Xbox HD DVD player now $179, includes 5 free movies

by Dustin Burg { Jul 26th 2007 at 9:00AM }

Microsoft's first announcement to come out of Comic Con is an Xbox 360 HD DVD player price drop. Beginning August 1st (in the US), the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add on will receive a $20 price cut, retail for $179 and include five free HD DVD movies as part of the "Perfect Offer". The five free movie deal runs from August 1st through September 30th, full list of free HD DVDs to choose from posted after the break.

Also announced was Microsoft's partnership with Warner Bros. to feature 300 in HD on the XBLM starting August 14th and offer exclusive Heroes Marketplace downloads prior to its season one release to HD DVD. The free Heroes content will include trailers, episode teasers, promotional materials and a free Marketplace download of the pilot episode in HD.

With today's HD DVD player price drop it makes it one of the cheapest ways to experience HD content and is quite the tempting offer. We just might end up caving in this August and splurging to experience the look and sound of perfect. HD content FTW!

Free HD DVDs to Choose From:
Apollo 13
Blazing Saddles
Casablanca
The Chronicles of Riddick
Constantine
The Dukes of Hazzard
Four Brothers
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
The Perfect Storm
The Rundown
Seabiscuit
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
U2: Rattle and Hum
U-571
We Were Soldiers

Tags: comiccon, hddvd, xbox360hddvd

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Joshua @ Jul 26th 2007 9:05AM

That is, as the kids would call it, the bees knees. I know that when I finally get around to buying an HDTV that I'm going HD-DVD with my 360. I love not being forced to adopt a HD DVD choice since I have not made the jump with my TV.

ymmv @ Jul 26th 2007 9:10AM

Meh, I've already seen the HD-DVDP in the Netherlands for 150 euro.

Although I've got an Xbox 360 myself and its cheap I'm not getting one, because I just can't see HD-DVD succeeding in the long term. Even though HD-DVD is a great product with great specs, Blu-Ray has just too much support from Hollywood and hardware companies. The studios backing Blu-Ray have 90% of the movie market, HD-DVD about 40-50%. That's a _lot_ of popular movies HD-DVD owners are missing out on. Then there's the fact that HD-DVD is primarily backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, while Blu-Ray is backed by Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Pioneer, Panasonic, Philips and now also Denon.

Its better to keep that 150 euro and invest it in a PS3 when the price drops so you can have all the consoles that matter in this next gen generation.

Grant @ Jul 26th 2007 9:17AM

"5 free hd-dvds": http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/hddvd/data/pdf/Toshiba_Online_Rebate_R08.pdf
it's a pretty sad list in my book, since you can only choose 1 from each tier, which are broken down below(e.g., hope you didn't want seabiscuit and Riddick):
Apollo 13
Seabiscuit
The Chronicles of Riddick

Casablanca
Constantine
Dukes of Hazzard

Four Brothers
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

The Rundown
Blazing Saddles
U2: Rattle and Hum

U-571
The Perfect Storm
We Were Soldiers

Fezmid @ Jul 26th 2007 9:19AM

"because I just can't see HD-DVD succeeding in the long term, Even though HD-DVD is a great product with great specs, "

See, if everyone has that attitude, then Blu-Ray wins hands down. People aren't realizing that CONSUMERS have the power and the corporations (ie: Sony in this case) is just trying to take that away.

Look at how "supported" Blu-Ray is. Fox hasn't released a movie on the format since February. Disney hasn't released any movies for months either (and Pirates is pretty much the only good ones they've released).

If Sony "wins" this thing, they'll own the format, the players, and the movies. That's not good for consumers, and that's why I vote HD DVD with my wallet.

HD DVD has way more than 40-50% of the movie market as well; Universal has the largest catalog of titles, and most of the smaller studios are supporting both formats (Magnolia) or are HD DVD exclusive (Weinstein). The only thing BD has is the "big name" movies, most of which suck anyway (and aren't being released right now to boot!).

That said, I have seen this thing at Sams Club for $150... And others have seen it for $120, so it's not really earth shattering, aside from the 5 free movies which is pretty cool.

DjDATZ @ Jul 26th 2007 9:39AM

Meh...I'll go to XBLVM and get my movies from there...especially 300 when it becomes available in Canada.

Bishop @ Jul 26th 2007 10:02AM

I'm on the fence about getting either format, they are both really new and I'd rather wait for a winner, or a cheaper player that plays both.

ymmv @ Jul 26th 2007 10:03AM

Fezmid, Universal has about 10% of the market at the moment. If you're looking at the all time top 100 movies, it's 12%. See http://blog.pixelperfectproductions.com/?p=54 for the figures.

HEY EA EAT ME @ Jul 26th 2007 10:07AM

I say the hell w/ HD-DVD an BLu-Ray an go standard DVD. Why hear me out ( I know people what better quality movies and such, but why not 20 yrs or 15 yrs from now?) VHS had its run for what 25 yrs AFTER they beat Beta max, so why change the format 7/8 yrs after DVD beat VHS? Give DVD its run. If you want better quality movies they can do it on standard DVD's w/ more layers. HD-DVD has triple layer, why not do the same for standard DVD. The less compression the better the quality in picture we get. Besides an up-con DVD player is on average $95 and any hi-def player you get now a days is @ cheapest $399 (for the 1080p hardcores, 1080i/720p HD-A2 are $299, but why get the old if your gonna buy it get the latest and greatest), but I hope the backing on either format losses to its originator. The STANDARD DVD!! I know an up-con DVD player doesnt add dots (pixels) what it actually does is allow you to play stnadard movies through a better connection (HDMI) which in my opinion looks much better w/ DVD's than the 480p component. (Note that cable boxes dont have much dif between component and HDMI/DVI when switching between 1080i/720p signals at least not w/ my TV and its 1080p capable through HDMI and unfortunately no1 is putting out 1080p yet if they are going to??) Anyway I say go STANDARD . HI-DEF DISCS to me are what Laser-Disc was back in the day and VHS beat them too> I hope history repeats itself. I'm sorry for those of you who've purchased those products already, but don't go changing your library yet. Lets wait and see, but I'm just hoping those Blu-Rays and HD-DVD just become back discs at most for PC Hard Disc Drives b/c I do see potential only in that aspect. C'mon watch Pirates of the Carribean on an up-con DVD player on an LCD TV through the HDMI, and then go to whoever your fav Electronic store and have them play the same movie through a Blu-Ray @ 1080p and ask yourself is $300-$600 worth it for that little of a jump, b/c unless your watching movies on 100 inches or up I dont think it is. But hey maybe they should put these things in movies theaters that'll help out the companies so they dont lose that much $$$. (Just trying to look out for every1 involved)

drdre74 @ Jul 26th 2007 10:17AM

this is kinda worthless when my 360 dies on me every three months and then it take a month and a half to get my xbox back. By that time something else is out I want to look at and then i have to send the xbox back again.

Titty Pink @ Jul 26th 2007 10:21AM

Just as Voldemort dies in the new Harry Potter book...

TORO @ Jul 26th 2007 10:25AM

Hey EA EAT ME, you obviously don't watch HD movies too often...I stopped reading your post after the 2nd sentence (no offense)

ymmv, the only the reason Blu-Ray has "90%" of the market is because of all the PS3 gamers that don't have any games to play, so they buy movies. I guarantee you HD-DVD is currently catching up and will eventually surpass blu-ray.

Chris Grigson @ Jul 26th 2007 10:29AM

I have to admit the offer is tempting, but in all reality I don't think either technology will win. Remember SACD and DVD audio? Ultimately consumers are going to sit on the fence long enough that downloadable content becomes the perferred method for obtaining the latest media. Which BTW, Microsoft has a good jump on with the XBLM. Microsoft sees this as the future, but had to pick HD-DVD to differentiatie itself from Sony.

ymmv @ Jul 26th 2007 10:33AM

Toro, I was talking about the market share of the Hollywood studios that back Blu-Ray. If you're interested in how succesful HD-DVD is battling Blu-Ray, you could check out http://www.dvdempire.com/Content/Features/hidef_wars.asp or read this thread on AVSforum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=876174

At the moment, Blu-Ray has about 60-65% market share, HD-DVD between 40-35. Not much has changed since the beginning of this year. There's still no sign of HD-DVD catching up.

HEY EA EAT ME @ Jul 26th 2007 10:34AM

TORO:
I can understand your comment on me not watching HD Movies too often b/c if I did then I'd be in the same boat u r n which buying/supporting ur Hi-Def format of choice (y the way I watch all of my tv; Prison Break, Smallville, Heroes, College Football, a lot of Pro Sports, etc... in Hi-Def) I just think its not STANDARDS time yet. Toshiba and Sony put their stuff out in the consumer market too soon, they shouldve started at the thaters 1st and then let the super rich get their stuff through stores like sharper image (i think their stuff is way overpriced thats why its normally in high class neighborhoods) But yeah man uve spoiled urself w/ HD Movies and now thats what u wnt so I understand your point. (why go back to burgers when uve been eaten Filet Min Yon)

Morgon @ Jul 26th 2007 10:51AM

Man, sometimes being the early adopter isn't so great - I'd love to have gotten 5 movies and a $20 shave off my player!

The best thing to showcase your HD-DVD player (assuming you own a decent TV to match) is Planet Earth, hands down. Screw the format wars, let's just watch PE.

Maximus @ Jul 26th 2007 10:53AM

I've been wanting to buy the 360 HD-DVD player for some time now and I think the reduced price and free movies are just the thing to get me to do it. Thanks, M$!

Dragod @ Jul 26th 2007 10:58AM

Yeah... Titty Pink. I hate You so much... Bastard. Is there any way to delete their post? That just totally ruined the book for me, if it is true.

And if I had an HD TV and $179, I'd get Riddick, Tomb Raider, Hazzard, Blazing Saddles, and The Perfect Storm.

Dragod @ Jul 26th 2007 10:58AM

TORO @ Jul 26th 2007 11:00AM

"At the moment, Blu-Ray has about 60-65% market share, HD-DVD between 40-35"

ymmv, I think that's very good percentage for HD-DVD, considering every PS3 console that comes off the shelf is a Blu-Ray player. That's a big number (not for PS3 though) of blu-ray players.

Lol HEY EA EAT ME, I still love burgers man...gotta remember my roots bro.

I just think that if you have an Xbox360, and HDTV, Surround Sound, you might as well take advantage of a good HD-DVD deal from M$.

Fezmid @ Jul 26th 2007 11:02AM

"7. Fezmid, Universal has about 10% of the market at the moment. If you're looking at the all time top 100 movies, it's 12%. See http://blog.pixelperfectproductions.com/?p=54 for the figures."
Ummm, that doesn't show the number of movies available, it only shows the percentage from the top 100 grossing movies. There's plenty of great movies that didn't gross in the top-100 at theaters. Serenity, for example.

"any hi-def player you get now a days is @ cheapest $399 (for the 1080p hardcores, 1080i/720p HD-A2 are $299, but why get the old if your gonna buy it get the latest and greatest)"

Well, the A2 is actually $199. Heck, this post shows that you can get HD DVD for $179! (since you're reading X3F, I'm assuming you have a 360... :) ). Why not go 1080p? Because it's just marketing hype that doesn't mean anything, that's why. ProjectorCentral.com had a great writeup a year or so ago about why 1080p was a farce. Read up on it at AVSForum.com and you'll get into great technical detail about why it is a waste. Even so, you CAN get the A20 (1080p) for about $320 if you want.

Lharmon @ Jul 26th 2007 11:22AM

Oh gay! Oh well, I bought this player in April... I probably wouldn't have waited to buy it though. I love HD DVD'S! Tuesday 300 is out, and I'm going to watch it in all the brilliance that is HD DVD! I have already bought a massive amount of HD DVD'S, would have been nice to score 5 for free. Hey, but I'm glad they are trying to match the 5 free blu ray deal that sony is offering. I'm in it to win it for HDDVD, but I say... CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

*high fives self for throwback reference*

Arno @ Jul 26th 2007 11:28AM

Hmmm can I get some free movie love for being one of the early buyers? Sure makes me wish I had waited..

Andy @ Jul 26th 2007 11:34AM

Target and Blockbuster exclusively support Blu-Ray.

Sony Pictures, Disney and Pixar, MGM and Lionsgate make movies exclusivly for Blu-Ray.

Blu-Ray has 70% of the market sales

What more needs to be said? Don't give in to Microsoft and don't buy the add-on. It looks ugly anyways.

DjDATZ @ Jul 26th 2007 11:44AM

HEY EA EAT ME...GREATEST USERNAME EVAR!!!

Larry @ Jul 26th 2007 11:49AM

I will be in for one when the price drop. The add-on plus the movies are a win/win to me. Especially when you consider Heroes and 300 are coming out with some cool features. If you count King Kong your getting six movies for free plus the remote.

I guess you can tell what Microsoft thinks of E3. They chose to announce this price drop at Comiccon instead of E3.

Yoshi @ Jul 26th 2007 11:49AM

Uh, Target does not exclusively support Blu-Ray, at the Target where I work at, we have both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

HEY EA EAT ME @ Jul 26th 2007 12:00PM

HEY EA EAT ME is my gamertag on xbox live so I use it everywhere if I post outside of xbox.com as well

-WorldSpawn- @ Jul 26th 2007 12:18PM

US only.. I'll care when it comes to Canada :)

BadVermin @ Jul 26th 2007 12:39PM

Target and Blockbuster both sell/rent HD DVDs.

Blu Ray exclusives aren't really exclusive since Sony studio movies are already on HD DVD.

Blu ray movies such as Terminator 2, Fantastic Four, Silent Hill, Ghost Rider, Underworld, Next, Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Apocaylpse, Bridge to Terabithia, etc are all being released on HD DVD this year.

mike @ Jul 26th 2007 4:26PM

terminator 2 is already out on HD-dvd in France. The reviews say it is a better quality picture then the blu-ray release. And guess what.... HD-DVD is REGION FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!. This means when a better quality transfer from France is released, I can head online and purchase it. If I owned a blu-ray product tho, I would be up the creek as there are 3 regions for blu-ray and France is a different region then north america, thus the disc would not work here.

ogvor @ Jul 26th 2007 4:32PM

Man, I still can't believe I got that thing for 100$ only a month after it came out (misprinted add price matched at a best buy), though I didn't get the 5 free HDDVDs which woulda been nice.

ALDO @ Jul 26th 2007 6:01PM

well microsoft could just end the whole "format war" by releasing an add on "blu-ray" drive, cause most of us would choose blu-ray over hd-dvd simply because of the catalog. my friend has the hd-dvd add on and it looks great but when we get stoned and wanna watch a great movie in hi-def,well there isn't shit! blockbuster gave a big fuck you to hd-dvd and now hd-dvd is in its last throws, albeit they are really making it great for the consumer with the price, its just the releases are too small and too far apart. as soon as we see a $200 blu-ray player the war will be over in a heart beat. think about it real hard cause all of the people in here with a hd-dvd drive should really sell them on ebay (i mean all the good movies are gonna be on XBLM anyways) cause sony is just trying to make the most money right now with its premium pricing and by this time next year its most likely gonna drop the hammer and win this thing once and for all.

Dave @ Jul 26th 2007 6:54PM

Hahah, # 11 you are right about PS3 owners watching Blu-Rays discs because they have no games to play.

I own both consoles and the only reason I watch
Blu-ray discs is because there are only about 4 exclusive PS3 games worth playing at the moment

MYPS3KilledMy360 @ Jul 26th 2007 7:40PM

Guess what i saw 300 blu ray dvd commercial its coming to blu ray yeah!!!!

tig @ Jul 26th 2007 10:13PM

Sony was behind betamax also and that flopped to the VHS

This will happen again with bluray

Boff @ Jul 27th 2007 11:37AM

I've been holding off purchasing either hardware until I've seen what the XBLVM in the UK will offer in the autumn. If it turns up this autumn that is.

I rent DVD's from Amazon and have to say their HD-DVD showing is a little poor. (Amazon.co.uk not Amazon.com) If they had a shitload of titles then I'd be more inclined to pick up an HD-DVD drive now.

leo2178 @ Jul 27th 2007 12:25PM

Just so there is no confusion from the fan-boys.

Blockbuster and Target have both announced that they will no longer carry HD DVD (both stories were posted on this site,READ). They may still have stock on current titles but are no longer going to be getting new ones, beyond orders already made. Regular up-convert DVD players are still the best current option for movies. It make absolutely no sense purchasing a piece of hardware and then spending even more on movies for a system that might not even be around in a year.

Even Microsoft knows the format probably won't last, thats why it's not in the elite.