Why So Blu?

Universal Introduces Blu-ray Flipper Combos

Do you see the look on Matt Damon’s face in the image to the left?  That pretty much sums up my expression when I first read the following news.  Supposedly, Universal thinks that it is a good thing to bring back something I hated about the dead HD DVD technology.  With the release of the individual Bourne movies on Blu-ray, they will be bringing back their combo flipping technology.  What does that mean?  That means one side will be the Blu-ray and all the associated features and the other side will be the DVD version of the movie.  Correct me if I am dead wrong about this, but shouldn’t we be focusing on killing the DVD format once and for all?  Is it just me or does everyone else hate the fact that now you have to be extra careful with the handling of your Blu-ray discs in order to avoid finger prints?  I mean, there will be no disc art anymore to rest your fingers upon.  And worst of all…many of Universal’s HD DVD combos had so many playback problems.  I literally had to make a coaster out of my Knocked Up combo.  This is just my two cents, but I feel this is a bad move.  I am not a fan of all these Blu-ray DVD combos out there.  I am buying the Blu-ray version for a reason.  I don’t want a DVD!  Anyway, check out the press release below from Universal about their new flipping technology coming in January.

Universal City, California, December 1, 2009 – In a move that is poised to elevate the Blu-ray™ Hi-Def format and provide consumers with the ultimate in convenience and viewing flexibility, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) announced the introduction of groundbreaking dual-format discs containing both Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD versions of some of Hollywood’s most iconic films.  An industry first, the new “flipper” discs will launch on January 19, 2010 with the blockbuster superspy thrillers The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, starring Matt Damon, premiering as individually packaged Blu-ray™ discs.

For the first time ever, consumers will have the ability to choose between Blu-ray™ and DVD formats, simply by flipping a single disc.  With complete utility in one convenient package, the revolutionary medium can be used on any DVD or Blu-ray™ compatible player, game platform or computer, making it ideal for anyone planning to upgrade to Blu-ray™ at a future date as well as current owners of both Blu-ray™ and DVD systems.  Each side of Universal’s flipper discs includes the entire movie as well as all available bonus features, with the Blu-ray™ side featuring exciting BD exclusives such as U-Control and BD-Live™.

“Universal’s flipper discs are the perfect way for consumers to future-proof their collections while still enjoying their favorite movies on all their existing DVD players,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  “The flipper disc offers an easy way for viewers to convert to Blu-ray now or at any time in the future, confident in the fact they will be able to experience their home entertainment purchases in the highest quality picture and sound when they do.”

The release will mark the first time the Bourne trilogy, one of the highest grossing action movie franchises in history, is available individually in Blu-ray’s™ renowned perfect picture and purest digital sound.  Each film is accompanied by an array of exciting bonus features that plunge viewers deeper in to the shadowy world of international espionage, including top-secret files, challenging strategy games,  fascinating filmmakers and actor profiles, commentary, deleted scenes and Universal’s renowned BD-Live™ functionality.