Xbox 360 HD-DVD pricing announced for Japan

Just how much is the external HD-DVD drive going to cost? In Japan it’s priced at 20,790 yen ($177) and set for a release on November 22. Stand alone players run for about $500, which makes the extra $177 seem like a steal if you want a crystal clear picture while watching Fast Times At Ridgemont High. The upgrade is hardly mandatory, if you use your 360 just for games. Microsoft has repeatedly stated that the HD-DVD drive is just for movies. Also Microsoft has a few pictures of their TGS 2006 Media Briefing online. Is that a slide with Blue Dragon?