Audio Video News

Is there still some video quality to be wrung out of the DVD format? Will you buy yet another version of The Fifth Element on DVD? Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE) thinks so, announcing last week the launch of "The Superbit Collection," slated for release starting October 9. CTHE says that the Superbit titles will utilize a special high^#150;bit-rate digital encoding process which "optimizes video quality" while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added special features, CTHE explains the Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format. "The result is picture quality that provides outstanding detail which complements the performance of the latest progressive DVD video players," says the company.

According to CTHE's Benjamin S. Feingold, "the Superbit Collection will set a new benchmark in audio and video quality for the DVD format. This new process was developed by our outstanding group of engineers and technicians at the Sony Digital Studios and was designed to give consumers a choice between the highest quality audio and video transfer at a competitive price versus our standard, rich package of value-added features."

CTHE says that the first group of Superbit titles will include Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Johnny Mnemonic, The Fifth Element, Air Force One, and Desperado. The company adds that each DVD carries a suggested list price of $27.96 and comes housed in a special package, complete with a four-page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. A $73.95 Superbit "3-pack," consisting of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Desperado, and The Fifth Element, is also planned for release.

Trying to put the new discs in context, Feingold explains that "standard DVDs are like fully-loaded luxury automobiles. In contrast, Superbit DVDs are like Formula One race cars—built for pure performance. We believe that DVD enthusiasts will be thrilled with this exciting new concept."