Paramount Pictures sides with HD DVD in format war

[jay2000]

Japan’s Toshiba and its partners gained a much-needed boost in the next-generation DVD format war after Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation said they would exclusively support HD DVD. The decision to drop the rival Blu-ray format is a blow to Sony Corp. and its partners, who have scored some valuable points recently in the tussle in high-definition DVDs. Movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films will be released exclusively in HD DVD, the companies said in a statement late Monday. The move will include DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster “Shrek the Third”.

http://jayed.us/2007/08/21/paramount-pictures-sides-with-hd-dvd-in-format-war/

[Toti]

This format war is not about what is best for the consumer this is all about royalties. Everytime I read some news like these I just can not believe that huge multimillion dollar companies can not come together with a common format.

I don't know if the risk on going to a format war is worth it against the money they could loose if someone looses. One thing is for sure they will push the combo players and drives even more.

I admit that I am dying to get a new HD drive but so with so much confusion I rather remain neutral or get the LG GGC-H20LI http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/19/lgs-2nd-gen-super-multi-blue-blu-ray-hd-dvd-hybrid-drives-and/

I really don't care who wins as long as there is only one format.

[Doobie]

Why would Paramount go against Blu-ray's hardcore DRM? $150 million in incentives. After the agreement expires, Paramount will release these HD-DVD-only movies in Blu-ray. (If HD-DVD wins, vice-versa.)

[Alosaur]

Let's not forget the last line of their press release on this taken from Digital Bits:

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today's announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.

Then let's not forget this statement from his spokeperson (also from Digital Bits):

"It was important to Steven that if any of his films were to be released [first] on high-definition, that it would be a classic," said Levy. "Steven is big supporter of Blu-ray, and chose 'Close Encounters' to be the first of his films on either format."

Levy further confirmed that none of Spielberg's films are included in the deal Paramount and DreamWorks made with Microsoft. This means that Spielberg is reserving the right to release his films on either high-def format, at his choosing. The fact remains, however, that the only release he has thus far authorized is CE3K, a Sony Blu-ray exclusive. Click on the link (above) for the complete story.

Looks like Paramount is really shooting themselves in the foot with this blunder.