Eurovision Song Contest - Belgrade 2008

It is "as broadcast" & the official videos of the Top 10 countries of the final & an interview with the winner.

It has native international sound, i.e. without running commentary, as presented in the auditorium. It's refreshing to watch it without voiceovers.

Does this year's DVD release have 5.1 sound?

According to the back of the DVD, yes. I've not had chance to run it to find out yet...

Well that is 4.1 better than BBC HD was this year

Finally! I was so disapointed last year to find out that it didn't have 5.1 on it. I got my speakers all set up and everything!

Got mine yesterday. Can confirm it has 5.1 audio.

It also has an optional subtitle track with notes on the performer/country that run over the post cards.

Preview videos (i.e. the videos that national broadcasters submit prior to the contest for other broadcasters to use on their preview shows etc) are also included.

It is a three disc set, one for each show. Quite heavy compression artefacts in places.

Having been there in person for the first time, it is quite hard just watching it as a DVD - keep trying to imagine it from the angle I was sitting from the stage.

I bought the official Eurovision 2008 DVD, I ordered it from Woolworths a fortnight ago and it arrived last weekend. So far I've not got round to watching any of it, but I'll get round to it some time.

Does the DVD contain the full itinery of the Contest or just highlights?

All three nights of the contest in full - which due to advertising is more than we actually got over here - just minus the commentary.

does anyone know what the outcome of the meeting was in June that would decide our future in the contest? I believe discussions had taken place to determine whether the Big 4 scenario would continue or whether we would have to enter the semi finals. This was going to have a big impact on the BBC's decision to broadcast the event in the future (within the next few years not immediate).