OK, we all know the format war is almost over. And its seems pretty clear that Universal are the studio most likely to support HD DVD to the bitter end. I know there's been some discontent with the quality of some of Universal's HD DVD catalogue releases, but on the whole I think Universal have done a stirling job with their HD releases.

Surprisingly, thanks to Universal (and Warners supporting both formats until recently) I still think that HD DVD has better releases than Blu-ray does at this time.

So what Universal titles do you think should be released on HD DVD as a final farewell blowout?

I know most people will suggest Spielberg movies, but I'd rather see:

Man on the Moon (I'd buy this on HD DVD in an instant)
Blues Brothers/Blues Brothers 2000 (yes, I like the sequel to a large extent)
Universal Monsters (in some form of boxset)

Well, naturally Magnum P.I.

I'm with you on the desire for the Universal monster sets and Blues Brothers. (The much-maligned sequel actually has a lot of fun moments, and some terrific song and dance numbers in it. It may never be the original, but it is still good in its own right).

Looking back at some of the Universal titles I've reviewed over the years, I think Jaws is probably an obvious one (but may never happen). Most of the stuff seems to be catalogue horror! I guess all those Hammer licences would be nifty (like To the Devil, A Daughter! and Zoltan, Hound of Dracula).


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Magnum P.I. ?

Surely that's gonna be at SD resolution and NTSC at that!!

What possible benefit would a HD format provide?


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I don't know in Magnum's case, but a lot of American TV is filmed on... er film. Rather than videoed on... er video. The UK and I assume Australia tends to use video because its cheaper - cheaper materials and (then) cheaper to edit. I think these days with AVID editing suites etc, film is just as cheap and easy to edit.

You have to remember America's TV industry is an evolution of their Hollywood studios. Historically, film has been used extensively for location shots, shows with mixed studio/location work (notice how you rarely get that jarring film to video look on American shows from the 70's and 80's when switching from location to studio like you get on all the BBC stuff made at the same time) and even some 3 camera sit-coms (vintage and new).

If Mangum was filmed on film, even 16mm, it could benefit from an HD release. Even if its SD, it could benefit from having a season on 2 or 3 discs.

I know there was a bit of digital fiddling, but note that Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969!!!) was recently released on HD (with a great big price tag) to some very good tech reviews.

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/startrektos_s1.html#Section3

Reportedly, it looks a treat. Some of that is 15-20 years older than Magnum. Anything filmy, as 2099net points out, can always be remastered. I mean, DVD has shown us that things can look amazing with a digital remaster, and I'm constantly impressed with just how good some of this stuff is.


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I want Universal to release ALL their classic Boris Kaloff and Bela Lugosi Universal Monster Movie titles Frankenstein Bride Of Frankenstein Son Of Frankenstein etc on Blu Ray as soon as possible.

The Bride Of Frankenstein is a very important movie on many levels and IMHO outshines all the others , though I do love the original Frankenstein too! Dracula is too stilted for my taste though I like Lugosi's opening scenes and the thirties vampish lady vampires!