Paramount and DreamWorks Animation Each Declare Exclusive Support for HD DVD
Does this mean all Paramount previous releases in BD will stop and become collectible?
GCI Group, a Los Angeles-based public relations firm, began calling reporters (including this one) to tell them that a Hollywood news blog was reporting that HD DVD supporters gave Paramount $100 million in "promotional considerations" to dump Blu-ray.
Does GCI Group has to go down so low to make a press conference & throw allegations at HD DVD? They can call it Promo consideration, marketing campaign, etc...so what's the fuzz?? Can't they just respect Paramount's decision?
Well, what can you expect? The CGI Group is the promotions arm of the BR camp.
I expect them to do better than that. They should defend & counter attack based on Paramount's explanation:
"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."
Other studios may follow Paramount's foot step. Well, for starters they should reinstate & justify why BD is still the best HD format in term of quality, value, etc...not just by throwing out low & cheap blow noh?
Call it a bribe or not, HD DVD aint going anywhere anytime soon. I may have supported the HD DVD exclusively at first, but my love for movies and preference for watching them in high definition ultimately led me to adopt both format.
If you have adopted and can afford it (Im pretty sure some can), going neutral is the way to go....and its better than feeling shortchanged and b**chin about how Paramount have betrayed Blu-ray.
You should see some posters reacting violently that they are saying they will only buy SD discs for now and support HD downloads. As for me I would rather choose a single format but this just goes to show that its not over yet.Yes. This is bad news for those sitting on the fence anticipating the format war to end. Humaba pa lalo ito. The way I see it, some will be discouraged and stay SD, or some will just adopt coz they see that the war aint going anytime soon.
I agree. And I don't recall the Toshiba camp responding with BR bribes when Target and Blockbuster announced exclusivity to BR. But that's Sony et al for you. All this talk about MS bribes to the tune of $150M are all unsubstantiated anyway. Amirm at AVSforum have denied these allegations. Ofcourse.
Me too, at first I really want to choose a single format. But analyzing then how the war would pan out, I decided to go dual coz I just cant bear not watching movies I love just because of format exclusivity.
You should see some posters reacting violently that they are saying they will only buy SD discs for now and support HD downloads. As for me I would rather choose a single format but this just goes to show that its not over yet.
Actually, last week I decided na to be Neutral & about to place my first BD titles. But now reading BDA's reaction..hmm..I might stick with one format & buy SD DVD na lang for those "non-HD movies" :P
Yes, going Neutral is the safest bet (or is it? ;D) provided if we an afford it (another words: our wallets now get twice burned! ;D). Whichever format wins, we still win...No more sakit ulo, no more worry...just the opportunity to enjoy the best of both HD worlds. ;)yes. thats why I just cant understand why BD fanboys (who certainly have massive BD collections already) in other forums who can afford to go neutral are bitchin about the recent announcement. Just go get the $200 HD DVD player and get all the HD movies you want.............
yes. thats why I just cant understand why BD fanboys (who certainly have massive BD collections already) in other forums who can afford to go neutral are b**chin about the recent announcement.
Just go get the $200 HD DVD player and get all the HD movies you want.............
That's why they're called fanboys. ;DYer right!!! hehehehe.......my huge mistake..............
If they did that, they won't be called fanboys no more.
i'll also be paying attention to that. i don't want to end up with hd-dvd or blu-ray discs when downloads become viable.
this new announcement gives me further encouragement to sit out this so-called format war (which was always a microsoft vs. sony war, regardless of the smoke and mirrors that both camps use).
I just cant see any logic why you should be a fanboy instead and whine about Paramount for making such a decision, when those fanboys can afford to go neutral and watch all those HD movies peacefully at their homes instead......
Downloadable contents outside the US? Give me the proper internet infrastructure and get rid of that darned region locking. At PinoyXbox, a lot of members in the Philippines took 1/3 of a day to download Bioshock's 1.0Gb demo. It took me less than 10 minutes (great), yet, I have no access at all to all HD movie/TV show trailers and contents. Buying the disk is still the way to go.
I just cant see any logic why you should be a fanboy instead and whine about Paramount for making such a decision, when those fanboys can afford to go neutral and watch all those HD movies peacefully at their homes instead......
I recently watched 300 on HD DVD and the plot reminds me of this latest development in the so called HD format wars, except that instead of King Leonidas and his faithful 299 (1 lived to tell the story right) dying to inspire Sparta, he "probably" bribed his council to support an all-out war against the 30K strong Persians. (or the beautiful queen slept with all the councilmen and elders). At the end of the day still outnumbered, but with so much better odds :)hehehe.......we'll never know.....King Xerxes might bribe Warner to go BD exclusive...........kaput!!! ;D ;D
sabi nga ni sir AV....fanboyism defies all logic......but yes...its ridiculous and amusing at the same time...
I can understand fanboyism in terms of gaming but when it comes to HD Hollywood, it's ridiculous (but amusing) in my opinion.
I think this is the safest way to go. It is not as if going upscaled DVD on your HDTV is crap by comparison. Upscaling done right still gives gorgeous images. I have never really seen any reason to support a half-baked BR from the start. ;D
For those who have HD, SD is crap. Every adopter of either format will tell you the SD is blurred and out of focus compared to HD. No matter how great your upsclaed DVD is, it a no contest...
Michael Bay responds to Paramount's abandonment of Blu-ray: "No Transformers 2 for me!"Hehe..thats ok Michael Bay, usually the 2nd and 3rd movies sucks anyway, First is always the best haha..Just my opinion ;D Also easy for him to say but once the money is at the table and possibility of making millions I dont think he will give a crap if its blu-ray or whatever format it will come out.
So by now you've heard that Paramount has dropped support for Blu-ray right? Good, so has a notable Hollywood director. Michael Bay -- the man behind "Transformers," "Bad Boys," "Pear Harbor," etc. -- just threw down with Paramount in his personal blog. In a forum post titled "Paramount pisses me off!", he states, "I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!" That's right Mike, aim your PS3 right at their coffers!
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no-t/ (http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no-t/)
The only thing im ticked off with hddvd is why their movies are still at 19.95, while bd have some already at 17.95 and 14.95.
Just noticed that BDs now priced $17.95 at Amazon.com are Paramount movies. The recently released The Untouchables BD, which I got for $19.95 is now down to $17.95. I emailed amazon about it & I got a $2 refund :)Ya amazon is sooo cool, It happened to me also once with standard dvd. Price went down in a couple of weeks after I bought it and they refunded me also for the diff. Cool talaga amazon..They know how to satisfy customers.
Josh,
Thank you for your email. I will answer your questions as best I can.
1 - As far as we can tell here in marketing, this exclusive deal could last as long as 18 months. I spoke to my director earlier today and even she does not have all the details of this agreement. She did mention we have a lot of clauses which would allow us to release certain films on Blu-ray during this time period.
2 - I cannot comment on this question.
3 - Right now it looks like all announced Blu-ray titles will be or have been canceled. As I mentioned before you still may see some Blu-ray releases in the next 18 months though. I can not get in to the details of that possibility though.
4 - Actually we were as surprised as everyone else today when we found out about agreement with HD-DVD. We found out when we arrived to work today and there had been no rumors at all circulating. I think it surprised us all because we have been working on producing and marketing Blu-ray versions of films such Blades, Face/Off, Top Gun, etc. through the end of last week. I can tell you we have received many calls today from various talent and certain directors voicing their displeasure with this decision. We even had VP's of other studios calling in from what I hear. I have never seen this type of atmosphere in the office. In a way we were on damage control throughout the day. That is really all I can tell you for now.
Take care Josh!
XXXXXX XXXXXXX
Publicity & Marketing
Paramount Home Entertainment
310.xxx.xxxx direct
[email protected]
------ Message
From: Joshua Noyes <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:40:49 -0700 (PDT)
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: HD-DVD
XXXXXX,
I have a couple of questions regarding you guys going HD-DVD exclusive today. As you can imagine it was a big surprise to many of us.
1. Is this exclusivity indefinite or for a limited time frame?
2. The rumor circulating AVS is that Microsoft has contributed money to Paramount to go exclusive. Is this true?
3. Will certain announced movies still be released on Blu-ray? What about Transformers & Indiana Jones?
4. How long have you or your department known that this deal was being negotiated?
Thanks!
~Josh
Hi-Def Preview
www.hidefpreview.com
You should see some posters reacting violently that they are saying they will only buy SD discs for now and support HD downloads.
By the way Paul, you can take out na the blue cover for transformers hehe..Red nalang..Show it to me again baby....Guys, This is just all in good fun.. ;D
Planning to go high def with a PS3 (and bd), but this new uncertainty means I'll wait some more...
Hi Ray, the Transformer art cover I did is always in RED. ;Dnice work paul....hehe
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/763241612_e311eac1a2_m.jpg) (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/762381413_92ff2080ef_m.jpg)
Paramount’s agreement to use only HD DVD is limited to only 18 months.
For those who have HD, SD is crap. Every adopter of either format will tell you the SD is blurred and out of focus compared to HD. No matter how great your upsclaed DVD is, it a no contest...
Michael Bay responds to Paramount's abandonment of Blu-ray: "No Transformers 2 for me!"
If this is indeed true, then this is one of the best things to come out of that Paramount/Dreamworks move!
Resist supporting an inferior technology for one or two movies, and enjoy the countless classics currently on and coming soon to Blu-ray. The best Hollywood studios, most respected producers and directors, and even Paramount's own engineering staff prefer Blu-ray over HD DVD. They all have voices, and not even $150B will be enough to silence them all.
Source (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=419)
OK, here it is. As far as the Spielberg situation goes, it is true that any of his movies on Paramount:
Indiana Jones Trilogy
Saving Private Ryan
War of the Worlds
If released in the next 12 months will be on Blu-ray exclusively or dual-format. She has worked directly with the Spielberg camp for some time now and she has the understanding that Spielberg has the same agreement with his titles on Universal. So this means that when the following films are released in HDM, they will be on both formats if this agreement holds:
ET
Jurassic Park
Jaws
Now on to the suprising part of the phone call. She mentioned that several Directors, including Michael Bay, Francis Ford Coppola and even James Cameron have voiced their frustration to Paramount with this decision. She said she would not be surprised to see similar agreements reached with Coppola and Cameron as what has been reached with Spielberg.
Does this mean if The Godfather Trilogy and Titanic are released on HDM they will be on both formats? I do not know, but it seems like these Directors are going to put-up a fight.
She also mentioned that today they are getting more complaint calls from talent, producers and executives then yesterday. She said it is a madhouse right now. She also mentioned they recieved thousands of emails from Paramount customers over the past 24 hours voicing their displeasure for this decision.
That is all I have for now. I am going to leave her be for a few days as I can tell she is VERY busy. I may contact her again on Friday.
It will be very intersting to see how all of this falls out. I am starting to have my doubts that Paramount will be HD-DVD exclusive for a year IMO.
~Josh
Such is the life of a rumor reporter...he's not always going to get it right. If that bothers you, probably best to not read his stuff. But some of us like to see it, so if you please...
It is statements like this that totally throw out the window the little credibility left for that article. If there's one format that has inferior technology, it's BR as it doesn't have interactive PiP features until the BDJ1.1 comes out late this year and that no current standalone player will even support it, making them all obsolete. And let's not forget that Paramount was initially HD DVD exclusive and while I never thought about it, this time I have to ask if Sony didn't bribe Paramount to go to neutral.sounds more like a whining fanboy to me......
I hate what is happening. I cancelled all my paramount orders SD and HD.
I will definitely ignore their releases. They should be ashamed.
I'm confused...didn't Paramount/Dreamworks cancel your blu-ray orders for you? Just grab a HD-DVD player and you can still pre-order those HD movies.
It is statements like this that totally throw out the window the little credibility left for that article. If there's one format that has inferior technology, it's BR as it doesn't have interactive PiP features until the BDJ1.1 comes out late this year and that no current standalone player will even support it, making them all obsolete. And let's not forget that Paramount was initially HD DVD exclusive and while I never thought about it, this time I have to ask if Sony didn't bribe Paramount to go to neutral.
So today I saw 300 on HD, it rocks! So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!
Michael Bay
Alas, the good news was short lived. ;D
..They should start worrying when warner goes hddvd exclusive ;D
Moral lesson: Dont count the eggs when its not hatched..
I find blu-ray fanboys and the articles coming out regarding this paramount on all sites really funny...When blu-ray is way up there, they are laughing how hddvd should import their stuff to get the titles they want (Phrases like good luck importing etc etc). Now they are arguing they can do this.question sirs.....
If you own a US/japan/asian ps3 you can import within these territories (except china), Europe has a different region code i think. Not sure if there are any region free blu-ray titles though.yeah.....its pretty vague to me too... ???
I wont be surprised if Warner goes HD DVD exclusive........if we dont see the Matrix trilogy, Batman Begins and other Warner HD DVD exclusives in Blu-ray versions this year......speculations would surely swell about a big announcement.
Pero sabi nga ni sir Moks...
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136253-c,dvdtechnology/article.html
Paramount's CTO on Why His Studio Is Dumping Blu-ray
Thanks it was a good read.I agree. And pretty sensible and no mudslinging compared to other news releases.
Its all about the benjamins ::) One advantage of cheaper manufacturing (in this case hd dvd) is this gives leverage if a price war ensues.and leverage for better earnings for them too.... but less savings for us.. :-\
That 18-month thing was just a rumor. Part of the alleged $150M deal.Yeah...part of the big propaganda machine I guess....
Originally Posted by beatboy77
Guys I am around 24 to 48 hours away from being able to report a MAJOR Blu-ray announcement. I have learned today from a BDA insider that this Paramount development was actually a pre-emptive strike to counter a soon to be made MAJOR annoucement from the BDA.
Assuming everything falls in place as this insider expects, it will be the biggest shot fired thus far in this format war. If this contract can be secured by the BDA this will be the end of this format war, no doubt.
As soon as I get the OK, I will post here in the Blu-ray section. If this happens it gives me new hope that HDM will survive.
~Josh
Interesting. But what's HDM? And what does he mean by "HDM will survive?" And is that the same beatboy77 from avsforum? TIA.I think HDM is "highdef media"........and I think yes, thats from that guy......a guy who also said the statement below...
Originally Posted by beatboy77
Yes, the Paramount announcement was nice for HD-DVD, however it just awoke the sleeping giant of Fox. I mean Blu-ray has gathered a 65/35 or 70/30 lead throughout this year with basically Fox and WB not on their side. Now with Fox and WB back, I think we will continue to see Blu-ray software sales increase their lead week over week. I think by the end of the 4th Qtr Blu-ray will have won 80:20. I just do not see as much impact from the Paramount announcement as some others do.
Eitherway, if the BDA can finalize this contract that I am privy too, the Paramount announcment will be nothing more then a moot point anyway. And if they do not finalize it, it will just drag this format war on for several additional months, with still Blu-ray winning in the end anyway IMO.
~Josh
Maybe the announcement will be Fox will release 500 movies by the end of the year.. ;D
or Sony will release a dual format player.. :P
Well lets just wait and see, its his credibility that will be affected if his "big news" does not pan out.there's a new thread that just popped out there at AVS...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=895158 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=895158)
Never thought I would see the day in which he even acknowledged HD-DVD could win, he's also hinting at some insider HD-DVD news. What's your take on this turn of events?
To the whiners,
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/images/300/baby_crying_closeup.jpg)
Well lets just wait and see, its his credibility that will be affected if his "big news" does not pan out.
Since Fox/MGM have already announced their impressive Qtr 4 schedule release, thus all BD fanboys should be more than happy. So there's no need for whining & teeth gnashing dba... ;D
he has an escape clause. first he hides behind the clearance from his source to divulge the deal, and leaves open the possibility the deal won't push through in which case he simply states that the format will just be prolonged.beatboy is getting the bashing right now at bluray.com........and from BD fanboys at that
Most of you guys crack me up Although the personal attacks from several does get old.
Anyway I have tried my best not to build this annoucement to "monumental" levels as a recent post suggests. The news I am sitting on is very positive news for Blu-ray, however it is NOT finalized and until it is I will not post any of this development.
I should have an update on the situation this afternoon. I hope to be able to report something within a day or two. If the deal does not close, I will of course not report it.
I have posted details about other "on-going/being negotiated" deals in the past and some of those deals did not pan out. I will not make that type of mistake again. I admit, sometimes I let my excitement in these dealings get the best of me.
~Josh
So many off-topic posts and attacks, I can't tell what the topic was. However, I can tell you what it is: Closed.:P :P :P
My question for the new blu-ray movies to be released is if all the interactive features will work on all blu-ray players.in my knowledge, the first gen BD players are not bd-java compliant. Im not even sure if my PS3 can also play all the new interactive features......I maybe wrong though.
My question for the new blu-ray movies to be released is if all the interactive features will work on all blu-ray players.
there's a new thread that just popped out there at AVS...
Is Beatboy conceding? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=895169)
WOW, an entire thread devoted to me
As some of you long-time members here know, I started as a dedicated HD-DVD supporter. I was one of the first on the board to get the HD-A1 (Got it a few days before release). I was and am very happy with the quality of HD-DVD as it is superior to DVD. I then began buying discs and quite frankly was shocked at how poor catalog sales were. This scared me as my ultimate goal is for HDM to survive. The idea of HD downloads makes me cringe and makes my stomach turn.
Then Blu-ray came and immeadiately took control of the sales. I bought a cople of PS3's and was blown-away at how well it works as a Blu-ray player, lets face it guys, the PS3 is the cream of the crop in-terms of HD playback.
I then began to analyze the situation and I came to the conclusion that in order for HDM to survive, we needed one unified format to battle the true giant, DVD. To me, Blu-ray was and still is the means to that goal.
I will go on record as saying this; I absolutely DO NOT CARE who wins this format war, as long as the war is over SOON. I just want HDM around for atleast 8 to 10 more years.
This Paramount decision I fear has served its purpose perfectly, it will do nothing but prolong this war even further. Beleive me, Microsoft and Apple are both smiling from ear to ear.
For anyone who thinks Microsoft has HD-DVD's best interests in mind, I challenge you to measure their loyalty to the format once HD download takes off. I know without a doubt Microsoft will drop HD-DVD support quickly when this happens. I mean has Microsoft ever done the right thing?
So what does the future hold now? I personally (as of 6:30 p.m. MST) think WB will not go exclusive any time soon. They will lose TotalHD and it may give HD-DVD the boost it needs to surpass Blu-ray in software sales. Does Microsoft want either side to dominate? Absolutely Not. Microsoft wants as much parity for as long as possible.
The big Blu-ray news? It is on hold awaiting WB's decision on studio support. Basically if WB's stays neutral, the development should be announced soon, if WB goes exclusive, the development is most likely dead. Only time will tell at this point.
Listen guys, I respect all (well most) of you and I in a weird way consider all of you my brothers, "Brothers In HD" if you will I think it is time to stop all of the personall attacks from each side because we are all really not that different at all. We just prefer a different flavor of wine, yet we are all wine lovers. As long as this war can wrap up soon it is better for all of us.
Now off to research more 52" LCD's. Any suggestions?
~Josh
The only announcement I could think of that will end the war is for Warner/New Line and Universal to go BD exclusive.
Meron naman pala Transformers sa Blu-ray eh.....for those who want to import....its 14.99 pounds
(http://images.play.com/covers/3434060x.jpg)
Play.com UK (http://www.play.com/DVD/Blu-ray/4-/3434060/Transformers-The-Ultimate-Edition/Product.html#)
beatboy is getting the bashing right now at bluray.com........and from BD fanboys at thatGood for him!! :P
Isnt this the old cartoon version?
If im microsoft, with all the money that they have, I will offer warner brothers and talk to disney and lionsgate. If warner goes exclusive and disney and lionsgate at least go neutral (better if exclusive haha), Man partys over. We will have a video/picture of Sony's president pissing in his pants. And in December have standalones at 199. There is no stopping them. The reward will be great for Microsoft and toshiba in the end. Think about it Microsoft.
yes it is. the 1986 animated movie...
Isnt this the old cartoon version?
Oh man we are very curious of the D-Day news on Fri (Sat our time).... 8)we'll take it as it is now.....rumors. But I wouldnt mind waking up to some big news come Saturday morning...but surprises are better...just like the Paramount news.. ;D ;D
If I were Warner, I will just accept the $225M na lang. Warner can easily put a trial period term clause on it like 18 months, etc dba... :P :P
The only hitch is that Warner is also a BDA board member who also earns royalties from BD sales. Paramount is just a contributing member.
Because Warner is also a member of the DVD Forum.
But I wouldnt mind waking up to some big news come Saturday morning...but surprises are better...just like the Paramount news.. ;D ;D
True, but I think they realize and can't accept that between the two, they are the first format that lost a studio right in the thick of battle. Two actually.
About the Paramount/Dreamworks/HD DVD issue, director Michael Bay originally wrote on a blog post:
"I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!"
Michael Bay quickly changed his mind, then wrote:
"Last night at dinner I was having dinner with three Blu-ray owners. They were pissed about no Transformers Blu-ray, and I drank the Kool-Aid hook, line and sinker. So at 1:30 in the morning I posted -- nothing good ever comes out of early AM posts, mind you -- I over reacted. I heard where Paramount is coming from and the future of HD and players that will be close to the $200 mark which is the magic number. I like what I heard.
As a director, I'm all about people seeing films in the best quality possible, and I saw and heard firsthand people upset about a corporate decision.
So today I saw 300 on HD, it rocks!
So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!"
========================================================
A Director Sounds Off, but Is Soon Reassured
By BROOKS BARNES
The New York Times
Published: August 27, 2007
It used to be much easier for Hollywood to keep its employees under lockdown, so to speak. Faced with a volatile director who has trouble staying away from a microphone? Attach an attack-dog publicist to his hip and — presto! — problem solved.
But the blog age has made it more difficult, as Paramount learned the hard way last week.
Paramount said last Monday that it would exclusively support one of two technologies competing to replace standard DVDs. Instead of picking Blu-ray, Paramount chose the HD DVD format.
It was ho-hum, and back to the pool party as far as Hollywood was concerned. But the director of “Transformers,” Michael Bay, had something else in mind.
Back from a night out with some friends — three of them passionate Blu-ray owners — Mr. Bay fired up his computer and posted a cranky note on his Web site, announcing he had no intention of directing a sequel to “Transformers.”
Paramount executives held an urgent meeting via telephone. They were more bewildered than anything: Rob Moore, the studio’s global distribution chief, had given the director advance notice about the DVD deal, explaining why it made good sense.
Mr. Moore called Mr. Bay to re-explain the decision, urging him to watch the Spartan saga “300,” which Warner Brothers had just released on both HD DVD and Blu-ray.
Mr. Bay promised to post a revised comment on his blog, although he did not move as quickly as the studio would have liked.
He wrote: “At 1:30 in the morning I posted nothing good ever comes out of early AM posts, mind you I over reacted. So today I saw ‘300’ on HD, it rocks! So I think I might be back on to do ‘Transformers 2’!”
As Paramount might have posted on its blog, if it had one: Whew!
Nickerson will exit Warner high-def post
By Thomas K. Arnold
Aug 24, 2007
... This news item caught some HD people to speculate that it may have something to do with recent developments in the format war. I wonder if it has anything to do with Warner jumping ship either way soon. ...