User friendly region codes

[Stundra]

We know all the laments of the studios that they desperately need region codes to release movies on DVD/BD in regions while in other regions these movies are still shown in theatres.
OK. Agreed (reluctantly).
BUT why not combine the region code with an expiry date for it?

[gand41f]

Originally Posted by Stundra

We know all the laments of the studios that they desperately need region codes to release movies on DVD/BD in regions while in other regions these movies are still shown in theatres.
OK. Agreed (reluctantly).
BUT why not combine the region code with an expiry date for it?

There is an expiry date (sort of) for Blu-ray's region coding -- studios have up to 12 months to make region-coded BDs.

enjoy
gandalf

[WriteSimply]

The BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) has given the studios three ways of implementing region coding. It is up to the studios to choose which way they prefer.

1. Timed region code. After 12 months of the BD title is released, the other code are put in on the replicating master. For example, a Region A disc after 12 months will be added code B and C on the 13th month for subsequent replication.

2. No region code for catalog releases. That means old titles that people have seen, like say Close Encounters Of The Third Kind would not have region code.

3. No region code at all. This approach is taken by Warner and all of its BD releases.


fuad

[Stundra]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

The BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) has given the studios three ways of implementing region coding. It is up to the studios to choose which way they prefer.

1. Timed region code. After 12 months of the BD title is released, the other code are put in on the replicating master. For example, a Region A disc after 12 months will be added code B and C on the 13th month for subsequent replication.

fuad

Thanks. For my understanding that means no real expiry date but another disk.

[crey014]

^ Yeah, I was hoping for an expiry date not a reissue. I still own my rotting unplayed copy of Volver.

[Frode]

Originally Posted by Stundra

Thanks. For my understanding that means no real expiry date but another disk.

That is correct. Unfortunately they didn't make it a software solution, but that's presumably because it would be too easy to defeat by changing the date settings in the player.

[191]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

The BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) has given the studios three ways of implementing region coding. It is up to the studios to choose which way they prefer.

1. Timed region code. After 12 months of the BD title is released, the other code are put in on the replicating master. For example, a Region A disc after 12 months will be added code B and C on the 13th month for subsequent replication.

2. No region code for catalog releases. That means old titles that people have seen, like say Close Encounters Of The Third Kind would not have region code.

3. No region code at all. This approach is taken by Warner and all of its BD releases.


fuad

Are you 100% on this? Is it legally binding? If so,
then further to each of your points;

1. Depending on the number of initial prints and reprints, some titles may take years to deplete in stock to be truly region free. Also, this seems like a pain or cost for literally hundreds of discs that may be coming off moratorium in any calendar year?

2. I don't understand how Fox can region code "Die Hard" even though the films 15 years old? Talk about fine print abuse (first printing on blu-ray excuse probably).

3. Warner (and formerly Paramount) should be applauded for this option. How one major studio can "survive" region A's being imported without ruining a later theatrical release, while the other major studios can't is beyond me.

Sorry to resurrect the thread but I'd love to be clear on what exactly Fox's region coding plans are.

Thanks for the information.

[WickyWoo]

Depending on the number of initial prints and reprints, some titles may take years to deplete in stock to be truly region free. Also, this seems like a pain or cost for literally hundreds of discs that may be coming off moratorium in any calendar year?

Typically a disc is pressed with a 6 month supply in mind after the initial blitz
As far as the cost, it's a few hundred dollars for a new glass master. You have them give you a region coded and region free DLT at authoring.

2. I don't understand how Fox can region code "Die Hard" even though the films 15 years old? Talk about fine print abuse (first printing on blu-ray excuse probably).

probably because they don't own it everywhere

3. Warner (and formerly Paramount) should be applauded for this option. How one major studio can "survive" region A's being imported without ruining a later theatrical release, while the other major studios can't is beyond me.

Europe and Asia have well-stocked import stores, and often in these smaller markets it doesn't take much to ruin their theatrical $$

[191]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

Typically a disc is pressed with a 6 month supply in mind after the initial blitz
As far as the cost, it's a few hundred dollars for a new glass master. You have them give you a region coded and region free DLT at authoring.

Ah, that makes sense. Hopefully they'll print region free after 6 months

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

probably because they don't own it everywhere

So that would be to protect the other distributor's territory? But we're talking about a relatively old catalogue.

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

Europe and Asia have well-stocked import stores, and often in these smaller markets it doesn't take much to ruin their theatrical $$

I understand you point. But why would the above scenario be different for Fox vs Warner? I don't believe every warner theatrical release is global, so they would be vulnerable to the same problem you outlined.