From Paidgeek today at Blu-ray.com:

When Asked:
Originally Posted by Petra
PaidGeek or Penton-Man,

Bill Hunt mentioned at DigitalBits.com about Weinstein about to go neutral at the end of the year. Have you guys heard anything about this? is there any weight to this rumour at all?


thanks

Paidgeek's Reply Was:
It seems there is more than a rumor. I can't elaborate, but have some inside information that titles are in the works.
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=4988&page=84

Post #1677 --from Writesimply "We are testing BD+, but we don't have any titles scheduled to use it yet."


~Josh

Good to hear.

Prepare for the "Weinstein doesn't matter" crowd coming over from the HD DVD section in 3...2...1

Careful, Josh. An identical thread was blasted on the main HDTV Media forum (probably because it is speculation with only tenuous evidence from a biased insider).

Expect the HD DVD border-jumpers to be in here any moment now.

Prepare for the "Weinstein doesn't matter" crowd coming over from the HD DVD section in 3...2...1

Or prepare for one of us to egg them on with in the first 5 posts?
Can't we just enjoy the possibility of them going neutral?


I guess the post after mine could be..
"Or prepare for some one to make a plea for taking the high road."

Prepare for the "Weinstein doesn't matter" crowd coming over from the HD DVD section in 3...2...1
And that's already happened in HDTV Software Media Discussion section of this forum. Thread was deleted within five minutes.

Careful, Josh. An identical thread was blasted on the main HDTV Media forum (probably because it is speculation with only tenuous evidence from a biased insider).

Expect the HD DVD border-jumpers to be in here any moment now.

I am just posting what Paidgeek said on another site. He has been spot-on thus far. I consider this much more solid then "speculation."

Also, this is posted in the Blu-ray Software section of AVS, so no HD-DVD supporter should have a problem with this :)

~Josh

Anything that helps put the uncut versions of both grindhouse titles w/ trailers in my home.

Trailers aren't on the discs. Sorry

not on the dvd release...yet. I know they're staggering the films releases as well to dvd.
Breaking them into separate releases irks me enough.

As far as I know - there have been NO indications of any HD release let alone specs for said release.

I can dream for a double dip at the very least.

This is great news. Looking forward to their upcoming releases.

If you add the #1677 to the end of the url it should link directly the anchor for that post, although the implementation doesn't seem to work 100% ;)

I don't think this is surprising at all. Didn't Weinstein cut some deal with Blockbuster and didn't Blockbuster just say they were going BD exclusive in stores...?

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2006-11-15-blockbuster-weinsteins_x.htm

http://www.forbes.com/markets/2007/06/18/bluray-blockbuster-hddvd-markets-equity-cx_er_0618markets06.html

After the financial disaster of Grindhouse the probably need all the $ they can get. Why NOT release in BD...? To make a statement? These guys are businessmen.

I am just posting what Paidgeek said on another site. He has been spot-on thus far. I consider this much more solid then "speculation."

Also, this is posted in the Blu-ray Software section of AVS, so no HD-DVD supporter should have a problem with this :)

~Josh

yet the likes of GizmoDVD continue to show up and crap our threads.

or lagosian/oshodi/django

More confirmation coming from other boards, too. At least one user at HDD who is very biased towards HD DVD says (sadly, for him) that the news is true.

And to the expected HD DVD threadcrappers: We've had two AVS users, Bill Hunt, an insider who's job could be at stake, and several people claiming they have contact with Weinstein all saying it.

From Paidgeek today at Blu-ray.com:

When Asked:


Paidgeek's Reply Was:

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=4988&page=84

Post #1677

~Josh

Bring them on. The more the merrier. :)

if this becomes reality, when can we expect Grindhouse?

and what reason would paidgeek have to lie about this...?
He kept his lip buttoned on CE3K even though they have been working on that for months...!

if this becomes reality, when can we expect Grindhouse?

Maybe day and date with the DVD release ...which is 9/18. That might be expecting too much I think.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think Weinstein's put out any D&D HDM releases.

Only Universal Left To Go :d :d :d

More confirmation coming from other boards, too. At least one user at HDD who is very biased towards HD DVD says (sadly, for him) that the news is true.

And to the expected HD DVD threadcrappers: We've had two AVS users, Bill Hunt, an insider who's job could be at stake, and several people claiming they have contact with Weinstein all saying it.

Are you familiar with the term "self-fulfilling prophecy"?

I had always thought this kind of nonsense was only around in the hd sections but I have found out that its everywhere you go after visiting the diy forums lately. Good thing its only the noobs who fall for this kind of bs.

and what reason would paidgeek have to lie about this...?
He kept his lip buttoned on CE3K even though they have been working on that for months...!
You do remember something about blu ray and bjs being on board exclusively right? :D

or lagosian/oshodi/django

It is lagosian aka oshodi aka django aka 5thDanMaster until the next account suspension... ;)

Great news, hopefully I can now get clerks II on BD.

I had always thought this kind of nonsense was only around in the hd sections but I have found out that its everywhere you go after visiting the diy forums lately. Good thing its only the noobs who fall for this kind of bs.You guys are so cute when you get all scared and defensive.
You do remember something about blu ray and bjs being on board exclusively right?BJ's Wholesale Club stores to carry Blu-ray exclusively (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6463556.html) :D :D :D

More confirmation coming from other boards, too. At least one user at HDD who is very biased towards HD DVD says (sadly, for him) that the news is true.

And to the expected HD DVD threadcrappers: We've had two AVS users, Bill Hunt, an insider who's job could be at stake, and several people claiming they have contact with Weinstein all saying it.

Bill's job at stake?
Stop it your turning me on.

I would lend a lot of credibility tords paidgeek - but well.. I just try to ignore Bill. Not a fan. But hell even if this turns out to be nothing it's still worth discussing until we hear confirmation either way. I have a working theory that Vocal thread crapper paranoia actually attracts thread crappers. So instead of bitching about them and predicting them - maybe we can just ignore/report them when they come? "threadcrappers" thrive on your attention.

Back to topic. The Whole Bloody Affair in HD would make me whole bloody happy.

It should be read as an insider (paidgeek) who's job is at stake, not Bill. Sorry.

heh.
ok that makes a lot more sense.

It is lagosian aka oshodi aka django aka 5thDanMaster until the next account suspension... ;)
Are they really all the same person? Are you able to tell just by the posting style?

You guys are so cute when you get all scared and defensive.

dam fanboys right away are to point the finger at someone who can careless about something he has very little money invested in....
I own both, if both survive,die,one lives I dont really give an ish.

I was just pointing out that this news is really no news, com'on a guy on avs says says he cant elaborate or even give details wtf kind of news is that? kind of like me posting oh I know whats gonna go on with tc sounds but I wont say what exactly and making a thread on it. LAME.....

HEY GUYS

can we make this thread about weinstein
and not about the forumers you hate?

start a new thread for it or something.
Crap is boring.

I'm looking forward to Lucky # Slevin on BD

Shrug regardless of that, I garuntee once Universal goes neutral there will be no HD-DVD.

I'll happily buy Clerks 2 and Pulse on BD. Thanks in advance Weinstein! :cool:

I'm looking forward to Lucky # Slevin on BD

i wonder when it'd come out tho even after a formal announcement of neutrality.

I agree - back on topic please.

Hopefully they'll continue to put True HD on all releases - they are really really good about that.

I put Lionsgate and Weinstein in about the same category -- mostly crap, average PQ, although I'm surprised by the occasional gem. It's amazing that either of the companies are releasing on HD at all considering their size and mediocre releases in the theaters.

dam fanboys right away are to point the finger at someone who can careless about something he has very little money invested in....
I own both, if both survive,die,one lives I dont really give an ish.

I was just pointing out that this news is really no news, com'on a guy on avs says says he cant elaborate or even give details wtf kind of news is that? kind of like me posting oh I know whats gonna go on with tc sounds but I wont say what exactly and making a thread on it. LAME.....

Only problem with your point is, that paidgeek is a Sony Pictures insider and not a random guy on avs.

Only problem with your point is, that paidgeek is a Sony Pictures insider and not a random guy on avs.
yah but what difference does that make? he didnt post any real information. I knew he wasnt just some random guy but that their is really no info.

I talked to kyle over at tc sounds and he explained to me exactly what was gonna happen. So I am also not just some random guy.

Does that make it ok for me to post in the diy section "tc sounds info in the works" and just post in the body " I cant elaborate or explain whats gonna happen but I know whats gonna happen" or have some other member on the diy section post a quote on this post and make a thread on it?

Think about what I just said and my last post.

Probably The Matador, Clerks II, Lucky # Slevin, Derailed, Black Christmas, Harsh Times, Feast, Pulse, School for Scoundrels, Scary Movie 4. Along with also promised future HD DVD titles, Grindhouse, Hanibal Rising, The Protector, Arthur and the Invisibles, Hoodwinked.

Just my guess.

I didn't expect to like Matador but I loved it.

The Protector

Ahh! That is one of my single most desired movies. Bring it on Weinstein (and please use PCM audio) ;)

Shrug regardless of that, I garuntee once Universal goes neutral there will be no HD-DVD.

guys like gary murrell will tell you that will never happen and to buy an hd dvd player if you want universal titles.....that is precisely what i did, bought an hd dvd player to get my universal (and weinstein) titles......if universal goes blu any time soon, i will be one :mad: mutha f%^'er, and kick myself in the a s s for buying a toshiba!

yah but what difference does that make? he didnt post any real information. I knew he wasnt just some random guy but that their is really no info.

I talked to kyle over at tc sounds and he explained to me exactly what was gonna happen. So I am also not just some random guy.

Does that make it ok for me to post in the diy section "tc sounds info in the works" and just post in the body " I cant elaborate or explain whats gonna happen but I know whats gonna happen" or have some other member on the diy section post a quote on this post and make a thread on it?

Think about what I just said and my last post.
Please quit trolling. It is against forum rules.

I'll definitely take the full Grindhouse experience on a BD-50. I think Weinstein also has the rights to 1408, even though they used MGM to distribute.

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=153360&postcount=1677

Judge for yourself.

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=153360&postcount=1677

Judge for yourself.

it's from Blu-ray.com...... judge for your self ;)

it's from Blu-ray.com...... judge for your self ;)


He called the Blockbuster announcement and the Target one days before, even weeks.

I'd take this more than just talking.. Paidgeek is usually pretty right on.

who's left? Universal? one down, one to go!

who's left? Universal? one down, one to go!


They would be the last studio. If this is true, while not a huge amount of content by any stretch it's more coal being shoveled into the engine.

Please quit trolling. It is against forum rules.
is that really the best you can do? I have owned blu ray player for quite some time and have needed to prove so, so many times just cause fanboys/trolls hate to hear the truth.

WELCOME TO REALITY

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/subingncali/63feda77.jpg

ummm... anyways. Back on topic...

How about Pan's Labyrinth? New Line is the US distributor, but aren't they owned by Weinstien?

You bought Stealth and Stomp the Yard? I would not go announcing that publicly. :D

paidgeek is a player in the blu-ray industry. Even so, he doesn't pull rumors out of his butt. He is spot-on with everything. He talks, and websites start publishing articles.

He's one of those few people around these forums that knows what's actually happening behind the scenes.

Not much of a catalog

http://www.weinsteinco.com/

^^^ Yeah but "Grindhouse" (with two movies and bonus features practically custom-made for the PS3 demographic) going neutral instead of remaining HD-DVD exclusive would be a huge coup for Blu-ray. And HD-DVD is in no position to lose exclusives, even if they're such minor titles as "Clerks II," "The Matador" and (the surprisingly above-average) "Lucky Number Slevin." Weinstein going neutral won't kill HD-DVD but it would be a psychological blow to the format's already fragile psyche, not to mention it will exacerbate the 'Universal will go neutral'mindset/FUD that BD fans spread around as if it were fact. :(

How about Pan's Labyrinth? New Line is the US distributor, but aren't they owned by Weinstien?

New Line is owned by Warner Brothers, and they announced their first hi-def title...Hairspray, just recently.

Weinstein doesn't really own a lot. Even compared to Lion's Gate, who has a rather deep catalog inherited from Artisan/Live.

Not much of a catalog

http://www.weinsteinco.com/

Weinstein going neutral is not a big deal by itself...but considering that it was an HD DVD exclusive that has gone neutral (if this pans out) will send another message to the public that the HD DVD's ship is sinking and people are jumping off. Just add to the list of positive PR for blu ray and negative press for HD DVD...

are they going to be getting any good news sometime soon???

^^^ Yeah but "Grindhouse" (with two movies and bonus features practically custom-made for the PS3 demographic) going neutral instead of remaining HD-DVD exclusive would be a huge coup for Blu-ray. And HD-DVD is in no position to lose exclusives, even if they're such minor titles as "Clerks II," "The Matador" and (the surprisingly above-average) "Lucky Number Slevin." Weinstein going neutral won't kill HD-DVD but it would be a psychological blow to the format's already fragile psyche, not to mention it will exacerbate the 'Universal will go neutral'mindset/FUD that BD fans spread around as if it were fact. :(
Well put.

That said, even speaking as a Blu-ray owner, I think speculation on this topic is pretty counterproductive. If it does turn out to be true, it'll get announced at some point. If it's not, the status quo remains.

Until then, the only thing this rumor is going to cause is a lot of pom-pom waving and a lot of bruised egos.

:D yet another one going blu if true.

Ah, how I like to see Blu-Ray pigeons going all hopes up.. :)

FYI, I am an insider with Fox and Fox is going neutral too. Still waiting for a few stats on the last title sales, but it will most likely happen November or December, but before year's end.

so does this mean weinstein may start to make their discs work?

Speaking with their Reps at Comic Con, Grindhouse was the only title they were mentioning on Blu Ray. Whether they were out of the loop, holding anything else back from mentioning or just didn't know remains anybodies guess.

They mentioned a "Late 2007" release (the same goes for the theatrical "Double feature" cut on DVD) so my guess would be we'll see the uncut DVD's in Sept/Oct and possible theatrical Blu Ray/DVD versions a few months down the road. If I recall correctly, Weinstein likes to announce these things pretty quickly after the original DVDs are released, so we'll probably hear something closer to the release of Planet Terror or Death Proof.

They didn't have a whole lot to show at Comic Con (DVD-Wise) and commented that Grindhouse would be their initial Blu Ray release.

I'll be double-dipping on it for sure. I just hope it does release at the same time as the theatrical DVD cuts so that I'm not triple dipping ;)

Not much of a catalog

http://www.weinsteinco.com/

Then why have we been hearing that HD DVD has two major exclusive studios?

IMHO there has only been one: Universal. If weinstein makes BDs or not, in my mind Universal is the only 'major' HD DVD exlusive studio.

Sorry to have to re-post this again.

Since we are discussing this in the HDTV Software Media Discussion thread, I thought my comment was perfectly legitimate.

I am sceptical of blog posts from Blu-ray.com, as they have been the source of quite a few "non-rumours" that turned out to be not the way they were stated. So color me jaded.

So color me jaded.

That is not hard to do judging by your signature...

Weinstein has very few titles available, and most of the plausible ones have already been released on HD DVD.

Whatever they do has no material affect on the format war in terms of sales.

It would, however, be a psychological effect, largely because they were referenced so many times by HD DVD supporters as a part of the support for HD DVD.

They do have some titles coming up. The current hit 1408 is (I believe) to be released on home video by Weinstein, for example. They own some other things that have yet to be released.

are they going to be getting any good news sometime soon???

At the moment, HD DVD has 7 titles in the Amazon top-100. I think that's pretty good news, no? Especially given how that's tied to actual sales/profits... and not rumors and press releases.

At the moment, HD DVD has 7 titles in the Amazon top-100. I think that's pretty good news, no? Especially given how that's tied to actual sales/profits... and not rumors and press releases.

It's 40 HD DVD titles in the top 100 :p

I've always found Weinstein a weak player for HD DVD, but I just saw that they have rights to the new Halloween remake. Happy that it'll be available on HD DVD.

At the moment, HD DVD has 7 titles in the Amazon top-100. I think that's pretty good news, no? Especially given how that's tied to actual sales/profits... and not rumors and press releases.

Amazon is not the be all, end all you and others made it out to be ...week after week, the Nielsen Videoscan survey points this out. Its becoming quite clear Amazon is or will be where HD DVD supporters conjugate in mass as other places of support are cut off one by one.

I am sceptical of blog posts from Blu-ray.com, as they have been the source of quite a few "non-rumours" that turned out to be not the way they were stated. So color me jaded.

I do not think this is so much a case of "blog posts" from Blu-ray.com as it is about who made the post (Paidgeek). Out of all the higher-up "Insiders" here on AVS, Paidgeek has been proven to be the most accurate and in many cases the most ethical IMO. In-fact I can not recall any post from Paidgeek that did not pan out to be true.

~Josh

I do not think this is so much a case of "blog posts" from Blu-ray.com as it is about who made the post (Paidgeek). Out of all the higher-up "Insiders" here on AVS, Paidgeek has been proven to be the most accurate and in many cases the most ethical IMO. In-fact I can not recall any post from Paidgeek that did not pan out to be true.

~Josh

HD PiP? :rolleyes:

HD PiP? :rolleyes:

Heh, I didn't want to mention it.

HD PiP? :rolleyes:
What about HD PIP ...the fact that Blu-ray COULD do it and HD DVD could NEVER?

What about HD PIP ...the fact that Blu-ray COULD do it and HD DVD could NEVER?


There are no optional PiP configurations for profile 1.1 or 2.0 configurations.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11145792&&#post11145792
No.

PiP is all resolutions for either a profile 1.1 or 2.0 (BD Live) player.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....&&#post11138198 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11138198&&#post11138198)
I can comment on the HD PiP. I heard recently that this feature has been put to pasture! Profile 1.1 is only about SD PiP. We have many sources for this information and they all confirm the same thing.

Yeh, I was surprised too to hear the news given the amount of hype created around this oxymoron. But it seems that the hardware cost is too high for dual HD decode, and demand simply is not there for the feature given the easy ways to implement the same experiences.

Of course, we are not part of the BDA. So I am happy to be corrected. Paid? Keith?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11147991&&#post11147991
It was pointed out to me that I missed an "optional" statement for HD PiP in one of the annexes of the format books. Specifically, this means that SD PiP is mandatory, HD PiP is optional .

I do not think this is so much a case of "blog posts" from Blu-ray.com as it is about who made the post (Paidgeek). Out of all the higher-up "Insiders" here on AVS, Paidgeek has been proven to be the most accurate and in many cases the most ethical IMO. In-fact I can not recall any post from Paidgeek that did not pan out to be true.

~JoshIsn't he also the guy that refuses to tell anyone who he is and who he works for? Why is he hiding that?

At the moment, HD DVD has 7 titles in the Amazon top-100. I think that's pretty good news, no? Especially given how that's tied to actual sales/profits... and not rumors and press releases.


Amazon is meaningless, check Nielsen for real sales

Isn't he also the guy that refuses to tell anyone who he is and who he works for? Why is he hiding that?


Paidgeek is with SPHE.

He also pointed out Blockbuster and Target in advance at blu-ray.com

On the important stuff he is usually pretty accurate.

This will be another big batch of bad news for HDDVD, hopefully at this rate we will see the end of the war by 2008.

Why do people bring up that HD PIP thing as if it somehow discredits him for eternity? He admitted he missed the "optional" part when reading through the information...

If that's the best people have on him (after months of being here and being a solid source for all things BD), I don't see how this shouldn't be taken seriously. It's not as if we didn't hear quite a bit out of comic con saying the exact same thing.

It isn't like Amir or any of the other insiders haven't been proven wrong in the past either.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11145792&&#post11145792

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....&&#post11138198 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11138198&&#post11138198)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11147991&&#post11147991

And? So paidgeek got mixed up with the technical stuff. Its a pretty common thing you know. Technical details and studio news are two completely different areas. One area is prone to mistakes, even for engineers.

Isn't he also the guy that refuses to tell anyone who he is and who he works for? Why is he hiding that?I thought Paidgeek worked for Sony pictures...anyway's I would think he would know something about Weinstein releasing movies on BD, after all he is a BD insider. :)

I thought Paidgeek worked for Sony pictures...anyway's I would think he would know something about Weinstein releasing movies on BD, after all he is a BD insider. :)

Yes he is with SPHE.

I imagine if Weinstein is going neutral now it has a lot to do with Blockbuster's decision.

And? So paidgeek got mixed up with the technical stuff. Its a pretty common thing you know. Technical details and studio news are two completely different areas. One area is prone to mistakes, even for engineers.
Not bad at all considering he didn’t have the format book in front of him at the time, and corrected his mistake when so informed ;) , within what.......7 hours ?

I guarantee you he will not be modifying his statement concerning Weinstein titles in 7 hours. :D

I am sceptical of blog posts from Blu-ray.com, as they have been the source of quite a few "non-rumours" that turned out to be not the way they were stated. So color me jaded.
That’s why it’s sometimes a good idea to make "blog posts" on the AVS forum. :)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11120721&&#post11120721

I endorse what the geekster has said and will add that "titles are in the works" means beyond the discussion phase.

Thread rolled back

Paidgeek (heart made of gold) and Penton-Man have both "pretty much confirmed it" without confirming it. Expect Weinstein to go BD soon. It will indeed be great to get Lucky Number Slevin as well as Grindhouse, but the hottest title IMO they distro is 1408. That is one ROCKIN movie!

He corrected himself very quickly regarding HD PiP as it was nothing but an honest mistake. There wasn't any format bashing going on... unlike some other insiders.....

Why do people bring up that HD PIP thing as if it somehow discredits him for eternity?
Probably the same reason so many Blu-boys bring up Amir's BD-50 comments, thinking it discredits him for eternity.

I find this all very amusing. Its had to be less than a week ago, that some here were poo-pooing Weinstein's contributions to HD, saying they had a longer dry spell than even Fox.
FWIW, if they go neutral, I highly recommend The Matador-a very well done, and underappreciated movie.
J

FWIW, if they go neutral, I highly recommend The Matador-a very well done, and underappreciated movie.JSeconded.

By Christmas I will have about 70-80 'must-have' titles on HD DVD. Now considering that there is only another 100 movies that I want, that 80 makes up a substantial enough number for me to never abandon HD DVD. Even if it does die, I would still own half of the classic movies I would ever want. I suspect, including imports, the percentage will be higher than that still, if and when the format dies.
It seems to me that Blu Ray fans post these threads which are filled with other Blu Ray owners patting each other on the back because some marketing appears.

Just to point out Paidgeek said Target was going BD hardware exclusive, when that is NOT the case and Target themselves have never released any statement saying they are BD hardware exclusive. ....Sony has bought an end cap in Target stores, Tosh has not so far...

I think folks are confusing paidgeek who works for Sony with P-Man, who works for.....

Weinstein turning neutral makes business sense for them, especially if Sony will pay for the replication of their initial launch titles....why turn down free money?

Amazon is meaningless, check Nielsen for real sales
LMAO, yeah sure.

On the important stuff he is usually pretty accurate.
I'd re-phrase that - subject is usually correct, details might not be. As the example above Target would sell BD players - they are not exclusive however.

Weinstein turning neutral makes business sense for them, especially if Sony will pay for the replication

The BDA PR machine is massive. Money is no object and they are doing everything they can to put an end to the format war. One of the on-going things to keep in mind with all of this recent positive Blu-ray news is it doesn't necessarily mean that the organizations going Blu-ray "exclsuive" are taking sides philosophically; it is just business and the BDA is putting their money where their mouth is. If Toshiba decided to throw a billion+ dollars into the picture, I'm sure they could get a couple of folks to go HD DVD "exclusive".

At this point though, the strategies are etched in stone I think. Blu-ray will do big PR and buy off anyone willing to be bought off to end this quickly. HD DVD will lower player prices enough to where they can hang on a while - long enough to build an install base that cannot be ignored by any current exclusive studio.

I cannot understand why posters keep stretching the facts of the article. It did NOT say BD players . . .that denotes more than one. It said the Sony S300. THAT"S IT! No other player is going to be sold at Target, according to the announcement.

As far as Weinstein, their Grindhouse BOMBED at the theaters. Their catalog is small to say the least. This in no way damages HD DVD. But the BD PR machine will once again spin it into a bigger announcement than the BBI one. And why not? That's what they do best. It sure isn't selling PS3's or getting their format completed 15 months after launch.

As far as Weinstein, their Grindhouse BOMBED at the theaters. Their catalog is small to say the least. This in no way damages HD DVD. But the BD PR machine will once again spin it into a bigger announcement than the BBI one. And why not? That's what they do best. It sure isn't selling PS3's or getting their format completed 15 months after launch.

If this turns out be true then we can all agree that there is only one exclusive HD DVD studio.

Reminds me of the "But you forgot about Poland" stuff.

Excellent. Better late to the party than never.

If this turns out be true then we can all agree that there is only one exclusive HD DVD studio.

Reminds me of the "But you forgot about Poland" stuff.

HD DVD has close to 300 titles? Is that correct? How many are Weinstein? And HD DVD has more than Uni exclusive - check your facts.

HD DVD has close to 300 titles? Is that correct? How many are Weinstein? And HD DVD has more than Uni exclusive - check your facts.

I think you misunderstood

Weinstein is not and has never been a major factor here, even if they were lauded as a 'major studio' that was HD DVD exclusive.

Universal is the only 'major studio' that is exclusive to HD DVD, and that won't change no matter what Weinstein does.

Amazon is meaningless, check Nielsen for real sales

krinkle, you feel that Amazon is meaningless for one single reason -- HD DVD is doing fairly well there for hardware and (currently) software. It doesn't fit into your "HD DVD is a sinking ship" world view.

Wall Street currently pegs Amazon's yearly sales at $13.84 billion. I don't think anyone who is thinking straight would claim that it's "meaningless".


Odd that you would claim that Amazon is meaningless today, yet start this thread a few months back as BD started doing better at that site:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=773042


Your agenda is getting tiresome.

krinkle, you feel that Amazon is meaningless for one single reason -- HD DVD is doing fairly well there for hardware and (currently) software. It doesn't fit into your "HD DVD is a sinking ship" world view.

Wall Street currently pegs Amazon's yearly sales at $13.84 billion. I don't think anyone who is thinking straight would claim that it's "meaningless".


Odd that you would claim that Amazon is meaningless today, yet start this thread a few months back as BD started doing better at that site:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=773042


Your agenda is getting tiresome.

OT but...

Will Amazon still be as important when HD DVD slips back to well below BD in the rankings?

Just like they have for almost all of this year?

edit: fwiw every neutral title in the Top 10 is selling better on BD

If Weinstein goes neutral then the perception will be that HD DVD is in big trouble. Sony has basically said to the consumer - "We don't believe in competition - you'll take what we give you - period!" The attitude that it can stack the deck and ram it down everyone's throats is what is keeping me from buying a BD player (plus the fact there aren't many BD movies I want).

This will probably mean another price cut on Toshiba players and maybe the AO. Toshiba needs to be more than a one trick pony. HD DVD has a WMD (combo only, no DVD at a near DVD price), but simply, for some reason, can't or won't use it.

The sleeping giant in all of this is MS. There's lots of valid reasons as to why it shouldn't throw a lot of money at HD DVD; however, if it decides to (how badly do they want to stop Sony) then we'd have a real war.

Cheers,

Grant

I think you misunderstood

Weinstein is not and has never been a major factor here, even if they were lauded as a 'major studio' that was HD DVD exclusive.

Universal is the only 'major studio' that is exclusive to HD DVD, and that won't change no matter what Weinstein does.

Agree

OT but...You're mistaking bboisvert for a raving fanboy, which he's not.

He's not saying Amazon is the end-all and be-all of stats, and he's not pointing to the site purely because HD DVD is doing well. They are a major player and shouldn't be shrugged off -- although by the same token, I wouldn't use them as a primary indicator; they're just a very sizeable point on the overall graph -- but you can't cheer about Amazon when your format is dominant and then backpedal and shrug the site off when it's at least to some extent less so.

OT but...

Will Amazon still be as important when HD DVD slips back to well below BD in the rankings?

Just like they have for almost all of this year?

edit: fwiw every neutral title in the Top 10 is selling better on BD

Of course they will still be important... it's not something that fluxates based on who's on top at the moment. Amazon is what Amazon is. It either matters or it doesn't.

I personally think that it matters. That opinion doesn't change if BD is doing better on the site, unlike some other people around here.


EDIT: And, as Adam points out above, I also don't think or claim that Amazon is the most crucial stat for sales. But it *is* relevant and shouldn't be ignored. That is, anyone who claims that HD DVD is "doomed" or "sinking" when they've got 7 titles in the top 100 and the #1 selling DVD player had better explain their position a bit.

If Weinstein goes neutral then the perception will be that HD DVD is in big trouble. Sony has basically said to the consumer - "We don't believe in competition - you'll take what we give you - period!" The attitude that it can stack the deck and ram it down everyone's throats is what is keeping me from buying a BD player (plus the fact there aren't many BD movies I want).

This will probably mean another price cut on Toshiba players and maybe the AO. Toshiba needs to be more than a one trick pony. HD DVD has a WMD (combo only, no DVD at a near DVD price), but simply, for some reason, can't or won't use it.

The sleeping giant in all of this is MS. There's lots of valid reasons as to why it shouldn't throw a lot of money at HD DVD; however, if it decides to (how badly do they want to stop Sony) then we'd have a real war.

Cheers,

Grant

To who? Us here at AVS? Or the general public who knows nothing of the war or who Weinstein is? HD DVD is doing great. They are doing EXACTLY what they set out to do . . . .

" Plan your work . . . Work your plan." Ever hear that ditty? In a little over 30 days Toshiba will release the Gen 3 series of HD DVD players. It is already being reported on the net that $199 priced players (leftover A2's) will be available. The public sees a bunch of HD DVD's . . they see a bunch of BD's. Then they see a $199 priced player . . and a $499 priced player . . . . Looks like a no brainer to me.

To who? Us here at AVS? Or the general public who knows nothing of the war or who Weinstein is? HD DVD is doing great. They are doing EXACTLY what they set out to do . . . .

" Plan your work . . . Work your plan." Ever hear that ditty? In a little over 30 days Toshiba will release the Gen 3 series of HD DVD players. It is already being reported on the net that $199 priced players (leftover A2's) will be available. The public sees a bunch of HD DVD's . . they see a bunch of BD's. Then they see a $199 priced player . . and a $499 priced player . . . . Looks like a no brainer to me.

I think a lot of people know who Weinstein is and will over value his (or their) impact here.

I could pick him out in a lineup and it is because I have seen him at awards shows on TV. Not on stage, just being there and having the correspondents point him out.

If Weinstein goes neutral then the perception will be that HD DVD is in big trouble. Sony has basically said to the consumer - "We don't believe in competition - you'll take what we give you - period!" The attitude that it can stack the deck and ram it down everyone's throats is what is keeping me from buying a BD player (plus the fact there aren't many BD movies I want).

The only thing Sony has said to the consumer is "We have the best format, and the a majority of movie studios and consumer electronics manufacturers agree - period." Any sense of anti-competition or anti-consumer action is purely fabricated at the point of the posters.

Conversely, I'm shocked you don't feel the same way about your beloved HD DVD. One movie studio, one CE, and one corporate giant who continually take the "I'm right; its everyone else who's wrong" mentality and forced a war upon consumers by not working with the majority. Talk about elitist.

The sleeping giant in all of this is MS. There's lots of valid reasons as to why it shouldn't throw a lot of money at HD DVD;


But MS won't. They don't give a damn about HD optical, it doesn't make sense for them too whatsoever.

They are in it for name only... just as a counter to Sony. The BDA is in it to win it. I am getting a little tired of the "what if" arguments from the HD DVD side of the fence.

As for the WMD, I don't think Universal has the stomach to make this move. It's a moot point.

The fact of the matter is that BD will get enough exclusivity from retailers, vendors and studios before HD DVD can reach it's magical critical mass.

To who? Us here at AVS? Or the general public who knows nothing of the war or who Weinstein is? HD DVD is doing great. They are doing EXACTLY what they set out to do . . . .

" Plan your work . . . Work your plan." Ever hear that ditty? In a little over 30 days Toshiba will release the Gen 3 series of HD DVD players. It is already being reported on the net that $199 priced players (leftover A2's) will be available. The public sees a bunch of HD DVD's . . they see a bunch of BD's. Then they see a $199 priced player . . and a $499 priced player . . . . Looks like a no brainer to me.


Lee, if you think 500 bucks is where the S300 will be come the holidays, I want to give you a bit of a reality check.

The BDA is going to cut price just like HD DVD will.

I truly can't see more than 100-150 bucks separating HD DVD from BD this holiday season. You couple that with the content advantage, and I think that 100-150 bucks shrinks real fast.

I still maintain content wins this war.

Conversely, I'm shocked you don't feel the same way about your beloved HD DVD. One movie studio, one CE, and one corporate giant who continually take the "I'm right; its everyone else who's wrong" mentality and forced a war upon consumers by not working with the majority. Talk about elitist.


This so RIGHT ON the money, I couldn't have said it better myself.

We are going to have ONE holdout CE and ONE holdout studio, and somehow HD DVD is about choice. :rolleyes:

To who? Us here at AVS? Or the general public who knows nothing of the war or who Weinstein is? HD DVD is doing great. They are doing EXACTLY what they set out to do . . . .

" Plan your work . . . Work your plan." Ever hear that ditty? In a little over 30 days Toshiba will release the Gen 3 series of HD DVD players. It is already being reported on the net that $199 priced players (leftover A2's) will be available. The public sees a bunch of HD DVD's . . they see a bunch of BD's. Then they see a $199 priced player . . and a $499 priced player . . . . Looks like a no brainer to me.

This $499 price is assuming that none of the BDA companies make a big splash at CEDIA which is unlikely.

Sony showed two prototype players at CES, one became the S300, the S500 should be coming soon, and I imagine something like an S100 player is in the works, stripped down HD DVD style released on Oct 30th to forego BD-Video 1.1 specifications. Speculation I know, but to think that the budget BD boxes are going to remain at the same price level while the HD DVD boxes go down in price is silly at best.

Amazon is meaningless, check Nielsen for real sales

I for the most part agree with this. As more and more B&M stores squeeze out HD-DVD and go Blu-ray exclusive, it makes Amazon the logical choice for HD-DVD supporters to buy their movies, where as Blu-ray buyers will continue to buy their movies using a healthy mixture of both B&M and Online stores.

I think historically eventhough Blu-ray has dominated the Amazon sales statistics, HD-DVD has always fared better in those statistics vs. the Neilsen sales ratings.

I predict as more and more B&M stores go Blu-ray exclusive, HD-DVD will actually perform slightly better at Amazon as there will become fewer and fewer places where HD-DVD can be purchased.

Just My .02

~Josh

I imagine if Weinstein is going neutral now it has a lot to do with Blockbuster's decision.


I would agree with that. If you hadn't noticed blockbuster is an exclusive carrier of weinstein films. since BB is going Blu it would be stupid for weinstein to release on HDDVD only since no one would be able to rent their movies in HD.

Weinstein is either the largest, most important independent studio or the smallest major studio depending on who you ask.

The problem for the HD DVD is that they hyped them as a major studio when they were exclusive. If Weinstein really is going neutral, then you can bet they will have some of their own press releases quoted in the Sony and company announcements.

Perception trumps reality. For a year now HD DVD has been creating the perception that the Weinstein group is a major studio. It is going to be hard to back peddle from that.

Has the BD camp released any material downplaying Weinstein?

Yeah, funny how all of a sudden Weinstein doesn't matter.

I for the most part agree with this. As more and more B&M stores squeeze out HD-DVD and go Blu-ray exclusive, it makes Amazon the logical choice for HD-DVD supporters to buy their movies, where as Blu-ray buyers will continue to buy their movies using a healthy mixture of both B&M and Online stores.

I think historically eventhough Blu-ray has dominated the Amazon sales statistics, HD-DVD has always fared better in those statistics vs. the Neilsen sales ratings.

I predict as more and more B&M stores go Blu-ray exclusive, HD-DVD will actually perform slightly better at Amazon as there will become fewer and fewer places where HD-DVD can be purchased.

Just My .02

~Josh

As more and more B&M stores squeeze out HD-DVD and go Blu-ray exclusive,

By my count this ONLY pertains to BJ's - a minor player in the sale of CE hardware. Target? No exclusive there . . .unless you consider an endcap exclusive . . in a company that makes less than 2% of it's revenue from the sale of CE hardware.

Just another BD spun post . . trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Or should I say an ant hill.

I do not think this is so much a case of "blog posts" from Blu-ray.com as it is about who made the post (Paidgeek). Out of all the higher-up "Insiders" here on AVS, Paidgeek has been proven to be the most accurate and in many cases the most ethical IMO. In-fact I can not recall any post from Paidgeek that did not pan out to be true.

~Josh

Oh the irony!. Beatboy talking about accuracy, and being ethical. If this came from Beatboy,, I would dismiss it. However, if its from Paid, it is probably true.

While Weinstein does not have all that much to offer, its the PR blow it deals to HDDVD that will have the effect, not the content.

As more and more B&M stores squeeze out HD-DVD and go Blu-ray exclusive,

By my count this ONLY pertains to BJ's - a minor player in the sale of CE hardware. Target? No exclusive there . . .unless you consider an endcap exclusive . . in a company that makes less than 2% of it's revenue from the sale of CE hardware.

Just another BD spun post . . trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Or should I say an ant hill.

You are ridiculous, if one were to listen to you one would think that BR has nothing going for it, that none of the recent studio additions, and none of the recent BM announcements matter in the least.

Take your blinders off man it is getting to the point where I could post your posts for you.

Translation of all of your posts= IT DOESNT MATTER IF IT HAS TO DO WITH BR.

As more and more B&M stores squeeze out HD-DVD and go Blu-ray exclusive,

By my count this ONLY pertains to BJ's - a minor player in the sale of CE hardware. Target? No exclusive there . . .unless you consider an endcap exclusive . . in a company that makes less than 2% of it's revenue from the sale of CE hardware.

Just another BD spun post . . trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Or should I say an ant hill.

Target will have a bigger inventory of blu ray titles instore ..having more shelf space makes an impact to the customer as they browse through the stores... blu ray movies will be on the end cap as well as on the shelves providing even more exposure for blu ray...whether you want to admit or not, this makes a difference...just like seeing that blu ray is winning in the general media provides a perception that HD DVD is doing nothing about...

Of course, obvious things like this are not observed by HD DVD supporters....

I cannot understand why posters keep stretching the facts of the article. It did NOT say BD players . . .that denotes more than one. It said the Sony S300. THAT"S IT! No other player is going to be sold at Target, according to the announcement.I do so love it when you guys contradict your own talking points. I mean, you always tell us that the PS3 is a player for financial purposes, but now you're saying PS3s are no longer Blu-ray players!

You are ridiculous, if one were to listen to you one would think that BR has nothing going for it, that none of the recent studio additions, and none of the recent BM announcements matter in the least.

Take your blinders off man it is getting to the point where I could post your posts for you.

Translation of all of your posts= IT DOESNT MATTER IF IT HAS TO DO WITH BR.

You are right! IT DOESN'T MATTER! Table scraps as far as CE B&M's.

You are right! IT DOESN'T MATTER! Table scraps as far as CE B&M's.

Of course, of course........

One of the on-going things to keep in mind with all of this recent positive Blu-ray news is it doesn't necessarily mean that the organizations going Blu-ray "exclsuive" are taking sides philosophically; it is just business and the BDA is putting their money where their mouth is.

There is not a single business on either side of the war who is in this for "philosophical" reasons; they are doing what they think is in their best interest to make the most money. Period. End of story.

Of course, of course........

Everytime I read Lee's posts of late, I get this vivid image of a Imperial Japanese Soldier, in his late 80s, holding a rusty rifle somewhere in the South Pacific.

I do so love it when you guys contradict your own talking points. I mean, you always tell us that the PS3 is a player for financial purposes, but now you're saying PS3s are no longer Blu-ray players!

So how many PS3's has Target sold?

Everytime I read Lee's posts of late, I get this vivid image of a Imperial Japanese Soldier, in his late 80s, holding a rusty rifle somewhere in the South Pacific......sneaking out at night to steal bananas and coconuts.

Yes...the PS3 demographic:

1) Teenager OR teenager-like cortex development
2) Plays video games 10+ hours a day
3) Employment optional
4) Dating just gets in the way of gaming and partying
5) Lots of disposable income since Mom lets him live with herYou do know that the top-selling movie on Blu-ray is "The Departed", a complex, 2.5 hour long Scorsese film full of impenetrable Boston accents? That being the top HD DVD title too, then either your assessment is BS, or the HD DVD demographic is the same. Which is it?

Everytime I read Lee's posts of late, I get this vivid image of a Imperial Japanese Soldier, in his late 80s, holding a rusty rifle somewhere in the South Pacific.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/Feedtroll.png

How is it that we have more studios going blu and yet more releases on red! I guess not enough to make up for the cut backs by Disney and Fox. Now that is the much bigger news...when tier1 supporters go MIA. When Panny has to pay Disney to promote BD....now that is curious. No?

BD may be generating news, but that is nothing new. Its always been about BD spun PR. IF HD DVD is being squeezed out, then it isnt at the expense of BD, since BD software sales are flat!

You do know that the top-selling movie on Blu-ray is "The Departed", a complex, 2.5 hour long Scorsese film full of impenetrable Boston accents? That being the top HD DVD title too, then either your assessment is BS, or the HD DVD demographic is the same. Which is it?

I think it is a little of both and probably just a sorry attempt at humor in the first place.

No matter what the 'PS3' demographic is, fully half of HD DVD consumers are 360 owners.

Not that it matters either way because it is clear that we all don't fit the same mold.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/Feedtroll.png


Look, I can do it too!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v340/Crackbone/2005963271397311278_rs.jpg

How is it that we have more studios going blu and yet more releases on red! I guess not enough to make up for the cut backs by Disney and Fox. Now that is the much bigger news...when tier1 supporters go MIA. When Panny has to pay Disney to promote BD....now that is curious. No?

BD may be generating news, but that is nothing new. Its always been about BD spun PR. IF HD DVD is being squeezed out, then it isnt at the expense of BD, since BD software sales are flat!

HD DVD supporters always claimed that quality is more important than quantity. Now Universal has proved it with its flood of mediocre releases and low sales.

As far as Weinstein, their Grindhouse BOMBED at the theaters. Their catalog is small to say the least. This in no way damages HD DVD. But the BD PR machine will once again spin it into a bigger announcement than the BBI one. And why not? That's what they do best. It sure isn't selling PS3's or getting their format completed 15 months after launch.

Too funny!

Last year, Weinstein being a HD DVD exclusive studio was big differentiating news for HD DVD. Now that they appear to be going neutral, they get "dissed" as being unimportant. Revisionist history.

If they do go neutral, I think it will help end this format war sooner -- and that is a good thing!

The only thing Sony has said to the consumer is "We have the best format, and the a majority of movie studios and consumer electronics manufacturers agree - period." Any sense of anti-competition or anti-consumer action is purely fabricated at the point of the posters.

Conversely, I'm shocked you don't feel the same way about your beloved HD DVD. One movie studio, one CE, and one corporate giant who continually take the "I'm right; its everyone else who's wrong" mentality and forced a war upon consumers by not working with the majority. Talk about elitist.
Best post I've read on this thread by far. Right on the button...

This so RIGHT ON the money, I couldn't have said it better myself.

We are going to have ONE holdout CE and ONE holdout studio, and somehow HD DVD is about choice. :rolleyes:
And I see I'm not alone in thinking that.

HD DVD has close to 300 titles? Is that correct? How many are Weinstein? And HD DVD has more than Uni exclusive - check your facts.

The numbers don't matter. It's just perception at this point. You see the volumes being discussed in the nielsen thread. You know it's low on both sides. So all that's going on is jockeying to end it. Perception pure and simple.

Too funny!

Last year, Weinstein being a HD DVD exclusive studio was big differentiating news for HD DVD. Now that they appear to be going neutral, they get "dissed" as being unimportant. Revisionist history.


100% TRUE!! Annoying those HD DVD people, i could imagen the same will happen if Universal goes neutral, they'll be like " so what? it doesnt matter, this isnt important"

The numbers don't matter. It's just perception at this point. You see the volumes being discussed in the nielsen thread. You know it's low on both sides. So all that's going on is jockeying to end it. Perception pure and simple.

Agreed. HERE . . . at AVS . . .not in the real world where average consumers live and spend their money and could care less about HD in general and HDM specifically.

krinkle, you feel that Amazon is meaningless for one single reason -- HD DVD is doing fairly well there for hardware and (currently) software. It doesn't fit into your "HD DVD is a sinking ship" world view.

Wall Street currently pegs Amazon's yearly sales at $13.84 billion. I don't think anyone who is thinking straight would claim that it's "meaningless".


Odd that you would claim that Amazon is meaningless today, yet start this thread a few months back as BD started doing better at that site:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=773042


Your agenda is getting tiresome.


A few things:

1) When I started that thread it was so long ago THAT THERE WAS NO NIELSEN DATA AVAILABLE. Amazon.com was the best that we had.

2) Thank you for linking one of my threads from December 21st, 2006 that shows that I have been right about predicting the course of the format war since the beginning, while you and the rest of the hardcore AVS HDDVDers have been consistently wrong.

3) If you are seriously arguing that sales rankings at one online retailer are more important than data on the entire optical media market as published by Nielsen, then there is truly no hope for you.

Its an all Blu world when you look at real sales, and Weinstein has noticed it too.

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/6870/bdsaleslc5.jpg (http://img361.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bdsaleslc5.jpg)

Agreed. HERE . . . at AVS . . .not in the real world where average consumers live and spend their money and could care less about HD in general and HDM specifically.

Annnd... your point is? We're talking about perception of who is "winning" and that comes in different ways. Take the Target stories. Regardless of the stories in the press, come the fall, there will be endcaps with sony players and BD discs on them, just like in Best Buy right now. And it will be in other places. A consumer may not buy into anything now because of the price, but the perception of a format is there, especially when tied to the PS3.

Yeah, consumers couldn't care less about HDM in general right now. Big deal. I can't figure out why you're bringing in this red herring that has nothing to do with the main point of overall perception. You know, I don't give a fig about baseball but I still hear about it and I can still get a feeling for whose winning in the larger sense towards the world series. I may not have a pony in the race but the news and opinion about it still gets out there. And as has been true for quite some time now, the perception is that HD DVD is not winning. A move by Weinsten to a neutral stance will reinforce that. There's no getting around that. Even more importantly, the move by them will be another nugget that gets passed around the already quite small Hollywood community and will influence others.

Dang it. I'm sorry. I just remembered who I was responding to and that I should just say, "You're right." Or I should just bang my head against a wall.

I've always thought and still do think that weinstein shouldn't matter too much. If they do indeed go neutral, bluray will have a better selection of movies in theory. Bluray needs to bring down the big boy that is Universal.

I've always thought and still do think that weinstein shouldn't matter too much. If they do indeed go neutral, bluray will have a better selection of movies in theory. Bluray needs to bring down the big boy that is Universal.

I don't think they matter much in terms of overall sales.

They matter in terms of perception.

They matter to me in that they have movies that I will buy from them; movies I have not bought on DVD nor have bought or rented on HD DVD. I'm an untapped customer for them that will hopefully be getting tapped this fall. :D

Merged thread from HDTV section

3) If you are seriously arguing that sales rankings at one online retailer are more important than data on the entire optical media market as published by Nielsen, then there is truly no hope for you.

krinkle, please take a deep breath and actually read. I never argued that sales rankings on Amazon are more important than Neilsen. Not once.

I said that they aren't (as you said) "meaningless". Big difference.

And again, looking at your post history, the Amazon top-100 seemed pretty bloody important to you back when BD was in the lead:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9826706&&#post9826706

I don't mind preference for one format over the other. But to highlight something when it favors your side and then dismiss it completely if the tide turns (even briefly) is disingenuous.



But please, feel free to put words in my mouth as you did above. That should help to deflect attention away from the good software showing that HD DVD is currently displaying. And the fact that an HD DVD player has been the #1 DVD player on that site for weeks. Sinking ship indeed.

Weinstein is either the largest, most important independent studio or the smallest major studio depending on who you ask.

For a year now HD DVD has been creating the perception that the Weinstein group is a major studio. It is going to be hard to back peddle from that.

The problem for the HD DVD is that they hyped them as a major studio when they were exclusive. If Weinstein really is going neutral, then you can bet they will have some of their own press releases quoted in the Sony and company announcements.

^ ^
LoL, :)
I never thought about that. It would be poetic justice. I’ll have to pass that on to the folks that did this ad................

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?p=127006#post127006

Another e-peen thread. One day I am going to learn to stop opening these.

It is lagosian aka oshodi aka django aka 5thDanMaster until the next account suspension... ;)

Isn't that the Toshiba guy from the Direct View Tube forum section?

Another e-peen thread. One day I am going to learn to stop opening these.
Hmm,
This may be difficult to follow but if you get stuck on one of dem vBulletin Message’s that are archive roadblocks, then each time you should probably Click :D on this option…….
“to read the archived posts or threads between 01/05 - 06/06” to follow the Blu-bricked road. :)

Anyway, I think you should consider being a little bit more open-minded and open as many threads as you can----like this...........
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708533&page=1&pp=30

because, depending on the poster, you may just find a hidden pearl like this on page 6 of such a thread ;) ………………
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8183217&&#post8183217


2 months or so before the “official” announcement............
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8588599&&#post8588599

Agreed. HERE . . . at AVS . . .not in the real world where average consumers live and spend their money and could care less about HD in general and HDM specifically.
That's as may be, but let's talk about perception for a moment.

Public perception, as defined by the masses outside of AVS and similar enthusiast niches, is largely unaware of the format war, but the people on the fringe who do happen to be clued in are being force-fed news reports indicating that Blu-ray is winning.

Public perception isn't where move to a neutral stance for Weinstein will do the most damage.

It is the damage amongst retailers and studios that will hurt. While Joe Q. Public doesn't know or care that Tartan, Starz/Anchor Bay, Razor, Questar and now probably Weinstein will be supporting Blu-ray, other studios and the retailers in the supply chain will see this movement and draw the (correct) conclusion that the market is shifting towards Blu-ray. Each decision that gets announced compounds this phenomenon and perpetuates it.

No amount of claims of irrelevance will impact this.

Aside to Lee: What happened to you? You used to be a pretty level-headed poster, but all of a sudden in the last few weeks your posting rate has skyrocketed, and your tone has shifted from calm and reasonable to something I can only call manic. :(

Aside to Lee: What happened to you? You used to be a pretty level-headed poster, but all of a sudden in the last few weeks your posting rate has skyrocketed, and your tone has shifted from calm and reasonable to something I can only call manic. :(

he's partial to HD-DVD, they are losing, he is bitter.

while Grindhouse did bomb in the theaters, many have accounted to its releasing on Easter weekend with a 3 hour runtime as the main reason. many ppl, like me, are waiting for this one on SD/HD media instead and if this speculation comes true i'll be a very happy blu camper.

How is it that we have more studios going blu and yet more releases on red! I guess not enough to make up for the cut backs by Disney and Fox. Now that is the much bigger news...when tier1 supporters go MIA. When Panny has to pay Disney to promote BD....now that is curious. No?

BD may be generating news, but that is nothing new. Its always been about BD spun PR. IF HD DVD is being squeezed out, then it isnt at the expense of BD, since BD software sales are flat!

Take a look at the current fall release schedule,.

How is it that we have more studios going blu and yet more releases on red! I guess not enough to make up for the cut backs by Disney and Fox. Now that is the much bigger news...when tier1 supporters go MIA. When Panny has to pay Disney to promote BD....now that is curious. No?

BD may be generating news, but that is nothing new. Its always been about BD spun PR. IF HD DVD is being squeezed out, then it isnt at the expense of BD, since BD software sales are flat!


Take a look at the current fall release schedule,.

more titles on red or not, the exclusive ones all come from the same studio who had been hit or miss on their titles in the quality department. seems for every quality release like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead you'd get 3 or 4 other titles that only get 3 stars in PQ with no lossless audio.

he's partial to HD-DVD, they are losing, he is bitter.

while Grindhouse did bomb in the theaters, many have accounted to its releasing on Easter weekend with a 3 hour runtime as the main reason. many ppl, like me, are waiting for this one on SD/HD media instead and if this speculation comes true i'll be a very happy blu camper.

I hope that after Grindhouse Bombs on BD because it such a piece of garbage that Weinstein doesnt feel to upset to give us the few other good titles they have.

Just to point out Paidgeek said Target was going BD hardware exclusive, when that is NOT the case and Target themselves have never released any statement saying they are BD hardware exclusive. ....Sony has bought an end cap in Target stores, Tosh has not so far...

I think folks are confusing paidgeek who works for Sony with P-Man, who works for.....

Weinstein turning neutral makes business sense for them, especially if Sony will pay for the replication of their initial launch titles....why turn down free money?

My information is that you will not be able to by an HD-DVD set-top player at Target...period... Is that sufficiently Blu-ray exclusive???

more titles on red or not, the exclusive ones all come from the same studio who had been hit or miss on their titles in the quality department. seems for every quality release like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead you'd get 3 or 4 other titles that only get 3 stars in PQ with no lossless audio.

Don't forget the ones with only two stars (or even 1.5).

My information is that you will not be able to by an HD-DVD set-top player at Target...period... Is that sufficiently Blu-ray exclusive???

Pretty much nails it. All this huffing and puffing from Graffeo, yet he never actually mentions anything about standalone players at Target?

My information is that you will not be able to by an HD-DVD set-top player at Target...period... Is that sufficiently Blu-ray exclusive???
As far as this BD supporter's concerned... no. To say that Target is going to sell BD hardware exclusively when they are still selling HD DVD hardware (the 360 addon) in the store is simply not accurate. Standalone exclusive != hardware exclusive.

Think of it this way: Would you consider a store that sells HD DVD standalone players and the PS3 to be HD DVD hardware exclusive? I wouldn't.

As far as this BD supporter's concerned.
A blu-ray “supporter” :confused: that was banned from the quintessential Blu-ray forum.................

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=126061&postcount=45

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=126046&postcount=44

the 360
I wouldn’t brag too much about that …………………..

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=20d7c5cc-8c04-4d80-8fec-922fc0473476&f=00&fg=copy

Target sales associates sure don't. ;)

A blu-ray “supporter” :confused: that was banned from the quintessential Blu-ray form.................

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=126061&postcount=45

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=126046&postcount=44
Yep, that's me. Doesn't make me any less of a BD supporter, despite what you may think.

I'm surprised you found time away from bashing Amir and the AVS mods (behind their backs, no less) over there to find those posts. Good for you.

I wouldn’t brag too much about that …………………..

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=20d7c5cc-8c04-4d80-8fec-922fc0473476&f=00&fg=copy

Target sales associates sure don't. ;)
Your lame jokes can't make paidgeek's claims of Target going BD hardware exclusive any less false or misleading. Nice try at deflection, though.

As far as this BD supporter's concerned... no. To say that Target is going to sell BD hardware exclusively when they are still selling HD DVD hardware (the 360 addon) in the store is simply not accurate. Standalone exclusive != hardware exclusive.

Think of it this way: Would you consider a store that sells HD DVD standalone players and the PS3 to be HD DVD hardware exclusive? I wouldn't.

A lot of consumers continue to be unaware that Xbox 360 or PS3 can even be used as movie players. If the 360 add on is not being used to demo movies at Target, when wouldn't you expect it to be basically invisible to the consumer?

I think of it this way:
PS3 and Xbox are not in the same league as movie playback devices. I don't have to dangle a drive off a PS3 to play movies and the PS3 is probably one of the best HD consumer devices available at any price.

So for the sake of clarification...
If best buy stops selling Bluray stand alone players but still sells BR software titles in store and players online...
That would make Best Buy HD DVD exclusive?

A lot of consumers continue to be unaware that Xbox 360 or PS3 can even be used as movie players. If the 360 add on is not being used to demo movies at Target, when wouldn't you expect it to be basically invisible to the consumer?
No, I wouldn't. Even if I did "expect it to be basically invisible to the consumer," that doesn't negate the fact that Target's selling it. Your claim that Target has gone "BD hardware exclusive" remains false. The only way that they are "BD exclusive" is in the area of stand alone players sold in-store.

I ask again: Would you consider a store that sells HD DVD standalone players and the PS3 to be HD DVD hardware exclusive?
I think of it this way:
PS3 and Xbox are not in the same league as movie playback devices. I don't have to dangle a drive off a PS3 to play movies and the PS3 is probably one of the best HD consumer devices available at any price.
I'm sure you don't see them as being in the same league. That doesn't change the fact that Target is selling - in-store - HD DVD-playing hardware. No amount of spin can change that.

I hope that after Grindhouse Bombs on BD because it such a piece of garbage that Weinstein doesnt feel to upset to give us the few other good titles they have.

Piece of garbage? I beg to differ.

Playing Devil's Advocate here:

The majority of the US moviegoers are uneducated when it comes to films like GRINDHOUSE, left and right coast not withstanding. The movie was billed as a double feature and people were leaving the theatre after PT because they thought that was it. Film ushers actually had to come in to tell the audience that there was another movie, i **** you not. I don't believe running time had anything to do with it. Moviegoers were just not educated enough about what the GRINDHOUSE experience was all about.

People were complaining because of the "look" of the film, not knowing that it was intentional hence thinking that the movie is a POS.

Every person that I've conversed with regarding GRINDHOUSE all had positive things to say. It's not for everyone. I commend RR/QT for making a great 3+ hour schlockfest.

Piece of garbage? I beg to differ.

Playing Devil's Advocate here:

The majority of the US moviegoers are uneducated when it comes to films like GRINDHOUSE, left and right coast not withstanding. The movie was billed as a double feature and people were leaving the theatre after PT because they thought that was it. Film ushers actually had to come in to tell the audience that there was another movie, i **** you not. I don't believe running time had anything to do with it. Moviegoers were just not educated enough about what the GRINDHOUSE experience was all about.

People were complaining because of the "look" of the film, not knowing that it was intentional hence thinking that the movie is a POS.

Every person that I've conversed with regarding GRINDHOUSE all had positive things to say. It's not for everyone. I commend RR/QT for making a great 3+ hour schlockfest.


I feel the same way , and have have friends who loved GRINDHOUSE. Hell, we even made it the true grindhouse feel, last showing and lots of popcorn! What an experience!

Sony paid Target for an end cap for their specific player. IF Target were behind BD exclusively I think they would have sold the Panny and Sammy players as well. No? This is just one company making a deal to rent space in a store where they will have at best minimal hardware shelf space. The whole Target thing was orchestrated by Sony to be another PR stunt - unfortunately the press caught on to their game and the notion of Target going BD exclusive was laid to rest soon enough. Cash strapped and on the brink Blockbuster was easier to manipulate.....

But credit where credit is due. P-Man has a knack of finding stuff off of the web - must be profecient with Google :)

I would put Weinstein below Lions Gate but I am sure there are a couple of their titles I would buy on BD.

Still waiting for that last domino to fall so BD can start the real war with dvd.

But credit where credit is due. P-Man has a knack of finding stuff off of the web - must be profecient with Google :)
What ?

Where on earth on the world wide web did anybody say that the Sony "announcement" would be a Target announcement and on the day, even the approximate time of the day, before I did ? :confused:

If you can find it and post it, I promise to send you or the charity of your choice a money order for $100. Sheesh Plazman, for your information, at the last moment,
it almost didn't happen and was being reconsidered for the following day!

I know this exclusive Blu-ray reporting bugs you but, live with it.
Resistance is futile. :D

Or maybe I'm misunderstanding you, and you're referring to the heads-up I gave 2 months in advance concerning the fact that Click would be the first title on BD50 (as mentioned near the top of this page). :confused:
Find something somewhere that mentioned that tidbit, and I'll send you another $50., as in that science fictional BD50. :D

B.T.W.,
The word is proficient.
Consider yourself lucky that I even respond to people that can't spell that word correctly. :rolleyes:

No, I wouldn't. Even if I did "expect it to be basically invisible to the consumer," that doesn't negate the fact that Target's selling it. Your claim that Target has gone "BD hardware exclusive" remains false. The only way that they are "BD exclusive" is in the area of stand alone players sold in-store.

The Xbox 360 add-on isn't a player. It's classified as an accessory. Though I'm sure you can find somewhere where it isn't listed thusly, the majority of places do list it as that. It's not considered in sales as a player, regardless of the fact that it can be plugged into a PC. You don't see burners and rom drives listed in the same breath as players either.

At this point it's arguing semantics and all rather pointless in the grand scheme of things. If you take a step back, I'm sure you can see the humor in it as well.

The way I see it, Target is not Blu-ray exclusive. One could argue that they are Blu-leaning though. ;)

But, isn't this thread about Weinstein going neutral???

Yes...the PS3 demographic:

1) Teenager OR teenager-like cortex development
2) Plays video games 10+ hours a day
3) Employment optional
4) Dating just gets in the way of gaming and partying
5) Lots of disposable income since Mom lets him live with her

Hey, its working..... the HD optical market is controlled by teenagers.

Great...solid..... time for a new hobby I guess. :rolleyes:

:)
nice.. reported

If you can find it and post it, I promise to send you or the charity of your choice a money order for $100.......................
Find something somewhere that mentioned that tidbit, and I'll send you another $50., as in that science fictional BD50. :D

And please, don’t enlist any of your MS buddies to do any hanky-panky website foolishness because I would truly consider that to be dishonorable. :(

Now, despite the intended off-topic derailment by the usual suspects can we get back on topic ?
I’m sure there is some thread around here completely devoted to the Target announcement where some scholars in literature can bash paidgeek incessantly with semantics, if they so choose. :rolleyes:

Plus, you never know, folk in the Weinstein house may just be grinding their teeth waiting for some sincere fans to say something about the topic at hand. :)

Plus, you never know, folk in the Weinstein house may just be grinding their teeth waiting for some sincere fans to say something about the topic at hand. :)


:cool:

B.T.W.,
The word is proficient.
Consider yourself lucky that I even respond to people that can't spell that word correctly. :rolleyes:
I don't think you quite understand... acting like a condescending spelling nazi is exactly why people don't like you. You're getting the exact OPPOSITE effect of what you want if you are to be taken totally seriously. Your info is 100% correct, but why will anyone want to listen to you when you act condescending over spelling?

Consider yourself lucky I even respond to elitist posters like yourself. (See how that sounds from the outside?)

The Xbox 360 add-on isn't a player. It's classified as an accessory. Though I'm sure you can find somewhere where it isn't listed thusly, the majority of places do list it as that. It's not considered in sales as a player, regardless of the fact that it can be plugged into a PC. You don't see burners and rom drives listed in the same breath as players either.

At this point it's arguing semantics and all rather pointless in the grand scheme of things. If you take a step back, I'm sure you can see the humor in it as well.
:D

Yeah, I'd say that's arguing semantics. Technically, the claim was hardware exclusivity and the addon is definitely hardware.

And yes, I can certainly see the humor in all of this - there are a lot of silly arguments around here, lately. I'll drop it, cause I don't want this thread to be closed on my account.

Back on-topic, if they do go neutral, I would highly recommend Lucky Number Slevin and Clerks II. I think those are the only two Weinstein titles I own, so I can't really recommend any others.

I don't think you quite understand... acting like a condescending spelling nazi is exactly why people don't like you.

Now don't be too sad, Penton-Man, I still like you & I'm sure many feel the same, spelling Nazi or not. ;)

Now don't be too sad, Penton-Man, I still like you & I'm sure many feel the same
:D

It’s all just another feeble excuse to derail a thread bringing potentially good Blu-ray news about Weinstein.

And this is just the summertime when things are slow. I’m just wondering what they will do when the big surprises come out later this year and early next year. :D

Can we get back on topic or have the HD DVD protagonists accomplished their goal ?

Can we get back on topic or have the HD DVD protagonists accomplished their goal ?

Will do, Sir! Now, with future Weinstein releases likely to be in both formats, the main question is if/when the movies previously released on HD DVD will become available on Blu-ray. Any info on that, Penton? :D

Will do, Sir! Now, with future Weinstein releases likely to be in both formats, the main question is if/when the movies previously released on HD DVD will become available on Blu-ray. Any info on that, Penton? :D
I think a lot of that would depend on how well the movies sold on HD DVD. I think every studio has probably been a bit underwhelmed by the response to catalog titles that have been released ad infinitum on DVD. If a title sold disastrously on HD DVD, it might not ever make it over to Blu-ray (though to be fair, they could easily just port the encodes over Warner-style - not that I'd want to give them any ideas on that score).

P.S. I like Penton-Man just fine. He's not only an insider, but one with a sense of humor (notice the subtle hint in post #179 and pointed out by sknight1), and has been more willing than most to give us early heads up about things to come on many, many occasions.

The BD forums the past few weeks have been CRAWLING with threadcraps, threadhijacks and just wiseass derailment attempts by many of the red-heads, (gingers)
Hell, certain redheads here MUST be on someone's payroll as they post for 12 hours straight....!

We were talking about the upcoming UK BD of "Gangs From N.Y." and one of the regulars has to come in and state that the HDdvd is coming out and it's region free and includes a link to a spanish press release from 7-8 months ago that states that "Gangs" is coming out in April of 2007...!!! Well, looks like it didn't, yes? But that didn't stop him from trying to derail the BD thread.

Gangs of New York is coming to HD DVD as well, no region codes.
http://www.zonadvd.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8682


"Manga Films ha comunicado a zonadvd.com el lanzamiento, inicialmente previsto para el próximo mes de Abril de 2007, de Gangs of New York en HD-DVD.


Sleeve Films has communicated to zonadvd.com the launching, initially anticipated for the next month of April of 2007, of Gangs of New York in HD-DVD..."


Also, many of the true crazies like oshodi, Lagosian, Django and (censored) ....
are all the same person! Looking back through their posts, they always join the SAME DAY that they get banned with their previous name. They don't even wait a day! They also list the same equipment, just happen to all live in Houston...

and people bitch about "Project Hydra..."

I was going to roll back the thread, but I can't seem to find a page where there isn't bickering and name-calling and off-topic posts. So I'm closing this topic.