One of the few studios to back the HD-DVD format exclusively was Universal Studios. Because of this, the first season of Heroes came to the doomed format, which I was excited about, since that was player that I had purchased. Unfortunately, HD-DVD went the way of the dinosaur.

So, for those of you not as short-sighted as me who went with Blu-ray, your opportunity to pick up both seasons of Heroes is here.

Universal is kicking off its global entrance into the Blu-ray market with the simultaneous release of the first two seasons of Heroes on August 26, 2008. Obviously it’s a bit early to talk special features, but it’s safe to say that the sets will likely be pretty loaded, much like the HD-DVD version was, with features such as picture-in-picture commentary.

Hmmm…I have a birthday between now and August 26…a PS3 may make an appearance on my list.

I was late to get on the Mad Men train, but boy am I glad I did. This AMC drama (passed over by HBO) is a fantastic look into a 1960’s era advertising agency, and one of the most compelling dramas on television.

Details emerged last week on the first season box set, due out on July 1. The standard DVD set will consist of 4 discs in 16×9 widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio in English. It will retail for $49.98. If you really want to splurge an extra penny, you can pick up the 3 disc Blu-ray set, retailing for $49.99. (Aren’t the HD sets usually ridiculously more expensive? Interesting…) The high-def set boasts 1080P High Definition 16×9 Widescreen, and English - 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio.

The Limited Edition “Lighter” packaging is what seals the deal for me (available in both the standard and Blu-ray releases). That thing is super-slick, and I will own it.

Also included in both sets are the following special features:

* “MAD MEN Series Commentary,” audio commentaries on all 13 episodes
* “Establishing MAD MEN,” featurette exploring the world of MAD MEN
* “The Desire of the American Dream,” featuring the 1960’s creative revolution in media
* “Pictures of Elegance,” photo gallery with commentaries from the costume, hair and production designers
* “Scoring MAD MEN” Featurette - MAD MEN Music Sampler

(Source: TVShowsOnDVD)

There’s been some question as to whether Lost would be making the hi-def jump, with rumors surfacing of a Bluray set a while back, which were denied by Disney.  The studio has confirmed now that Season 3 of Lostwill be coming to Bluray on December 11.  Here’s the cover art:

I am really getting sick of this HD-DVD/Bluray format war.  Last season’s two greatest shows, Heroes and Lost are entering the hi-def market this year, but on separate formats.  I’ve got an HD-DVD player, so Heroes is foregone conclusion.  I hate that, if I want to enjoy both in the best format, I’d have to drop another several hundred bucks on a different player.  Incredibly frustrating for me…incredibly good news for PS3 owners.

The slew of shows making the jump to high definition continues with Battlestar Galactica.

On December 4, Battlestar Galactica - Season 1 will make it’s HD-DVD debut.  The set will retail for $99.98.  Full list of extras after the jump.

(Source: TV Shows on DVD) Read the rest of this entry »

With the new fall season right around the corner, we’re going to start seeing box sets of last season’s shows hitting shelves soon.  In that light, I’m going to introduce this new column…TV on DVD.  Here, I’ll feature box sets that I’m excited about, and we’ll look at special features and whatever else those shows have in store for us.

First up is the Heroes: Season One box set.  I’m especially pumped for this one, as it’s coming out in HD-DVD with some extra bonus features.  Since I don’t get NBC in HD in my area, I’ll be ready to check out my favorite show in a decent format.  Coming on August 31, the set will include the complete unaired pilot.  Head over here for a look at the menus, here for a look at the individual wrap-arounds for rental stores, and here for the official DVD website.  Full list of special features after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »