WHV Press Release: The Polar Express Presented In 3-D (DVD/Blu-ray)

Ronald Epstein · 08-18-2008, 10:56 AM

All Aboard for a Journey Like Never Before!

THE POLAR EXPRESS PRESENTED IN 3-D
on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD
Debuts October 28 from Warner Home Video

Burbank, Calif, August 18, 2008 – The Polar Express, the beloved classic and one of Warner Home Video and Shangri-La Entertainment’s all-time best-selling family DVDs, is pulling into the station October 28 for the first time presented in eye-popping 3-D on Blu-ray™ High-Def and DVD. With this dazzling new technology that includes four sets of 3-D glasses, the whole family can experience the magical journey to the North Pole together like never before. Just in time for holiday gift giving both will also include the original theatrical 2-D version. The Polar Express Presented in 3-D will sell for $34.99 SRP in Blu-ray™ High-Def and $20.97 SRP on DVD.

Synopsis
The Polar Express Presented in 3-D joins a cherished group of holiday films like ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ ‘A Christmas Story,’ ‘Miracle On 34th Street,’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be part of family celebrations at this time of year.

The Polar Express is based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Polar Express – which has sold nearly 7 million copies in print and ranked #2 on the National Education Association’s Teachers Top 100 Books for Children – was selected as “Critics Choice” by the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA); won the Grammy® for Best Song Written For a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media and was honored with a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Original Song and three Academy Award® nominations including Best Original Song, Sound and Sound Editing.

Blu-ray™ Hi-Def Special Features in 2-D
Smokey and Steamer Song not seen in theaters
· You Look Familiar: The many Polar faces of Tom Hanks
· A Genuine ticket to Ride: 5 featurettes
True Inspirations: Profiling author Chris Van Allsburg
Believe: Josh Groban performance and behind the scenes
Flurry of Effects: 5 motion-capture sessions
Snow Angels: Moviemakers’ Christmas memories
Theatrical trailer
THE POLAR EXPRESS PRESENTED IN 3-D
$34.99 SRP
Feature Running Time: 100 Minutes

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

Todd H · 08-18-2008, 11:13 AM

Which kind of glasses are used? The red-blue kind or the newer ones?

Shaun · 08-18-2008, 11:40 AM

Will this include the non-3D version of the film as well? Will the Blu-Ray include a lossless soundtrack?

Scott-S · 08-18-2008, 12:39 PM

LOL, I just purchase the "old" blu-ray version of this last week. Yet another example of my really bad timing.

Jeff Cooper · 08-18-2008, 12:42 PM

Wow, I'm really excited for this. I saw the 3-D Polar Express in the IMAX, and it was amazing. I'm really interested to see how well it translates to my home theater. Plus i've been thinking about picking this up on blu-ray for a while now, and now have a good reason to hold out.

**HTF Ads**

David Wilkins · 08-18-2008, 12:56 PM

Jeez...I hope they're using a more advanced technology than the old blue/red off-set. Should be interesting.

DavidJ · 08-18-2008, 01:22 PM

I will want to check this out. I have it on HD DVD and it is pretty spectacular in 2D. It will be interesting to see how well it works.

Stephen_J_H · 08-18-2008, 01:29 PM

Given the MSRP, I'm gonna say red/blue. IMHO, you'd be better off grabbing a pair of Pulfrich Illusion glasses and simulating 3-D, though I hear that red/blue resolves better on BD, based on initial observations of the Hannah Montana BD.

Toddwrtr · 08-18-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd H

Which kind of glasses are used? The red-blue kind or the newer ones?

I am betting WHV will include the old 50s style red-blue carboard glasses, as Disney has done on the Hannah Montana concert film.

That is a shame, as it ruins the color pallette of the film.

I don't think we are going to see anything at home come close to IMAX 3-D or Real-D for sometime. The 1080p 120hz monitors may be capable of this in a few years when prices drop, as Real-D uses a high frame rate with alternating polarized left and right eye frames to achieve the 3+D effect in movie theaters.

GregK · 08-18-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun

Will this include the non-3D version of the film as well?

Yes. This what is known as the 2-D version, which was mentioned in the press release.

DaveB · 08-23-2008, 06:49 PM

This is fantastic news!

Offhand question: Is the annoying kid at all based on the annoying computer tech character at the computer shop in Wargames? The hair is a different color, but I always saw a strong resemblance.