Ask questions to The Digital Bits team (Bill Hunt, Jeff Kleist et.al.) - Page 400 - Blu-ray Forum

Jeff Kleist · 11-16-2009, 05:49 AM

The fact that Alias is 5 seasons actually works against it, Check out how much complaining there's been on Prison Break. They put out season 1 and it bombs so they hold off for a few more years and there will be the endless complaining. Put out a complete box at $300 SRP and people will say "no way" Alias has never sold THAT well that it could support that kind of high dollar release and sell enough copies to be profitable. With JJ off making movies for Paramount, shows for WB and Lost ending in 18 more episodes, his sway at Disney is greatly reduced in terms of forcing an earlier release by himself.

TV on Blu, with a few exceptions like Lost isn't doing that well and we're in a catch 22. The SRPs stay high as long as the volume is low, and the volume will stay lower until the SRPs go down. So basically the only end result is that the critical mass of people willing to pay the higher SRPs comes in to enable the creation of a greater diversity of titles and eventually the volume for lower SRPs. Joe sixpack ain't biting at $65 on sale , if he's paying $30-40 day one for DVD, he's not paying more than $40-50 for Blu-ray

I think personally the smartest way to get catalog TV out is to package it in small sets. Were I releasing 24 for instance I'd do a 1-3 box and a 4-6 box, with a $199.99 SRP and the intention it'd first week at $120 range. Buy both and get a free mail-in offer for a matching box for seasons 7,8,9. After 3 sets a box set gets unweildy anyway.

You'll find no bigger advocate for TV content than I am, just like I was back with DVD. Just understand that getting people to rebuy movies can be difficult. Getting them to replace 5-7 $40 box sets is exponentially more difficult

Arkadin · 11-16-2009, 02:42 PM

Does anyone think that "Bridge on River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia" could be coming this February with other Oscar related titles?
and why have these not been released yet seeing as how the restored dvds came out a long time ago now?
I, for one, am so frustrated wondering what in the world is going on with these.
anyone have any insight regarding this?
thanks.

MerrickG · 11-16-2009, 03:01 PM

Jeff,

Is there any real reason to believe that Saving Private Ryan will actually come to bluray next year as is rumored on todays bluray.com's headline.

KubrickFan · 11-16-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkadin

Does anyone think that "Bridge on River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia" could be coming this February with other Oscar related titles?
and why have these not been released yet seeing as how the restored dvds came out a long time ago now?
I, for one, am so frustrated wondering what in the world is going on with these.
anyone have any insight regarding this?
thanks.

The movies still need a lot of work to be released on Blu-ray. They're not just holding them back to tease the consumers or something.

DenonCI · 11-16-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Kleist

The fact that Alias is 5 seasons actually works against it, Check out how much complaining there's been on Prison Break. They put out season 1 and it bombs so they hold off for a few more years and there will be the endless complaining. Put out a complete box at $300 SRP and people will say "no way" Alias has never sold THAT well that it could support that kind of high dollar release and sell enough copies to be profitable. With JJ off making movies for Paramount, shows for WB and Lost ending in 18 more episodes, his sway at Disney is greatly reduced in terms of forcing an earlier release by himself.

TV on Blu, with a few exceptions like Lost isn't doing that well and we're in a catch 22. The SRPs stay high as long as the volume is low, and the volume will stay lower until the SRPs go down. So basically the only end result is that the critical mass of people willing to pay the higher SRPs comes in to enable the creation of a greater diversity of titles and eventually the volume for lower SRPs. Joe sixpack ain't biting at $65 on sale , if he's paying $30-40 day one for DVD, he's not paying more than $40-50 for Blu-ray

I think personally the smartest way to get catalog TV out is to package it in small sets. Were I releasing 24 for instance I'd do a 1-3 box and a 4-6 box, with a $199.99 SRP and the intention it'd first week at $120 range. Buy both and get a free mail-in offer for a matching box for seasons 7,8,9. After 3 sets a box set gets unweildy anyway.

You'll find no bigger advocate for TV content than I am, just like I was back with DVD. Just understand that getting people to rebuy movies can be difficult. Getting them to replace 5-7 $40 box sets is exponentially more difficult

Jeff, I agree 100%. Also, the install base is still pretty small. How many years did it take for TV on DVD box sets to start selling in big numbers? 5 or 6 years into the format, wasn't it?

Jeff Kleist · 11-16-2009, 04:26 PM

If it were up to many people at Sony we'd have Lawrence and Bridge tomorrow, wonderfully restored. As it is, I'm confident they're playing it close, trying to get the most money possible to do it right by assuring a proper sales volume.

X-files season 1 did over 300,000 units, I know that, and that was in 2000. Then Buffy started coming out, MASH. The $59.99 price plus the fast release of seasons did a lot for TV.

I'd say it took 2-3 years after x-files to really explode, 2003ish

As far as the Spielberg stuff goes, reply hazy ask again later

Banjo · 11-16-2009, 04:33 PM

http://consumerist.com/5405145/disne...rental-release

This should be brought to the consumers' attention. It caused quite the uproar among the deaf and hard of hearing community. The rental version on the DVD format lacked closed captioning and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. I'm not sure about the Blu-ray version. The retail copies still offer subtitles and closed captioning, but not the rental versions.

Accessiblity should be made a top priority.

NoQuestion · 11-16-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Kleist

If it were up to many people at Sony we'd have Lawrence and Bridge tomorrow, wonderfully restored. As it is, I'm confident they're playing it close, trying to get the most money possible to do it right by assuring a proper sales volume.

X-files season 1 did over 300,000 units, I know that, and that was in 2000. Then Buffy started coming out, MASH. The $59.99 price plus the fast release of seasons did a lot for TV.

I'd say it took 2-3 years after x-files to really explode, 2003ish

As far as the Spielberg stuff goes, reply hazy ask again later

hmmmmm.....you know, Jeff, I am not sure how to take that last bit....

Maybe while I wait I will invest in a new 5.1 setup to take advantage of such a movie when it is released.

Arkadin · 11-16-2009, 05:41 PM

[QUOTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KubrickFan

The movies still need a lot of work to be released on Blu-ray. They're not just holding them back to tease the consumers or something.

even though it's not what I wanted to hear,
I appreciate the update.

Jeff Kleist · 11-16-2009, 05:56 PM

I sent out emails on the UP thing. I'm pretty sure it's a matter of someone taking barebones a little too literally

Banjo · 11-16-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Kleist

I sent out emails on the UP thing. I'm pretty sure it's a matter of someone taking barebones a little too literally

Thanks a bunch. I'm sure it will get Disney's attention considering how stellar its track record on accessibility is.

Esox50 · 11-16-2009, 06:47 PM

So far we have rumors of Spielbergs AI, Jurrasic Park, and now Saving Private Ryan hitting Blu-Ray next year. Blu-ray launched in 2006, albeit most people would agree with was a little earlier than it should have been (but it was necessary due to the "competition"). So, let's say that 2007 was the "effective" launch of Blu-Ray. The DVD format was launched in 1997.

So, my thought is that on DVD we got Saving Private Ryan in 1999, and Jaws & Jurassic Park in 2000. If these rumors of the blu versions come to pass in 2010, then we would pretty much be on the same time frame (since each format's launch) until many long awaited Spielberg titles came to pass. So, is format penetration now reaching the same point? Or, are the Blu's coming a little earlier in terms of penetration that they did on DVD?

I know there are exceptions like Close Encounters has already been release on Blu, etc. I'm kind of looking big picture here and trying to make some generalizations.

Either way, if Saving Private Ryan and the Jurassic series hit Blu in 2010, I will definitely be picking those up!!! Here's hoping Jaws is in the pipeline in the next year or two as well. I assume we're "screwed" on Indy Jones until movie #5 comes out in 2011 or 2012.

Alan Gordon · 11-16-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Kleist

Catalog TV is not really on the radar, and Alias, like many shows of its vinatage is not going to wow new buyers. Think the reaction to Firefly

depooter is most likely referring to this rumor from earlier this year: Blu-ray Rumor: J.J. Abrams' Alias on the Way

~Alan<~~~~~~~~~Who will not purchase TV on DVD....

Jeff Kleist · 11-16-2009, 07:30 PM

I'm sure Alias has its supporters at Disney, absolutely, and I've seen it on the schedule same as these guys have. And along with 2 dozen other titles I want have seen it vanish too

Jeff Kleist · 11-16-2009, 07:58 PM

Speaking of things you want on Blu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeHh1...layer_embedded

I know it's probably going to be terrible without Matsumoto, and I don't like Kodai's new voice. I think after 25 years, like Episode 1 I don't really care though

I just pray that this and the Blu-rays of the original 5 movies have english subtitles, cause otherwise there is absolutely no way we're going to get them on Blu here.

woodlandwolf · 11-17-2009, 08:54 AM

Jeff what are the chances we could see 9 to 5 next year since its the 30th annv. of the film? And also how long does a movie have to be out before its concider a catalog? And one last question is Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 still on for 2010? Thanks for everything.

Jeff Kleist · 11-17-2009, 10:45 AM

Catalog is anything that isn't hitting video for the first time

No idea on 9-5

Fantasia not sure on, it may be pushed so more work can be done on it, combined with the desire to get Beauty and the Beast out. Right now it's that and dumbo next year

MerrickG · 11-17-2009, 05:34 PM

Jeff,

Why are there no Assassins Creed 2 reviews up yet?

Kinda weird.

No its not movie related, but you seem to understand the gaming industry.

aygie · 11-17-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merrick97

Jeff,

Why are there no Assassins Creed 2 reviews up yet?

Kinda weird.

No its not movie related, but you seem to understand the gaming industry.

Usually big games like that won't be till the day its released (see MW2) but some have started popping up. Reason is if its a bad review it would counter the hype and pre-orders could get cancelled.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/re...ssins-creed-2/

Alan Gordon · 11-17-2009, 05:59 PM

Wizard of Oz UCE (four disc) = $84.99 MSRP
Wizard of Oz: Emerald Edition (three disc) = $49.99 MSRP
Wizard of Oz (single disc) = $28.99 MSRP

Gone With The Wind UCE (three disc) = $84.99 MSRP
Gone With The Wind (1-disc Target Edition) = $49.99 MSRP

Seriously?!?!

~Alan

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11-16-2009, 05:49 AM	#7981
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	The fact that Alias is 5 seasons actually works against it, Check out how much complaining there's been on Prison Break. They put out season 1 and it bombs so they hold off for a few more years and there will be the endless complaining. Put out a complete box at $300 SRP and people will say "no way" Alias has never sold THAT well that it could support that kind of high dollar release and sell enough copies to be profitable. With JJ off making movies for Paramount, shows for WB and Lost ending in 18 more episodes, his sway at Disney is greatly reduced in terms of forcing an earlier release by himself. TV on Blu, with a few exceptions like Lost isn't doing that well and we're in a catch 22. The SRPs stay high as long as the volume is low, and the volume will stay lower until the SRPs go down. So basically the only end result is that the critical mass of people willing to pay the higher SRPs comes in to enable the creation of a greater diversity of titles and eventually the volume for lower SRPs. Joe sixpack ain't biting at $65 on sale , if he's paying $30-40 day one for DVD, he's not paying more than $40-50 for Blu-ray I think personally the smartest way to get catalog TV out is to package it in small sets. Were I releasing 24 for instance I'd do a 1-3 box and a 4-6 box, with a $199.99 SRP and the intention it'd first week at $120 range. Buy both and get a free mail-in offer for a matching box for seasons 7,8,9. After 3 sets a box set gets unweildy anyway. You'll find no bigger advocate for TV content than I am, just like I was back with DVD. Just understand that getting people to rebuy movies can be difficult. Getting them to replace 5-7 $40 box sets is exponentially more difficult

11-16-2009, 02:42 PM	#7982
Arkadin Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2007 Location:...somewhere in Sweden Blu-ray collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:9	Does anyone think that "Bridge on River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia" could be coming this February with other Oscar related titles? and why have these not been released yet seeing as how the restored dvds came out a long time ago now? I, for one, am so frustrated wondering what in the world is going on with these. anyone have any insight regarding this? thanks.

11-16-2009, 03:01 PM	#7983
MerrickG Blu-ray Knight Member since:Sep 2007 Location:College Station, TX Blu-ray reviews:2	Jeff, Is there any real reason to believe that Saving Private Ryan will actually come to bluray next year as is rumored on todays bluray.com's headline.

11-16-2009, 04:26 PM	#7986
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	If it were up to many people at Sony we'd have Lawrence and Bridge tomorrow, wonderfully restored. As it is, I'm confident they're playing it close, trying to get the most money possible to do it right by assuring a proper sales volume. X-files season 1 did over 300,000 units, I know that, and that was in 2000. Then Buffy started coming out, MASH. The $59.99 price plus the fast release of seasons did a lot for TV. I'd say it took 2-3 years after x-files to really explode, 2003ish As far as the Spielberg stuff goes, reply hazy ask again later

11-16-2009, 04:33 PM	#7987
Banjo Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Blu-ray collection:143	http://consumerist.com/5405145/disne...rental-release This should be brought to the consumers' attention. It caused quite the uproar among the deaf and hard of hearing community. The rental version on the DVD format lacked closed captioning and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. I'm not sure about the Blu-ray version. The retail copies still offer subtitles and closed captioning, but not the rental versions. Accessiblity should be made a top priority.

11-16-2009, 05:56 PM	#7990
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	I sent out emails on the UP thing. I'm pretty sure it's a matter of someone taking barebones a little too literally

11-16-2009, 06:47 PM	#7992
Esox50 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jan 2007 4K collection:420 Blu-ray collection:492	So far we have rumors of Spielbergs AI, Jurrasic Park, and now Saving Private Ryan hitting Blu-Ray next year. Blu-ray launched in 2006, albeit most people would agree with was a little earlier than it should have been (but it was necessary due to the "competition"). So, let's say that 2007 was the "effective" launch of Blu-Ray. The DVD format was launched in 1997. So, my thought is that on DVD we got Saving Private Ryan in 1999, and Jaws & Jurassic Park in 2000. If these rumors of the blu versions come to pass in 2010, then we would pretty much be on the same time frame (since each format's launch) until many long awaited Spielberg titles came to pass. So, is format penetration now reaching the same point? Or, are the Blu's coming a little earlier in terms of penetration that they did on DVD? I know there are exceptions like Close Encounters has already been release on Blu, etc. I'm kind of looking big picture here and trying to make some generalizations. Either way, if Saving Private Ryan and the Jurassic series hit Blu in 2010, I will definitely be picking those up!!! Here's hoping Jaws is in the pipeline in the next year or two as well. I assume we're "screwed" on Indy Jones until movie #5 comes out in 2011 or 2012.

11-16-2009, 07:30 PM	#7994
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	I'm sure Alias has its supporters at Disney, absolutely, and I've seen it on the schedule same as these guys have. And along with 2 dozen other titles I want have seen it vanish too

11-16-2009, 07:58 PM	#7995
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	Speaking of things you want on Blu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeHh1...layer_embedded I know it's probably going to be terrible without Matsumoto, and I don't like Kodai's new voice. I think after 25 years, like Episode 1 I don't really care though I just pray that this and the Blu-rays of the original 5 movies have english subtitles, cause otherwise there is absolutely no way we're going to get them on Blu here.

11-17-2009, 08:54 AM	#7996
woodlandwolf Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Woodland Park 4K collection:8 Blu-ray collection:1952 DVD collection:13 MA collection:617 Digital collection:768 iTunes collection:608 Prime collection:624 Blu-ray reviews:21	Jeff what are the chances we could see 9 to 5 next year since its the 30th annv. of the film? And also how long does a movie have to be out before its concider a catalog? And one last question is Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 still on for 2010? Thanks for everything.

11-17-2009, 10:45 AM	#7997
Jeff Kleist The Digital Bits Member since:Jul 2008 Trading Score:1	Catalog is anything that isn't hitting video for the first time No idea on 9-5 Fantasia not sure on, it may be pushed so more work can be done on it, combined with the desire to get Beauty and the Beast out. Right now it's that and dumbo next year

11-17-2009, 05:34 PM	#7998
MerrickG Blu-ray Knight Member since:Sep 2007 Location:College Station, TX Blu-ray reviews:2	Jeff, Why are there no Assassins Creed 2 reviews up yet? Kinda weird. No its not movie related, but you seem to understand the gaming industry.

11-17-2009, 05:59 PM	#8000
Alan Gordon Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Dawson, GA 4K collection:888 Blu-ray collection:2476 DVD collection:437 MA collection:1874 Digital collection:2065 iTunes collection:4103 Prime collection:1896 Trading Score:44	Wizard of Oz UCE (four disc) = $84.99 MSRP Wizard of Oz: Emerald Edition (three disc) = $49.99 MSRP Wizard of Oz (single disc) = $28.99 MSRP Gone With The Wind UCE (three disc) = $84.99 MSRP Gone With The Wind (1-disc Target Edition) = $49.99 MSRP *Seriously?!?!* ~Alan

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