swoon wrote: The studios are

[htpc_user]

[quote=swoon]

The studios are likely putting out separate discs for multiple reasons. It could be the space issue or perhaps older players would need some firmware update to be compatible playing back 3D discs in 2D mode. I think the studios also want to differentiate (and thus charge more) for 3D vs. 2D.

Another interesting thing you might notice is that 2D playback has been disabled on the 3D A Christmas Carol BD. The 2010 World Cup BD is apparently mastered this way as well.

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I was able to play the 3D disc of A Christmas Carol in 2D.  It did so on the PS3 any way; I’m not sure what it would do on any other (2D) bluray player.  But I wouldn’t think there would be anything “special” about the PS3 that would allow it.