Warner- Bewkes new CEO January 2, 2008 - Discuss

[BadAss]

That was back then, but now we don't have to guess which format will come out the stronger because we have the sales data right in front of us. As long as HD-DVD lives studios will bleed money competing with each others format. There is no future for two formats and niether camp will ever go dual so one has to go, Blu-ray is too strong to loose and HD-DVD is too weak to win.

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Bewkes said that back in about October 2005, quite a long time ago and IMHO, not very relevant to be used as a quote right now. Too dated. It is a very different market compared to the atmosphere back then.

What I find VERY encouraging about having Bewkes at the helm is that he is not afraid of past "Appearances". In other words, he is saying there is no ego here where and when it comes to doing what needs to be done to move twards a successful future in support of Blu-ray the supperior format. Why should he be less inclined to favour BD almost three years later esp after blu has now proven itself as the winner in the war. He has been on blu's side long before the obvious success it has now. He is a forward thinking visionary and that lends a great deal of hope and insperation on my part as to what I beleive the blu camp can come to see unfold in early 08.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

"How do we ensure we don't lose any more thousands and thousands of dollars in production snafu's. HP, etc...."

Simple, Only have one format, no more problem, no more returns of wrong discs.

The thing is, all the problems occured exclusively with Blu-ray releases. No problems with the HD DVD or DVD.

Problems suppress sales. And that makes the whole thing suspicious.

Gary

[JAGUAR1977]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Bewkes said that back in about October 2005, quite a long time ago and IMHO, not very relevant to be used as a quote right now. Too dated. It is a very different market compared to the atmosphere back then.

It's highly relevant as he is now top dog, while the ones heavily pushing HD-DVD are no longer at WB, having left around the time a HD-DVD exclusive deal was orignally offered, along with Paramount.

It's now upto the BDA to negociate a deal with true neutrals at WB, rather than fighting pro HD-DVD WB execs.

[Sonar5]

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

What I find VERY encouraging about having Bewkes at the helm is that he is not afraid of past "Appearances". In other words, he is saying there is no ego here where and when it comes to doing what needs to be done to move twards a successful future in support of Blu-ray the supperior format. Why should he be less inclined to favour BD almost three years later esp after blu has now proven itself as the winner in the war. He has been on blu's side long before the obvious success it has now. He is a forward thinking visionary and that lends a great deal of hope and insperation on my part as to what I beleive the blu camp can come to see unfold in early 08.

Hopefully if not at CES, then by or on February 6th, we'll know.

I specifically did not bring up the Bewkes old quote when seeing it in research because it is so old.

Now if he says it again on February 6th, or in some oh I don't know, some odd analyst call later in this week, then we'll see.

I did find it interesting since he is on Holiday, no one has the access to return analyst calls, get feedback on stock issues, etc....

While everyone is searching out Nielsen data this week, I'll be searching out news quotes of guys like Bewkes, and looking at all this form the stock thing, since it bears so much influence.

[Sonar5]

Originally Posted by JAGUAR1977

It's highly relevant as he is now top dog, while the ones heavily pushing HD-DVD are no longer at WB, having left around the time a HD-DVD exclusive deal was orignally offered, along with Paramount.

Except that people might think it is recent. If you use such an old quote to say he is blu leaning, you should at least say it is from October 2005, lest some people here think it is recent. It's just too old.

[Fozziwig]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

The thing is, all the problems occured exclusively with Blu-ray releases. No problems with the HD DVD or DVD.

Problems suppress sales. And that makes the whole thing suspicious.

Gary

Warner are still (partly) working under the old regime I suppose. Maybe they know what's coming from the new regime and they are trying to give their old 'friend' one last helping hand.

Whatever the reason behind the Blu-ray packaging screw-ups, it will have served to achieve nothing for HD DVD and cost WB money to correct. I'd like to think some people got fired over it - or at least relocated within the business.

[JAGUAR1977]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Except that people might think it is recent. If you use such an old quote to say he is blu leaning, you should at least say it is from October 2005, lest some people here think it is recent. It's just too old.

I did say it was back when WB were HD-DVD exclusive.

[Sonar5]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

The thing is, all the problems occured exclusively with Blu-ray releases. No problems with the HD DVD or DVD.

Problems suppress sales. And that makes the whole thing suspicious.

Gary

Well, internally, I would think by now, they know exactly what happened since any company would be diligent in doing an internal investigation into causes. Or at least one would hope.

What would be interesting is The how it happened question.

You bring up a good point, it is highly suspicious that no reasoning has been given as to the why's. Although since it is negative news, no company is in a hurry to report that.

Did we ever hear how?

[savage1984]

thanks for that information, I'll take it in stride as we approach CES 2008 and on...

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Bewkes said that back in about October 2005, quite a long time ago and IMHO, not very relevant to be used as a quote right now. Too dated. It is a very different market compared to the atmosphere back then.

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Hopefully if not at CES, then by or on February 6th, we'll know.

I specifically did not bring up the Bewkes old quote when seeing it in research because it is so old.

Now if he says it again on February 6th, or in some oh I don't know, some odd analyst call later in this week, then we'll see.

I did find it interesting since he is on Holiday, no one has the access to return analyst calls, get feedback on stock issues, etc....

While everyone is searching out Nielsen data this week, I'll be searching out news quotes of guys like Bewkes, and looking at all this form the stock thing, since it bears so much influence.

Please stay close and keep us informed. Your opinions and statements are a very welcome breath of intelligence and fresh air. We have nothing but speculation based on opinions and interesting Clues or tid bit statements made by the Gods who have held our format in the balance for so long. Much to many people's perplextion, the stockholder, shareholder, board of director issues have made absolutely no sense to anyone. The reality is that blu holds complete and still gaining domination world wide while HD DVD players are given away in cereal boxes and the disk sales are dwindling. None of us can seem to figure out why corps are not being held responsible for the complete lack of blu support, i.e. the willingness to jump on board and make some money? We get our movies, they make money. Everyones happy, so whats the problem?

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

Please stay close and keep us informed. Your opinions and statements are a very welcome breath of intelligence and fresh air. We have nothing but speculation based on opinions and interesting Clues or tid bit statements made by the Gods who have held our format in the balance for so long. Much to many people's perplextion, the stockholder, shareholder, board of director issues have made absolutely no sense to anyone. The reality is that blu holds complete and still gaining domination world wide while HD DVD players are given away in cereal boxes and the disk sales are dwindling. None of us can seem to figure out why corps are not being held responsible for the complete lack of blu support, i.e. the willingness to jump on board and make some money? We get our movies, they make money. Everyones happy, so whats the problem?

Good point. It doesn't make any sense that they WOULDN'T go Blu-ray exclusive at this point. Blu-rays gaining a lot of steam worldwide. And I see it every day I work at Target (I work in the electonics area). I see more and more people being interested in Blu-ray and buying the movies. So why they wouldn't go Blu-ray exclusive is beyond me.

[saljr]

I live in Stockton,Ca and Hollywoodvideo store in Weston Ranch shopping center is a highest volume store out of 5. In the begin of the year (Blu-Ray)2 to 1(HD-DVD) and now at least 3.5 to 1. Maybe 2008 will be the year for Blu-Ray.

[ESUNintel]

Originally Posted by saljr

I live in Stockton,Ca and Hollywoodvideo store in Weston Ranch shopping center is a highest volume store out of 5. In the begin of the year (Blu-Ray)2 to 1(HD-DVD) and now at least 3.5 to 1. Maybe 2008 will be the year for Blu-Ray.

At least that's what the stats look like, and hopefully it will be the year for BD. I just hope WB doesn't take any money to go HD-DVD exclusive in a time of difficulty.

[darinp2]

Originally Posted by Sonar5

Bewkes said that back in about October 2005, quite a long time ago and IMHO, not very relevant to be used as a quote right now. Too dated. It is a very different market compared to the atmosphere back then.

Here is where I think it is most relevant. Bewkes probably didn't make it to the CEO level without having some self preservation instinct. In he now takes Warner and New Line to HD DVD exclusivity and the war ends, then he may look good (depends partly on the deal they get). But if he does that and there is still a stalemate in 1 to 2 years, then Parsons and Bewkes will both be at the top of the list of those who kept the industry from getting one format, and when shareholders ask why HDM revenues aren't better, it could be tough to answer. The reason being 2 decisions in opposite directions, when just not making the first might have led to an HD DVD win, but going neutral and then back kept that from happening, and the 2nd decision kept the industry from getting one format with Blu-ray.

Moving to Blu-ray would be a continuation of that old decision and I think most of us can see that a move to Blu-ray would pretty much assure an end to the war (especially with their leads around the world, and not just in the US). A move to HD DVD is a little more iffy as far as whether it could really result in just one major high definition on disc format in the near enough future. If I was Bewkes, I would be pretty nervous about going back to HD DVD exclusivity, unless I knew that Fox or Disney would change their allegiance toward HD DVD too (and still might be somewhat nervous even with that). I sure wouldn't want to have to explain my part in a resulting longer term stalemate, if that is what would happen. Especially not as an early move as a new CEO.

--Darin

[Sonar5]

Originally Posted by bkbluray

Good point. It doesn't make any sense that they WOULDN'T go Blu-ray exclusive at this point. Blu-rays gaining a lot of steam worldwide. And I see it every day I work at Target (I work in the electonics area). I see more and more people being interested in Blu-ray and buying the movies. So why they wouldn't go Blu-ray exclusive is beyond me.

Looking at the market worldwide, how anyone could deny the sales leader is puzzling.

Hopefully in the next few days with lead-up, we'll get some nuggets from news, or our insiders here.

happy new Year,
Joe

[xwingsct]

Originally Posted by ESUNintel

At least that's what the stats look like, and hopefully it will be the year for BD. I just hope WB doesn't take any money to go HD-DVD exclusive in a time of difficulty.

That would be a suicide if WB take money and run. It might cripple the whole HD format. Poeple who are waiting on the side line will just go with upconverted DVD instead. Some poeple are already fed up with this whole format war thing.
DVD sales are not what they use to be anymore. Sales has been declined year after year. Studio need to make money, fast.
But right now BD is in the lead not just U.S. all over the world. Thanks to PS3.
It would be foolish if WB goes with HD-DVD which is pretty much dead else where except U.S.
Over 8 millions PS3 world wide VS a million or so HD-DVD.
Even an idot knows which one he'll pick.

[kloeulle]

Hi, i have read today that Blu-Ray hold alead in europe of 73% to HD DVD 27%!

[TwinTurboJosh]

Of course then you have guys like this 'claiming' insider info of WB going the other way.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost...&postcount=249

[Sonar5]

Originally Posted by xwingsct

That would be a suicide if WB take money and run. It might cripple the whole HD format. Poeple who are waiting on the side line will just go with upconverted DVD instead. Some poeple are already fed up with this whole format war thing.
DVD sales are not what they use to be anymore. Sales has been declined year after year. Studio need to make money, fast.
But right now BD is in the lead not just U.S. all over the world. Thanks to PS3.
It would be foolish if WB goes with HD-DVD which is pretty much dead else where except U.S.
Over 8 millions PS3 world wide VS a million or so HD-DVD.
Even an idot knows which one he'll pick.

Some of my additional thoughts.

I think that Bewkes and Warner can no longer afford the distraction of dual-format while they reposition their company for splits, and mergers.

If they chose hd-dvd, that means 50/50 studio splits, give or take, format war continues, makes tons of bad press for warner, and DISTRACTS from their corporate goals which Bewkes will soon be announcing, (I Hope).

If they chose blu-ray, format war ends sooner, less distractions and pressure on stock, Bewkes corporate goals and vision to bring Stock back is reinforced, and Warner is off to a good start in 2008.

If they stay neutral, It is still a distraction with me, you , and everyone else wishing they would do something. This distracts from Stock and Corporate Goal Strategy.

IMHO, I don't think money thrown at them is either needed, or wanted, they may just see it as an insult. Or maybe they do take the money from either, who knows?