HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray vs. everything else: Round 3 << Plus HD Talk Forum Rules >>
09-17-06 | 12:24 AM
#152
DVD Talk Legend
Well, it was The Last Samurai...I almost pulled the trigger on Goodfellas as it was the first movie I bought on SD but went with Last Samurai first. Absolutely love it. Damn, now I have to start paying attention to release schedules again 
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09-17-06 | 09:45 AM
#153
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From: NYC
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5647/53/
Universal Studios boss deals Blu-ray death blow
Universal Studios boss deals Blu-ray death blow
In what could be a telling moment in the high definition format war, a high level executive from a major movie studio has publicly come out in favour of the HD DVD format, developed by Toshiba and backed by Microsoft.
Comments supporting HD DVD last week by Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, at the electronics design show CEDIA EXPO 2006, have dealt a serious a blow to the Blue-ray camp, led by Sony.
“The reviews are in and HD DVD is hands down the leader in picture quality, audio experiences and interactive capabilities that have never been seen before,” said Kornblau.
“Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media – HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today. Take today’s announcement of new players from Toshiba, new PC hardware from Niveus and new titles like ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,’ and add the hardware and movies that are coming this Fall and you can see why HD DVD is poised for a strong holiday.”
According to the the North American HD DVD Promotion Group, with more than 60 of the latest titles available from major studios, HD DVD offers the most titles of any high definition format, with nearly 150 titles expected by the end of 2006.
Originally, nearly all the major studios lined up behind the Blu-ray format.
However, HD DVD now has the backing of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, HBO, New Line Home Entertainment and The Weinstein Company.
Meanwhile, the higher priced Blu-ray format, which was later to market, received a serious set-back two weeks ago. Sony announced that the production of its PlayStation 3 games console, which will offer a way for consumers to get a lower priced Blu-ray player, has been delayed by four months.
Comments supporting HD DVD last week by Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, at the electronics design show CEDIA EXPO 2006, have dealt a serious a blow to the Blue-ray camp, led by Sony.
“The reviews are in and HD DVD is hands down the leader in picture quality, audio experiences and interactive capabilities that have never been seen before,” said Kornblau.
“Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media – HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today. Take today’s announcement of new players from Toshiba, new PC hardware from Niveus and new titles like ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,’ and add the hardware and movies that are coming this Fall and you can see why HD DVD is poised for a strong holiday.”
According to the the North American HD DVD Promotion Group, with more than 60 of the latest titles available from major studios, HD DVD offers the most titles of any high definition format, with nearly 150 titles expected by the end of 2006.
Originally, nearly all the major studios lined up behind the Blu-ray format.
However, HD DVD now has the backing of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, HBO, New Line Home Entertainment and The Weinstein Company.
Meanwhile, the higher priced Blu-ray format, which was later to market, received a serious set-back two weeks ago. Sony announced that the production of its PlayStation 3 games console, which will offer a way for consumers to get a lower priced Blu-ray player, has been delayed by four months.
09-17-06 | 10:09 AM
#154
DVD Talk Legend
Well, death blow is an exageration, but it is nice to see that Universal is happy with HD DVD. The longer they stay exclusive the better the chances of HD DVD establishing itself for good in the home video market place.
The key to me is Fox and Universal. If one of them goes dual format the whole situation changes. Universal goes dual and its hard times for HD DVD since everything will be available on BD, Fox goes to HD DVD and the library there is strong enough for most consumers plus it will be the domino that starts others going dual format.
Time will tell I guess.
The key to me is Fox and Universal. If one of them goes dual format the whole situation changes. Universal goes dual and its hard times for HD DVD since everything will be available on BD, Fox goes to HD DVD and the library there is strong enough for most consumers plus it will be the domino that starts others going dual format.
Time will tell I guess.
Last edited by darkside; 09-17-06 at 10:13 AM.
09-17-06 | 10:16 AM
#155
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Also, if you look at the actual quote, while Universal praises HD DVD, he really doesn't slam BD at any point. He says HD DVD is the "best," as could be expected by his company's support of it exclusively, but he doesn't say anything about how BD ranks up against it. BD could be considered a "close second" by him as far as anything he said indicates.
09-17-06 | 10:29 AM
#156
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Yeah, this is more of a 'support the horse you bet on' rather than a death blow. It's definitely better than if he badmouthed it, but it's not as powerful as if Fox or Disney were to say it.
09-17-06 | 10:44 AM
#157
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by dtcarson
Yeah, this is more of a 'support the horse you bet on' rather than a death blow. It's definitely better than if he badmouthed it, but it's not as powerful as if Fox or Disney were to say it.
09-17-06 | 11:20 AM
#158
DVD Talk Legend
I don't see anything significant about this. All along, I've thought that Universal's commitment to HD-DVD is just as strong as Fox's commitment to BD. This just states what I already assumed.
09-17-06 | 11:23 AM
#159
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From: NYC
Originally Posted by Drexl
I don't see anything significant about this. All along, I've thought that Universal's commitment to HD-DVD is just as strong as Fox's commitment to BD. This just states what I already assumed.
09-17-06 | 11:24 AM
#160
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
Originally Posted by darkside
Well, death blow is an exageration
09-17-06 | 11:46 AM
#161
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From: Toledo, Ohio
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5647/53/
Universal Studios boss deals Blu-ray death blow
In what could be a telling moment in the high definition format war, a high level executive from a major movie studio has publicly come out in favour of the HD DVD format, developed by Toshiba and backed by Microsoft.
Comments supporting HD DVD last week by Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, at the electronics design show CEDIA EXPO 2006, have dealt a serious a blow to the Blue-ray camp, led by Sony.
“The reviews are in and HD DVD is hands down the leader in picture quality, audio experiences and interactive capabilities that have never been seen before,” said Kornblau.
“Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media – HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today. Take today’s announcement of new players from Toshiba, new PC hardware from Niveus and new titles like ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,’ and add the hardware and movies that are coming this Fall and you can see why HD DVD is poised for a strong holiday.”
According to the the North American HD DVD Promotion Group, with more than 60 of the latest titles available from major studios, HD DVD offers the most titles of any high definition format, with nearly 150 titles expected by the end of 2006.
Originally, nearly all the major studios lined up behind the Blu-ray format.
However, HD DVD now has the backing of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, HBO, New Line Home Entertainment and The Weinstein Company.
Meanwhile, the higher priced Blu-ray format, which was later to market, received a serious set-back two weeks ago. Sony announced that the production of its PlayStation 3 games console, which will offer a way for consumers to get a lower priced Blu-ray player, has been delayed by four months.
Universal Studios boss deals Blu-ray death blow
In what could be a telling moment in the high definition format war, a high level executive from a major movie studio has publicly come out in favour of the HD DVD format, developed by Toshiba and backed by Microsoft.
Comments supporting HD DVD last week by Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, at the electronics design show CEDIA EXPO 2006, have dealt a serious a blow to the Blue-ray camp, led by Sony.
“The reviews are in and HD DVD is hands down the leader in picture quality, audio experiences and interactive capabilities that have never been seen before,” said Kornblau.
“Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media – HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today. Take today’s announcement of new players from Toshiba, new PC hardware from Niveus and new titles like ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,’ and add the hardware and movies that are coming this Fall and you can see why HD DVD is poised for a strong holiday.”
According to the the North American HD DVD Promotion Group, with more than 60 of the latest titles available from major studios, HD DVD offers the most titles of any high definition format, with nearly 150 titles expected by the end of 2006.
Originally, nearly all the major studios lined up behind the Blu-ray format.
However, HD DVD now has the backing of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, HBO, New Line Home Entertainment and The Weinstein Company.
Meanwhile, the higher priced Blu-ray format, which was later to market, received a serious set-back two weeks ago. Sony announced that the production of its PlayStation 3 games console, which will offer a way for consumers to get a lower priced Blu-ray player, has been delayed by four months.
First, unless I missed a major announcement, the PS3 has not been delayed by 4 months here in the states or in Japan.
Second, the majority of major studios did not line up behind Blu Ray. As we all know, the studios were pretty much evenly split, with WB and Paramount coming over to BD last fall.
So much for the idea of BD biased media.
09-17-06 | 12:30 PM
#162
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Bcolon
First, unless I missed a major announcement, the PS3 has not been delayed by 4 months here in the states or in Japan.
09-17-06 | 02:04 PM
#163
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
Originally Posted by Bcolon
First, unless I missed a major announcement, the PS3 has not been delayed by 4 months here in the states or in Japan.
I believe this is the same site that cited one of Josh Z's hardware reviews and claimed that he was a Microsoft-employed blogger, so...I wouldn't be terribly confident about anything they have to say.
09-17-06 | 03:32 PM
#164
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From: Westchester, Los Angeles
A brief Mom Sixpack HD-DVD / BR story:
My parents asked me about the two different formats this week. They purchased an HD set several months ago and wondered about upgrading their DVD player. So I tried to lay out the facts as simple as possible: storage capacity, titles currently available, the latest reviews, etc. I tried to present a balanced, informative view of the two formats and advised them to wait several more months to let the prices fall.
So after about a 10 minute, heavily watered-down comparison of the two formats, Mom says "Well, I think we should the one that's like a DVD, but in high definition. The other one sounds like one of those silly Matrix movies you and Dad watch."
I just shook my head and shut up.
My parents asked me about the two different formats this week. They purchased an HD set several months ago and wondered about upgrading their DVD player. So I tried to lay out the facts as simple as possible: storage capacity, titles currently available, the latest reviews, etc. I tried to present a balanced, informative view of the two formats and advised them to wait several more months to let the prices fall.
So after about a 10 minute, heavily watered-down comparison of the two formats, Mom says "Well, I think we should the one that's like a DVD, but in high definition. The other one sounds like one of those silly Matrix movies you and Dad watch."
I just shook my head and shut up.
09-17-06 | 10:16 PM
#167
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema
And also Spring '06.
It's important to remember that for either format to really succeed they have to be accepted worldwide. The delay of PS3 in other markets could possibly really hinder BD's success there, especially if HD DVD can get the jump there as it did here and really capitalize on it.
09-17-06 | 10:33 PM
#168
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From: Mpls, MN
Why is it "important to remember" that? Esp since that is probably not true. No offense to Australians, but that market has never meant much to success for electronics products. And Europe is only moderately beneficial. Success in either Japan or the USA means success. Success in both means big bucks.
09-18-06 | 11:14 AM
#169
DVD Talk Legend
NPR: High-Def DVDs Usher in New Format War
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=6095931
Runs just under 5 mins. Not very informative, but it's always interesting to hear what "the masses" are being told.
He ultimately advises waiting for the dust to settle. But "for those dying" for HD now, he recommends HD DVD.
Runs just under 5 mins. Not very informative, but it's always interesting to hear what "the masses" are being told.
He ultimately advises waiting for the dust to settle. But "for those dying" for HD now, he recommends HD DVD.
09-18-06 | 11:37 AM
#170
DVD Talk Godfather
Heh, NPR is not the masses. It has wide reach, but it's very specific.
I updated the HD DVD vs Blu-Ray charts. The only thing notable is that there hasn't been a single sale of the Phillips Blu-Ray player in the past week.
I updated the HD DVD vs Blu-Ray charts. The only thing notable is that there hasn't been a single sale of the Phillips Blu-Ray player in the past week.
09-18-06 | 11:55 AM
#171
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by bboisvert
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=6095931
Runs just under 5 mins. Not very informative, but it's always interesting to hear what "the masses" are being told.
Runs just under 5 mins. Not very informative, but it's always interesting to hear what "the masses" are being told.
Another problem with the segment is that he states that each format only has one player available, which was never true for HD DVD and is no longer true for BD.
09-18-06 | 11:55 AM
#172
DVD Talk Legend
Saw something truly glorious in a local Best Buy over the weekend...the main HD set up was a large plasma screen (sorry, don't remember the brand) with an HD-DVD player showing SAHARA. The Blu-ray titles were off to the side for sale, but there was no Blu-ray machine running anywhere. The HD-DVD titles were being prominently shown. A chain-wide change in policy or just a Best Buy where the employees have revolted against management? 
09-18-06 | 12:06 PM
#173
DVD Talk Legend
Packaging for PS3 games: Good or Bad for BD?
Apparently, PS3 games will come in standard BD cases:
I see pros and cons to this approach. It certainly helps get the "blu-ray" name out there. But I can also see lots of customer confusion over what BD is exactly. If your movies and games are branded identically and come in the same packaging, will that ensure that BD appeals mainly to 'gamers'?
I see pros and cons to this approach. It certainly helps get the "blu-ray" name out there. But I can also see lots of customer confusion over what BD is exactly. If your movies and games are branded identically and come in the same packaging, will that ensure that BD appeals mainly to 'gamers'?
09-18-06 | 12:29 PM
#174
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by bboisvert
Apparently, PS3 games will come in standard BD cases.
I see pros and cons to this approach. It certainly helps get the "blu-ray" name out there. But I can also see lots of customer confusion over what BD is exactly. If your movies and games are branded identically and come in the same packaging, will that ensure that BD appeals mainly to 'gamers'?
I see pros and cons to this approach. It certainly helps get the "blu-ray" name out there. But I can also see lots of customer confusion over what BD is exactly. If your movies and games are branded identically and come in the same packaging, will that ensure that BD appeals mainly to 'gamers'?
I don't think they're branded identically. There's a big PS3 banner on the side of the cover as well as a big software rating on it. The games will be shelved with the game systems, while the BD movies will be shelved either with DVD or seperately.
09-18-06 | 12:55 PM
#175
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Jay G.
I don't see a problem. After all, Xbox, PS2, and Gamecube all came is standard DVD looking cases, and Xbox and PS2 had a DVD-ROM logo on them somewhere, though not as prominently.
I just see it as being a different situation when you're trying to launch a next-gen video format with an odd name (blu-ray). The chances of confusing that in the public mind with the gaming platform of PS3 seems greater to me. Sort of like a PSP/UMD situation, where the two formats are linked. Maybe the BD group *wants* PS3/BD linked in the public mind, but I see dangers there.
But, you're right, there may not be any problem here. I'm just thinking aloud.
It's definitely interesting from a marketing perspective. I'll be really curious to see how this all shakes out.