By ICv2, Universal Home Video has announced that Joss Whedons Serenity will be the first Universal title to debut in the new HD DVD format. Serenity will hit retail on April 18th with as list price of $34.95.

The regular edition of the Serenity DVD lists for $29.95, so the price differential is not as dramatic as some have feared. Warner Home Video is also releasing three titles in the HD DVD format on April 18th, Million Dollar Baby, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Last Samurai.

How do you think of this HD-DVD format. Will it hit the market with great force? Im not really sure about it. For me, i dont think it will be very popular as not only the disc is expensive but also the player as well. I guess it will be a very bad news for movie “pirate-ters”.

[Via ICv2 News]