Going straight down the standard def line on the awaiting public, it seems Toshiba may be a tad punch drunk from their format knockout. Proudly named the XD-E500, the company’s latest disc player offers consumers (read it) ‘near HD’ quality playback from standard definition DVDs. Able to convert images up to a spiffy 1080p/24 frames per second level, additional video features and a low price tag may be the only saving grace of this sheepish hardware release.

 

Warner Home Video are set to bring Robert Zemeckis’s motion-captured animation ‘The Polar Express’ to Blu-ray. Released in the US on 28 October, the disc will include 2D and 3D versions of the film, as well as the four sets of 3D glasses. All extras will be ported over from the DVD, including:

- Smokey and Steamer Song
- You Look Familiar: The many Polar faces of Tom Hanks
- A Genuine ticket to Ride (featurettes)
- True Inspirations: Profiling author Chris Van Allsburg
- Believe: Josh Groban performance and behind the scenes
- Flurry of Effects (motion-capture sessions)
- Moviemakers’ Christmas memories
- Theatrical trailer

Still yet to hit European multiplexes but blazing up a treat over in the US, plans are already underway for Pineapple Express’s Blu-ray. Star of the hit comedy Seth Rogen dropped a couple of BD hints in a recent interview, citing deleted and alternate scenes plus some BD live options. So with Harold & Kumar sating all our stoner HD needs for the time being, watch this space for future specs and release dates.

Continuing their dedication to HD with a successful broadcast channel in high resolution still wowing on Sky, National Geographic are now taking the full plunge into Blu waters.IMAX: Extreme is a VC-1 encoded display of snowboarding, surfing, windsurfing and rock climbing that, recorded in this widescreen format, looks like it could be a superb addition to National Geographics’s already impressive HD output. Paired up with Dolby 5.1 Surround this is one thrill ride that could ride high on Blu-ray.

IMAX: Extreme will be released in the US in early November with specs to be announced.

 

Christmas may be some months away but that hasn’t stopped studios from slapping a few festive treats on their release slates. Quirky and packed with wintertime warmth Elf saw Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau team up to create both office gold in this fish out of water comedy.

Sleighing in on BD for an October release a commentary track between director and star heads a small bundle of extras on a Blu-ray that is sure to spread a bit of joy in the season to be jolly.