How the West Was Won coming August 26

[AaronSCH]

Originally Posted by Cruyff14

So packaging is more important than content? Weird.!

You miss the point. I happen to be a huge movie fan but those of us who have a distaste for this style of packaging don't want to support it in hopes that Warner will relent and either offer alternative keepcase packaging or stop the digibooks altogether. This has absolutely nothing to do with how much we love the movie vs. the packaging. That's nonsense. I am well aware that boycotting these things is never gonna work because enough people will go out and buy them anyway. But if those who dislike them stuck to their guns, Warner would of course stop producing them. Blu-ray is such a niche product at this point that Warner really can't go to the expense of releasing these movies and turning off a large percentage of potential buyers. When I make a purchase, especially one as expensive as Blu-ray, I want to maximize the shelf life of that investment. Digi-paks and other forms of cardboard packaging are highly susceptible to wear and damage. Your only recourse should this happen, would be to repurchase the title or to buy a keep case. In other words, put it in packaging that is resilient and replaceable. Something they should have done to begin with.

[CptGreedle]

For those unfamiliar with "Smilebox"... take a look here:



This mimics the feel of a real cinerama, the way it was meant to be seen.

[SDon1969]

I have not even seen what these coffee table / digibook packages look like, I'll have to try to google-image it.

[fdm]

So packaging is more important than content?

Yup.

[Deciazulado]

I think the disk includes a flat (non smiley) 2.59 version too. That's the one I'd want. To throw onto a curved screen

For those interested in the stitching process and the smiliebox version here's 2 links:

http://www.hpl.hp.com/news/2006/apr-jun/movie.html

http://www.cineramaadventure.com/smilebox.htm

[crazybat_07]

Can't wait for this movie to be released. Hopefully they managed to do away with those "funky bars" on the screen............

[Kirsty_Mc]

The last time I saw this movie it was a crappy pan and scan job. I'm really looking forward to seeing it in OAR, it should be stunning. Hopefully not as stunning as James Stewart as the doctor .

[AaronSCH]

Originally Posted by fdm

So packaging is more important than content?

Yup.

Sure, whatever you say.

[ajc68]

I know that some don't like the digibooks, but WB is actually putting together a very nice package. If you buy enough of these, couldn't you have a shelf dedicated to just digibooks? I could have sworn I read somewhere they are limited editions, but don't quote me on it.

[AaronSCH]

Originally Posted by ajc68

I could have sworn I read somewhere they are limited editions, but don't quote me on it.

I had to... out of pure hope.

[Kirsty_Mc]

Originally Posted by ajc68

I know that some don't like the digibooks, but WB is actually putting together a very nice package. If you buy enough of these, couldn't you have a shelf dedicated to just digibooks? I could have sworn I read somewhere they are limited editions, but don't quote me on it.

Very nice indeed. This makes it a definite buy... more akin to the quality sleeve art that we used to expect on LaserDiscs. It's nice to see this attention to detail coming back.

[AaronSCH]

Originally Posted by Kirsty_Mc

Very nice indeed. This makes it a definite buy... more akin to the quality sleeve art that we used to expect on LaserDiscs. It's nice to see this attention to detail coming back.

Until the spindle breaks and the packaging is useless to store your disc. Funny, inside every keepcase there is a pair of clips that would conveniently hold a 4-color booklet and the case can be replaced when it it becomes worn or damaged. What a concept!

[Cruyff14]

Originally Posted by AaronSCH

Until the spindle breaks and the packaging is useless to store your disc. Funny, inside every keepcase there is a pair of clips that would conveniently hold a 4-color booklet and the case can be replaced when it it becomes worn or damaged. What a concept!

I already own the digibook of Bonnie And Clyde, and unless you stamp on them or throw them carelessly around, I don't see how you can damage or wear these digibooks that easily. Anyway, while you keep worrying about something evil happening to the packaging (that probably will never happen if you take proper care), I'll be enjoying the content in 1080p .

[ManWithNoName]

It is available for pre-order on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/How-West-Was-W...9661919&sr=1-1

[Jimbo976]

Pre-ordered mine earlier today - can't wait for it!

[Scoob]

Darn, for a minute I thought it was that legendary and groundbreaking flick "How the West was Fun" starring the Olsen twins

[Seretur]

I've owned digipack DVDs ever since they started coming out.

And I've handled them with care and stored them well, and you can't guess their age even now. It's all up to the user -- it's no use crying foul here if you don't intend to take care of your own property.

I don't own any WB book releases, but I'm certain they'll be sturdy and reliable enough for me to enjoy them for years with a modicum of care. And they'll form a nice separate shelf in my collection.

[Cruyff14]

An enticing post from Martin Hart (the curator of www.widescreenmuseum.com) on rec.arts.movies.tech:

Dave Strohmaier saw the Smilebox version projected on a big screen at Warners yesterday. He says it's just incredible. The curved screen effect really works, he reports. He also says that the panel matching is unbelievable and the panel lines are all but invisible; he says some people may not even see them.

I'll be popping for a Blu-Ray player when the gummint sends me that big
check.

Marty
--
The American WideScreen Museum
http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/

Dave Strohmeier made the documentary Cinerama Adventure which will be included as an extra on the BD.

It's also nice to see that this release is actually getting a lot of new people into BD.