldn't be coming until 2008 at the earliest" then I'd fully believe it will take that long. But I'm less quick to believe NLC/amazon.com marketing for the current DVD release as a reliable indicator of when High Def is coming.

JediFonger · 09-11-2006, 09:53 PM

i believe PJ did say he wanted to LOTR to be released on HD format after the limited disc runs. and as we can see, the limited disc runs have arrived. that means HD is fairly soon. PJ noted that there were tons of MORE material to add to the ultimate HD box set. i really can't imagine ANYTHING ELSE after seeing all the material on the EE box sets. it's already ridiculous enough that the making of is longer than an already LONGass movie. now they're going to add to the length of the making of. argh =(.

BrettGallman · 09-11-2006, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Scott

they could have released them this year as bare bones edtions- helped build the format up- and then re-visited them 5 years from now and benefited from advancements in the uses of the newer codecs as well as using the opportunity to offer up the extended versions or substantially more supplemental material.

they could have had a win/win and instead they are going to look forward to the 'big score' all at once by waiting until the formats have grown naturally 'by themselves' .

I agree with this, and I wouldn't begrudge New Line (or any other studio) if they decided to double-dip before five years. I know I'm an early adopter, and I certainly don't mind putting up with bare-bones stuff for a while. A quality presentation of the movies is all I need at this point; I mean, that's the main reason to upgrade right?

Tim Glover · 09-12-2006, 01:55 AM

I'll go against the grain here and say I am saddened about the news if indeed true. Titles like LOTR would help the Hi-Def market. None of the other HD movies have great extras either...we bought those for the WOW factor and fun factor....

Sure, I want it done right....but this can be done right much sooner than 2008.

Paul_Scott · 09-12-2006, 02:02 AM

the other potentially negative consequence of pushing all this good stuff farther off into the future is that they are now building expectations that will only increase with the passage of time and the addition of more users/enthusiasts.

Its going to suck to wait another 2 years only to get the theatrical versions anyway.

about the only positive I see is I can get one or two more viewings out of my box sets before I have to worry about ebaying 'em.