Region Encoding, A Matter of International Security?

Up until now, Region Encoded discs had become something that a lot of cinephiles had simply come to terms with, and in the event that you wanted to play a foreign film you would need to upgrade to a DVD player that was region free. The same is true for Sony's HD format, Blu-ray. However, for HD DVD fans out there and those of you looking to adopt one format or the other, HD DVD's unsung feature just might be the deciding factor in this format war in more ways than one. But first, a word about region encoding.

For many people the term Region Encoding, or Region Locking, means nothing. It is merely another term that is disregarded due to the apparent lack of relevancy to their daily lives. However, little do they know that if they were to purchase a DVD in a foreign country while on vacation, when they return home to enjoy their rare import... it simply won't play. The disc isn't recognized. Why is this? What's happening? Is the DVD broken, or is there something wrong with my DVD player?

A quick stint on the internet and you'll quickly find the answers to these questions and the world of "price locking" will become all too clear in a matter of seconds.

Essentially the world is divided up into sections, or "regions", and as a result we are left with Regions 0-8, where only 0-6 apply to the consumer market.

Traditionally purchasing a DVD, or videogame, outside of your region will yield nothing more than a pretty little coaster for your coffee table, and the constant reminder that the world is a cruel dark place when all you want to do is enjoy your Brasilian special edition copy of "Cidade de Deus."

However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Unbeknownst to the majority of HD fans worldwide, there is an alternative, and unfortunately for the Blu-ray fans out there, you won't be enjoying the world of unlocked HD content for some time, if ever. But, for those of you that own an HD DVD player, whether it be the Xbox 360 Add-on, or the XA2, every HD DVD player on the market today will allow you the opportunity to enjoy any number of foreign imports, whether they are from France, Spain, Japan, or the UK.

At this point you might be thinking there's no real difference. They're more likely than not the same titles, only they'll end up being released at different times. Well, here's where you're wrong. There's a hell of a reason to start importing HD DVD's. Through the miracle of region free HD DVD's and through a number of production/distribution agreements the movies you're eyeing on Blu-ray might be coming your way on foreign HD DVD, if they're not out already.

Not only does the region free aspect of HD DVD allow the HD DVD user to effectively circumvent Blu-ray exclusivity on a number of titles, but it allows the user to purchase films on HD DVD that have yet to be release, or even announced here in the US!

For example, "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" has been out in the UK for some time now and has enjoyed an incredible success through its sales on www.amazon.co.uk. Also, the series "Band of Brothers" which has been rumored to be released here in the US for some time now is seeing its HD DVD debut over in Japan this July. All of the volumes are available for pre-order through www.amazon.jp or you can access them all here.

Also it is definitely worth noting that the first ever THX Certified HD DVD which had a grandiose premiere at this years Cannes Film Festival, will be none other than the acclaimed and Academy Award winning film by Guillermo Del Toro, "Pans Labyrinth." It is a part of a French collector's edition, and although it is currently not sold separately, the collectors edition seems to be worth every cent, especially for all of the die-hard "Pan's Labyrinth" fans. You can pre-order it directly from here. It is scheduled to be released on July 3rd.

As for the titles that are available overseas that would only otherwise be purchasable here on Blu-ray are as follows: "Terminator 2: Judgement Day", "Total Recall", "The Prestige", "Ghost Rider", "Equilibrium", "Rambo: First Blood", "Rambo: First Blood Part II", "Rambo 3", "The Brothers Grimm" and "Reign of Fire."

Also in a surprising move, we're likely to see the first Disney produced title on HD DVD within the next couple of months. "The Bridge to Terabithia" will be seeing it's high def debut in Spain, though its release date has yet to be confirmed. While of course it's not Disney who is directly supporting HD DVD through the release of this high profile title, it's certainly a big deal for HD DVD owners out there who simply can't bear the thought of having an HD format with no Disney titles. However, it is important to note that this is a far cry from an admittance on the behalves of Disney or Buena Vista's regarding their support or intention to serve up films on both formats. With all things considered however, it is without a doubt a step in the right direction towards format neutrality.

Regardless of the significance of Terabithia's presence on HD DVD, we will surely be keeping you up to date on any further developments. Until then why not snap up a few foreign HD DVD's and enjoy the glory that is region free encoded media.

(Note: HD DVD Players are not region free players for DVD's, only HD DVD discs.)