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The high definition discs of the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300 are nearly as controversial as the film was when it was in theaters. That’s because Warner opted to put it out in both Blu-ray and HD DVD versions- without making both version equal. The situation is kind of like the classical battle of 300 itself—the powerful Blu-ray alliance of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Pioneer, Denon, plus all the movie studios (except Universal) vs the smaller, yet better armed and more cunning HD DVD force of Toshiba.
The movie itself is visually impressive in both formats. In fact I could really spot no significant difference while watching both through the same Optoma 1080p projector. The differences are in how each format released the discs. Being a movie greatly enhanced by animation effects, 300 doesn’t exhibit that “through-a-window” high definition feel—but it looks very good. It’s better than the standard definition version, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as titles like Blood Diamond or The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy. The Blu-ray version offers audio in Dolby TrueHD, 5.1 PCM and Dolby Digital while the HD DVD version is in Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus.
It is the extra features that really distinguish the title, and in this case HD DVD stands out more than Blu-ray. The Blu-ray version is packed with impressive extras, including several short features (on the real history, the special effects, behind-the-scenes, etc.), 12 webisodes (very short features made up of interviews and movie footage—originally produced for the online and mobile phone viewing) and some deleted scenes. Many of the extras are in high definition.
The HD DVD version includes all of the above, plus a really innovative “blue screen” mode that lets you watch the original footage — before the CGI effects were added– in a PIP screen while the finished movie plays. If you’ve got your player connected to the Web you can order ringtones and wallpaper for your cell phone and join an online community to share your favorite 300 scenes. There’s also a strategy video game on the HD DVD version, which I haven’t figured out, but it looks cool (I’m not any good at the Pirates’ Liar’s Dice either).
Finally, the HD DVD version is a hybrid disc with HD DVD on one side and DVD on the other.
If you’re a Frank Miller fan, you’ll love this (though I thought Sin City was more creative). In either format, it’s a keeper.
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