Blu-ray versions question

[krauley]

Ive seen different versions of the same movie on blu-ray such as "The dark Knight" , one disc and two disc. Also i have seen different screen variations. What im looking to find out is are the only one version of each movie but with added content or are there actually differences in the movies contained on the different discs. In the past i could get a dvd with widescreen on one side and then full screen on the other. Ive got a few BR's now but im wondering if im getting the movies in a format other than what i want. so basically are there more than one format for movie releases.
thanks

[Sherardp]

Most BDs don't offer full screen version and are in 16:9 or 2:35 aspect ratio. They have pretty much done away with full frame movies. In the case of the Dark Knight and Transformers both movies have IMAX shots so you will see the aspect ratio switch in some scenes from widescreen to full frame.

[krauley]

So if i see a blu ray with 2 discs or 1 discs, its the same movie but one has more extras?

[wutadumsn23]

Probably, I have a few 2 disc sets myself. I just bought 2012 the other day and it was a 2 disc set, the second was special features and what not. It also came with the digital copy for PC's and Ipods as well.

-Jeff

[cheddar]

Just be aware that there are 'exclusive' blu-ray versions. It used to be that these versions contained some toy or supplemental material not found in other versions. However, some movie content is now different as well. The Transformers ROTF was released as a Walmart exclusive with several scenes of IMAX content not available in other versions. Then there are the extended versions and whatnot for Lord of the Rings, etc. Just like DVD, they'll release the short versions first and hope to get people to double up later on.

You should really read the reviews on a site like blu-ray.com or do a google search on the different versions before you buy.

[krauley]

Just be aware that there are 'exclusive' blu-ray versions. It used to be that these versions contained some toy or supplemental material not found in other versions. However, some movie content is now different as well. The Transformers ROTF was released as a Walmart exclusive with several scenes of IMAX content not available in other versions. Then there are the extended versions and whatnot for Lord of the Rings, etc. Just like DVD, they'll release the short versions first and hope to get people to double up later on.

You should really read the reviews on a site like blu-ray.com or do a google search on the different versions before you buy.

yes, and i think i was shopping online @walmart looking for the blu ray version of Twilight: new moon for my wife and there were two different products. In all honesty i only want the movies and any extras dont matter to me but as long as the actual movie is the same for both the 2-disc or 1-disc version. than im grabbing the cheaper one and ill be good.

on a side note i get some cheap BR's on Amazon late night with free shipping so im excited about that :)

thanks for the replies

[cheddar]

Amazon is a great place to build your collection on the cheap. Seems like they're driving prices toward the 10 buck level for many titles that aren't new releases. And even with new releases you can sometimes get great promotional deals, especially in November and December when they release many of the summer movies.

[kuntasensei]

If you want to snipe stuff on the cheap from Amazon, hit www.blu-ray.com and start an account. They track Amazon's prices and let you set up price tracking on titles you want, so you'll get an e-mail if Amazon drops something you want below the price you set. I've scored a great deal of my collection under $10 that way, especially near Black Friday. They even have price graphs that show you each title's history so you can set realistic prices, and they have some of the better Blu-ray reviews I've seen, with screen caps.

They also let you track your collection there, including which titles you have and haven't watched, which comes in handy if you get a lot of movies. And they're one of the more comprehensive news sites on rumored releases and confirmed releases, so you can plan your purchases in advance.

[cheddar]

Yep, blu-ray.com is a great site. Even if you don't want to go through the email process, they have new deals and best deals sections that show all the daily price movement and biggest price drops at Amazon. Just a little patience usually pays off big time for saving money. Also shows just how variable the pricing is for disks week to week.

Their blu-ray reviews are also a great way to see if the AQ and PQ are demo worthy. I know AVS has its tiered lists. But I also like the reviews that tell you why they think titles are good.

[krauley]

thanks for the heads up about blu-ray.com. ill definitely check that out.

[dl090465]

+ 1 on that

[Hillbilly61]

I was lurking this thread and learned of blu-ray.com ... checked it out today. That site rocks!

[McLoki]

It is always worth it to me to purchase a set that has blu-ray and DVD in the same package. (many disney dvd's are like this) Other than that - the extra disks do not get much play at my house.

If they are the same price, I will usually get the one with more disks, but if not, I will typically not pay more just for bonus features.

[Hillbilly61]

It is always worth it to me to purchase a set that has blu-ray and DVD in the same package. (many disney dvd's are like this) Other than that - the extra disks do not get much play at my house.

If they are the same price, I will usually get the one with more disks, but if not, I will typically not pay more just for bonus features.

Definitely get the package that has the more discs if they cost the same. You are essentially not out of anything by paying the same $ and to learn that you did not desire the extra stuff.

My experience is that bonus features are a crap shoot. For me, being able to check out alternate endings, deleted scenes are worthwhile, as well as, the director's cut of the same movie. I'm not into hearing someone, say a director, etc, drone on in commentary about why the movie was made that way and will not pay extra for it.

MHO