Warner Bros. isn't content with just loosing The Polar Express on 3D Blu-ray -- oh no, it's got another pair of titles set for a holiday launch. Famed classic Casablanca will finally be getting the Blu-ray treatment it deserves this December 2nd when it arrives in Ultimate Collector's Edition form. The $64.99 package ($59.98 on DVD) is reportedly "elegantly boxed in an intricate laser-cut Moroccan design and will include such collectibles as replicas of actual props (Victor Laszlo's "Letter of Transit") as well as a number of Warner studio documents. Going from one of the greatest love stories of all time to one of the raunchiest comedies of the past, oh, score, Austin Powers Collection: Shagadelic Edition, Loaded With Extra Mojo will be uncomfortably landing alongside the aforementioned gem on the same day. The collection-only package will include the entire trilogy in Blu-ray high-def for $74.98.

[Image courtesy of ValleyArts]

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Blu-ray 300 fans should finally experience those HD DVD-exclusive bonus features, since Warner has announced a Limited Collector's Edition release of the best seller this fall, along with JFK and Casablanca. Also notched in the "confirmed" column is Band of Brothers, although there's no word if any/all of these flicks will be among those getting the BD-Live treatment. We'll keep an eye out for any new announcements, as much as we enjoy watching people getting booted into a bottomless pit, we're not sure if rehashed PiP and ringtones alone will have buyers reaching into their pockets again.

The proud leader of the high definition DVD market in terms of sheer number of titles released, has queued up a few more. Three each for Blu-ray and HD DVD, with Mutiny on the Bounty (1962), Casablanca, and Forbidden Planet (in 50th Anniversay or Ultimate Collectors Edition packaging) hitting HD DVD. Mutiny on the Bounty benefits from a newly restored 65mm source, and will be presented in its original roadshow version, including a prologue and epilogue that were cut before it hit theaters originally. The Forbidden Planet Ultimate Collectors Edition comes with a tin case, Robby the Robot replica, Forbidden Planet and The Invisible Boy lobby cards portfolio, and a mail-in offer for an original theatrical poster. Blu-ray aficionados will have to make do with three movies already out on HD DVD; Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai and ATL should should impress just as much as they did -- or didn't -- in their previous 1080p VC-1 incarnations. With the exception of ATL ($34.99), and Forbidden Planet: UCE ($59.92), all carry $28.99 SRPs. We're not sure which is more surprising, that Warner is trying to appeal to the film collectors market just days before the Xbox 360 HD DVD player hits, or that Leslie Neilsen used to have serious non-comedic roles.

All of these titles have been added to our Google Release Calendars

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