Warner's goes Blu-Ray Exclusively!

[Ktrek]

Well, the biggest and probably the best studio in Hollywood has made the big decision to go Blu-Ray exclusive. They have, up until now, been releasing in both formats and I think this will be a huge boost in the format war and for Blu-Ray in particular. It's a good thing that Paramount's exclusive on HD-DVD was for only 18 months because I think at the end of that time they will be making the switch! I probably have far more Warner titles in my library than any other studio. So, for me this is great news! Here is an article about it:

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/boost-for-blu-ray-warner-bros-will-release-high-def-titles-exclusively-in-that-format/

Kevin

[Rico]

All I'll say is.....

FRAK!

[jedijeff]

A friend of mine sent me an email about this yesterday, and to be honest, I still plan to follow through with purchasing an HD-DVD player in the next few weeks. I have my Star Trek season 1 and some other HD-DVD's, and I can get a cheap HD-DVD player for around 200 dollars, so if HD-DVD does go away, it is not like I invested a fortune in it. Like mentioned before, nothing saying they will not come out with a player that plays both. If not, it is not the end of the world to have two players. I know after Christmas, Walmart up in Canada was selling Blu-Ray and HD-DVD movies quite inexpensively, so if I have to re buy some again for Blu-Ray, I suspect by that time they will be more well priced. Alternatively, I guess if there is someway to read HD-DVD's and copy them to a drive or set top box, might be alright as well. I don't expect this format war is over quite yet, and if Blu-Ray does win out, they may make drives to accommodate people with HD-DVD content, so no biggie.

[Rico]

I pretty much agree Jeff.  I also maintain even if HD-DVD titles ever stop being made (and I mean if), I still say that future players will be able to play ALL formats.  So I'm not really too upset by this. 

[Ktrek]

I suppose it's possible that HD-DVD discs will still continue to be made by not by 6 of the 7 major studios and I presume that the last hold out will switch camps asap. From what I understand the Paramount Board of Directors minutes that they were very unhappy with Paramount's management making the decision to go HD-DVD. I'm sure their stock holders are not at all pleased either. So, we'll wait and see but I think you guys might be dreaming and not really seeing the facts clearly enough. I'll wait for the soon coming Blu-Ray release of Star Trek.

Kevin

[Rico]

Ktrek - not create a big thing again, but there's more than one movie studio still doing HD-DVD besides Paramount.  Here are some still doing HD-DVD:  Paramount, Universal, New Line, Dreamworks, and a few others.  I'll grant you it's not a big list, but it's more than one studio.  Not to mention Microsoft.  They support HD-DVD and I could easily see that taking off easier in the PC market than Blu-Ray.  Cheaper hardware for one thing.  Cheaper blank discs for another.

[Geekyfanboy]

HD DVD Camp Reacts to WB's Blu-ray Announcement
Source: HD DVD Promotion Group
January 5, 2008


The HD DVD Promotion Group has made two announcements following Warner Bros.' decision to go Blu-ray Disc exclusive for High Definition titles (and New Line is going Blu-ray only as well with WB):

The companies of the HD DVD Promotion Group today issued a statement in response to the decision by Warner Home Video to exclusively back the Blu-ray format:

"While Warner's decision is a setback for HD DVD, the consumer has benefited from HD DVD's commitment to quality and affordability -- a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format. We believe widespread adoption of a next generation format will ultimately be determined by the consumer."

If you ask us, the HD DVD camp is reaching here. We don't think they'll be able to recover from losing Warner Bros. Entertainment as well. With Blu-ray Disc now gaining a 70% share of the market compared to HD DVD's 30%, we wouldn't be surprised if announcements from Paramount/DreamWorks and Universal (the only two studios on HD DVD's side) will come sometime down the road saying that they will either go Blu-ray exclusive or release in both formats.

The HD DVD Promotion Group was planning a big press conference on sunday at the Consumer Electronics Association (CES) in Las Vegas, but that has been cancelled now:

Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD's commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.

We'll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.

[Blackride]

I guess the standards people are asking for may come sooner rather than later at this pace....

[Bryancd]

  They support HD-DVD and I could easily see that taking off easier in the PC market than Blu-Ray.  Cheaper hardware for one thing.  Cheaper blank discs for another.

Although as I have posted, Apple is rumored to be considering Blu-Ray drives for Mac's. Remember high end Mac's, as I'm sure Kenny can attest to, are the de defacto choice for the film industry. Apple may be responding to that market in their decision. Apple also has the corner on fashionable high end desired gear, so their decision could be another nail in the coffin long term for HD-DVD.

[Blackride]

Although as I have posted, Apple is rumored to be considering Blu-Ray drives for Mac's. Remember high end Mac's, as I'm sure Kenny can attest to, are the de defacto choice for the film industry. Apple may be responding to that market in their decision. Apple also has the corner on fashionable high end desired gear, so their decision could be another nail in the coffin long term for HD-DVD.

Very good points. I was trying to make that point also. Apple is not for the budget minded consumer. You pay a lot for the name of Apple. That is OK with me as that is also their marketing strategy.

I honestly do not care which format wins since I am one of the stange people out there that bought both. I kinda like BluRay more just because I have always been a Sony supporter but beyond that just give me a great pic and sound and I am happy.

[Doraz the loon]

Hi

If you want a Blue Ray player you could just invest in a PS3 as they play Blue Ray discs. You would also be getting a cool games console as well...

Personally I am sticking with boring old normal DVDs for the time being. HD (of whatever kind) gear will need to be alot cheaper before I splash out on it.

[Blackride]

Hi

If you want a Blue Ray player you could just invest in a PS3 as they play Blue Ray discs. You would also be getting a cool games console as well...

Yep only thing you loose is DTS HD.

[Ktrek]

New Lime has now announced they are going Blu-Ray exclusive! OK Rico! Now what do you say? And BTW Paramount/Dreamworks are the same so basically only Paramount and Universal remain. I read also that there is likely a clause in Paramount's contract with Toshiba that would give them an out if Warner went exclusive. These companies have looked at the figures and can see where market demand is heading and Blu-Ray is likely the desisive victor at this point. That is unless some very major changes and upredictable circumstances occur soon! 70% of the market share is HUGE! Here is the article from Blu-Ray.com:

Blu-ray news

New Line Shifts to Blu-ray Exclusivity
Posted January 5, 2008 by Wondermaker

Following Warner's lead, sister company New Line has confirmed that it will support Blu-ray Disc high def releases exclusively. New Line has previously delayed their day-and-date new releases on HD DVD due to the format's lack of region coding, effectively making titles such as Shoot 'em Up, Hairspray, and Rush Hour 3 exclusive to Blu-ray. Although a 2008 release slate for the studio has not been released, an announcement may be possible at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Kevin

[Blackride]

The only sad point about this is that Blu-Ray prices still need to fall for people to really start adopting it.

[Geekyfanboy]

Since I have neither what are the price ranges for HD DVD and Blu-Ray DVD?