The credit recession (or whatever it’s called these days) is hitting the high streets with full effect of late and, it seems us consumers are more than benefiting in a dodgy economic climate. With Woolworths on the ropes and MFI selling off the last of its flat packs. jittery retailers are pulling out all the stops to bring a bargain to the festive shopper. Next up is Argos and it’s cheaper than cheap Bush BD01 - a BonusView player that is a great entry level model, you won’t go far wrong with this stocking filler at a mere £99.99.

Denon are all set to launch their new premium Blu-ray player the DVD-A1UD. Penciled-in for a January release in Japan, the deck will also be compatible with DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and CD discs. Utilising Denon’s fourth-gen DenonLink system, which delivers less jitters, the DVD-A1UD’s chassis also reduces vibration, while audio is catered for with a 32bit processor and 8-channel audio output. Expect to see Denon’s premium player in Europe sometime in March.

Warner has begun a BD-Live offensive with the connectivity functions on the upcoming Dark Knight really showing what the format can achieve. First to impress is “My WB Commentary,” a feature that allows viewers to record their own web cam commentary of the movie and intersperse it as a home made PiP track for all to enjoy. ‘My Community Screening’ also furthers the viewing experience enabling viewers to invite friends to a synchronised screening of the film.

Rivaling Universal’s Hellboy II and its BD-Live innovation, Warner is also planning a special screening of the film on December 18. Saved for only the first 100,000 to register with Warner’s BD-Live network, a lucky bunch will be able to attend a Q&A session with director Christopher Nolan and fire questions at the bat maestro all while the credits are rolling on this superhero smash.

Sky will premiere a number of movies, and show a wide selection of other films in High Definition during the Christmas period. Blockbuster highlights scheduled over Chrsitmas and New year include Beowulf, Enchanted, The Golden Gompass, Transformers, Lion for Lambs, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Kung Fu Panda, Stardust, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Wanted, the Rocky series and the first ten episodes of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show.

Video-game-to-film hit Max Payne has received Blu-ray specs and a US release date courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment. The critically-panned Mark Wahlberg vehicle will hit stores stateside on 20 January, featuring a digital copy, DTS-HD audio, and the extras listed below:

• Theatrical and Unrated cuts
• Audio Commentary
• Production featurettes
• Animated graphic novel
• PiP modes