Spielberg spokesman: "Steven is a fan of Blu-ray"

[The Big Blue]

link to post at spielbergfilms . com (a fansite)

I'm going to have an article on the high def situation up on the main site later today, but I couldn't wait to share this with the die-hards in this thread. Just got the following info from Mr. Spielberg's spokesperson, Marvin Levy:

"Steven is a supporter of Blu-Ray but is not exclusive to either format. His directed films are specifically excluded from the Paramount deal."

God I hope Spielberg takes an even more proactive stance on this.

[Matt X]

Originally Posted by The Big Blue

God I hope Spielberg takes an even more proactive stance on this.

...lets help him decide by buying CE3K on release day. Faster he gets an AVC code-Indy series in my hands, the better!

[IamNhobdy]

Originally Posted by Matt X

...lets help him decide by buying CE3K on release day. Faster he gets an AVC code-Indy series in my hands, the better!

I second AND third this!

[dialog_gvf]

I'm going to have an article on the high def situation up on the main site later today, but I couldn't wait to share this with the die-hards in this thread. Just got the following info from Mr. Spielberg's spokesperson, Marvin Levy:

"Steven is a supporter of Blu-Ray but is not exclusive to either format. His directed films are specifically excluded from the Paramount deal."

So there's a bit of very specific clarification on where things stand for our favorite filmmaker and the future of his films in high definition. While Spielberg is not committing to either format (i.e.— perhaps we will see some or even a majority of his releases reach HD-DVD, despite his separation from the Paramount/DreamWorks deal), he stands behind Blu-ray as a format.

Knowing that, you guys really want that Blu-ray player and "Close Encounters" set this November now, don't ya?

Ummmm, YEAH!

Time to help make CE3K the statement title of 2007?

[nhaase]

The best was Harry on Ain't it Cool News said a Paramount employee told him "Spielberg is a blu-ray supporter, always has been, and wants his films on both formats." Not an exact quote, but it's just about that.

That is funny, since if it were true he wouldn't be releasing CE3K as a BD exclusive. His Paramount/Dreamworks movies would've been the first to come to hi-def since they would have been on both formats. We all thought Harry was an idiot for choosing HD DVD, but now, for him to believe that about Spielberg (Harry's supposed to be a very well-informed film insider, I guess), takes away any doubt that he is not an idiot.

[Dotpattern]

We probably won't hear any official word from Spielberg for a few months as he is currently (and probably angrily) directing Indiana Jones 4 for Paramount/Dreamworks.

[Spankey]

I wonder if this means that Spielberg films will still get released on Blu-ray through Paramount? I agree with Bill Hunt. There is a LOT more going on in Hollywood right now than we even realize. Will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[Avatar72]

Originally Posted by Dotpattern

We probably won't hear any official word from Spielberg for a few months as he is currently (and probably angrily) directing Indiana Jones 4 for Paramount/Dreamworks.

KEYWORD there being "...he is currently directing..." Which should mean it wont be an HD-DVD exclusive movie

[Croweyes1121]

BAM!!! This rocks!!!!!!!

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh..._Uncertain/878

[Spankey]

Wow, Wow, Wow! Things continue to get interesting. So the only two titles I may be missing right now from Paramount are Braveheart and Transformers. If I were Paramount, I may have taken the money as well. Could Universal also be planning a neutral stance? That seems to be the only way Spielberg titles will be released. They are the crown jewels of the Universal library.

[The Big Blue]

Awesome! Pretty much completely nullifies Para's sleazy money grab.

[goodstuff]

For the link-lazy

Exclusive: Spielberg "Big Supporter" of Blu-ray; Future HD DVD Releases Still Uncertain
Tue Aug 21, 2007 at 11:46 AM ET
Tags: Industry Forecasts, Steven Spielberg (all tags)

Confirming mounting speculation, we've got exclusive word this morning that Steven Spielberg is indeed "a big supporter" of Blu-ray, and that yesterday's carve out in the Paramount/DreamWorks HD DVD announcement was designed to allow the legendary director to release future titles on Blu-ray.

With many of his early blockbusters distributed by Universal Pictures ('E.T.,' 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jaws,' among them), it was once assumed that the combination of Steven Spielberg's classic titles and Universal's exclusive HD DVD support would be one of format's biggest weapons against rival Blu-ray, but a series of developments have led many to speculate that perhaps Spielberg himself has other ideas.

The first hint of trouble for HD DVD came back in February when the HD DVD promo group issued a public apology to Spielberg after listing several of his titles in a "Coming Soon" list that was apparently never approved by the director.

Then, just last month came word that the very first Spielberg high-def title -- a 30th anniversary edition of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' -- would be released on Blu-ray, not HD DVD. (That release is due November 13, day and date with the standard-def DVD edition.)

Finally, yesterday's stunner of a Paramount/DreamWorks HD DVD exclusivity press release included a conspicuous one line carve-out, stating that Spielberg's DreamWorks films would be exempt from the terms of the HD DVD exclusivity arrangement, opening the door to the possible future release of more recent Spielberg blockbusters on Blu-ray.

So what's the deal? We put that question to the source for all things Spielberg -- his longtime spokesman and DreamWorks marketing exec Marvin Levy. Speaking exclusively with High-Def Digest, Levy confirmed Spielberg's active support of Blu-ray with the selection of 'Close Encounters' for his next-gen debut.

"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."

Spielberg approved the new high-def transfer made for the film, and among the Blu-ray's supplements is a new introduction recorded by the director specifically for the release, as well as a storyboard comparison.

Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"

Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format. "At this moment, there are no plans for something further [on either format]. Anything in the future will be decided on a title-by-title basis. There certainly won't be more titles in 2007."

[tron3]

If Spielberg stands with Michael Bay and tells Paramount to screw off, we may see Paramount back down. You can't just hire someone to take their place. Talent like that takes years to develope.

[Petra]

Why isn't this in the bluray.com front page?

[crackinhedz]

"Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format."



Close Encounters of Third Kind will now be added to my collection.

I think if we send a message to Spielberg and break the sales record (or at least top the movie 300 sales) with a 30 year old movie...I think that would open many eyes.

[calgarymarc]

Originally Posted by Petra

Why isn't this in the bluray.com front page?

HEHE, you'll have to ask 'Josh' to post it. He's the big Blu-ray news guy...

[Spankey]

If Spielberg stands with Michael Bay and tells Paramount to screw off, we may see Paramount back down

That contract was already signed and the checks cashed. If anything, it means that Spielberg films will be released on Blu-ray through Paramount. Indiana Jones and Saving Private Ryan being the biggies.

[The Big Blue]

[Croweyes1121]

I COMPLETELY agree. "Close Encounters" is now at the top of my must-buy list for this year after this crap. I don't care what they're charging for it, it's three complete versions of the film (two of which have never been made available except on VHS) with awesome artwork and transfers supervised by Spielberg himself. That's worth $50 in my opinion. It's pricey, but you get what you pay for, and after this shit with Paramount, Spielberg deserves my support and he'll get it. Everyone on this board and on this site should buy this release as a show of support for Spielberg and HIS show of support for Blu-Ray, for the consumer, and for the future of optical discs as a whole.

[MatrixS2000]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

Time to help make CE3K the statement title of 2007?

Definite buy for me. Now if only ALL the PS3 owners would buy this title also, it would be landslide.....