http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Weinstein_Co./HD_DVD_Backer_Weinstein_Goes_MIA_Speculation_Mounts/1105

think maybe Sony/BDA is working on a cash deal for exclusivity (is that a word)?

Who knows, if they don't do day and date with the standard DVD releases their sales will languish on either format.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Weinstein_Co./HD_DVD_Backer_Weinstein_Goes_MIA_Speculation_Mounts/1105

think maybe Sony/BDA is working on a cash deal for exclusivity (is that a word)?

Sony gets them & HD DVD gets Warner ;)

Who knows, if they don't do day and date with the standard DVD releases their sales will languish on either format.
Agreed, and they've already missed a few day/date releases.
J

I think it's worthwhile movies from Weinstein that are MIA.

With the exception of TMNT which was a joint venture with them and another studio.

-Brian

I sure wouldn't mind seeing a version of Grindhouse on Blu....not necessarily for PQ, but...nice to have it on one disk..

I sure wouldn't mind seeing a version of Grindhouse on Blu....not necessarily for PQ, but...nice to have it on one disk..

i'd want everything in HD, unless upconverted from low res source, higher resolution always equal more detail regardless of how much artifacts are digitally added. what would be cool is if they include the cherry/ray sex scene in the extras as found stolen footage.

Weinstein also has the rumored Kill Bill: Whole Bloody Affair and should have Sin City 2 as well when and if that ever gets done.

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Weinstein_Co./HD_DVD_Backer_Weinstein_Goes_MIA_Speculation_Mounts/1105

think maybe Sony/BDA is working on a cash deal for exclusivity (is that a word)?

Yes exclusivity is a word. :)

Weinstein will go neutral and BR'rs will say the sky is falling for HD DVD because a formerly exclusive studio went neutral.

And then HD DVDers will say pfft, it doesnt count when it happens for BR and you can have Weinstein anyway we got Para.

Everyone will cry and we will still be in the same place we are now, no end in sight.

Yes exclusivity is a word. :)

Weinstein will go neutral and BR'rs will say the sky is falling for HD DVD because a formerly exclusive studio went neutral.

And then HD DVDers will say pfft, it doesnt count when it happens for BR and you can have Weinstein anyway we got Para.

Everyone will cry and we will still be in the same place we are now, no end in sight.

as long as there are more movies available to me w/o buying an extra player, i'm all for it. dont care if they go neutral or exclusively blu.

Yes exclusivity is a word. :)

Weinstein will go neutral and BR'rs will say the sky is falling for HD DVD because a formerly exclusive studio went neutral.

And then HD DVDers will say pfft, it doesnt count when it happens for BR and you can have Weinstein anyway we got Para.

Everyone will cry and we will still be in the same place we are now, no end in sight.

I love how the blu boy's try and paint a bd release by wienstien as a victory. They never were exclusive. They never stated that. They have always had plans for BD as well as HD DVD, they just have not released anything on it yet.

Is New Line BD exclusive just because they have on BD's scheduled?

I love how the blu boy's try and paint a bd release by wienstien as a victory. They never were exclusive. They never stated that. They have always had plans for BD as well as HD DVD, they just have not released anything on it yet.

Is New Line BD exclusive just because they have on BD's scheduled?

i love how you think blu boys try and paint a bd release by weinstein as a victory.

only ppl on bd.com are saying NL is exclusive b/c day and date BDs get earlier releases. one of the reasons i dont like visiting that forum is how extreme those ppl are. imagine a forum where 90% of the posters are like a blu Lee Stewart/rdjam.

Odd that before, the BD boys have said repeatedly that Weinstein could not be counted as a real studio because "it's too small"... :)

Yet if Weinstein goes neutral they think "war's over... uh, again..."

Bottom line - "We will not discuss our Hi Def plans" - well, at least they HAVE plans. And I'm sure we'll know them soon enough. Even if they go neutral, it won't exactly be a bombshell.

However, I think they'll have a few unpleasant surprises working with the BD bunch.

Someone like Paramount, who already worked with both, understands better the types of problems endemic to releasing on Bluray - and chose HD DVD. Someone like Weinstein, who has not worked with BD yet may feel it'll be just as easy as HD DVD, but wait till they start trying to get "allocated" a BD50 run, and try to get it in on time. They'll probably be done a couple favours to get them "in", but after the honeymoon, BD will likely treat them like just another small studio.

one of the reasons i dont like visiting that forum is how extreme those ppl are. imagine a forum where 90% of the posters are like a blu Lee Stewart/rdjam.Hey! :D

Say what you will of me, but don't compare to those "blu blud" hoodies and their gang on that forum - I'm not THAT bad? :p

Well if HD DVD continues to do as well as it is for Q4, then there is a good chance WB goes exclusive. And I have a hard time believing BD will persuade Weinstein at that point.

If I were them...

Let's face it, there are somethings we all know:

- There's not a lot of money in HDM at the moment, unless you're releasing a blockbuster. 300 and Transformers might make you few thousand, but that's about it. By holding back smaller releases you're not risking a lot;
- Warner have said quite publicly that they're waiting to see what happens over Christmas, then decide whether to stay neutral, or jump to one side or the other, based on disc sales, and whether or not the "aggressive pricing strategy" of either/both sides works;
- If Warner jump either one way or the other it might not 'win the war', but it'll certainly reduce the risk;
- Weinstein can see exactly the same data as Warner.

If I were Weinstein (or any other similarly-sized studio), unless I had a hit blockbuster to sell ** I'd do exactly what they're doing now. Wait and see. See if HD DVD players sell and if the disc sales start to catch up. See if the cheaper PS3 helps BD. See how Transformers v Spider-Man 3 v POTC3 v Bourne 3 goes. See what Warner do.


Can anyone think of a good reason for them to do otherwise?

Steve W

** As far as I can tell, Weinstein's 'biggest hit' of the year was Grindhouse - at number 72 in the box office charts having taken only $25 million, though I might have missed something.

Hey! :D

Say what you will of me, but don't compare to those "blu blud" hoodies and their gang on that forum - I'm not THAT bad? :p

:D

Well if HD DVD continues to do as well as it is for Q4, then there is a good chance WB goes exclusive. And I have a hard time believing BD will persuade Weinstein at that point.

As far as I can tell it is just the fourth week in Q4 and HD DVD has had one good week, confirmed by tomorrows numbers. What other momentum do they have to "do as well as it has for Q4." Am I missing something?

Hey,

Someone mention-ed Kill Bill and Sin City and so I thought I would remind anyone who wasn't aware that these are confirmed coming soon on Blu Ray Exclusively.

You can see the finished Kill Bill Part 1 in the attached pic and Sin City has been shown on Blu at IFA but a confirmed date has not been anounced for either.


-Brian

If I were them...

Let's face it, there are somethings we all know:

- There's not a lot of money in HDM at the moment, unless you're releasing a blockbuster. 300 and Transformers might make you few thousand, but that's about it. By holding back smaller releases you're not risking a lot;
- Warner have said quite publicly that they're waiting to see what happens over Christmas, then decide whether to stay neutral, or jump to one side or the other, based on disc sales, and whether or not the "aggressive pricing strategy" of either/both sides works;
- If Warner jump either one way or the other it might not 'win the war', but it'll certainly reduce the risk;
- Weinstein can see exactly the same data as Warner.

If I were Weinstein (or any other similarly-sized studio), unless I had a hit blockbuster to sell (which they don't - see below), I'd do exactly what they're doing now. Wait and see. See if HD DVD players sell and if the disc sales start to catch up. See if the cheaper PS3 helps BD. See how Transformers v Spider-Man 3 v POTC3 v Bourne 3 goes. See what Warner do.

As far as I can tell, Weinstein's 'biggest hit' of the year was Grindhouse - at number 72 in the box office charts having taken only $25 million, though I might have missed something.

Can anyone think of a good reason for them to do otherwise?

Steve W

I agree.

I'd have liked to get Grindhouse and 1408 in hidef. Oh well, I rented them on DVD...

Hey,

Someone mention-ed Kill Bill and Sin City and so I thought I would remind anyone who wasn't aware that these are confirmed coming soon on Blu Ray Exclusively.

-Brian

I also thought that I might remind everyone that Transformers was HD DVD exclusive, as well as all Shrek movies, American Gangster, The Kingdom, Bourne Ultimatum, The Incredible Hulk, IRON MAN, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, ANTZ, CHICKEN RUN, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO...:D

Odd that before, the BD boys have said repeatedly that Weinstein could not be counted as a real studio because "it's too small"... :)

Yet if Weinstein goes neutral they think "war's over... uh, again..."

Bottom line - "We will not discuss our Hi Def plans" - well, at least they HAVE plans. And I'm sure we'll know them soon enough. Even if they go neutral, it won't exactly be a bombshell.

However, I think they'll have a few unpleasant surprises working with the BD bunch.

Someone like Paramount, who already worked with both, understands better the types of problems endemic to releasing on Bluray - and chose HD DVD. Someone like Weinstein, who has not worked with BD yet may feel it'll be just as easy as HD DVD, but wait till they start trying to get "allocated" a BD50 run, and try to get it in on time. They'll probably be done a couple favours to get them "in", but after the honeymoon, BD will likely treat them like just another small studio.

I love being right................

I love being right................

About Rdjam being right??? :confused::D

About Rdjam being right??? :confused::D

Interpret it how you want, you have now made me right again........

Hey,

Someone mention-ed Kill Bill and Sin City and so I thought I would remind anyone who wasn't aware that these are confirmed coming soon on Blu Ray Exclusively.

You can see the finished Kill Bill Part 1 in the attached pic and Sin City has been shown on Blu at IFA but a confirmed date has not been anounced for either.


-Brian
Too bad they mentioned Sin City 2 and Kill Bill - The Whole Bloody Affair.... (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=866699&highlight=kill+bill)

"Weinstein also has the rumored Kill Bill: Whole Bloody Affair and should have Sin City 2 as well when and if that ever gets done".

which has nothing to do with KBpart1 and SC

But Warner's ratio is 2:1 in favor of Blu-ray. I doubt they will go exclusive HD-DVD unless that changes.

But Warner's ratio is 2:1 in favor of Blu-ray. I doubt they will go exclusive HD-DVD unless that changes.

Paramount.

I sure wouldn't mind seeing a version of Grindhouse on Blu....not necessarily for PQ, but...nice to have it on one disk..

It'll fit on one HD DVD, no need to make thinly veiled hints that it wouldn't :)

Odd that before, the BD boys have said repeatedly that Weinstein could not be counted as a real studio because "it's too small"... :)

Yet if Weinstein goes neutral they think "war's over... uh, again..."

Bottom line - "We will not discuss our Hi Def plans" - well, at least they HAVE plans. And I'm sure we'll know them soon enough. Even if they go neutral, it won't exactly be a bombshell.

However, I think they'll have a few unpleasant surprises working with the BD bunch.

Someone like Paramount, who already worked with both, understands better the types of problems endemic to releasing on Bluray - and chose HD DVD. Someone like Weinstein, who has not worked with BD yet may feel it'll be just as easy as HD DVD, but wait till they start trying to get "allocated" a BD50 run, and try to get it in on time. They'll probably be done a couple favours to get them "in", but after the honeymoon, BD will likely treat them like just another small studio.
And you know this because...

Lionsgate is still releasing new titles on Blu-ray. Have they been getting the shaft because they are a small studio? I'd say Weinstein would be treated just like Lionsgate if that's how you want to spin it.

But Warner's ratio is 2:1 in favor of Blu-ray. I doubt they will go exclusive HD-DVD unless that changes.
Unless you know what the profit margins are, the sales ratio is pointless.
J

Paramount.

money?

WB even said they didn't take the bait that was offered to them......

money?

WB even said they didn't take the bait that was offered to them......

Ratios didn't seem to matter.

If I were them...

Let's face it, there are somethings we all know:

- There's not a lot of money in HDM at the moment, unless you're releasing a blockbuster. 300 and Transformers might make you few thousand, but that's about it. By holding back smaller releases you're not risking a lot;
- Warner have said quite publicly that they're waiting to see what happens over Christmas, then decide whether to stay neutral, or jump to one side or the other, based on disc sales, and whether or not the "aggressive pricing strategy" of either/both sides works;
- If Warner jump either one way or the other it might not 'win the war', but it'll certainly reduce the risk;
- Weinstein can see exactly the same data as Warner.

If I were Weinstein (or any other similarly-sized studio), unless I had a hit blockbuster to sell ** I'd do exactly what they're doing now. Wait and see. See if HD DVD players sell and if the disc sales start to catch up. See if the cheaper PS3 helps BD. See how Transformers v Spider-Man 3 v POTC3 v Bourne 3 goes. See what Warner do.


Can anyone think of a good reason for them to do otherwise?

Steve W

** As far as I can tell, Weinstein's 'biggest hit' of the year was Grindhouse - at number 72 in the box office charts having taken only $25 million, though I might have missed something.

Good analysis.

I actually wonder more about their financial status than their "high def plans".
They've had some box office flops and some good successes.
I've bought a few of their HD Disks and have enjoyed them, and I probably would have bought a few of their newer titles.
Considering they probably haven't sold much of them compared to the departed,300, Transformers, I can't blame them for holding off.
They could be holding off for a bigger install base, or to flood the market when there is a lot of buying going on (holidays this year or next) .

Where does a lack of action equal plans for change?
By this reasoning, last summer FOX was considering going dual or HD exclusive ;)

Lack of action = lack of action, for whatever their internal reason are. IF they "go exclusive" fine, but if the blu super friends really believe Paramount (maybe even Warners?) were "bought off" what chance do they have with Weinstein?

By this reasoning, last summer FOX was considering going dual or HD exclusive ;)



LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Sony gets them & HD DVD gets Warner ;)

why would warner do that? sales indicate warner sales more bd of the same title than hddvd. But wait Paramount did. Who knows. Hope this war ends soon, its a joke.

Unless you know what the profit margins are, the sales ratio is pointless.
J

I do actually agree with you. If the profit margin is indeed much greater on HD-DVD, I am sure that would make a difference. This is why I say that the war is Blu-ray's to lose. They should subsidize the duplication (but they won't). On the other hand, I have read that the number of bad disks on the Blu side is lower than that of HD, but I certainly don't know that as fact. I think there is a lot going on behind closed doors, but I doubt Warner going exclusive for some time.

why would warner do that? sales indicate warner sales more bd of the same title than hddvd. But wait Paramount did. Who knows. Hope this war ends soon, its a joke.
Warners also originally chose HD DVD only. They are also a founding member of the DVD Forum and I believe they receive patents for HD DVD as well. And they have certainly favored HD DVD, especially with Batman Begins and Matrix Trilogy still MIA on BD.

Hey! :D

Say what you will of me, but don't compare to those "blu blud" hoodies and their gang on that forum - I'm not THAT bad? :p

Just my 2 cents, but you (and Stewart) have made a very favorable impression with me. Would someone like to recommend a BDer? I'll read their stuff.

PS I'm format neutral, as in neither. Just say no the HDM pricing. (I'm a DVD fanboy.)

i don't care where they go they just need to release movies. it is probably easier to argue that a small studio should wait and see, but you don't make any money by not chances. i think especially in the case of grindhouse they would make a lot of money off the HDM sales or even dvd sales if they chose to release it the way it was presented in the either. i know a lot of people that would have bought and loved this movie, but missed it in the theater or just didn't care about it by the way it was marketed

But Warner's ratio is 2:1 in favor of Blu-ray. I doubt they will go exclusive HD-DVD unless that changes.

I doubt they give a crap HD profits now, they could go DVD exclusive and not feel the burn. It's the future they have their eye on.

As soon as they think there are enough HD DVD players out there, IMO HD DVD it is. It's easier to use, finished specs, has cheaper players (far cheaper), better attach rates, cheaper production costs, and the 51 twin on the horizon as a transitional format.

When Warner chooses it will be to turn the tide not just drift along with it.

Interpret it how you want, you have now made me right again........

Good to know that I have helped in some little by making you right about Rdjam being right. :p

As far as I can tell it is just the fourth week in Q4 and HD DVD has had one good week, confirmed by tomorrows numbers. What other momentum do they have to "do as well as it has for Q4." Am I missing something?

Maybe this (http://www.hddvd-blog.com/wal-mart198.jpg)could help.

Unless you know what the profit margins are, the sales ratio is pointless.
J

the truth

Bottom line - "We will not discuss our Hi Def plans" - well, at least they HAVE plans. And I'm sure we'll know them soon enough. Even if they go neutral, it won't exactly be a bombshell.


Pawning over who is going to give them more $$$ incentives. That's what it's all about.. certainly not about selling 100,000 discs...

i don't care where they go they just need to release movies. it is probably easier to argue that a small studio should wait and see, but you don't make any money by not chances. i think especially in the case of grindhouse they would make a lot of money off the HDM sales or even dvd sales if they chose to release it the way it was presented in the either. i know a lot of people that would have bought and loved this movie, but missed it in the theater or just didn't care about it by the way it was marketed

I would LOVE to see the special features and IME on Grind House!

Warners also originally chose HD DVD only. They are also a founding member of the DVD Forum and I believe they receive patents for HD DVD as well. And they have certainly favored HD DVD, especially with Batman Begins and Matrix Trilogy still MIA on BD.

That's the truth. If nothing else, strong sales of HDDVD media and players will this Xmas will sway Warner to become HDDVD exclusive for these reasons. I don't expect Disney or Fox to switch or go neutral anytime soon but Warner will do what should have been done in the first place.

I think Warner also holds some share of the BD camp as well. And what if the only big seller for the rest of the year is Transformers? Also the BD players will go down. Finally, those 51 HD-DVD disks likely will not play on any of the players. I do not think you will see Warner go HD-DVD exclusive any time soon. You might see them go Blu if the Christmas buying season trends continue, but that is nothing more than a vastly uneducated guess on my part.

TL51 means absolutely NOTHING to the average consumer, and means very little in the grand scheme of things. And I'll go so far as to say if TL51's are not compatible with current players you won't see them used to movies at all. So you can drop that from the talking points.

BD players will not go down to $299 anytime soon. That we can be sure of. Too many CE's that actually want to make money on their player sales that won't let Sony undercut them THAT much.

You can keep thinking Warner is looking at current movie sales. They aren't. If they were, they would have stopped being neutral a month ago. They are looking at PLAYER sales. They are looking to see if Toshiba is going to move HD DVD players this Q4. They said exactly that. It's unlikely that Warner will move Blu before they move Red unless Sony somehow sells 300,000-400,000 non-PS3 BD players this Winter.

As far as I can tell it is just the fourth week in Q4 and HD DVD has had one good week, confirmed by tomorrows numbers. What other momentum do they have to "do as well as it has for Q4." Am I missing something?

I am wondering the same. Perhaps $199 HD DVD players are counted as "good" in Q4.

money?

WB even said they didn't take the bait that was offered to them......

"You should have taken the money Tombs"

I'll bet in Jan. 2008 Warner does not get the lucrative HD DVD exclusive promotional $$ offer anymore ... by then Tosh. can show them "we are selling the razors we told you about in August"

Paramount.
I'm sure after the Paramount incident the BDA is throwing tons of money at Warner to get them exclusive, or at least keep them neutral.

The chances of them going HD DVD exclusive, especially with movies like 300 selling to 2:1 in favor of Blu-Ray, are rather slim, imo.

TL51 means absolutely NOTHING to the average consumer, and means very little in the grand scheme of things. And I'll go so far as to say if TL51's are not compatible with current players you won't see them used to movies at all. So you can drop that from the talking points.

BD players will not go down to $299 anytime soon. That we can be sure of. Too many CE's that actually want to make money on their player sales that won't let Sony undercut them THAT much.

You can keep thinking Warner is looking at current movie sales. They aren't. If they were, they would have stopped being neutral a month ago. They are looking at PLAYER sales. They are looking to see if Toshiba is going to move HD DVD players this Q4. They said exactly that. It's unlikely that Warner will move Blu before they move Red unless Sony somehow sells 300,000-400,000 non-PS3 BD players this Winter.

Yes, but in that same announcement, when Warner said they were examining HD DVD player sales, they also acknowledged the ps3 as a legitimate player, and noted that 300 outsold it's HD DVD counterpart primarily because of the ps3.

Many HT enthusiasts have been choosing a ps3 over a standalone player (my cousin did just that), and I'm sure Warner takes this into account when examining overall player sales.

Yes, but in that same announcement, when Warner said they were examining HD DVD player sales, they also acknowledged the ps3 as a legitimate player, and noted that 300 outsold it's HD DVD counterpart primarily because of the ps3.

They said they targeted the PS3 demographic. So with over a million PS3's out at the time 300 was released, ALONG WITH whatever BD standalones there were in the wild, 300 sold to a mere sliver of that userbase. You don't think Warner doesn't realize that?

Many HT enthusiasts have been choosing a ps3 over a standalone player (my cousin did just that), and I'm sure Warner takes this into account when examining overall player sales.

I bet they don't. I bet they look at standalone players much more. Standalone players are used 100% for movies. You can't put a real number on PS3's

I bet they don't. I bet they look at standalone players much more. Standalone players are used 100% for movies. You can't put a real number on PS3's

So if I use my PS3 50% for movies, then the money I pay to buy Warner movies shoudln't count as much?

This is the dumbest statement I have heard. Money is money. I'm pretty sure the Warner accountants don't give a sh*t whether their movies get played in a 100% SA player or a PS3. If they release a movie on two formats and one format outsells the other 2:1 I'm pretty sure the beancounters are going to favor the bigger seller.

You are just deluding yourself with the typical hddvd fanboy funny math. HD DVD SA players have been released for almost two years and have show no ability whatsoever to counter the PS3. $199 HDDVD players are ALREADY in stores (proved by the pics in an earlier post in this thread) and yet HDDVD software sales still lag significantly behind BD. And the PS3 gets a 20% price reduction next month, which should put the nail in the coffin.

So if I use my PS3 50% for movies, then the money I pay to buy Warner movies shoudln't count as much?

This is the dumbest statement I have heard. Money is money. I'm pretty sure the Warner accountants don't give a sh*t whether their movies get played in a 100% SA player or a PS3. If they release a movie on two formats and one format outsells the other 2:1 I'm pretty sure the beancounters are going to favor the bigger seller.

You are just deluding yourself with the typical hddvd fanboy funny math. HD DVD SA players have been released for almost two years and have show no ability whatsoever to counter the PS3. $199 HDDVD players are ALREADY in stores (proved by the pics in an earlier post in this thread) and yet HDDVD software sales still lag significantly behind BD. And the PS3 gets a 20% price reduction next month, which should put the nail in the coffin.

Sigh. Again with the nail in the coffin? Ok, so hypocrites, does the PS3 now once again count? And what percentage counts? Can one of you PLEASE take a number and a position with the PS3 and stick with it? Is it too much to ask?

And yes BD fanboy, Warner does give a sh*t about whether their movies play in a standalone or not. Because as I said, which you totally seemed to gloss over in typical fanboy fashion, is that with allllllllllllllllll those PS3's out there, Warner could only get what.....250,000 copies of 300 sold on BD so far?

Now, I don't want to cry foul, so I'll let you do the math on that one. If there are let's say 1.5 million PS3's out there (there may be more by now), and only about 250,000 copies of the movie sold, what percentage is that? And notice now I'm leaving out the amount of standalone players the BDA says could be out there.

BTW, those $199 players are just starting to hit stores. How about we wait and see how many are sold before calling it anything? Aren't you Blu-ray fanboys always the ones talking about "just you wait?"

Too bad Weinstein didn't day and date Planet Terror. HD-DVD would've definitely won the week.

Releasing movies 3 months after the SD DVD then complaining about lackluster HDM sales smacks of "Duh!" New Line will have crappy new release HD DVD sales. Potential HD DVD buyers will get Hairspray and Rush Hour 3 on SD DVD and ignore the HD DVD version 3 months later.

I think Warner also holds some share of the BD camp as well. And what if the only big seller for the rest of the year is Transformers? Also the BD players will go down. Finally, those 51 HD-DVD disks likely will not play on any of the players. I do not think you will see Warner go HD-DVD exclusive any time soon. You might see them go Blu if the Christmas buying season trends continue, but that is nothing more than a vastly uneducated guess on my part.

Could you post a link to prove that? Because that's the first I've ever heard of Warner having a financial stake in BluRay. As for Transformers being the only big seller: Bourne Ultimatum! I don't see BD players dropping to $199 any time soon, and definitely not before this Christmas. Based on their history of favoring HDDVD, I can see Warners dropping BluRay by Jan.2008. HDDVD has their machines at $199 so I can't see them NOT gaining marketshare this Xmas. Now if by some miracle BluRay can manage to extend their lead to 90/10 then Warner might go Blu exclusive and that's the end of the format war. If things go as planned, I see two formats for an indefinite period of time with Fox, Sony, Disney supporting BluRay and Universal, Warner, Paramount supporting HD DVD. Wienstein and Lionsgate I see going neutral since they need all the money they can get.

double post.

Could you post a link to prove that? Because that's the first I've ever heard of Warner having a financial stake in BluRay. As for Transformers being the only big seller: Bourne Ultimatum! I don't see BD players dropping to $199 any time soon, and definitely not before this Christmas. Based on their history of favoring HDDVD, I can see Warners dropping BluRay by Jan.2008. HDDVD has their machines at $199 so I can't see them NOT gaining marketshare this Xmas. Now if by some miracle BluRay can manage to extend their lead to 90/10 then Warner might go Blu exclusive and that's the end of the format war. If things go as planned, I see two formats for an indefinite period of time with Fox, Sony, Disney supporting BluRay and Universal, Warner, Paramount supporting HD DVD. Wienstein and Lionsgate I see going neutral since they need all the money they can get.

I don't have a link to it, but he is correct. WB is on the list of companies with a stake in BD.

I also thought that I might remind everyone that Transformers was HD DVD exclusive, as well as all Shrek movies, American Gangster, The Kingdom, Bourne Ultimatum, The Incredible Hulk, IRON MAN, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, ANTZ, CHICKEN RUN, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO...:D

It remains to be seen what happens with Hulk and Iron Man. Marvel is now sole owner of their intellectual properties, not paramount. At the very least, Iron Man will be available as an import since Sony is distributing in Japan. At the most, both titles could be distributed on both formats. Who knows?

They said they targeted the PS3 demographic. So with over a million PS3's out at the time 300 was released, ALONG WITH whatever BD standalones there were in the wild, 300 sold to a mere sliver of that userbase. You don't think Warner doesn't realize that?



I bet they don't. I bet they look at standalone players much more. Standalone players are used 100% for movies. You can't put a real number on PS3's

I'm sure Warner recognizes the fact that only around 30% of consumers in NA own HDTVs, and that that statistic applies to the ps3 user base as well.

Also, who bought what doesn't change the fact that the Blu-Ray version of 300 outsold the HD DVD version 2:1. Ultimately, money talks.

Could you post a link to prove that? Because that's the first I've ever heard of Warner having a financial stake in BluRay. As for Transformers being the only big seller: Bourne Ultimatum! I don't see BD players dropping to $199 any time soon, and definitely not before this Christmas. Based on their history of favoring HDDVD, I can see Warners dropping BluRay by Jan.2008. HDDVD has their machines at $199 so I can't see them NOT gaining marketshare this Xmas. Now if by some miracle BluRay can manage to extend their lead to 90/10 then Warner might go Blu exclusive and that's the end of the format war. If things go as planned, I see two formats for an indefinite period of time with Fox, Sony, Disney supporting BluRay and Universal, Warner, Paramount supporting HD DVD. Wienstein and Lionsgate I see going neutral since they need all the money they can get.

When I say things like "I think" it means it comes from the recesses of my mind. I am sorry, and I do not intend to be rude, but I am not going to footnote all of my statements on a board discussions, nor cite professional references. Warner's history is that it released movies on HD-DVD when it went to market first, then began Blu-ray when it went to market. They could have ignored Blu-ray all together, but with the number of sales, I am sure they chose to look at the numbers. Also, the director of the home video sales has left the company and was a big HD-DVD supporter. I do not "think" with the current lineup we will ever get to a 90/10 with Universal and Paramount behind HD, but I could see Toshiba having problems financially by continuing to cut prices on the players and have to cut back on that thus closing the margins on stand alone players.

I think that Warner will....

Ohh wait.

This is a Weinstien thread....

CRAP!

** As far as I can tell, Weinstein's 'biggest hit' of the year was Grindhouse - at number 72 in the box office charts having taken only $25 million, though I might have missed something.

1408 is listed to have taken $72 million in the US alone, Halloween $57 million at the box office.

It remains to be seen what happens with Hulk and Iron Man. Marvel is now sole owner of their intellectual properties, not paramount. At the very least, Iron Man will be available as an import since Sony is distributing in Japan. At the most, both titles could be distributed on both formats. Who knows?


How simple can we make this, you are dead wrong. Iron Man and Hulk are HDDVD. Yes, might be able to get one oversease.

When I say things like "I think" it means it comes from the recesses of my mind. I am sorry, and I do not intend to be rude, but I am not going to footnote all of my statements on a board discussions, nor cite professional references. Warner's history is that it released movies on HD-DVD when it went to market first, then began Blu-ray when it went to market. They could have ignored Blu-ray all together, but with the number of sales, I am sure they chose to look at the numbers. Also, the director of the home video sales has left the company and was a big HD-DVD supporter. I do not "think" with the current lineup we will ever get to a 90/10 with Universal and Paramount behind HD, but I could see Toshiba having problems financially by continuing to cut prices on the players and have to cut back on that thus closing the margins on stand alone players.
Warner's former video sales director was championing the totalHD disc concept more than anything (in spite of his former HD DVD leanings).

It remains to be seen what happens with Hulk and Iron Man. Marvel is now sole owner of their intellectual properties, not paramount. At the very least, Iron Man will be available as an import since Sony is distributing in Japan. At the most, both titles could be distributed on both formats. Who knows?

Dream on. :D
So by your estimation since Spiderman is also owned by Marvel, we should be expecting the trilogy in HD DVD as well, thanks for the info.:D

A little bird told me that most of the Warner titles that you are waiting for, might just be HD DVD exclusives come January.;)

1408 is listed to have taken $72 million in the US alone, Halloween $57 million at the box office.

I see those two listed at Variety as being MGM.

See numbers 27 & 31.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_top_250&dept=Film&year=2007

Steve W

I see those two listed at Variety as being MGM.

See numbers 27 & 31.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_top_250&dept=Film&year=2007

Steve W

You are incorrect. 1408 and Halloween are, indeed, Weinstein releases on home video. Just like Nanny Diaries and Hannibal Rising. MGM only distributes the films domestically in theaters, while Weinstein Company retains long-term ownership (namely, home video rights).

Dream on. :D
So by your estimation since Spiderman is also owned by Marvel, we should be expecting the trilogy in HD DVD as well, thanks for the info.:D

A little bird told me that most of the Warner titles that you are waiting for, might just be HD DVD exclusives come January.;)


Marvel has changed the way they do things... Before they just licensed to the studios they're entities and now they have a full hand... and say into how they're properties are represented and that includes home video.

It remains to be seen what happens with Hulk and Iron Man. Marvel is now sole owner of their intellectual properties, not paramount. At the very least, Iron Man will be available as an import since Sony is distributing in Japan. At the most, both titles could be distributed on both formats. Who knows?

Paramount owns the domestic rights to Iron Man and Universal owns the Incredible Hulk. Period! In fact, I can't see any confirmation of Sony owning Iron Man distribution in any part of the world?!? Perhaps a link would help. Universal owns the international rights for Iron Man in many European nations. These titles will both be HD DVD exclusive in the USA, and probably everywhere.

Besides, imports don't do much for the average US consumer. Do you think salespeople at BB will tell the disgruntled would-be consumers looking for the Blu-Ray version of Iron Man that they can go import one from Japan for $50? I have several imports on HD DVD including The Prestige, Total Recall, T2, Harry Potter (though I just ebayed it in anticipation of the set), The Holiday, Bridge To Terabithia...but buying BD imports is a crap shoot with their region-coding. It isn't a viable option for most, and certainly won't alleviate the sales disparities caused between the formats when these mega-titles hit HD DVD.

Marvel has changed the way they do things... Before they just licensed to the studios they're entities and now they have a full hand... and say into how they're properties are represented and that includes home video.

Great, Spiderman 2 on HD DVD!:D

I see those two listed at Variety as being MGM.

See numbers 27 & 31.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_top_250&dept=Film&year=2007

Steve W

MGM is the theatrical distributor only, IMDB shows both films with Weinstein as world wide media distributor.

I don't think... but I could see Toshiba having problems financially by continuing to cut prices on the players and have to cut back on that thus closing the margins on stand alone players.

You're right you don't think. Have you seen Toshiba's financial statements lately. They are a highly profitable company.

I see those two listed at Variety as being MGM.

See numbers 27 & 31.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_top_250&dept=Film&year=2007

Steve W

The DVD of 1408 is definitely a Weinstein product: http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v1_list_studio.asp?userid=99366003518125&studio_id=85326

Weinstein is more than likely OUT of the HDM game altogether for the time being. Way to much effort for pitiful sales.

I really really REALLY don't understand why everyone cares about this studio. Their catalog is NOTHING.

When I say things like "I think" it means it comes from the recesses of my mind. I am sorry, and I do not intend to be rude, but I am not going to footnote all of my statements on a board discussions, nor cite professional references. Warner's history is that it released movies on HD-DVD when it went to market first, then began Blu-ray when it went to market. They could have ignored Blu-ray all together, but with the number of sales, I am sure they chose to look at the numbers. Also, the director of the home video sales has left the company and was a big HD-DVD supporter. I do not "think" with the current lineup we will ever get to a 90/10 with Universal and Paramount behind HD, but I could see Toshiba having problems financially by continuing to cut prices on the players and have to cut back on that thus closing the margins on stand alone players.

Warners was forced to go neutral because Time-Warner wanted it that way. The numbers meant nothing back then since the only BluRay player on the market was the Samsung BD-P1000 which sold an insignificant amount. BTW, BluRay disc sales in 2006 were getting beat by a factor of 3:1. As for Toshiba, you can say the same about Sony who are currently hemmeraging money from their Games Division because of the PS3 and that was for last quarter before the new $399 PS3, where they expect to lose even more money. Meanwhile there is no proof that Toshiba is currently subsidizing their players AFAIK so lower margins are still preferable to losing billions as Sony currently is.

I really really REALLY don't understand why everyone cares about this studio. Their catalog is NOTHING.

1408 is a great movie. Terrific performance from John Cusack.

I really really REALLY don't understand why everyone cares about this studio. Their catalog is NOTHING.

Their catalog is small, but it's interesting. :)

Dream on. :D
So by your estimation since Spiderman is also owned by Marvel, we should be expecting the trilogy in HD DVD as well, thanks for the info.:D

A little bird told me that most of the Warner titles that you are waiting for, might just be HD DVD exclusives come January.;)

No, actually no dreaming involved. If you'd like to go check out some info regarding Marvel's films, you'll find that Hulk and Iron Man are the first movies ever done on Marvel properties that are fully owned by Marvel. Every Marvel movie prior to those two are not.

Great, Spiderman 2 on HD DVD!:D

Oh, Jesus Christ, it's not retroactive.

Paramount owns the domestic rights to Iron Man and Universal owns the Incredible Hulk. Period! In fact, I can't see any confirmation of Sony owning Iron Man distribution in any part of the world?!? Perhaps a link would help. Universal owns the international rights for Iron Man in many European nations. These titles will both be HD DVD exclusive in the USA, and probably everywhere.

Besides, imports don't do much for the average US consumer. Do you think salespeople at BB will tell the disgruntled would-be consumers looking for the Blu-Ray version of Iron Man that they can go import one from Japan for $50? I have several imports on HD DVD including The Prestige, Total Recall, T2, Harry Potter (though I just ebayed it in anticipation of the set), The Holiday, Bridge To Terabithia...but buying BD imports is a crap shoot with their region-coding. It isn't a viable option for most, and certainly won't alleviate the sales disparities caused between the formats when these mega-titles hit HD DVD.

Is Variety a good enough source for you? Oh, and it looks like the deal includes the Hulk also. Period! !!! !?!@#(@*#&$@ (did that add enough emphasis?)

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/870/53/

Secondly, I never said in anything about imports having any bearing whatsoever on the mainstream public. All I said was that I will, in all likelyhood, be importing Iron Man. Looks like I'll be importing Hulk also.

I think it's time for beatboy to step in and settle this by calling his insider at Weinstein--he has one right. :)

Thanks for the corrections and information regarding my posts. I do find the economics of all of this interesting. Now just bring on the theatrical version of Grindhouse on both formats.

I think it's time for beatboy to step in and settle this by calling his insider at Weinstein--he has one right. :)

yeah it's some guy making $5.50 in weinstein's marketing dept.

You are incorrect. 1408 and Halloween are, indeed, Weinstein releases on home video. Just like Nanny Diaries and Hannibal Rising. MGM only distributes the films domestically in theaters, while Weinstein Company retains long-term ownership (namely, home video rights).

Erm...no, I'm correct in saying that's what Variety say (I even provided a link).

Do you mean they are incorrect?

Steve W

I'm highly disappointed in the effort from that company

Weinstein should just pull a Fox and announce a bunch of titles only to delay them a couple months later. That way they won't have people wondering wtf the announcements are and can be praised when they finally release the titles 7 months later.:)

In all seriousness I do hope they release some discs sometime in the near future but I have enough discs on both formats to keep me busy until they get their stuff in order.

Studio name says it all. No profit no makes

Studio name says it all. No profit no makes

Sorry, could you elaborate on what you meant by that?

Sorry, could you elaborate on what you meant by that?

Coming from Jewish descent myself, I know that being a tight wad when it comes to business is almost natural.

Studio name says it all. No profit no makes

Coming from Jewish descent myself, I know that being a tight wad when it comes to business is almost natural.



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In my opinion the original post was not appropriate. I will drop out here and suggest this be left alone by all.

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Maybe they are just waiting for Warner's announcement today to add more titles to the fire...sort of like Fox always does?