The Australian Disney/Pixar Animation Blu-ray Thread

[sparkles]

The Little Mermaid 4K release is still listed on the JB website as having a Blu Ray although the picture suggests otherwise. This is a definite DO NOT BUY without a Blu Ray in my opinion. They've really dropped the ball with the Lion King and Little Mermaid 4K releases, I want to buy them, but they are forcing me not to.

[BenjaminG]

Originally Posted by sparkles

The Little Mermaid 4K release is still listed on the JB website as having a Blu Ray although the picture suggests otherwise. This is a definite DO NOT BUY without a Blu Ray in my opinion. They've really dropped the ball with the Lion King and Little Mermaid 4K releases, I want to buy them, but they are forcing me not to.

For those interested, this is the text of the email I sent my contact at Disney last week. No response as yet.

Dear XXX

I hope this finds you very well.

Thanks very much for assisting with a 4K review disc for The Little Mermaid. As you may recall, it's a personal favourite and overall a pleasing release and continues the companies strong support of the format.

However I do have an issue of concern regarding this title, which looks to set a precedent for Disney's UltraHD strategy moving forward. I was hoping you will allow me to be so bold as to give some completely unsolicited advice.

While I understand that physical media sales are challenging at this time (especially for catalogue titles), anecdotally it appears that the the UltraHD market is growing in this country, fueled by the enthusiast/ collector/ early adopter sector. As you are likely aware, UltraHD discs do not include video-based special features, which is why it's become customary to include a pack-in Blu-ray disc offering many, if not all, the legacy bonus features from previous SKUs.

Unfortunately, unlike the recent Lion King release, it seems that future Disney UltraHD catalogue titles will be released without this pack-in Blu-ray disc. Importantly, this is in contrast to U.S. release UltraHD titles, which do include these Blu-ray discs. I am concerned that as a result, Australians will increasingly look to parallel importation in order to obtain the preferred 'ultimate' product. This of course will impact local sales and may very well serve as a justification to cease releasing UltraHD titles in this country.

I absolutely understand Disney's desire to reduce the cost of titles in order to drive sales. The exclusion of a pack-in Blu-ray is an obvious way to do this. However, I will point out that the enthusiast/ collector market is far less sensitive about price, but much more so about owning an all-in-one-package that avoids having to retain multiple SKUs. As the market continues to consolidate around streaming services, physical media will only grow in stature as a higher value, niche product. To this end, I strongly suggest that the enthusiast/ collector market will willingly absorb a price increase, allowing the company to achieve a $34.95, or even $39.95 price point for prestige titles.

While I strongly believe that a race to the bottom will not grow this market, perhaps the company may wish to trial the removal of the Blu-ray disc from future pressings, allowing the studio to reduce prices to their current levels ($24.95/$29.95 price point), which still allows the collector market to obtain their preferred edition on initial release.

As a long time and hugely committed Disney fan, I trust you will accept this message in the manner in which it is intended. I'd really appreciate if you could please pass it on to the appropriate division that handles such matters.

[starkrogersthor91]

Originally Posted by sparkles

The Little Mermaid 4K release is still listed on the JB website as having a Blu Ray although the picture suggests otherwise. This is a definite DO NOT BUY without a Blu Ray in my opinion. They've really dropped the ball with the Lion King and Little Mermaid 4K releases, I want to buy them, but they are forcing me not to.

They’re likely doing with 4Ks what they used to do with 3Ds. They make a 1 disc and a 2 disc available on the same day. The 1 disc never usually gets listed on the website though.
My guess is JBs 2-disc listing is correct, but is using the 1-disc artwork

[Phreakuency]

Originally Posted by shireguy

tis here.... as part of the Lets Get Rid of All of The Disney 3D titles at JB for $15


https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-...angled/666430/


otherwise... grab the UK version which has the 2D and 3D.

Thanks mate, ended up getting it from Amazon AU.

[starkrogersthor91]

Originally Posted by BenjaminG

For those interested, this is the text of the email I sent my contact at Disney last week. No response as yet.

[Show spoiler] Dear XXX

I hope this finds you very well.

Thanks very much for assisting with a 4K review disc for The Little Mermaid. As you may recall, it's a personal favourite and overall a pleasing release and continues the companies strong support of the format.

However I do have an issue of concern regarding this title, which looks to set a precedent for Disney's UltraHD strategy moving forward. I was hoping you will allow me to be so bold as to give some completely unsolicited advice.

While I understand that physical media sales are challenging at this time (especially for catalogue titles), anecdotally it appears that the the UltraHD market is growing in this country, fueled by the enthusiast/ collector/ early adopter sector. As you are likely aware, UltraHD discs do not include video-based special features, which is why it's become customary to include a pack-in Blu-ray disc offering many, if not all, the legacy bonus features from previous SKUs.

Unfortunately, unlike the recent Lion King release, it seems that future Disney UltraHD catalogue titles will be released without this pack-in Blu-ray disc. Importantly, this is in contrast to U.S. release UltraHD titles, which do include these Blu-ray discs. I am concerned that as a result, Australians will increasingly look to parallel importation in order to obtain the preferred 'ultimate' product. This of course will impact local sales and may very well serve as a justification to cease releasing UltraHD titles in this country.

I absolutely understand Disney's desire to reduce the cost of titles in order to drive sales. The exclusion of a pack-in Blu-ray is an obvious way to do this. However, I will point out that the enthusiast/ collector market is far less sensitive about price, but much more so about owning an all-in-one-package that avoids having to retain multiple SKUs. As the market continues to consolidate around streaming services, physical media will only grow in stature as a higher value, niche product. To this end, I strongly suggest that the enthusiast/ collector market will willingly absorb a price increase, allowing the company to achieve a $34.95, or even $39.95 price point for prestige titles.

While I strongly believe that a race to the bottom will not grow this market, perhaps the company may wish to trial the removal of the Blu-ray disc from future pressings, allowing the studio to reduce prices to their current levels ($24.95/$29.95 price point), which still allows the collector market to obtain their preferred edition on initial release.

As a long time and hugely committed Disney fan, I trust you will accept this message in the manner in which it is intended. I'd really appreciate if you could please pass it on to the appropriate division that handles such matters.

Man, the Aussie home media market has been screwed over with Disney releases for years now.
Can’t begin to count the number of Aussie releases that didn’t get bundled with a bonus disc, or received an inferior transfer (Aladdin / Hercules / Tarzan all realeased earlier here and used different masters and audio tracks), or we’re missing certain special features. I’ve always seen the lack of presentation (slipcovers, special editions etc.) rather disappointing. No digital copies. Some titles not released on 3D or 4K when there’s international editions. Some titles not released at all on any Blu-Ray format. The removal of the “Diamond” and “Signature” banners only a few titles into the line — there’s some Signatures that never even made it to the Aussie market.
It’s been a shambles from day #1 — and I’m glad I made the decision to collect exclusively US editions from the very beginning, over 10 years ago now. I’ve got the best out of my collection that way.
Hopefully they take your email into consideration — but I don’t see them changing their ways any time soon.

[BenjaminG]

Originally Posted by davlee1991

My guess is JBs 2-disc listing is correct, but is using the 1-disc artwork

No, I double checked at JB today - there's no 2 disc SKU.

[kuzronk]

I contacted support and they told me it will just be a 4K release.

[LMFAObros]

Considering fox is 4k only and disney now is as seen from this film and the avegers trilogy, i think that they are a match made in heaven... or hell

[sparkles]

Single disc confirmed? Bah. If they keep this up, not buying Disney 4K releases going forward is going to save me a fortune.

[shireguy]

Originally Posted by davlee1991

Man, the Aussie home media market has been screwed over with Disney releases for years now........but I don’t see them changing their ways any time soon.

they wont... care.

It's the same with FOX - and their 4K only editions...... the additional cost of putting out a 4K / BD version.. then a 4K only..... for a few cents of the BD disc.


and then the screwing up on 3D... no 3D for Ralph Breaks the Internet.


face it.... Disney are moving away from ownership.... it's streaming.. and control that way. With the purchase of Fox their mission will be almost complete...... CONTROL

http://www.latimes.com/business/holl...308-story.html


AND... here in Oz.... we are stuck on this crap copper network......

[sparkles]

Saw the Little Mermaid 4K in person today, it's definitely 4K only. Sitting side by side on the shelf with the Lion King it didn't even match contents wise. Which is stupid. These should be effective ULTIMATE editions, you should get EVERYTHING with regards to special features.

I'm curious now what the actual cost price of a Blu Ray disc is, given that they have become too tight to include it. Urgh, as a collector (and lover of both these films) this grinds my gears. Disney pretty much suck, they are RUINING EVERYTHING.

[Traveller]

I stopped buying Disney Blu's awhile ago and have for years been meaning to catch up on some I wanted. I guess 4K isn't offering much aside from the resolution, less extras etc.

I might just try and track down the Blu Ray of Mermaid, but did the Blu Ray here ever get fixed? I held off originally because it had errors.

I wish Disney would make an adults collectors line with consistent packaging, menu's and no fluff games and just good extras.

[adamclark83]

Originally Posted by davlee1991

Man, the Aussie home media market has been screwed over with Disney releases for years now.
Can’t begin to count the number of Aussie releases that didn’t get bundled with a bonus disc, or received an inferior transfer (Aladdin / Hercules / Tarzan all realeased earlier here and used different masters and audio tracks), or we’re missing certain special features. I’ve always seen the lack of presentation (slipcovers, special editions etc.) rather disappointing. No digital copies. Some titles not released on 3D or 4K when there’s international editions. Some titles not released at all on any Blu-Ray format. The removal of the “Diamond” and “Signature” banners only a few titles into the line — there’s some Signatures that never even made it to the Aussie market.
It’s been a shambles from day #1 — and I’m glad I made the decision to collect exclusively US editions from the very beginning, over 10 years ago now. I’ve got the best out of my collection that way.
Hopefully they take your email into consideration — but I don’t see them changing their ways any time soon.

The problem is from my contacts with them is that they have a small group that determines what Australia gets, or more to the point what we DON'T get. Not to mention they're ridiculous "It was a business decision" even though they say what the UK gets, we get.

For example, "Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings" got DTS-HD MA tracks in both USA and the UK yet we got DD 5.1.

[Traveller]

Sorry to ask again, but Im still not sure. Did the Little Mermaid Blu ever get corrected in Australia?

[kuzronk]

Disney+ got announced for here, would this change their back catalog releases here?

[starkrogersthor91]

Originally Posted by kuzronk

Disney+ got announced for here, would this change their back catalog releases here?

Disney+ was announced for Aus months ago. Bob Iger said at the investor presentation back then that Disney+ would not effect any home media sales.

[kuzronk]

Originally Posted by davlee1991

Disney+ was announced for Aus months ago. Bob Iger said at the investor presentation back then that Disney+ would not effect any home media sales.

I meant more so the release date instead of "eh 2020 2021 maybe".

[adamclark83]

When I was in my local JB store yesterday I was just perusing the shelves and saw a couple of staff members down the aisle with all the Disney titles and they were talking about "phasing out". Had me concerned as to what it related to.

[Phil92]

Bumping a very old thread... does anyone have a Hannah Montana: The Movie slip they’re willing to part with and send to the UK?

I assume it has a slip from the forum database. Does anyone have pics? Seems to be a rare one...

[hdgfs]

JB has an exclusive of a 22 Pixar boxset, 4K and Blu-ray, 11/11/2020 $399

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/d...tra-hd-blu-ray

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