Original URL: http://www.reghardware.com/2009/12/02/universal_glue_ray/
Universal to bond Blu-ray Discs to DVDs
Glue-ray disc concept returns
Nearly three years after Warner proposed combo HD DVD/Blu-ray Discs as a way to end the format war, Universal Studios is trying out the notion, this time bonding Blu-ray with DVD.
Warner's scheme was called Total HD [1] and involved sticking an HD DVD and BD together, back to back. It allowed the one platter to be played in either variety of HD player. Glue-ray disc, we called it, but no other suppliers adhered to the concept. Warner never released THD product.
Universal is going to release DVD-BD combos in the US, starting with the Bourne trilogy. The company's pitch is that the method will allow punters to buy Blu-ray even if they lack a player. They watch the DVD version now and then the HD incarnation down the line when they've upgraded their hardware.
It will also appeal, we think, to folk with, say, a BD player in the living room and a DVD player in the bedroom.
In fact, these users are surely more likely to buy into the notion. Universal is pricing the combos above Blu-ray level - though retailers may lower the price to match other BDs - so essentially it's a BD with a cheap or free DVD. If you don't own a Blu-ray player, wouldn't you just opt for a cheap DVD now and worry about Blu-ray later? ®