I think this is about product re-positioning and revenue generation. This move is to match PowerDVD 5 release? You have to buy the certain "new" features separately like Audio Booster Pack and Centrinoâ„¢ Pack . While the other new features are not quite significant: Movie Encyclopedia Create Your Own Playlists Multiple Screen Capture Options Hyper-Threading Technology Support Importable / Exportable Bookmarks Preset Optimized Settings Well, if you have bought WinDVD Platinum, you can upgrade it to WinDVD Platinum 5 for $19.99, and right now there is a coupon code worth $19.99. So it works out. At last, WinDVD Gold 5 is only U.S. $ 49.95 standalone.