Universal Introducing "Flipper" Hybrid Blu-Ray/DVD Discs With New Bourne Releases

It's not uncommon for new Blu-ray releases to include a regular DVD as well, presumably to entice late adopters into buying the pricier version and eventually deciding, "Well, I've already got all these Blu-rays lying around, maybe I should get a player..." Universal has just announced plans to take that mentality to the next level with new "flipper discs." Universal Home Entertainment will introduce the dual-format discs this January with new releases of the Bourne films. Blu-ray on one side, regular DVD on the other -- they're the Frosted Mini-Wheats of home entertainment.

It's a nice concept in theory, what with saving shelf space and all, but here's hoping the flipper discs avoid some of the problems I've had with dual-sided DVDs in the past. Things can only get more complicated when the content you're cramming on either side isn't even the same technology. Still, it's an interesting experiment, and if it works out it might lure even more folks onto Blu-ray eventually. Here's the full press release for more details.

In a move that is poised to elevate the Blu-ray Hi-Def format and provide consumers with the ultimate in convenience and viewing flexibility, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) announced the introduction of groundbreaking dual-format discs containing both Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD versions of some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. An industry first, the new “flipper” discs will launch on January 19, 2010 with the blockbuster superspy thrillers The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum, starring Matt Damon, premiering as individually packaged Blu-ray discs.For the first time ever, consumers will have the ability to choose between Blu-ray and DVD formats, simply by flipping a single disc. With complete utility in one convenient package, the revolutionary medium can be used on any DVD or Blu-ray compatible player, game platform or computer, making it ideal for anyone planning to upgrade to Blu-ray at a future date as well as current owners of both Blu-ray and DVD systems. Each side of Universal’s flipper discs includes the entire movie as well as all available bonus features, with the Blu-ray side featuring exciting BD exclusives such as U-Control and BD-Live.“Universal’s flipper discs are the perfect way for consumers to future-proof their collections while still enjoying their favorite movies on all their existing DVD players,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “The flipper disc offers an easy way for viewers to convert to Blu-ray now or at any time in the future, confident in the fact they will be able to experience their home entertainment purchases in the highest quality picture and sound when they do.”The release will mark the first time the Bourne trilogy, one of the highest grossing action movie franchises in history, is available individually in Blu-ray’s renowned perfect picture and purest digital sound. Each film is accompanied by an array of exciting bonus features that plunge viewers deeper in to the shadowy world of international espionage, including top-secret files, challenging strategy games, fascinating filmmakers and actor profiles, commentary, deleted scenes and Universal’s renowned BD-Live functionality.Riddled with deception, intrigue and high-octane thrills, each chapter of the globe-hopping search for Jason Bourne’s true identity raises the stakes another lethal notch as the undercover killer settles old scores and uncovers new secrets. A commanding roster of acclaimed actors accompanies Damon on his quest, including Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Albert Finney.