Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive

[impala454]

Starting in May 2008 all Warner High Def movies will be released in Blu-ray only.

I just read it on the Houston Chronicle website, but I'm sure there's lots of others http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5428816.html

Here's a full Reuters article:http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv...32340820080104

Fri Jan 4, 2008 4:04pm EST
NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc's (TWX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Warner Bros studio on Friday said it would exclusively release high-definition DVDs in Sony Corp's (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) Blu-ray format, dealing a big blow to Toshiba Corp's (6502.T: Quote, Profile, Research) rival HD DVD technology.

Warner Bros, Hollywood's biggest seller of DVDs, representing about 18 to 20 percent of sales in the United States, was one of the few studios that backed both formats.

All sides of the format war had agreed it was confusing to consumers and a stumbling block for a potential multibillion-dollar industry.

Total DVD unit sales fell 4.5 percent in 2007, the first major year-over-year decline since the disc format debuted in 1997, according to Adams Media Research. Sales fell 4.8 percent to $15.7 billion.

"The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger. We believe that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential for mass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and most importantly, consumers," Warner Bros Chairman and Chief Executive Barry Meyer said in a statement.

News Corp's (NWSa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Co (DIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research), and Lionsgate (LGF.N: Quote, Profile, Research) are among studios backing the Blu-ray format. Viacom Inc's (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Paramount studios and General Electric's (GE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) NBC Universal release movies in HD DVD format.

Warner said it would continue releasing in the HD DVD format until the end of May, although those releases would follow the standard DVD and Blu-ray releases.

[Ovation]

This is causing quite the stir over at AVS (as you can imagine). Disappointing, as I just got an A2 for Christmas, but just as I have many more SACDs on my "wish list" than I can afford, there are many HD DVDs available now that I want to add to my collection. I guess I'll be going "purple" a bit sooner than I'd anticipated (Warner's make a lot of films I enjoy) but even if HD DVD become purely a niche format, I'm fine with that (as I'm fine with DVD-A and SACD being niche formats).

[impala454]

It doesn't bother me too much as I am already "purple" and have equal amounts of movies on both formats. It will be interesting to see what happens from here and if/when the remaining HD-DVD exclusives switch.

[littlesaint]

Same here. I was debating on whether or not to add a blu-ray player. If prices nudge down a little lower, I'll be sold. I don't think this will end the "war" like the fanboys over at AVS are chanting, but at least now everyone's on one side or the other (European imports aside). There's too many deep pockets on both sides for this to matter too much and the real money maker for any studio is still DVD and will be for quite some time. That's the real "war" and no studio is going to drop DVD anytime soon.

[littlesaint]

It doesn't bother me too much as I am already "purple" and have equal amounts of movies on both formats. It will be interesting to see what happens from here and if/when the remaining HD-DVD exclusives switch.

Warner was not HD-DVD exclusive though. They released on both sides like Paramount. It's a lot different to simply stop producing one format than to jump ship all together. From a consumer standpoint its much better to have films in one format or the other. Having both (plus DVD) only confuses J6P and makes "purple people" indecisive on which way to go.

[impala454]

Oh I know they weren't exclusive, just worded a little wrong perhaps.

[Chris D]

Interesting... perhaps now we'll FINALLY get Matrix on BD?

[Race Car Driver]

Nice to hear, as I am planning on getting a PS3 here in the next month or so.

On a side note, while in the local Best Buy today, I saw twice as many rows of BluRay as HDDVD.....

[impala454]

Yeah I was at Fry's the other day and saw about 4 "sections" worth of BDs compared to 1 of HD-DVD. I definitely am a HD-DVD proponent, but owning both formats, I'm glad to see that hopefully the end of this silly format "war" is in sight.

[comeup]

I just posted a thread also we were thinking about this at the same time wow, I think I will be going blu-ray plus I like Pioneer products. Go Blu-Ray

[CupCak3]

I don't truely care for Sony but I'll probably soon enough just build an HTPC with a dual media drive.

[Azeke]

This is wonderful news, and further justifies my PS3 purchase .

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[PewterTA]

Funny that I still have about 1 1/2 times more HD-DVD because I like the movies there bettere than Blu-Ray. Not saying anything towards the format, but the kind of movies. That and getting them for $10 a piece doesn't hurt either... Blu-Ray needs to come down in prices, there's absolutely NO reason for the prices they are at (or for both formats for that matter).

If I can get all these "on-sale" for $10, then they should be $10! ha ha.

Still interesting, I think in the long run Blu-Ray will be around longer just for the fact of more space on the disc, but as far as quality, they both look and sound near identical. Stupid they lost out on SOOOO much money by doing a dual format war. Shows how idiotic the "big-wigs" of these companies are.

I'd sure rather have a lot of one thing, versus a little of half of the whole.

[littlesaint]

Stupid they lost out on SOOOO much money by doing a dual format war. Shows how idiotic the "big-wigs" of these companies are.

I'd sure rather have a lot of one thing, versus a little of half of the whole.

Have they really lost money because of it? Would Blu-ray discs sold more if it was the only format even with players above $400.00 and discs costing 2x? Doubtful. Look up how much HD sells and compare it to DVD. This is why this "war" is far from over and this announcement doesn't mean all that much except to people discussing about it on forums. HD is just a spec in the sales numbers. The real war is HD vs DVD, and DVD still wins hands down. Until you can actually show Universal and Paramount that they are losing money by sticking with HD-DVD, they are not going to change, and there's a lot of quality films coming out of those two studios that will still compel people to buy HD-DVD players if they want to see them.

[George Bellefontaine]

I'm reading elsewhere that many HD DVD Tosh player and software adopters are crying over their purchases. I still plan to buy a Tosh HD DVD player and a Panny BD30 Bluray player. As long as there are Paramount and Universal HD DVD titles to rent, I can use the Tosh. Other than that, the Tosh will become the dedicated player for my 1K plus collection of standrad dvds, thus increasing the lifespan of the Panny Bluray. My old Sony 7700 is long in the tooth and should be semi-retired to another room where it will make a great cd player.

[H.Donald]

Well I assume this is all good news if will bring about an end to this silly 'war'.
I purchased a Panny BD30 a few weeks ago...and have been very happy with it,so it is all good news for me.

[George Bellefontaine]

Well I assume this is all good news if will bring about an end to this silly 'war'.
I purchased a Panny BD30 a few weeks ago...and have been very happy with it,so it is all good news for me.

Glad to hear you like the Panny. I am picking up mine tomorrow.

[littlesaint]

Good points made here, and confirmation of what I've concluded. Studios are only paying lip service to these formats because neither sells. Neither will win. I'll still go purple when Warner stops HD-DVD, but it looks like Netflix might be on to something with their recent streaming announcement.

http://blogs.ign.com/DigiGod/2008/01/05/76138/

FTA:

"...By going Blu-ray, the odds of ending it sooner rather than later are increased. But if it starts to appear that the format war will not come to a speedy end -- Warner and other studios will almost certainly make other arrangements.

And if one of my sources is right -- they already have. As it happens, I brought this subject up with a very reputable, very reliable producer/distributor of independent and foreign films. His exact words to me were "As for the format wars, I wouldn't even worry about it. From what I'm told by a smart insider, the studios have already given up on the high-def formats last year and are just waiting for downloading to be a reality."

If that's true, it means both HD-DVD and Blu-ray have been relegated by their respective backers to simply being a niche, high-end format much like laserdisc once was. It means they have given up on ever making a full transition from SD to HD. It means that many films will never, ever, ever be released in any HD format. And for a lot of people -- that's good news. It means your regular DVD collection won't become obsolete, that more technology will get poured into improved upconverting logarithms which, eventually, could make a well-mastered regular DVD look better than high-def. But most importantly, it means that Blu-ray may become dominant -- but it will be dominant in a niche market that will continue to support two formats. And if you don't think that's realistic -- well, just look at Macs and PCs."

[Race Car Driver]

Good points made here, and confirmation of what I've concluded. Studios are only paying lip service to these formats because neither sells. Neither will win. I'll still go purple when Warner stops HD-DVD, but it looks like Netflix might be on to something with their recent streaming announcement.

http://blogs.ign.com/DigiGod/2008/01/05/76138/

FTA:

"...By going Blu-ray, the odds of ending it sooner rather than later are increased. But if it starts to appear that the format war will not come to a speedy end -- Warner and other studios will almost certainly make other arrangements.

And if one of my sources is right -- they already have. As it happens, I brought this subject up with a very reputable, very reliable producer/distributor of independent and foreign films. His exact words to me were "As for the format wars, I wouldn't even worry about it. From what I'm told by a smart insider, the studios have already given up on the high-def formats last year and are just waiting for downloading to be a reality."

If that's true, it means both HD-DVD and Blu-ray have been relegated by their respective backers to simply being a niche, high-end format much like laserdisc once was. It means they have given up on ever making a full transition from SD to HD. It means that many films will never, ever, ever be released in any HD format. And for a lot of people -- that's good news. It means your regular DVD collection won't become obsolete, that more technology will get poured into improved upconverting logarithms which, eventually, could make a well-mastered regular DVD look better than high-def. But most importantly, it means that Blu-ray may become dominant -- but it will be dominant in a niche market that will continue to support two formats. And if you don't think that's realistic -- well, just look at Macs and PCs."

So basicly what it is saying is BluRay will be dominant the HD format, for everyone else they can settle for good ol DVD.

My question/statement is this...
If there is more money in the "dominant" format, whats to stop the remaining few studios to make the switch....

Answer: Time

Buh Bye HDDVD.

/stir

Also, if these HD discs are niche markets, doesnt that make all 1080p sets niche markets also?

[Sdiver2489]

Good points made here, and confirmation of what I've concluded. Studios are only paying lip service to these formats because neither sells. Neither will win. I'll still go purple when Warner stops HD-DVD, but it looks like Netflix might be on to something with their recent streaming announcement.

http://blogs.ign.com/DigiGod/2008/01/05/76138/

FTA:

"...By going Blu-ray, the odds of ending it sooner rather than later are increased. But if it starts to appear that the format war will not come to a speedy end -- Warner and other studios will almost certainly make other arrangements.

And if one of my sources is right -- they already have. As it happens, I brought this subject up with a very reputable, very reliable producer/distributor of independent and foreign films. His exact words to me were "As for the format wars, I wouldn't even worry about it. From what I'm told by a smart insider, the studios have already given up on the high-def formats last year and are just waiting for downloading to be a reality."

If that's true, it means both HD-DVD and Blu-ray have been relegated by their respective backers to simply being a niche, high-end format much like laserdisc once was. It means they have given up on ever making a full transition from SD to HD. It means that many films will never, ever, ever be released in any HD format. And for a lot of people -- that's good news. It means your regular DVD collection won't become obsolete, that more technology will get poured into improved upconverting logarithms which, eventually, could make a well-mastered regular DVD look better than high-def. But most importantly, it means that Blu-ray may become dominant -- but it will be dominant in a niche market that will continue to support two formats. And if you don't think that's realistic -- well, just look at Macs and PCs."

Whoever wrote that doesn't know what they are talking about. It IS IMPOSSIBLE to make DVD look better than a good transfer onto HD media. Upconversion may be able to "fill in the gaps" but it can't add detail.

[littlesaint]

Whoever wrote that doesn't know what they are talking about. It IS IMPOSSIBLE to make DVD look better than a good transfer onto HD media. Upconversion may be able to "fill in the gaps" but it can't add detail.

It doesn't matter what looks best. It matters what the average consumer will pay for. If they can't tell the difference between a HD disc and a HD (or pseudo-HD) download, downloads will win. Cheaper and more convenient. And before anyone shouts DRM, you might want to check out all the security built into Blu-ray. Region encodes is just the tip of the iceberg.

Way back when SACD came out, it was supposed to kill CDs. Not only did CDs survive, but MP3s are destroying the physical market. The same thing could easily repeat with film. You'll have niche markets of Blu-ray and HD-DVD much like SACD and DVD-A, and the mainstream will remain DVD and downloads. It's not an apples-to-apples comparison because displays are a more significant investment than an mp3 player, but if you ask the average consumer to compare an HD disc with good upconverted DVD, they don't say wow, the say meh. Also, don't discount upconversion. The only reason I haven't added a BD player yet is because my XA2 does a damn fine job of upconverting DVDs I can't get on HD-DVD.

Time will tell but if current sales numbers mean anything, these markets will be reserved for those of us who insist on having the best, and that means niche only.

[littlesaint]

So basicly what it is saying is BluRay will be dominant the HD format, for everyone else they can settle for good ol DVD.

My question/statement is this...
If there is more money in the "dominant" format, whats to stop the remaining few studios to make the switch....

When you look at the actual sales numbers, saying there is more money is like Bill Gates clipping coupons. The difference is insignificant to overall media sales. That's why at the moment there's no reason to think the HD-DVD studios will switch. It's been widely reported the WB and Fox where at the table ready to go HD-DVD exclusive and at the last minute changed their mind. That means that sales numbers had nothing to do with it (regardless of what WB wants you to think), and either Sony bank rolled them, or these decisions are a lot less important than anyone thinks. Also, this announcement doesn't increase BD market share, it only shrinks the HD-DVD share. It's a big hit no doubt, but for now the game is far from over.

[Sdiver2489]

It doesn't matter what looks best. It matters what the average consumer will pay for. If they can't tell the difference between a HD disc and a HD (or pseudo-HD) download, downloads will win. Cheaper and more convenient. And before anyone shouts DRM, you might want to check out all the security built into Blu-ray. Region encodes is just the tip of the iceberg.

Way back when SACD came out, it was supposed to kill CDs. Not only did CDs survive, but MP3s are destroying the physical market. The same thing could easily repeat with film. You'll have niche markets of Blu-ray and HD-DVD much like SACD and DVD-A, and the mainstream will remain DVD and downloads. It's not an apples-to-apples comparison because displays are a more significant investment than an mp3 player, but if you ask the average consumer to compare an HD disc with good upconverted DVD, they don't say wow, the say meh. Also, don't discount upconversion. The only reason I haven't added a BD player yet is because my XA2 does a damn fine job of upconverting DVDs I can't get on HD-DVD.

Time will tell but if current sales numbers mean anything, these markets will be reserved for those of us who insist on having the best, and that means niche only.

And if you compare these numbers to the numbers when DVD was released you will soon find the answer to all your theories.

I've give you a hint: HDDVD/Blu-ray is being adopted at a faster rate than DVD when it was released.

[Race Car Driver]

When you look at the actual sales numbers, saying there is more money is like Bill Gates clipping coupons. The difference is insignificant to overall media sales. That's why at the moment there's no reason to think the HD-DVD studios will switch. It's been widely reported the WB and Fox where at the table ready to go HD-DVD exclusive and at the last minute changed their mind. That means that sales numbers had nothing to do with it (regardless of what WB wants you to think), and either Sony bank rolled them, or these decisions are a lot less important than anyone thinks. Also, this announcement doesn't increase BD market share, it only shrinks the HD-DVD share. It's a big hit no doubt, but for now the game is far from over.

Wouldnt that mean there is more money in switching to BR?

[Sdiver2489]

When you look at the actual sales numbers, saying there is more money is like Bill Gates clipping coupons. The difference is insignificant to overall media sales. That's why at the moment there's no reason to think the HD-DVD studios will switch. It's been widely reported the WB and Fox where at the table ready to go HD-DVD exclusive and at the last minute changed their mind. That means that sales numbers had nothing to do with it (regardless of what WB wants you to think), and either Sony bank rolled them, or these decisions are a lot less important than anyone thinks. Also, this announcement doesn't increase BD market share, it only shrinks the HD-DVD share. It's a big hit no doubt, but for now the game is far from over.

Hate to tell you...but this decision will absolutely destroy any sales figures we have been use to. In a couple weeks 60:40 splits will be long since gone. The public is much more observant of the market than they use to be. They know which format is winning and won't buy more HD DVD's because of it.

This is a huge decision no matter how much you downplay it. It effectively ends the format war. HD DVD stands no chance of surviving with only 1/4 of the market.

[Alaric]

1/4 of a billion dollars is a LOT of money.

[Sdiver2489]

1/4 of a billion dollars is a LOT of money.

Unless people aren't buying your players because they feel your format is dead.

[helo]

There comes a time when the format wars hit that tipping point and the result will be a cascading effect that will hasten the move to one side. This could be it.

As far as the download model, that adoption method will take much much longer than the HD dvd wars because of the complexity. Not only do studios and manufacturers have to agree on a standard distribution codec but now you are having to include the ISPs in this. No way they allow that much bandwidth on their pipes without getting a piece. Those type of negotiations are always the most tenuous.

[Race Car Driver]

I like buying an actual disc (music, movies) I dont like paying to have something loaded on my computer.

I havent seen any real advantage to pay for music online, so I dont see the advantage to pay for a movie either.

However I can understand some just wanting the movie, and wanting it right now without going to the store etc.

For me, part of the enjoyment is walking around the store, strolling through the isles and checking out other things.

[impala454]

Glad to hear you like the Panny. I am picking up mine tomorrow.

Did you get your BD30? I also have this one and have been very happy with it. Great player :T

[sirbogey]

let there be a winner soon! I've been holding off for months. I'll wait couple more months.. but I think Sony might pull it off this time....

[George Bellefontaine]

Did you get your BD30? I also have this one and have been very happy with it. Great player :T

Sure did, Chuck. I played the new WAR Bluray disc last night. Fantastic action and drama movie starring Jet Li and Jason Statham. Some scenes did not look all that much better than some of my upconverted standard dvds, but there were other scenes that made my jaw drop. But the overall look was very film-like and that's what I want. The Panny was easy to set up and the HDMI connection to my BenQ W10000 was a cinch.

[Alloroc]

Great to hear you've taken the dip into the high definition world, George!

[George Bellefontaine]

Great to hear you've taken the dip into the high definition world, George!

Yeah, I was stubbornly holding out for a clear cut winner ( that may not be far off now ) but I'm not getting any younger so I just said " hell with it " and bought myself a Panny BD30 Bluray player and a few discs. In Canada, through the Sonystyle Ca site, I saw there was a 5 free movie offer which I am sending off, too, so I have a start of a HDM collection.

[Alloroc]

I really wish Sony or whoever would offer us euros the 5 disk deals. We never that that stuff from them over here. The right deal, and player of course would tempt me to 'upgrade' the PS3.

[Nick M]

I've been looking into upgrading to both a high-definition player and a game system this year. After the recent holiday sales, I was ready to go with a cheap-o HD-DVD unit and a Wii - but now I might just pick up a PS3. I only have a 720p panel, but HD cable looks decent, and I bet Blue-Ray and PS3 games would look great too.

I normally buy a DVD a week, but have only purchased a single DVD in the past four months or so (Ratatouille). Count me in as a one of the people who have held off buying standard-def DVDs until the high-def market straightens itself out. Sony might be getting some of my cash soon! :T

[Race Car Driver]

I've been looking into upgrading to both a high-definition player and a game system this year. After the recent holiday sales, I was ready to go with a cheap-o HD-DVD unit and a Wii - but now I might just pick up a PS3. I only have a 720p panel, but HD cable looks decent, and I bet Blue-Ray and PS3 games would look great too.

I normally buy a DVD a week, but have only purchased a single DVD in the past four months or so (Ratatouille). Count me in as a one of the people who have held off buying standard-def DVDs until the high-def market straightens itself out. Sony might be getting some of my cash soon! :T

Im right there with you, the last one I bought was Transformers. And before that I cant even remember... Rocky Balboa maybe?

[Alloroc]

Is that the 'Last Post' I hear in the distance?!? Or perhaps 'The Flowers Of The Forest'???

Speculation I know, but here's an interesting article from the Financial Times.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc409afa-b...0779fd2ac.html


This is great news it it happens. Only because (1) I'm sick of format wars and don't really care about casualties, once I'm not one of them (2) I've a PS3 and (3) Transformers on bluray.

[Race Car Driver]

Yesssssssss. I am very excited for this. (not because i feel a particular option is going to "lose") But because I feel this "war" to be about over with.

[impala454]

I suppose I should have just posted this news to the main BD vs HD-DVD thread, if the mods want to close this and paste a link to that, that's cool.

[IllNastyImpreza]

now... is the bourne identity/supremicy/ultimatim warner ?? Sucks its not on bluray...

[Ovation]

now... is the bourne identity/supremicy/ultimatim warner ?? Sucks its not on bluray...

It's a Universal release--so you'll have to wait a while.

[ricky_rocket]

News Corp's (NWSa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Co (DIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research), and Lionsgate (LGF.N: Quote, Profile, Research) are among studios backing the Blu-ray format. Viacom Inc's (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Paramount studios and General Electric's (GE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) NBC Universal release movies in HD DVD format.

Blu Ray has won the war. Not necessarily because it's better than HD DVD, but because of better marketing. Putting Blu Ray players in Playstation 3 was a stroke of marketing genius.

As a consumer though I hate that until HD DVD offically dies, and with the few studio alliances with HD DVD we can't get EVERY movie on Blu Ray.

NOTE TO CONSUMERS:
All HD DVD owners please smash your players and place the video of you doing so on YouTube to make it more dramatic. A quick death is always better for consumers, than a long painful one.

Thank You for your patience in this matter
Sony Management

[Race Car Driver]

Blu Ray has won the war. Not necessarily because it's better than HD DVD, but because of better marketing. Putting Blu Ray players in Playstation 3 was a stroke of marketing genius.

As a consumer though I hate that until HD DVD offically dies, and with the few studio alliances with HD DVD we can't get EVERY movie on Blu Ray.

NOTE TO CONSUMERS:
All HD DVD owners please smash your players and place the video of you doing so on YouTube to make it more dramatic. A quick death is always better for consumers, than a long painful one.

Thank You for your patience in this matter
Sony Management

Are you kidding me....

[littlesaint]

Are you kidding me....

Apparently one of the kiddies from AVS has found their way over here. Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away.