Paramount/Dreamworks go HD DVD exclusive
08-20-07, 05:55 PM
#276
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http://www.davisdvd.com/news/blu-ray.html
Davisdvd is reporting Paramount's upcoming Blu-ray titles like Next, Top Gun, Face Off, etc. are all officially canceled. They do not expect current Paramount titles to get repressed on Blu-ray.
Davisdvd is reporting Paramount's upcoming Blu-ray titles like Next, Top Gun, Face Off, etc. are all officially canceled. They do not expect current Paramount titles to get repressed on Blu-ray.
08-20-07, 06:05 PM
#277
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I just baught and HD player a month ago so I"m very happy!! 
The more titles released the better. I don't give a shit from which studio
The 4th quarter is looking very good indeed!!!
PS The most important point mentioned in the article is that HD players are more affordable for the avergae consumer. That's is EXACTLY why I baught the Toshiba A2. It was cheaper plain and simple!!. It's nice to see those studio research groups doing their homework correctly!
The more titles released the better. I don't give a shit from which studio
The 4th quarter is looking very good indeed!!!
PS The most important point mentioned in the article is that HD players are more affordable for the avergae consumer. That's is EXACTLY why I baught the Toshiba A2. It was cheaper plain and simple!!. It's nice to see those studio research groups doing their homework correctly!
Last edited by shanester; 08-20-07 at 06:09 PM.
08-20-07, 06:13 PM
#279
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Originally Posted by bee_01
For most people (people that don't spend lots of their time reading and posting on online forums), DVD is good enough and doesn't require investing in 2 more players to watch any particular title that will certainly be available on DVD (and for much less). Most of the people I know are waiting for 1 format to emerge, or for a cheap dual format player to emerge. My boss easily makes 6 figures, and he said he would invest in HD movies if a $200 dual format player came out 
I guess it comes down to people being cheap bastards.
I guess it comes down to people being cheap bastards.
08-20-07, 06:16 PM
#280
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Originally Posted by fryinpan1
http://www.davisdvd.com/news/blu-ray.html
Davisdvd is reporting Paramount's upcoming Blu-ray titles like Next, Top Gun, Face Off, etc. are all officially canceled. They do not expect current Paramount titles to get repressed on Blu-ray.
Davisdvd is reporting Paramount's upcoming Blu-ray titles like Next, Top Gun, Face Off, etc. are all officially canceled. They do not expect current Paramount titles to get repressed on Blu-ray.
Instant collector's items!! Get 'em while you can . . .
08-20-07, 06:16 PM
#281
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
HOW?
Last I checked, my DVD does not look as good as a HD DVD orr Blu-Ray. Considering you can get either player fairly cheap now....I don't understand. DVD is great...but do we really want to watch sub-par video and audio?
Last I checked, my DVD does not look as good as a HD DVD orr Blu-Ray. Considering you can get either player fairly cheap now....I don't understand. DVD is great...but do we really want to watch sub-par video and audio?
08-20-07, 06:16 PM
#282
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Originally Posted by fryinpan1
A few thoughts:
- All of Blu-ray's success is because of the PS3. Their much publicized 2 to 1 discs sold advantage, means even less when you realize with the PS3, Blu-ray probably has a 10 to 1 advantage in total players.
- All of Blu-ray's success is because of the PS3. Their much publicized 2 to 1 discs sold advantage, means even less when you realize with the PS3, Blu-ray probably has a 10 to 1 advantage in total players.
I'm sure Sony knew that not everyone would buy BD movies because the PS3 had the player built in. They were probably banking on maybe 25% of people buying movies.
I laugh when people say that game console owners are less likely to buy more movies because this is so obvious. These people typically will want to spend there money on videogames rather than movies. This common sense more than anything.
The way I read the press release is that Spielberg directed movies will be coming to both formats.
08-20-07, 06:22 PM
#283
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Jason1
That is what happened to laserdiscs. I saw discs that were selling for $30+ go to 99 cents in less than 6 months when DVD became popular. People will dump the format that loses.
There are certain OOP SACD and DVD-A titles that sell for huge premiums in the secondary market.
08-20-07, 06:32 PM
#284
Suspended
Originally Posted by PopcornTreeCt
What? Blu-Ray players aren't cheap, not even close. Even if I was a millionaire I would say the same thing.
08-20-07, 06:38 PM
#285
DVD Talk Godfather
Jason:
For $0.99, can you buy me any of the following laserdiscs:
- X-Men (AC-3 Japanese release)
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Ultimate Japanese release)
- Golden Age of Looney Tunes V. 2
For $0.99, can you buy me any of the following laserdiscs:
- X-Men (AC-3 Japanese release)
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Ultimate Japanese release)
- Golden Age of Looney Tunes V. 2
08-20-07, 06:39 PM
#286
Banned by request
Well, this news has completely floored me. I did not at all expect a format neutral studio to go exclusive. I'd say people are right in saying that this move has just given HD DVD a new lease on life, but those saying that this means the end of both formats are just chicken littles. This will certainly extend the format war, but again, I never thought the war was a bad thing, nor do I think it needs to end right now. I will miss Paramount's stellar AVC encodes, though.
Still, I cannot wait for Transformers, but it better have lossless!
Still, I cannot wait for Transformers, but it better have lossless!
08-20-07, 06:44 PM
#287
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Originally Posted by jiggawhat
The way I read the press release is that Spielberg directed movies will be coming to both formats.
....on the films that Steven directs, he wants the titles to be available in both formats - so those will be cross-platform titles. However, the rest of Dreamworks, Viacom/Paramount's world... those will be HD DVD exclusive for the next few years at least.
08-20-07, 06:46 PM
#288
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by stingermck
Hahah. Poll on AVS Front page:
What would you trade for Paramount to release on Blu Ray?
Your first Born - 8.11%
Wife - 13.51%
Left testicle if you're a leftie, right if you're a rightie - 21.62%
Unable to view or post on avs for 90days (I know! this one is harsh ) - 72.97%
Forum Poster:
We need a stunt to show support...
Remember how Jericho fans sent nuts to CBS to get them to change their minds about cancelling Jericho?
We need a stunt...cause clearly fans were able to sway CBS (also a Viacom owned property) to change their mind...
Any ideas? Sending them blue chips or something?
What would you trade for Paramount to release on Blu Ray?
Your first Born - 8.11%
Wife - 13.51%
Left testicle if you're a leftie, right if you're a rightie - 21.62%
Unable to view or post on avs for 90days (I know! this one is harsh ) - 72.97%
Forum Poster:
We need a stunt to show support...
Remember how Jericho fans sent nuts to CBS to get them to change their minds about cancelling Jericho?
We need a stunt...cause clearly fans were able to sway CBS (also a Viacom owned property) to change their mind...
Any ideas? Sending them blue chips or something?
08-20-07, 06:47 PM
#289
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by GMan2819
It's this kind of mentality that ensures that HDM will die.
Originally Posted by GMan2819
As long as both formats exist, universal players will become the standard. No format will be rendered worthless. By staying out and not picking either format, you're doing more harm to the chances of any format surviving. My suggestion to you and other fence sitters is to just pick a format and enjoy it now. In a couple years, you'll be upgrading to a universal player anyways.
So because you took a gamble, you are now willing to hedge your bet and accept two formats and forced to buy a hybrid/universal player. (rather than risk being on the losing end). Thanks but no thanks.
My suggestion to you is that because of your impatience you took a gamble so be a man and accept the possibility that the format you chose might lose. Stepping into a format war and then complaining that others don't want to do the same is pretty silly.
I haven't chosen yet... I don't need to. When the dust settles, I'll go with the victor if there is one. If there isn't, then I've saved a ton of money.
08-20-07, 06:55 PM
#291
Suspended
Did anyone read the latest from Blu-Bill? He's been going nuts today posting claims, then editing them later...and now...well...
Boy... crazy day today, huh? As you may have noticed, the site's been up and down today because of all the traffic, but it should level out again soon. Nothing like a format war to liven things up around here.
We've got tons of follow-up e-mails and phone calls out this afternoon to the all various studios and industry observers associated with said format war. And I'll tell you, based on some of the conversations we've had today (both on and off-the-record), when it comes to this morning's high-def news, there's a LOT more going on behind-the-scenes than meets the eye. You have NO idea. If you think the situation is as cut and dried as the press releases (or Harry's entertaining latest post over at AICN) would make it seem, you're kidding yourself. Hollywood's on fire right now - at least the studio home video portion of it. And the retailers... and the manufacturers...
Like it or not, things are going to get VERY interesting in the next few days and in the weeks ahead. You're going to see a lot of reports on all this in the media, along with a lot of quotes from studio suits. Some of it will true and some will be bullshit, and much of it will be a combination both. Yeah, I know... a lot of you guys are as sick of reading about this format war as we are of writing about it. But you can bet there will be reaction to (and even fallout from) today's announcements, and lots more testy exchanges in the media between the two camps, and we're right in the thick of it. So watch this space, folks.
We've got tons of follow-up e-mails and phone calls out this afternoon to the all various studios and industry observers associated with said format war. And I'll tell you, based on some of the conversations we've had today (both on and off-the-record), when it comes to this morning's high-def news, there's a LOT more going on behind-the-scenes than meets the eye. You have NO idea. If you think the situation is as cut and dried as the press releases (or Harry's entertaining latest post over at AICN) would make it seem, you're kidding yourself. Hollywood's on fire right now - at least the studio home video portion of it. And the retailers... and the manufacturers...
Like it or not, things are going to get VERY interesting in the next few days and in the weeks ahead. You're going to see a lot of reports on all this in the media, along with a lot of quotes from studio suits. Some of it will true and some will be bullshit, and much of it will be a combination both. Yeah, I know... a lot of you guys are as sick of reading about this format war as we are of writing about it. But you can bet there will be reaction to (and even fallout from) today's announcements, and lots more testy exchanges in the media between the two camps, and we're right in the thick of it. So watch this space, folks.
08-20-07, 07:09 PM
#293
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Originally Posted by The Bus
Jason:
For $0.99, can you buy me any of the following laserdiscs:
- X-Men (AC-3 Japanese release)
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Ultimate Japanese release)
- Golden Age of Looney Tunes V. 2
For $0.99, can you buy me any of the following laserdiscs:
- X-Men (AC-3 Japanese release)
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Ultimate Japanese release)
- Golden Age of Looney Tunes V. 2
The store that had laserdiscs on sale for 99 cents was QED Laser. This is when the owner of the store realized DVD won the format war. I remember seeing the stickers that said $35.99 or $39.99 with yellow sale tags 99 cents or $1.99.
08-20-07, 07:13 PM
#294
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by sracer
Hardly. What you mean to say is "that it ensure that both existing HDM disc standards will die." For those of us who are not willing to engage in this war and take a gamble don't really care which if either format "wins". We want just one format. Corporate greed and pride set the stage. I'm puzzled as to why anyone would want to support that mentality.
Moreover, I can sell the HD-DVD movie after I've watched and only "lose" a few bucks.
If HD-DVD dies, I will have still enjoyed my movies up until then, and will have a great upconverting player to use until it breaks.
For me, it isn't supporting corporate greed - it's about enjoying what's available now at a very reasonable price. Heck, I spent $300 on my first dvd player, and $300 went a lot farther back then!
08-20-07, 07:21 PM
#295
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Just cancelled Blades of Glory, Face Off, Jack Ryan Collection, & Top Gun BDs on Amazon, & ordered them all in HD DVD. No big deal, life goes on & things are cool when you support both formats. 
08-20-07, 07:21 PM
#296
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
I expect Warner to go HD-DVD exclusive soon enough. They have a vested interest for that format to survive. Plus, to me they seemed to put more effort into their HD-DVD titles than their Blu-Rays anyway.
08-20-07, 07:31 PM
#298
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Paramount to drop Blu-ray high-def DVDs
By ALEX VEIGA
BW Exclusives
The M&A Deals Most at Risk
Countrywide: Too Big to Fail?
Lowe's Impresses Despite Housing Gloom
Consulting Pays Off for Accountants Again
How to Keep Your Job Onshore
Story Tools
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LOS ANGELES
Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format and drop support for Blu-ray, further complicating the race between the competing technologies.
Monday's announcement affects the upcoming DVD releases of the blockbusters "Shrek the Third" and "Transformers," along with movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films.
Movies directed by Steven Spielberg, however, will continue to be released in both formats.
Paramount, which owns DreamWorks Pictures and handles home sales for the separate company DreamWorks Animation, previously released movies in both Blu-ray and HD DVD.
"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc.
"I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high-quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount," he said.
The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.
Until recently, many consumers were able to defer the choice because players have been so expensive. But prices have been slashed by about half -- Sony Corp.'s Blu-ray player now sells for $499, and Toshiba Corp.'s cheapest HD DVD player sells for $299, with both likely to include as many as five free movies as an incentive.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, said consumers seeking to switch to high-definition DVDs will be enticed by the movies available for HD-DVD players. He added the lower price for the Toshiba devices will appeal to the family market.
"It's a game-changer, what they're doing, and it's why we decided to throw in with them," Katzenberg said.
Standalone HD DVD players have a bigger slice of the market than Blu-ray players. But when you count Sony's PlayStation 3 game console, which comes with a Blu-ray drive, there are more Blu-ray players in U.S. homes.
Rob Moore, president of Paramount Worldwide Distribution, said market data shows that people who own gaming consoles buy fewer movies than those who invest in a movie-only player.
Andy Parsons, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association trade group, questioned the studios' decision to adopt HD DVD over Blu-ray, saying price differences between players have diminished in recent months. He said the trend "is on its way to eliminating any perceived cost advantage the HD DVD format has claimed to have."
Blu-ray discs can hold more data -- 50 gigabytes compared with HD DVD's 30 GB -- but the technology requires new manufacturing techniques and factories, boosting initial costs.
HD DVDs, on the other hand, are essentially DVDs on steroids, meaning movie studios can turn to existing assembly lines to produce them in mass.
Studios and retailers have been choosing sides in recent months.
With Paramount dropping Blu-ray support, Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. remains the only major studio releasing movies in both formats.
"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures, while people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.
The Blu-ray format recently got a big boost as Blockbuster Inc. announced it would stock only Blu-ray titles when it expands its high-def DVD offerings this year.
Target Inc., the nation's second-largest retailer, said it will only sell Blu-ray DVD players in its stores in the fourth quarter.
Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures, News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox, The Walt Disney Co., and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are releasing only in Blu-ray.
Universal, owned by General Electric Co., backs HD DVD exclusively
By ALEX VEIGA
BW Exclusives
The M&A Deals Most at Risk
Countrywide: Too Big to Fail?
Lowe's Impresses Despite Housing Gloom
Consulting Pays Off for Accountants Again
How to Keep Your Job Onshore
Story Tools
order a reprint
digg this
save to del.icio.us
LOS ANGELES
Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format and drop support for Blu-ray, further complicating the race between the competing technologies.
Monday's announcement affects the upcoming DVD releases of the blockbusters "Shrek the Third" and "Transformers," along with movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films.
Movies directed by Steven Spielberg, however, will continue to be released in both formats.
Paramount, which owns DreamWorks Pictures and handles home sales for the separate company DreamWorks Animation, previously released movies in both Blu-ray and HD DVD.
"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc.
"I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high-quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount," he said.
The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.
Until recently, many consumers were able to defer the choice because players have been so expensive. But prices have been slashed by about half -- Sony Corp.'s Blu-ray player now sells for $499, and Toshiba Corp.'s cheapest HD DVD player sells for $299, with both likely to include as many as five free movies as an incentive.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, said consumers seeking to switch to high-definition DVDs will be enticed by the movies available for HD-DVD players. He added the lower price for the Toshiba devices will appeal to the family market.
"It's a game-changer, what they're doing, and it's why we decided to throw in with them," Katzenberg said.
Standalone HD DVD players have a bigger slice of the market than Blu-ray players. But when you count Sony's PlayStation 3 game console, which comes with a Blu-ray drive, there are more Blu-ray players in U.S. homes.
Rob Moore, president of Paramount Worldwide Distribution, said market data shows that people who own gaming consoles buy fewer movies than those who invest in a movie-only player.
Andy Parsons, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association trade group, questioned the studios' decision to adopt HD DVD over Blu-ray, saying price differences between players have diminished in recent months. He said the trend "is on its way to eliminating any perceived cost advantage the HD DVD format has claimed to have."
Blu-ray discs can hold more data -- 50 gigabytes compared with HD DVD's 30 GB -- but the technology requires new manufacturing techniques and factories, boosting initial costs.
HD DVDs, on the other hand, are essentially DVDs on steroids, meaning movie studios can turn to existing assembly lines to produce them in mass.
Studios and retailers have been choosing sides in recent months.
With Paramount dropping Blu-ray support, Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. remains the only major studio releasing movies in both formats.
"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures, while people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.
The Blu-ray format recently got a big boost as Blockbuster Inc. announced it would stock only Blu-ray titles when it expands its high-def DVD offerings this year.
Target Inc., the nation's second-largest retailer, said it will only sell Blu-ray DVD players in its stores in the fourth quarter.
Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures, News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox, The Walt Disney Co., and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are releasing only in Blu-ray.
Universal, owned by General Electric Co., backs HD DVD exclusively
08-20-07, 07:31 PM
#299
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Originally Posted by Lord Rick
I spent $200 on a refurb HD-DVD player 4 months ago and I've been enjoying HD movies ever since. I can buy an HD-DVD movie and watch it at home for 1/3 the cost of getting a babysitter and taking my wife out to the movies. Where's the gamble?
Moreover, I can sell the HD-DVD movie after I've watched and only "lose" a few bucks.
If HD-DVD dies, I will have still enjoyed my movies up until then, and will have a great upconverting player to use until it breaks.
For me, it isn't supporting corporate greed - it's about enjoying what's available now at a very reasonable price. Heck, I spent $300 on my first dvd player, and $300 went a lot farther back then!
Moreover, I can sell the HD-DVD movie after I've watched and only "lose" a few bucks.
If HD-DVD dies, I will have still enjoyed my movies up until then, and will have a great upconverting player to use until it breaks.
For me, it isn't supporting corporate greed - it's about enjoying what's available now at a very reasonable price. Heck, I spent $300 on my first dvd player, and $300 went a lot farther back then!
My upconverting DVD player does a GREAT job with picture quality. It feels very close to HD. I don't know if it is worth paying $29.99 for a HD-DVD when a new release DVD is priced a third less, and there are hundreds of DVD titles for under $5 bucks at Walmart.
08-20-07, 07:36 PM
#300
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Originally Posted by Josh Z
I suggest they each send in a testicle.
Really... Blockbuster being Blu-Ray exclusive is the greatest thing in the world leading to instant success, but somehow HD DVD having an additional exclusive studio is suicide for the format? Do these Internet people exist in real life, or live in some sort of alternate world where this form of thinking is logical?
Sony paid Disney and Fox for exclusivity; HD DVD paid Paramount for exclusivity and has Universal because it has a vested interest (and is probably being paid quite a bit)... meanwhile, it's cheaper to buy both a Blu-Ray player and an HD DVD player today than it would have been to buy a Blu-Ray player alone if this 'war' didn't exist. People need to find better things to complain about and not attach so much emotion to $750 in electronics.
