Paramount/Dreamworks go HD DVD exclusive
#502
DVD Talk Godfather
So what's the deal? We put that question to the source for all things Spielberg -- his longtime spokesman and DreamWorks marketing exec Marvin Levy. Speaking exclusively with High-Def Digest, Levy confirmed Spielberg's active support of Blu-ray with the selection of 'Close Encounters' for his next-gen debut.
"It was important to Steven that if any of his films were to be released [first] on high-definition, that it would be a classic," said Levy. "Steven is big supporter of Blu-ray, and chose 'Close Encounters' to be the first of his films on either format."
Spielberg approved the new high-def transfer made for the film, and among the Blu-ray's supplements is a new introduction recorded by the director specifically for the release, as well as a storyboard comparison.
Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"
Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format. "At this moment, there are no plans for something further [from Spielberg on either format]. Anything in the future will be decided on a title-by-title basis. There certainly won't be more titles in 2007."
"It was important to Steven that if any of his films were to be released [first] on high-definition, that it would be a classic," said Levy. "Steven is big supporter of Blu-ray, and chose 'Close Encounters' to be the first of his films on either format."
Spielberg approved the new high-def transfer made for the film, and among the Blu-ray's supplements is a new introduction recorded by the director specifically for the release, as well as a storyboard comparison.
Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"
Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format. "At this moment, there are no plans for something further [from Spielberg on either format]. Anything in the future will be decided on a title-by-title basis. There certainly won't be more titles in 2007."
#503
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by fryinpan1
Paramount Removes Remaining Blu-ray Titles From Fall Slate
August 21, 2007
Yesterday's Paramount declaration of HD DVD support, starting with 'Blades of Glory' on August 28, raised questions about the previously announced Blu-ray titles scheduled for release throughout the rest of the year.......
#504
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Little Rock
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This announcement really gives HD-DVD some legs. I must say, I'm one of the guys that was waiting for Universal to go Blu and call it ballgame. What this does is prolong this war, and establish that HD-DVD isn't playing any games. I for one couldn't care less about many of Paramount's upcoming releases, but Dreamworks exclusivity is a big, big deal for me.
Still, I don't understand why Blu-Ray supporters are acting like they lost the war. The support is still there in spades. The Blockbuster and Target deals are huge for the format. They still have more studio support, and in my opinion still have the heaviest hitters in the form of the Spiderman series, the Pirates series, Disney, etc. And their main ace in the hole is the PS3 console, which is having a somewhat disappointing 2007. I see the PS3 as a 2008 console, so if Microsoft hasn't countered with a XBOX 360 console with HD-DVD drive built in by then, I can see the gap widening that much larger.
Content is key, and I for one am watching New Line and Warner's moves very closely. I don't think either format should be counted out any time soon, but for my money, you have to recognize Blu-Ray still as a clear frontrunner. If they lose any more studio support, or if Warner decides HD-DVD is the way to go, Sony better look to start rebuilding as a company. I think that Sony has more tricks up their sleeves though, and they will be unleashing them soon enough to ease doubt (Weinstein anyone?).
Still, I don't understand why Blu-Ray supporters are acting like they lost the war. The support is still there in spades. The Blockbuster and Target deals are huge for the format. They still have more studio support, and in my opinion still have the heaviest hitters in the form of the Spiderman series, the Pirates series, Disney, etc. And their main ace in the hole is the PS3 console, which is having a somewhat disappointing 2007. I see the PS3 as a 2008 console, so if Microsoft hasn't countered with a XBOX 360 console with HD-DVD drive built in by then, I can see the gap widening that much larger.
Content is key, and I for one am watching New Line and Warner's moves very closely. I don't think either format should be counted out any time soon, but for my money, you have to recognize Blu-Ray still as a clear frontrunner. If they lose any more studio support, or if Warner decides HD-DVD is the way to go, Sony better look to start rebuilding as a company. I think that Sony has more tricks up their sleeves though, and they will be unleashing them soon enough to ease doubt (Weinstein anyone?).
#505
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by IIG
I think that Sony has more tricks up their sleeves though, and they will be unleashing them soon enough to ease doubt (Weinstein anyone?).
![Groucho](/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
#506
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montréal, Qc
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quick question.....
I just realised that I could always get the XBOX HD-DVD addon, I just want to know if it does 1080p/24 ? Yes, I have a XBXO Elite and a Samsung 4061f that supports 1080p/24.
I just realised that I could always get the XBOX HD-DVD addon, I just want to know if it does 1080p/24 ? Yes, I have a XBXO Elite and a Samsung 4061f that supports 1080p/24.
#507
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally Posted by Artman
Oh how sweet it would be to steal away The Whole Bloody Affair and Grindhouse from HD-DVD.... ![Groucho](/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
![Groucho](/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
#508
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Mastic, NY
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Artman
Has it been established this is thru Spring of 09?
To clarify this point, no it has not been established. The only place this number has appeared is the NYT. In fact, on AVS, Amir wrote in the insider's thread that the deal is for "several years." So who knows?
#509
DVD Talk Legend
That would be strange if Paramount went with PCM instead of TrueHD, but either way lossless is a move in the right direction.
I also can't believe there aren't copies of Blades of Glory pressed and ready to go on Blu-Ray, but maybe the fact that the cover art listed specs was in flux until recently suggests otherwise.
I also can't believe there aren't copies of Blades of Glory pressed and ready to go on Blu-Ray, but maybe the fact that the cover art listed specs was in flux until recently suggests otherwise.
#510
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Bus
#511
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bunkaroo
That would be strange if Paramount went with PCM instead of TrueHD, but either way lossless is a move in the right direction.
#512
Senior Member
I don't post here much, but I get a lot of great info from this site...that being said...the format cheerleading on both sides is ridiculous. This is the whole reason I don't visit AVS as much as I used to. Let's not turn DVDtalk into the same stupid "my format is the best" argument we see all the time at AVS.
I currently only own a PS3, but I've been looking for an excuse to buy an HD DVD player for some time now. The Bourne Identity is one of my all time favorites and I knew I was going to bite the bullet sometime...looks like it's now. Let's hope that this agreement will light a fire under the a$$es of Paramount and Dreamworks and that we will see some great releases come out in the near future. It's about the movies folks...
I get pretty passionate about my sports teams, but I don't think I would ever get all crazy about HD DVD vs. Blu-ray. I just want my movies in Hi-def...who cares if the case is red or blue...or if I have to use two different players.
Now...do I go with the A2 or the A20...or do I sit and wait for the gen 3 players?
Decisions...
I currently only own a PS3, but I've been looking for an excuse to buy an HD DVD player for some time now. The Bourne Identity is one of my all time favorites and I knew I was going to bite the bullet sometime...looks like it's now. Let's hope that this agreement will light a fire under the a$$es of Paramount and Dreamworks and that we will see some great releases come out in the near future. It's about the movies folks...
I get pretty passionate about my sports teams, but I don't think I would ever get all crazy about HD DVD vs. Blu-ray. I just want my movies in Hi-def...who cares if the case is red or blue...or if I have to use two different players.
Now...do I go with the A2 or the A20...or do I sit and wait for the gen 3 players?
Decisions...
Last edited by nmr1723; 08-21-07 at 12:01 PM.
#513
Suspended
Originally Posted by Artman
Oh how sweet it would be to steal away The Whole Bloody Affair and Grindhouse from HD-DVD.... ![Groucho](/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
![Groucho](/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
#514
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive never been on the Bill Hunt bashing bandwagon, but his article or whatever on his site yesterday was very very "whiny". I bet he was crying as he wrote it. I can't believe he was criticizing MS for playing the capatilist game.
Wow, they payed for something.![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Im not going to go to his site anymore. Im format neutral and cant stand the format bashing on either side.
Wow, they payed for something.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Im not going to go to his site anymore. Im format neutral and cant stand the format bashing on either side.
#515
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by tonymontana313
I realize producing BR discs are slightly more expensive but I'm most sure that it is NOT considerably more. If you can provide actual info to prove me wrong, please be my guest.
"I won't do the research to back up my statements. You do the research to refute me." Are you a politician?
Seriously, it is widely accepted here in the adult HD Talk forum that BD is more costly to manufacture than HD DVD. That gap has certainly been closing since BD's rollout, but it still exists from all accounts.
Operating on an order of scale, even a small difference in a production cost can translate in to a big difference in profit/loss for a final production run.
You seem to be taking this very personally. HD DVD is only doing what BD has been doing from the start: business.
#516
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by BuckNaked2k
Seems to me there's more of a fanboy mentality with the BluRay crowd, whereas the HD crowd seems to be a little more thoughtful and mature.
As for me, I'm still an SD luddite. I am leaning HD over BR because I hate region coding with a passion. Also, I'm the proud owner of a $1,300 combo player that plays SACD and DVD-Audio in glorious hi-rez 5.1 surround sound......with few titles available to enjoy in either format.
As for me, I'm still an SD luddite. I am leaning HD over BR because I hate region coding with a passion. Also, I'm the proud owner of a $1,300 combo player that plays SACD and DVD-Audio in glorious hi-rez 5.1 surround sound......with few titles available to enjoy in either format.
On the video side, it isn't too hard to show somebody that high-definition video really is better. The hard part is getting them to care. Even though LCD and plasma displays are selling like hotcakes most people just watch TV on them and (aagggh!) horizontally stretch SD video to "fill the screen". It's horrible. They don't have the audio equipment to take advantage of better audio codecs, so that isn't a selling point just like SACD wasn't. The studios are at least supporting HD video with product and publicity, so it has a chance to succeed.
#517
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jason1
I am opposed to two formats. I want one format to win and for the war to be over. If this war lasts past Christmas, there will be people with large collections of worthless high definition discs. It will be like owning 200 titles on laserdisc when DVD's became popular.
I expect Blu Ray to win soon. They have more space on the disc so there is no threat of compression and a worse picture. I want 25 gigabytes offered by Blu Ray and not 15 gigabytes offered by HD-DVD. Why did HD-DVD offer such limited space on the disc?
I expect Blu Ray to win soon. They have more space on the disc so there is no threat of compression and a worse picture. I want 25 gigabytes offered by Blu Ray and not 15 gigabytes offered by HD-DVD. Why did HD-DVD offer such limited space on the disc?
#519
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Iceland
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sniff sniff....the little thread I so innocently started is closing in on 22 pages. I feel ever so proud.
Or I would if it didn't mostly contain pointless bickering and whining from both sides. I currently only have blu-ray, as I believed (and still believe) that it will eventually emerge as the dominant format. This belief has nothing to do with any perceived superiority of the format, which I don't believe is there. I've tried HD-DVD and think it's a great format, which simply doesn't have the support and backing that blu-ray enjoys (although that has shifted somewhat with this announcement). This stupid zealotry is pointless and counter-productive.
I'm thinking about getting HD-DVD this fall for those titles that I can't get on blu-ray. If the titles are available on both formats, I'll probably stick with blu-ray though.
Or I would if it didn't mostly contain pointless bickering and whining from both sides. I currently only have blu-ray, as I believed (and still believe) that it will eventually emerge as the dominant format. This belief has nothing to do with any perceived superiority of the format, which I don't believe is there. I've tried HD-DVD and think it's a great format, which simply doesn't have the support and backing that blu-ray enjoys (although that has shifted somewhat with this announcement). This stupid zealotry is pointless and counter-productive.
I'm thinking about getting HD-DVD this fall for those titles that I can't get on blu-ray. If the titles are available on both formats, I'll probably stick with blu-ray though.
#520
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by MBoyd
I don't see how anyone could consider whatever High Definition discs you end up "stuck" with worthless as Laserdiscs.
#521
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
II'm assuming Universal will at least stick with HD DVD for all of next year.
#522
Moderator
Originally Posted by ThriceDamned
Sniff sniff....the little thread I so innocently started is closing in on 22 pages. I feel ever so proud.
Or I would if it didn't mostly contain pointless bickering and whining from both sides. I currently only have blu-ray, as I believed (and still believe) that it will eventually emerge as the dominant format. This belief has nothing to do with any perceived superiority of the format, which I don't believe is there. I've tried HD-DVD and think it's a great format, which simply doesn't have the support and backing that blu-ray enjoys (although that has shifted somewhat with this announcement). This stupid zealotry is pointless and counter-productive.
I'm thinking about getting HD-DVD this fall for those titles that I can't get on blu-ray. If the titles are available on both formats, I'll probably stick with blu-ray though.
Or I would if it didn't mostly contain pointless bickering and whining from both sides. I currently only have blu-ray, as I believed (and still believe) that it will eventually emerge as the dominant format. This belief has nothing to do with any perceived superiority of the format, which I don't believe is there. I've tried HD-DVD and think it's a great format, which simply doesn't have the support and backing that blu-ray enjoys (although that has shifted somewhat with this announcement). This stupid zealotry is pointless and counter-productive.
I'm thinking about getting HD-DVD this fall for those titles that I can't get on blu-ray. If the titles are available on both formats, I'll probably stick with blu-ray though.
#523
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by Artman
I wonder if Michael Bay is bitching about this today? I'm guessing he didn't get the memo...
I could see him calling Steven and being all "Steve what the F is up with this? Tell them to F'n release Transformers on both Goddamnit! I F'n want my F'n movie on Blu-Ray too!
I could see him calling Steven and being all "Steve what the F is up with this? Tell them to F'n release Transformers on both Goddamnit! I F'n want my F'n movie on Blu-Ray too!
![Wink](/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Originally Posted by Bleddyn Williams
I wonder if "Michael Bay" is 17, has a paper round, and lives with his mum?!
#525
Moderator
Originally Posted by Tracer Bullet
"Paper round" is the British term for "paper route". Perhaps the "mum" should have tipped you off? ![Wink](/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Wink](/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Big Grin](/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)