Can someone give me the "Imports for Dummies" version of why there are so many more HD DVD (and, presumably, BD) titles available overseas than there are in the U.S? I didn't really notice that there was a difference until I learned that Leaving Las Vegas (my favorite movie of all time) is available on HD DVD in other markets, but not in the U.S. (So, I'm about to become an import-buyer. Thank you, region-free HD DVD!)

I assume it has to do with licensing and royalty agreements. Does a title's being available in HD DVD in some markets mean that it will soon arrive in other markets, though?

I also wonder the same thing. I would love to get my hands on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Well for the most part its distrbution rights. So sony may have those rights in the US (meaning BD) but studio cannal may have those rights in the UK. (Meaning HD_DVD)


Harry potter GOF is a odd one. WB has the rights here and their but the have only done a EU release no US yet. Some say its total HD. (A WB HD-DVD/blu-ray combo disc). It may be they want to do a box set here (like matrix trilogy). It was to come in 2006 (as indcated by the advertizments in WB discs)..


But I've imported 9 HDDVDs so far and they are all great.


Theirs a import sticky at the top of the page that describes most imports as well as sites to import from.

here's a good thread on imports

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=809738

I love the title of this thread! :D

Can someone explain to me how the distribution system works.

Why is it that titles that are released by Sony (ie. Underworld) and Disney (ie. Bridge to Terabithia) in the USA are available on HD-DVD in European countries?

Distributors pay for regional distribution rights. If Sony opts not to distribute in Romania, then interested distributors can make them offers for the distribution right for that territory.

Thanks. When these offers are made the format choice for the title is also considered, right? If this is the case I am confused as to why Sony would release one of their "exclusive" titles to the HD-DVD format.

I doubt very much that Sony will be giving any more distribution rights to HD DVD supporting distributors. Nothing they can do about the back catalog though, as long as the contract is still valid.

I understand. So no new titles that Sony owns the rights to, just old ones. Do you know where there is a master list of worldwide HD-DVD releases?

Also, I thought I had read that Bridge to Terabithia was coming out in some country in HD-DVD. Wouldn't this mean Disney is in someway supporting it?

"The Prestige" is a new film and that's available for import. I would imagine it's just not a big enough market for anyone right now to close the loophole. Sales are probably in the thousands and not yet in the millions.

"The Prestige" is a new film and that's available for import. I would imagine it's just not a big enough market for anyone right now to close the loophole. Sales are probably in the thousands and not yet in the millions.

Yeah, but Warner was in on that movie. In fact, I believe with the exception of the US, Warner has distribution rights for just about every other territory.

Do you know where there is a master list of worldwide HD-DVD releases?Take a look at the AVS Imports sticky:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=855923

Threads merged.