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EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

#31
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7/10/07 at 8:58am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Arnette
Since it appears Ben Williams will be asking my question anyway
Wasn't that your question "Golly gee willikers! What other middling titles do you have in store for HD DVD this year" he was going to ask?




Cees
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#32
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7/10/07 at 10:01am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Ben's asking that one too. Sweet!

Universal Blu-ray Discs I will not be buying while they're offered only as Blu-ray + DVD 'flipper' discs:

The Jackal, Out of Africa, and Traffic.

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#33
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7/11/07 at 8:51am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Adam,

I've indentified seven catalog titles that Universal produced as Combo Format that I won't buy until they're re-released as HD DVD only. That might not mean a whole lot to Universal, but it may serve to illustrate the demand for future re-releases if Army of Darkness and Unleashed perform to their expectations. Whatever those might be.

Universal Blu-ray Discs I will not be buying while they're offered only as Blu-ray + DVD 'flipper' discs:

The Jackal, Out of Africa, and Traffic.

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#34
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7/11/07 at 10:51pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

I'd like to know when Scarface would be released, and if it'd have a lossless audio track, and if it'd be the remastered audio mix from the recent DVD release in last October.
"Because she's got a.....GREAT ASS! And you've got your head all the way up it!"
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#35
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7/12/07 at 10:03am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cees Alons
Wasn't that your question "Golly gee willikers! What other middling titles do you have in store for HD DVD this year" he was going to ask?

I'll be sure to ask it just like that, Cees! I don't have to giggle, do I?
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#36
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7/12/07 at 7:57pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
For new releases a lot of people (myself included) like the combos (esp for new releases).

I love the _IDEA_ of combo disks. I don't like the execution. I've taken a few Combo disks (mostly new releases) to friends and families houses and shown them the SD side on their $39 DVD players then brought em back home to watch it in HD glory for critical viewing and review. That's really neat to be able to do that.

But I wont pay $40 for the priveledge, not for ANY movies. Not from ANY studio. Until they are at least comparably priced this is a losing proposition for me personally.

"Sam, you are the biggest nutter we have here."
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#37
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7/13/07 at 2:22pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Adam,

I know this is technically my second question, but could you please ask Mr. Graffeo if they have a real strategy to actually WIN the format war and not merely stalemate it by co-existing with BD? Myself and the public as a whole would prefer one format, so if their expectations are just to co-exist with BD, how does this benefit consumers?


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#38
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7/13/07 at 3:54pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Reggie, you need to just pick one! Good question, I'll add it to the list.
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#39
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7/13/07 at 5:21pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Thanks Adam!

My first question was regarding combos, but technically, several other posters have already chimed in with questions regarding that issue. I'm sure one question to Graffeo regarding combos/strategy on behalf of those who asked will suffice.


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#40
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7/13/07 at 5:30pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

ReggieW, I concur. A damn good question.

Universal Blu-ray Discs I will not be buying while they're offered only as Blu-ray + DVD 'flipper' discs:

The Jackal, Out of Africa, and Traffic.

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#41
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7/13/07 at 7:10pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

I'm open to questions, there is no per-person limit...
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#42
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7/14/07 at 5:20am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Myself and the public as a whole would prefer one format
Just speak for yourself.


Cees
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#43
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7/17/07 at 2:14am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cees Alons
Just speak for yourself.


Cees

I believe it´s more like: Most people wanted one format - but they didn´t get it. Many people still want that "one format", but now the others want HD DVD and others Blu-ray.. Now U, do the "right thing" here..

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#44
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7/17/07 at 8:09am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
You all know my position on this, the only downside to Combos is the price. I intend to explore that problem in depths with anyone at Uni who will listen, and also petition them to make all U-Control content menu selectable, or find a better way of getting to it than randomly button mashing during a second viewing.

Sam
I second this, Sam. I think Universal has already removed one of the biggest downsides of the Combo by changing their initial stance and releasing catalog titles in HD only versions and leaving the Combo's for new title entries only. I would like to the see the cost differential changed though. But, then again, the Combo's do not retail any higher then say Fox new releases.

Thomas Eisenmann(Last updated 12/02/08) HD-DVD CollectionBlu-Ray CollectionDVD CollectionToshiba HD-XA2, HD Add-on, Panasonic DMP-BD55KPioneer VSX-94TXH, Panasonic PT-AE 3000U 1080p 252 HDs, 167 BDs, 1560 - DVDs and going down

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#45
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7/17/07 at 8:10am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben_Williams
I'll be sure to ask it just like that, Cees! I don't have to giggle, do I?
It would help.

Thomas Eisenmann(Last updated 12/02/08) HD-DVD CollectionBlu-Ray CollectionDVD CollectionToshiba HD-XA2, HD Add-on, Panasonic DMP-BD55KPioneer VSX-94TXH, Panasonic PT-AE 3000U 1080p 252 HDs, 167 BDs, 1560 - DVDs and going down

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#46
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7/17/07 at 8:12am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReggieW
Myself and the public as a whole would prefer one format
Yes we do. HD DVD.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
I believe it´s more like: Most people wanted one format - but they didn´t get it. Many people still want that "one format", but now the others want HD DVD and others Blu-ray.. Now U, do the "right thing" here..
...and convince Fox and Disney to release in both formats.

Thomas Eisenmann(Last updated 12/02/08) HD-DVD CollectionBlu-Ray CollectionDVD CollectionToshiba HD-XA2, HD Add-on, Panasonic DMP-BD55KPioneer VSX-94TXH, Panasonic PT-AE 3000U 1080p 252 HDs, 167 BDs, 1560 - DVDs and going down

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#47
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7/18/07 at 8:38am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Interested in Coen Brothers catalog titles: Blood Simple, The Man Who Wasn't There, Intolerable Cruelty. And a better transfer on The Game!
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#48
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7/18/07 at 8:47am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Oh, if it's not too late

Spartacus needs a redo ala what Sony did to correct The Fifth Element.
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#49
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7/18/07 at 3:43pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Well, the panel just ended and Ken answered several of the questions mentioned here. I believe Adam will be posting the answers and Ron should be posting video of the event.

One thing I can say, is that Ken Griffeo definitely spoke of the constant pressure he is under from GE to consider neutrality. It seems that the ol' parent company isn't blind to the sales they are losing by not supporting Blu-ray.

More to come!
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#50
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7/18/07 at 3:50pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Business wise they should go neutral...as should Disney, Fox, & Sony.

Wouldn't it be awesome if the consumer had a true choice in what to buy?
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#51
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7/18/07 at 3:55pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

I agree Tim.

Both formats are losing sales either way.


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#52
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7/18/07 at 5:00pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

all those 'lost sales' don't seem to be bothering Fox very much. And let's be completely honest- the overwhelming majority of what Universal has released lately and what they plan to release over the next 5 months would get an even bigger shoulder shrug from the PS3 crowd than it's already geting from the HD DVD contigent. They aren't losing that much.
Besides if anyone on the Bd side was that anxious for some specific Uni titles, the proposition of dropping an extra $250 on a player shouldn't deter them.

Sounds like the panel got real heated (at least going by the descriptions in some Bd forums)- What was the real dope there?
Bd fanboys commenting on it make it sound akin to that notorious panel row that Al Fraken and Bill O'Reiley got into a few years back.
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#53
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7/18/07 at 5:19pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

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#54
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7/18/07 at 5:46pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben_Williams


Ken to Kevin....

Quote:
One of those HTF members, Ben, I think...just ripped one. It's bad.

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#55
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7/18/07 at 6:01pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
Ken to Kevin....

One of those HTF members, Ben, I think...just ripped one. It's bad.

Actually, if you take a look at Robert Zohn's face, it seems clear that he is the culprit.
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#56
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7/18/07 at 6:03pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Club Timobi Wan-Episode II
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#57
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7/18/07 at 11:48pm
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
One thing I can say, is that Ken Griffeo definitely spoke of the constant pressure he is under from GE to consider neutrality. It seems that the ol' parent company isn't blind to the sales they are losing by not supporting Blu-ray

We will have to see the video clip of this to make the final determination, but while he siad he is under pressure, the "constant pressure" is not all from GE. Let's get real if GE wanted Universal to support both formats they would be. I'm sure GE management has questioned Universal managemnet as to their stand, and if they weren't satisfied with the answer things would have changed.

The most important thing I walked away from this panel with is that things are no where close to being over. It will be another year or two before there is a winner or it is called a draw.
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#58
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7/19/07 at 12:06am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Some quick answers to some of the questions from memory:
Hitchcock: will be a while, needs some cleanup, probably won't sell well in stores (yet), but would do ok online. The will be eventually coming, but no ETA.
Spielberg: Just like DVD, Spielberg wants to wait for a larger installed player base. They released the first Spielberg title "Jaws" on DVD when there were 4 million DVD players in homes.
Combos: I'll talk about both Warner and Universal. Warner feels that the benefit of having the combo on new releases justifies the $5 markup.

Both Universal and Warner are both planning on new releases being combos.

Didn't have time for a lot of questions as we spend a lot of time discussing the format war (go figure!)...
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#59
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7/19/07 at 12:15am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Quote:
Sounds like the panel got real heated

I don't think so. Did some people have stong opinions and express them? Yes. Was it heated? No.
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#60
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7/19/07 at 2:15am
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Re: EMA Sneak Peek: Meeting with Universal's Ken Graffeo

Adam,

Thanks for your follow-up. I appreciate your representing our format interests at this event. I hear you did a superb job in moderating the panel. Congratulations!

Well, the news from Universal is a little disappointing. I remember you were given/faxed/e-mailed a list from Universal eariler this year which stated we would see one or two Hitchcock titles as well as Scarface & BSG? Speaking of BSG, wouldn't next weeks Comicon be an excellent platform to preview it along with Heroes?

I couldn't believe that Universal isn't planning to go into the fourth quarter with some major titles. I never realistically expected Spielberg, but a 4th quarter schedule should look stronger than a 2nd quarter schedule. BD has already announced some heavy-hitters for quarter four and Universal will simply have to do BETTER than the titles I saw on that leaked list.

Are they kidding?

I know there won't exactly be a dearth of HD-DVD titles with WHV releasing Potter/Blade Runner/Kubrick & CBS/Paramount releasing STAR TREK TOS S1, but as the sole major exclusive, I would expect a stronger 4th quarter schedule from UNI.

One last thing: Did the name Weinstein happen to come up during the conference? I wonder where they are?


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