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"I Heard" Something Interesting - Page 5  

post #121 of 164
2/16/08 at 5:37am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert George
Not to interrupt this stroll down Memory Lane, but to perhaps bring some closure to this thread, I will say that the information I posted came from a conversation that took place a couple of weeks ago. I feel it was true then, just as I feel the rumored events of the past 24 hours (which I believe) have taken both Universal and Paramount somewhat by surprise. IF it's true that Toshiba is about to throw in the towel, that will leave both of those studios with a bit of a problem, that is, getting titles pressed on Blu-ray in a reasonable amount of time.

Another bit of info that I heard actually a few weeks ago but did not think was valid enough to even bring up was that Universal was already making plans for Blu-ray production but were discovering that it would be months before they would be able to get anything through production and on the street. This may or may not be true, but I do think it is accurate that if either or both Universal and/or Paramount were to suddenly be in a position to have to switch to Blu-ray sooner than they may have planned, they would indeed face a considerable lag in getting titles pressed.

Whatever the case may be, it now appears the last chapter in the format war saga will indeed be interesting to watch.

Universal were not taken by surprise by any of the latest events, but you are right when you said that their catalogue of HD DVD releases will take time to prepare for Blu-ray if the plans I have seen are put into action.

Paramount on the other hand will get onto the Blu bandwagon quite quickly, you forget that they have got experience in the biz already and a few titles were pressed and warehoused when their HD DVD strategy came to light. Other titles like Transformers had already been authored and will only need replication (which will probably get priority status if there was a queue).
post #122 of 164
2/16/08 at 7:26am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Given that my contact at Paramount said *on Monday* (not two weeks ago) that the Indy films had a good chance of showing up in May on Blu... let's re-vamp this rumor to consider this possibility. I'll be very curious to see if this pans out as I had heard.
post #123 of 164
2/16/08 at 8:10am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hunt
They already have a few finished but unreleased titles wherehoused (Blades of Glory anyone?) and I suspect they have a few additional BD masters done and shelved, ready for replication - stuff that was in production when they abandoned Blu-ray last year.
wherehoused? therehoused!
post #124 of 164
2/16/08 at 8:44am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon Conway
Universal yes.

Paramount no.

I mean, Paramount/DreamWorks has released how many titles exclusively? I count 15:

Arctic Tale
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Blades of Glory
Face/Off
The Heartbreak Kid
Hot Rod
A Mighty Heart
Next
Old School
Shrek the Third
Stardust
Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 1
Top Gun
Transformers
Zodiac - Director's Cut

Upcoming releases 8 in number:

Bee Movie
Beowulf
Into the Wild
The Kite Runner
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The Jack Ryan Collection
Things We Lost in the Fire

So, 23 releases. Some had BD versions in final or close to final stages last August (Blades of Glory). All previous releases that were on BD would just need new production runs.

Even then, 6-8 months isn't the end of the world.


Its not a matter of how many are already prepared for blu-ray, its a matter of how many films from other studios are ahead of them in line and already have the production lines reserved for up coming releases.

I'm talking about a production back up not the ability to author blu-rays. Hell I'm sure Universal can hire some folks right quick to cross train their existing HD DVD authoring staff. I really don't think thats the issue.

Doug
post #125 of 164
2/16/08 at 8:48am
Thread Starter 

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Its not a matter of how many are already prepared for blu-ray, its a matter of how many films from other studios are ahead of them in line and already have the production lines reserved for up coming releases.

Bingo. And BD50 will be the hardest to get done. Fortunately for Universal, much of their stuff that is already on HD DVD will fit on BD25 so that may not be too long getting to stores.
post #126 of 164
2/16/08 at 8:49am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by GJN
wherehoused? therehoused!


"no no....walk THIS way!"
post #127 of 164
2/16/08 at 8:54am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert George
Bingo. And BD50 will be the hardest to get done. Fortunately for Universal, much of their stuff that is already on HD DVD will fit on BD25 so that may not be too long getting to stores.

Yes and Universal could just author most of their catalog titles in basic mode like Warner did for most of their blu-ray titles. No need for super fancy menus.

Doug
post #128 of 164
2/16/08 at 9:03am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

This is one of the weirdest threads I've ever read in this area and that's saying something.

Personally I have serious doubts we'll be getting High Def versions of the Indy films on either format. It took 6 years for Indy to come out on DVD so I do expect another long, long wait. Not only that, none of these studios seem all that anxious to put out any of their A-list catalog titles (or just catalog titles period) let alone flagship titles like this.

Color me extremely pessimistic.

I'd love to be wrong though.
post #129 of 164
2/16/08 at 11:42am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert George
Bingo. And BD50 will be the hardest to get done. Fortunately for Universal, much of their stuff that is already on HD DVD will fit on BD25 so that may not be too long getting to stores.

You have been badly informed about the state of BD replication if you think this will be the case. There is not going to be any trouble coping with demand for BD25 or BD50 discs, the capacity is all in place and it will increase by around 600% by October this year. I don't know where all of the doom mongering came from with regards to BD50 replication (I can guess though...) but it really is not required.
post #130 of 164
2/16/08 at 11:43am

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim_K
Personally I have serious doubts we'll be getting High Def versions of the Indy films on either format. It took 6 years for Indy to come out on DVD so I do expect another long, long wait. Not only that, none of these studios seem all that anxious to put out any of their A-list catalog titles (or just catalog titles period) let alone flagship titles like this.

Color me extremely pessimistic.

I'd love to be wrong though.

I think most people would agree with you, Jim.

The wildcard, though, I would think, is the release of Indy 4.
post #131 of 164
2/16/08 at 12:05pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Its not a matter of how many are already prepared for blu-ray, its a matter of how many films from other studios are ahead of them in line and already have the production lines reserved for up coming releases.

I'm talking about a production back up not the ability to author blu-rays. Hell I'm sure Universal can hire some folks right quick to cross train their existing HD DVD authoring staff. I really don't think thats the issue.

Blu insiders were telling us that prior to getting Warner on board with blu-exlcusivity, a big part of getting their comittment was demonstrating that the blu camp had 50GB replication up and running full steam. I know Sony was working OT to get production lines running etc. in leu of that decision.

I'm sure that with the new ramping-up of blu-production in the industry 50GB replication is probably being pushed to its limit, but rest assured that the BDA is aware of the potential problem for bottle-necking BD release schedules due to replication issues and it working hard to increase production volume to accomodate. I'm not suggesting that it's a 'problem solved' senario: just suggesting that the BDA has got this on in bold-faced print on their "fix it now" list and is already addressing these issues as we speak in expectation of Paramount and Universal.
post #132 of 164
2/16/08 at 12:52pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Digitalbits is reporting that:

Quote:
On that note, we've suddenly begun hearing from retail sources that Paramount Blu-ray titles have just begin appearing in their inventory software as "on order" or "available for pre-order," including Blades of Glory and Transformers. Yes, you read that right.
post #133 of 164
2/16/08 at 12:57pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

I wonder if Lowry was involved with the high definition transfers of the Indiana Jones films. The previous restorations they did for the DVD release were standard def only.
post #134 of 164
2/16/08 at 1:37pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim_K
Personally I have serious doubts we'll be getting High Def versions of the Indy films on either format. It took 6 years for Indy to come out on DVD so I do expect another long, long wait.
In normal circumstances I would agree but the difference is that this time there is a new movie in the series coming out. The studios would want to capitalize on that. The real question is do we get the first three by the time the fourth hits the big screen in May, or when it is released on disc this fall? I would wager fall.
post #135 of 164
2/16/08 at 1:43pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zack Gibbs
I don't believe for a second Spielberg approved of Universal dropping the original version of E.T in its single disc release, which only included the '02 re-release cut-- especially when you take into account he delayed the original DVD release to make sure ALL versions would include the original cut of the film and is on record saying he regrets the changes he made in '02.
I've never heard Spielberg say he regrets the changes made to E.T.. Hallelujah if he's seen the error of his ways, but do you have a source where I can read that quote for myself? Strange, if he truly did regret those changes, that he wouldn't have had the 2002 version go out-of-print rather than allow the 1982 version to do so...
post #136 of 164
2/16/08 at 1:47pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Harbaugh
In normal circumstances I would agree but the difference is that this time there is a new movie in the series coming out. The studios would want to capitalize on that.
Whenever Indy comes out on Blu Ray, it's going to sell whether there's a new movie or not. If Indy IV never existed, the Indy trilogy will sell just as good when it is released. Since LFL waited years to release DVDs of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, I can't imagine them changing a massively profitable plan and deciding to go with a plan that will result in them selling a fraction of what they would if they wait a few years.

All that being said, I'd love to be wrong.
post #137 of 164
2/16/08 at 2:13pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
On that note, we've suddenly begun hearing from retail sources that Paramount Blu-ray titles have just begin appearing in their inventory software as "on order" or "available for pre-order," including Blades of Glory and Transformers. Yes, you read that right.

A BD insider verified that the Transformers Disc is a BD50 using AVC video compression and lossless PCM sound.

post #138 of 164
2/16/08 at 2:36pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

My Indy prediction...

Only Skull this Q4

Box set of all 4 & all 4 separately Christmas 09 at the earliest
post #139 of 164
2/16/08 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
You have been badly informed about the state of BD replication if you think this will be the case. There is not going to be any trouble coping with demand for BD25 or BD50 discs, the capacity is all in place and it will increase by around 600% by October this year. I don't know where all of the doom mongering came from with regards to BD50 replication (I can guess though...) but it really is not required.

This isn't blu-ray.com. It isn't even AVS, for that matter. You claim to be some sort of insider yet you are long on talk but short on specifics. You, like all of the BDA, have had no shortage of generalities and promises but when it comes time to actually produce, all we have seen is an incomplete spec, players that are incapable of playing discs without constant upgrades, and now an entire generation of players that will not play advanced features that have been foisted on an unsuspecting public. As for BD50 production, you may claim everything is great, but the reality on the street is continual delays in releases, the vast majority of which are, golly gee, BD50s.

So, here's a suggestion. How about unless you have something specific to say, you say nothing. You can preach faith to the devout followers on blu-ray.com. Over here, I'd like to see something a little more concrete. When I post a rumor, I at least have the courtesy to call it that.

BTW, while I'm busting your balls, I'll also suggest you pass along to all your buddies in the BDA that just because HD DVD lost does not mean Blu-ray won. Think about that.
post #140 of 164
2/16/08 at 3:47pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim_K
This is one of the weirdest threads I've ever read in this area and that's saying something.

Personally I have serious doubts we'll be getting High Def versions of the Indy films on either format. It took 6 years for Indy to come out on DVD so I do expect another long, long wait. Not only that, none of these studios seem all that anxious to put out any of their A-list catalog titles (or just catalog titles period) let alone flagship titles like this.

Color me extremely pessimistic.

I'd love to be wrong though.

Well the only difference is that there was no new Indy film coming to theaters then. It wouldn't surprise me either way.

Doug
post #141 of 164
2/16/08 at 3:49pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Well, that was uncalled for....
post #142 of 164
2/16/08 at 3:52pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxpower1987
You have been badly informed about the state of BD replication if you think this will be the case. There is not going to be any trouble coping with demand for BD25 or BD50 discs, the capacity is all in place and it will increase by around 600% by October this year. I don't know where all of the doom mongering came from with regards to BD50 replication (I can guess though...) but it really is not required.


I'll believe that when I see it. There have been far to many empty promises from the BDA and from BD exclusive studios for me to just accept that with out some serious skepticism.

Doug
post #143 of 164
2/16/08 at 3:58pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert George
This isn't blu-ray.com. It isn't even AVS, for that matter.

You almost fooled me though with your little rant.
post #144 of 164
2/16/08 at 4:08pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxpower1987
I don't know where all of the doom mongering came from with regards to BD50 replication (I can guess though...)
Yes, it was Fox, on one of the occasions when they explained why another title (I think it was Master & Commander) was delayed again.

(M&C has been delayed once again recently, BTW. I had to approve the delay of my order for the second time at Amazon last week.)

This was a few months ago, so the situation may have improved since then, but we need to wait and see how many BD50 titles really meet the shelves in 2008. I think Robert George is right to express some worry about that. (Just contradicting it won't do, of course!)


Cees
post #145 of 164
2/16/08 at 4:09pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

I appear to have missed something in this thread.

Could someone tell me who Maxpower1987 is, and what his credentials are, please?

(Heck, perhaps Maxpower1987 could introduce himself, for those of us who don't frequent other Home Theater boards!)
post #146 of 164
2/16/08 at 4:10pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Now that the format war is more or less over (thank the right sentient upstairs!!), I actually expect Paramount to seriously look at working with Lucasfilm on releasing all four Indiana Jones films on Blu-ray format by early 2009. They'll clean up the master video for 1080p VC-1 or AVC compression, and of course will include a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 or 6.1 soundtrack.

(Poster's note: why Dolby TrueHD instead of DTS Master Audio? The reason is simple: Lucasfilm is a HUGE supporter of the Dolby Digital audio encoding formats; that's why the three Star Wars prequels were released with only Dolby Digital EX soundtracks.)
post #147 of 164
2/16/08 at 4:11pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cees Alons
This was a few months ago, so the situation may have improved since then,

Demand would be much higher in Q4, of course, so it may have been a problem then... now, not so much.

No doubt there'll be a lot of HD DVD duplicators having to re-consider whether they now want to invest in Blu-ray equipment. There should be a lot more capacity by the end of the year.
post #148 of 164
2/16/08 at 4:19pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Demand would be much higher in Q4, of course
No doubt.
But coming Q4 the demands would hopefully even be substantially higher...


Cees
post #149 of 164
2/16/08 at 5:13pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon Conway
Well, that was uncalled for....

What? That didn't sound "open-minded" to you?

post #150 of 164
2/16/08 at 5:17pm

Re: "I Heard" Something Interesting

Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianK
Could someone tell me who Maxpower1987 is, and what his credentials are, please?
With a name like Max Power, you don't ask for credentials, you just strap yourself in and feel the g-forces!

Or, at least, that's what Homer Simpson said...
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