Universal dropped HD-DVD?

[Wheelman1970]

I was speaking with the local Sony Store Manager today and he was telling me something along the lines that Universal just broke their agreement with HD-DVD?

Is this true? Does this mean the war is almost over?

Please respond.

[twokings]

LoL, if they did...it would be HUGE freaking news...

[calgarymarc]

Ya, definitely. This is highly unlikely at this point, as Universal has been reaffirming their position to remain HD-DVD exclusive.

[whippersnapper]

No, it's not true yet. But it will be down the road.

[theknub]

until there is an official announcement from the studio or a press release issued by the bda, everything is rumor

[haiku_aubade]

here's an interesting article on Engadget

NO FUTRE UNIVERSAL RELEASES ON HD-DVD

[calgarymarc]

Originally Posted by haiku_aubade

here's an interesting article on Engadget

NO FUTRE UNIVERSAL RELEASES ON HD-DVD

That article is dated Jan 10th 2007. Old news.

[kknight]

It'll be nice to see Universal's movies on Blu-ray.

[Esox50]

In all seriousness, WHEN Universal goes neutral, anyone care to throw out what the response/spin is going to be by HD DVD supporters over at places like AVMS?

Here's my take. Some will say, "I've been saying since Day 1 that all studios should be neutral. This is just the beginning; Soon Disney and Fox will be neutral." Others will say, "Well, HD DVD has sold so many more standalones that even if Universal releases on BD, the studios will still support HD DVD." And you know the last one, "Universal doesn't matter, it's really Warner Bros. that matters and they are driving HDDVD."

Any that I missed?

[theknub]

i'm banking on the "they're just giving the consumer more choice"

[haiku_aubade]

There are so many Universal movies i want.. hope they come to their senses

[nhaase]

That engadget article actually says "no big titles" in the article, though the headline is different. The only really big titles they have that I can think of this year are Knocked Up, Evan Almighty, and The Bourne Ultimatum. I think that they'll either:

a.) Try one last push w/ those titles (and other summer money makers at the box office, if there are any)

or,

b.) Open up neutrality w/ there biggest summer earner

Just me speculating, and I think A is more likely.

[movies3]

i just hope they start realizing they could be makin more money going with blu-ray.

[Guinness7]

I will believe it when i see a US universal title in a blu-ray case at the store.

[movies3]

Originally Posted by Guinness7

I will believe it when i see a US universal title in a blu-ray case at the store.

wont we all

[Chad Varnadore]

Originally Posted by calgarymarc

Ya, definitely. This is highly unlikely at this point, as Universal has been reaffirming their position to remain HD-DVD exclusive.

Universal has indeed been having to reaffirm thier support for HD DVD in recent months for various reasons. But their wording never firmly implies they intend to remain exclusive. Unless HD DVD can mount a comeback, I think we'll see Universal going neutral sometime next year. But if they do, they seriously need to beef up their QC. Their having way too many problems with their HD stuff.

The summer is a slow time of year for HT. Sales aren't uncommon. It's easier to practically give HD DVD away, when they know not many people are taking them up on it. It'll be interesting if they can keep it up through the holiday buying season. Of course limited supply may keep them from losing too much even then. They have to do something to try to insure the survival of DVD. Sacrificing now to keep BD from getting a foothold, is their only choice. I'm sure they're happy to have Microsoft backing their play.

[The Don]

for me...Universal going neutral will mean nothing movie-wise...

but the fact that they would end the format war is what makes the difference..

[dialog_gvf]

With the quality of Universal's HD DVD releases recently, I'm rather thankful I'm not in the position of being tempted to buy them.

Gary

[jcdDigix]

By year end Blu Ray should prevail. that's what I believe in.

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

With the quality of Universal's HD DVD releases recently, I'm rather thankful I'm not in the position of being tempted to buy them.

Gary

Yeah, but the problem is that when they do go neutral they are very likely to just rehash these transfers on BD. So, if you like the movie, you'll be forced to buy it or wait a long time until the special edition (or remaster).

We've all heard the VC-1 encoding horror stories. Seems like Universal just went on auto-pilot to crank out quantity over quality. This is sad for all Hd optical consumers. The industry continues to shoot itself in the foot with HD optical.