I remember Video Watchdog talking about something similar in the early DVD days. Seems that 'gold' disks would reset the machine and render whatever was put in next unplayable. Tim found that playing the 'proper' disk would remedy this by "rebooting" the settings. Or something like that.

Anyway, it does make sense that newer machines would be lowest common denominator friendly. Apparently in France players routinely can handle Pal, NTSC or SECAM, and all regions at that.

Vive la France!
He sees you....when you're sleeping........