Which HDDVDs should I get?

[BiffCo]

With the impending release of the HDDVD add-on for the 360, I started thinking about what I wanted in terms of HDDVD movies. I can't afford 20 of them, but I have a budget to grab between 4 and 6 of them just to wet my whistle.

Here is a list of HDDVD movies I'm interested in (movies with an * are ones I own on DVD):

Slither
The Italian Job
Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift
Corpse Bride*
Serenity*
Doom
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory*
Land of the Dead
Aeon Flux
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory*

Possible 4-6 as of right now:
Slither
Tokyo Drift
Doom
Corpse Bride
Italian Job
Land of the Dead

I really want to try and grab some movies not already in my collection so I don't feel as if I'm double dipping. The 6 aren't certain and can change at any moment, though I'm pretty set on Slither and Tokyo Drift.

If anyone can chime in with movies I may not have thought of, I'd be all for it. Well, any movie besides Batman Begins. I have the DVD and just couldn't stomach sitting through it again. Not my up of tea (or any Batman movie for that matter).

Thanks guys.

-Brad

[alter_ego_trip]

Two must have's should be Serenity and Tokyo Drift. Both have reference quality picture and sound. The colors on Tokyo drift really pop. I just watched it again tonight. Aeon Flux is another excellent pq movie, even if the movie itself is pretty lame. I bought it for Charlize alone. I'm surprised Batman Begins isn't on your list. Excellent movie with near perfect picture and sound. Here is my opinion based on your list.

Tokyo Drift
Serenity
Aeon Flux
Corpse Bride
Italian Job (not as good picture and sound but great movie)

JMO

[BiffCo]

I just never got into the Batman series of movies. I own both the original 2 disc special edition and Batman Begins, and had trouble sitting through both. I don't know. I like Micheal Keaton and Christian Bale, but I just don't like Batman I guess.

Thanks for the tip, Alter. I'm definitely picking up Tokyo Drift and Serenity. Corpse Bride is moving up the list too, but I don't know if I can get into Aeon Flux. With the purchase of these movies, I'm trying to get a balance between movies I can watch again and again and that have great sound and PQ. Tokyo Drift and Corpse Bride I'm told have both.

I can't remember exactly, but wasn't there a problem with the sound or something on Serenity? I'd still like to pick it up, as I haven't seen it in a long time.

-Brad

[D_Litch]

I wonder If the quality of Land of the Dead is good. I won't be getting a HD-DVD drive add-on until next year(when I get a HDTV). I'm sure the selection will be hella better by then.

[MadBryan]

Not trying to derail but Training Day and We were Soldiers are both excellent.
edit: nevermind We were Soldiers. It's main draw is the sound, so I'd hold off till HDMI cables are avaliable

[WormholeXtreme]

MI3 is supposed to be excellent video and audio. I won't get mine for a day or two but the several reviews I read said the video and audio were excellent.
Training Day is reference quality along with Batman begins.
Tokyo Drift looks great too plus the interactive features are good. Corpse bride loked great to. I watched it this weekend and there was a nice 3D look to it.
Serenity looks great too, that would be worth getting the HD even though you already have the SD version.

[alter_ego_trip]

Brad, I really can't say there was a problem with the sound w/ Serenity. Some of the earlier HDDVD's were mastered with a lower volume level and lack of bass. You might need to play with the settings a little bit, but once it's right it's excellent.

I'll give a thumbs up for Training Day as well. Great flic and TruHD was amazing (not that it will matter in your case).

You might also look at some of the upcoming releases. There are some barnburners coming out in the next few weeks. MI3, King Kong, Superman returns, V for Vendetta. Gonna be an expensive couple of months.

[Jon Liu]

it was only the first three warner releases that had problems... Million Dollar Baby, Phantom of the Opera and The Last Samurai were the only three that were mixed like at least 10dB too low. They fixed it though.

Most of the ones mentioned, I don't think Brad likes.. King Kong, Batman Begins, MI3... I think those are going to have some of the best overall HD and audio transfers to show off but... if you hate the movies... no point in buying them!

Anyway, Seabiscuit looks fantastic too. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory looks fantastic. From the clips I've seen of Corpsebride, that looks incredible. I actually have to sit down and watch that one again, just haven't had too much time...

Tokyo Drift looks great but, I think the sound impressed me more on that one. That's one loud soundtrack!!

[Wood Ghost]

Just a suggestion to add to your list.
Target has some of your list for only $19.95 ea.

http://tinyurl.com/y9yelz
Digital Video Essentials - Hd Dvd
Digital Video Essentials - Hd Dvd
HD DVD
This title will be released on November 14, 2006. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. List Price: $34.95
Our Price: $23.95
You Save: $11.00 (31%)

[JohnW]

Constantine. Freaking reference quality.

[alter_ego_trip]

Originally Posted by Jon Liu

Tokyo Drift looks great but, I think the sound impressed me more on that one. That's one loud soundtrack!!

I'd concur, at -10 under reference it was amazing. Constantine was also an awesome flic. That was one of the first HD's I bought.

[Jon Liu]

forgot about that one! Constantine is a good one! If you liked the movie Ray, that one had a lot of good PQ to impress people with as well! I think as the time goes on, with the new releases and movies that were made "with high definition in mind" will start making even more reference quality discs that far surpass the ones we have out now!

[BiffCo]

I forgot about Superman Returns! I loved that movie in the theater and will be picking up the HDDVD. I may get DVE as well.

I want to purchase at least 3 from Amazon.com to get their 10% off deal. That's a damn good price on these movies.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Keep 'em coming!

-Brad

[alter_ego_trip]

While not the stellar leap as other HDDVD's and not the greatest movie in the world, I liked Troy as well, and the inclusion of TruHD was a nice bonus.

The original Fast and the Furious was also a nice improvement.

[Jon Liu]

yes, the original Fast and the Furious was definitely an appreciated improvement! I think DVE will be essential for me to get when that comes out!

There will be more titles annouced as well. You can look at the current scheduled releases at highdefdigest.com

That's a good place to start for any news and such!

[BiffCo]

Well, I just ordered Slither, Tokyo Drift, Corpse Bride, Doom and Serenity on Amazon.com. I saved about $30 vs. buying them in store, and because of the 10% deal, I upgraded to 2-day shipping. I'm moving this week so I needed them with me as I'm not sure of the new address yet.

Anyway, I look forward to watching them next week when the HDDVD add-on finally arrives. I know I won't be getting the full experience audio wise, but I've never heard TruHD or Plus, so ignorance is bliss.

-Brad

[alter_ego_trip]

Brad, let me know how you like Slither. It looks terrible judging by the previews but I've been surprised before.

[MadBryan]

Brad welcome to the HD-DVD club. Hey , did you say you didn't like KingKong? If that was you do you wanna sell it to me when u get your drive? pm me if you do. That offer goes for anybody else getting the player that doesn't want it. Unopened of course, unless you price it accordingly.