Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
oops....looks like this needed to be posted elsewhere.Sorry about that.
8/20/07 at 9:24am
- Joined: July 1998
- Post Count: 2,822
Sorry about that.
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**Official HTF HD Formats Ind./Retailer/Studio Support Thread-*SEE POST 3176, p. 106*
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**Official HTF HD Formats Ind./Retailer/Studio Support Thread-*SEE POST 3176, p. 106*
8/20/07 at 9:26am
- Joined: July 1998
- Post Count: 2,822
Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Announcement
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070820/...1YWV25ms0 NUEPretty amazing stuff. As one who now owns both formats, I was not expecting this from the HD-DVD side.
Brian
8/20/07 at 9:36am
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
PARAMOUNT AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION EACH DECLARE EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR HD DVD
Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD
Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of “Blades of Glory,” Followed by “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third,” Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office
Los Angeles, CA, August 20, 2007 – Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE
WA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit “Blades of Glory” on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third”. These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.
“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. “Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.”
“We decided to release “Shrek the Third” and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience – families,” stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We believe the combination of this year’s low- priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.”
With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans.
Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today’s announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fourteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, and Shrek the Third. DreamWorks Animation’s newest release, Bee Movie, opens in theaters November 2, 2007.
8/20/07 at 9:38am
- Joined: December 1969
- Post Count: 9,306
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
I think the reporter is missing something - it looks at first like the movies from DreamWorks Animation, a separate company from DreamWorks SKG will be HD-DVD exclusive, which is no minor thing: Shrek 3 was a big hit, even if it was pretty middle-of-the-road as a film. Since DW Animation only makes one or two films a year, it shouldn't be much of a big deal, even if that one title is often pretty big.But, then again, they quoted Brad Grey instead of Katzenberg, and talked about other labels, which is... odd. As much as I tend to favor HD-DVD even after picking up a BD player, I honestly can't see why a studio would drop BD support barring Microsoft/Toshiba doing something huge to make it worth their while.
This needs a lot of follow-up and clarification.
EDIT: I posted this after just seeing the link. Now it's even stranger - Amazon just sent me an email about Blades of Glory on BD. The heck?
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8/20/07 at 9:39am
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Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
That's just fucking great. The Complete and total Paramount boycott is on.Edit:
Quote:
| Today’s announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format. |
That speaks volumes.
8/20/07 at 9:44am
- Joined: February 1999
- Post Count: 8,787
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Indications are that Toshiba has paid Paramount 50 Million for the exclusive agreement.Quote:
| “We decided to release “Shrek the Third” and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience – families,” stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We believe the combination of this year’s low- priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.” |
Right. Those same families who enjoy Disney movies exclusive on Blu-ray?... the way to sell Shrek to them is on HD DVD? Of course, Toshiba's 50-million deal is probably a whole lot more profit than they'd make on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc sales combined!
8/20/07 at 9:47am
- Joined: April 2000
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Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
I was starting to seriously believe this war was getting close to an end. Now it looks to be on for quite a long while. Bring on the dual format players!!DVD & Blu-ray - It's all about the movies!
8/20/07 at 9:48am
- Joined: July 2001
- Post Count: 257
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Wow, did not see this one coming. So much so that, even with the official-looking nature of everything, I'm still skeptical. I see quite a few caveats emerging in the near future, similar to the Spielbergian one Brett was so quick to latch on to.If true as currently stated, though, all I can say is: It's melting! It's melting!
8/20/07 at 9:49am
- Joined: December 1969
- Post Count: 9,306
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
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Originally Posted by DaViD Boulet
Right. Those same families who enjoy Disney movies exclusive on Blu-ray?... the best format for them is HD DVD?
|
I mean, the numbers are tiny. If Paramount thinks that an explosion in HD player sales will come this Christmas and it will be $250 HD DVD players vs $400 BD players that drive it, I can see this making sense.
Although "Toshiba pays Viacom and DreamWorks Animation a whole bunch of money and they put the best spin on it" makes even more sense. Makes things interesting, at least.
Jay's Movie Blog - A movie-viewing diary.
Transplanted Life: Sci-fi soap opera about a man placed in a new body, updated two or three times a week.
Trading Post Inn - Another gender-bending soap, with different collaborators writing different points of view.
"What? Since when was this an energy ball...
Transplanted Life: Sci-fi soap opera about a man placed in a new body, updated two or three times a week.
Trading Post Inn - Another gender-bending soap, with different collaborators writing different points of view.
"What? Since when was this an energy ball...
8/20/07 at 9:55am
- Joined: April 2003
- Location: Hong Kong
- Post Count: 462
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
WOW! Didn't see this coming at all. The format war is now prolonged.http://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1042073
That's the official press release.
8/20/07 at 9:58am
- Joined: April 2000
- Location: Dallas TX
- Post Count: 2,483
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
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Originally Posted by DaViD Boulet
Indications are that Toshiba has paid Paramount 50 Million for the exclusive agreement.
|
Not surprising if true. I would expect the same from either camp. Source?
DVD & Blu-ray - It's all about the movies!
8/20/07 at 10:02am
- Joined: May 1999
- Post Count: 1,665
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Harminder
WOW! Didn't see this coming at all. The format war is now prolonged.
http://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1042073 That's the official press release. |
Anybody else thinking that this pretty much seals the deal for both formats remaining niche products? Every mainstream article I read talks about how consumers are confused and are waiting things out. I think eventually they'll get tired of waiting for a winner and just continue choosing standard DVD. Congrats to all of the companies on both sides for this incredible clusterfuck.
8/20/07 at 10:09am
- Joined: September 2002
- Post Count: 3,743
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
This is the most non-consumer friendly move for the high-def formats since the war started, IMO. It's one thing to be putting out no releases and then announce support for one format (Starz), but it's a totally other thing to be supporting both formats and totally drop one. Even those of us wanting Universal to support Blu-ray didn't expect them to drop HD-DVD, but rather just go neutral.This news is ridiculous and infuriating.
8/20/07 at 10:09am
- Joined: May 1999
- Post Count: 1,665
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Anybody else thinking that this pretty much seals the deal for both formats remaining niche products? Every mainstream article I read talks about how consumers are confused and are waiting things out. I think eventually they'll get tired of waiting for a winner and just continue choosing standard DVD. Congrats to all of the companies on both sides for this incredible clusterfuck.
8/20/07 at 10:21am
- Joined: April 2000
- Location: Dallas TX
- Post Count: 2,483
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
According to a post by Robert Zohn he has spoken with "top executives" and all new releases will be HD DVD exclusives. I take this to mean that everything currently slated for Blu-ray, including Blades of Glory which streets next week, will no being seeing a release.DVD & Blu-ray - It's all about the movies!
8/20/07 at 10:22am
- Joined: March 2004
- Post Count: 449
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Well, I bet Blockbuster goes neutral now."I believe in censorship. After all, I made a fortune out of it." -Mae West
8/20/07 at 10:23am
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
| Anybody else thinking that this pretty much seals the deal for both formats remaining niche products? |
No, this just evens things up for HD DVD. Combo players will be the player of choice for most people going forward.
8/20/07 at 10:25am
- Joined: September 1998
- Post Count: 154
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
This is beyond bizarre. I had just purchased a Panny Blu-Ray player this week after having been HD-DVD exclusive for a year. If I had seen this news first, I probably would've waited. So now the question is, which of my players is going to be a $500 brick?
8/20/07 at 10:26am
- Joined: January 2003
- Post Count: 4,493
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
Duplicate postSTOP HIM! He's supposed to die!
8/20/07 at 10:26am
- Joined: September 2002
- Post Count: 3,743
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Well, I think I'm gonna order all the Blu-ray Paramount releases I have yet to pick up, and then say "see-ya" to Paramount products for the foreseeable future.EDIT: Rumor central as far as the $$$$ changing hands -
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...vd-format-war/
8/20/07 at 10:30am
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- Post Count: 333
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
There is no logic behind this decision.
8/20/07 at 10:32am
- Joined: July 2002
- Post Count: 2,585
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
| According to a post by Robert Zohn he has spoken with "top executives" and all new releases will be HD DVD exclusives. I take this to mean that everything currently slated for Blu-ray, including Blades of Glory which streets next week, will no being seeing a release. |
Wow. There go a lot of my Paramount BD pre-orders.
8/20/07 at 10:32am
- Joined: January 2003
- Post Count: 4,493
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Just Fucking great!Just when I finally go to Blu-Ray and buy a PS3 Paramount/Dreamworks taps out of Blu-Ray. At least I didn't buy a dedicated player.
Going forward the only piece of HD Hardware I will even consider buying will be a combo player when the prices are not ridiculously expensive and they can fully support all features of both formats.
Way to go!
Quote:
| So now the question is, which of my players is going to be a $500 brick? |
Probably both of them the way thing are going now
STOP HIM! He's supposed to die!
8/20/07 at 10:36am
- Joined: December 2006
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Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
I'm glad, things weren't looking good for the HD-DVD camp, now there is hope yet.
"Because she's got a.....GREAT ASS! And you've got your head all the way up it!"
8/20/07 at 10:38am
- Joined: July 1999
- Post Count: 7
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Daniel-M
There is no logic behind this decision.
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From what I read, the logic (Paramount and Dreamworks) is based on the cost of the player. Low machine prices is where the masses will go. The old tape wars pretty much ended because of the cost of the player and not the IQ of the medium.
8/20/07 at 10:40am
- Joined: May 2001
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Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Well, there goes Transformers/Face Off/Top Gun/Shrek the Third. Oh well, more money for other stuff.Now it's time for Fox to step up to the plate and announce some Blu Ray stuff.
8/20/07 at 10:40am
- Joined: November 2003
- Post Count: 168
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Wow. This is pretty big news. I wasn't expecting to log on here and read this.
8/20/07 at 10:40am
- Joined: May 1999
- Post Count: 1,665
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Adam Gregorich
No, this just evens things up for HD DVD. Combo players will be the player of choice for most people going forward.
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But "most people" will be enthusiasts like us. All J6P sees is two incompatible players that don't play every hi-def disc. Every article I read says something like this for instance...
"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."
This is from the Yahoo article today. The longer this thing drags on the less the average consumer will care. Heck most of them can't even tell the difference between regular DVD and hi-def. For enthusiasts like us, we'll probably end up buying both players or a dual-format machine. But not average consumers.
8/20/07 at 10:41am
- Joined: September 2002
- Post Count: 3,743
Re: *** Official HTF HD Formats Industry/Retailer/Studio Support Thread
Quote:
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Originally Posted by King Jeff
I'm glad, things weren't looking good for the HD-DVD camp, now there is hope yet.
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Yeah, hope of HD being an endless niche and never getting off the ground before the horror show known as "direct downloads" takes over. Microsoft HATES disc formats and this just proves it even more.
8/20/07 at 10:42am
- Joined: February 2003
- Post Count: 1,303
Re: Paramount and Dreamworks HD-DVD Exclusive?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Todd H
Anybody else thinking that this pretty much seals the deal for both formats remaining niche products? Every mainstream article I read talks about how consumers are confused and are waiting things out. I think eventually they'll get tired of waiting for a winner and just continue choosing standard DVD. Congrats to all of the companies on both sides for this incredible clusterfuck.
|
sigh. i totally agree with you. i LOVED HD-DVD in the beginning, however, lately I've been totally okay with giving in to Blu Ray lately (even re-bought the Sopranos in this format - mostly for the lossless audio) just so this stupid war could end and HD movies could catch on with the main stream. now, who knows.
