Studio presidents "look ahead to 2008"

[Grubert]

Source: Home Media Magazine special issue

Some nuggets:

Bob Chapek, Disney
"Our year-end numbers show that studios, retailers, manufacturers and consumers are committed to Blu-ray Disc and its superior technological advancements."

Mike Dunn, Fox
"Every indicator [is] favoring Blu-ray's inevitable success."
"Some of the blowout pricing seen by the other format appears to have been counterproductive, as software sales showed no dramatic increase."
"Blu-ray is 'future proof' technology with the capacity to grow and evolve, rather than the one that faces near-term obsolescence."
"In some parts of the world the software sales ratios are as high as 10-to-1 in favor of Blu-ray."

Steve Beeks, Lionsgate
"We are very confident that 2008 will be, if not a breakout year, then a solid year for Blu-ray."

Steve Einhorn, New Line
"Dueling formats have restrained our ability to launch large-scale, industry wide marketing initiatives"

Kelley Avery, Paramount
"HD DVD has done a nice job of creating an attractive and affordable value proposition and makes a lot of sense for our audience."

David Bishop, Sony
"The installed base is expected to more than double [in 2008]."
"As the format war dissipates, consumer interest in Blu-ray will be spurred to coincide with the increased demand for high-definition entertainment."
"Even in the weeks with the most compelling HD DVD offerings, Blu-ray has continued to win the software battle between the competing formats, going back to December 2006. This continuing 2-to-1 sales ratio leaves little doubt that Blu-ray will win the war in the end."

Craig Kornblau, Universal
"Pricing is critical, which HD DVD is achieving with sub-$199 players."
"HD DVD is cheaper to make, offers a combo disc option for consumers and has fewer compatibility issues than other formats."
"The HD DVD companies continue to stand behind our value proposition, which offers consumers a compelling and consistent high-def experience at the most affordable price."

Ron Sanders, Warner
"Unfortunately, the dueling formats created an information logjam in what should have been our conversation with consumers."