Archived: Insiders Thread

[JBlacklow]

paidgeek: A couple weeks ago, you cleared up some misinformation regarding the list at http://www.sonypictures.co.uk/homevideo/upcoming.html. Has SPHE UK been asked to update their list, or are those listings now valid?

[paidgeek]

Originally Posted by darinp2

paidgeek,

Can you tell us anything about this one. Like was Spielberg involved and did he give this his approval? I'm figuring it is possible that Sony could do the Blu-ray release without his approval, but just wondering if he had a position on it. Also, can you tell us anything about the quality of the master? I saw this on an HD channel a while back and that beginning with the sandstorm looked like it would be pretty tough. And if the BD will have all 3 versions, will it use seamless branching?

Thanks,
Darin

We have a relationship with the Spielberg team and they are involved in the release of CE3K. They are also aware of that we are releasing multiple versions using seamless branching. The original master had some issues, but our asset management department has been putting in many hours to get everything out of it there is to get. Suffice it to say that making sure that Steven is happy with the results is an absolute priority.

Additional note:

Some of you might wonder why I have not discussed this title earlier. I know most of you are strong supporters of Blu-ray and would like this sort of information before it breaks in the press, but please understand that our relationship with film talent takes precedence over all else. This project was carefully prepared for approval and we did not want to jump the gun before getting it. Witness the folly of others who have bypassed important steps like this....

[paidgeek]

Originally Posted by JBlacklow

paidgeek: A couple weeks ago, you cleared up some misinformation regarding the list at http://www.sonypictures.co.uk/homevideo/upcoming.html. Has SPHE UK been asked to update their list, or are those listings now valid?

The list now looks like it is based on a more recent schedule, but I hasten to add that the schedule is always subject to change. I think there will be some internal discussion about the merits of posting these dates given that consumers will be dissapointed when titles get dropped for various reasons.

[patrick99]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

We have a relationship with the Spielberg team and they are involved in the release of CE3K. They are also aware of that we are releasing multiple versions using seamless branching. The original master had some issues, but our asset management department has been putting in many hours to get everything out of it there is to get. Suffice it to say that making sure that Steven is happy with the results is an absolute priority.

Additional note:

Some of you might wonder why I have not discussed this title earlier. I know most of you are strong supporters of Blu-ray and would like this sort of information before it breaks in the press, but please understand that our relationship with film talent takes precedence over all else. This project was carefully prepared for approval and we did not want to jump the gun before getting it. Witness the folly of others who have bypassed important steps like this....

Thanks for the post Paidgeek. It is posts like this that really make one appreciative of the attitude at Sony Pictures.

[Ben]

Thanks so much, Paidgeek... I think it's safe to say that this is an absolutely HUGE release for BD and is an amazing achievment for Sony Pictures!

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

The list now looks like it is based on a more recent schedule

So DaVinci Code is stillpossible for this year? I thought that was one that was definitely being held off til 08 for the theatrical release of the prequel/sequel Angels and Demons.

Also, Ghostbusters is next year now as opposed to later this year?

Thanks for Bram Stoker's. As you know, I've been waiting for this and asking you about that one for some time now!!! Can't wait!!!

[DaViD Boulet]

Paidgeek,

I'm am THRILLED that CETK will be on BD... and soon. One of my all-time favorite sci-fi classics. Well deserves the 1080p treatment, and the inclusion of all three versions is incredible. Can't wait to review it for dvdfile.com...

THANK YOU.

dave

[goodstuff]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

Additional note:

Some of you might wonder why I have not discussed this title earlier. I know most of you are strong supporters of Blu-ray and would like this sort of information before it breaks in the press, but please understand that our relationship with film talent takes precedence over all else. This project was carefully prepared for approval and we did not want to jump the gun before getting it. Witness the folly of others who have bypassed important steps like this....

I think he might be referring to this fiasco from back in Jan.: http://www.hddvdprg.com/eng/list.html

Stevie probably said you'd better leave that page up on your website forever!

[darinp2]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

We have a relationship with the Spielberg team and they are involved in the release of CE3K. They are also aware of that we are releasing multiple versions using seamless branching. The original master had some issues, but our asset management department has been putting in many hours to get everything out of it there is to get. Suffice it to say that making sure that Steven is happy with the results is an absolute priority.

Additional note:

Some of you might wonder why I have not discussed this title earlier. I know most of you are strong supporters of Blu-ray and would like this sort of information before it breaks in the press, but please understand that our relationship with film talent takes precedence over all else. This project was carefully prepared for approval and we did not want to jump the gun before getting it. Witness the folly of others who have bypassed important steps like this....

First, big thanks for the info. Second, thanks for being careful with the important people like Steven Spielberg as that is way more important than us getting information early. I'm guessing this news really stings over at Universal. Those who are counting on Spielberg titles from Universal to come out on HD DVD exclusively should take note of what is happening here and the excuse from Universal about why they can't release any of Spielberg's movies.

Keep up the good work.

--Darin

[DaViD Boulet]

That rationale from Universal was just echoed the other day at the talk at EMA with Graffeo mentioning that Speilberg wanted to wait for greater HD penetration before releasing his films on HD media.

I can't remember on which of the seven video links it was stated:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/ema2...Video%201.html

[FourToedStatue]

Is Bram Stoker's Dracula going to be the extended version?

[Azumi]

hello Paidgeek,

The Target deal in the US will put Blu-ray in front of the eyes of millions of consumers, including most people that will want to be reassured that BD is here to stay.

Are you going to prepare with the Blu studios some promotional material (like leaflets, samplers) that will provide hints of what's coming up in 2008?

On a general level, are you also going to provide appropriate educational material, in order to explain to consumers what HDTV and Blu-ray are?

On a final note, do you reckon that similar deals might be made as well in international territories? European countries never seem to get sweet deals (like the 5-disc offer) and in some nations sales under cost are prohibited, which means that those customers always pay the full price.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

Some of you might wonder why I have not discussed this title earlier. I know most of you are strong supporters of Blu-ray and would like this sort of information before it breaks in the press, but please understand that our relationship with film talent takes precedence over all else. This project was carefully prepared for approval and we did not want to jump the gun before getting it. Witness the folly of others who have bypassed important steps like this....

In fact, that statement right there makes me feel GREAT.

Involvement from the talent is the ultimate show of support for a format. With it we know extended cuts are approved and the pipeline is committed to a special level of quality.

This is absolutely spectacular news. And I'm left wishing Sony had rights to certain other films from Spielberg as well as Lucas.

[Chris Beveridge]

Originally Posted by paidgeek

The list now looks like it is based on a more recent schedule, but I hasten to add that the schedule is always subject to change. I think there will be some internal discussion about the merits of posting these dates given that consumers will be dissapointed when titles get dropped for various reasons.

Definitely an issue, which is why I admit to liking the Sony US site which lists only officially solicited titles.

That said, have you seen the masters come through for Cowboy Bebop and/or Steamboy? Bandai Visual Japan is handling Steamboy for that country and I'm curious as to whether they'd use the AVC encode that they're doing for the UK release via Sony. (and the US? he says with a note of hope).

[ra1024]

Paid, thanks for the info on the Spielberg release. I had 2 follow up questions on this and I suspect the first may not be one you can comment on.

1) Is this an indication that Spielberg has chosen BR? We were led to believe that he was not allowing his films to be released on HD DVD so this would tend to say that he has either chosen BR over HD DVD or is at least supporting BR while not ruling out supporting HD DVD.

2) If Spielberg did not want his films released in HD yet, did he have the ability to stop this particular film from being released on BR ( either contractually or by his industry influence)? The HD DVD supporters seem to be arguing that he doesn't control this release and this doesn't mean anything. I had always thought that he had control over his films and this at the very least showed he was supporting BR even if not exclusively.

Your comments about wanting to make him happy implied that he had some say in this but I was hoping for a definitive answer.

Thanks again for your time.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by ra1024

1) Is this an indication that Spielberg has chosen BR? We were led to believe that he was not allowing his films to be released on HD DVD so this would tend to say that he has either chosen BR over HD DVD or is at least supporting BR while not ruling out supporting HD DVD.

2) If Spielberg did not want his films released in HD yet, did he have the ability to stop this particular film from being released on BR ( either contractually or by his industry influence)? The HD DVD supporters seem to be arguing that he doesn't control this release and this doesn't mean anything. I had always thought that he had control over his films and this at the very least showed he was supporting BR even if not exclusively.

Let me step in here whilst the geek is being paid to do what he does and I’ve got a free moment and then he can follow-up in his own words, if he so chooses.

Think out of the box or….. two steps ahead for a moment in terms of the big picture. A large part of this business is about building long-term trusted relationships with significant people that can make a difference.

As I mentioned here…………………….
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&#post11113361
and here……….
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&#post11114713

S.S., Jerry B., G.L. and other creative talent that may be known more for what they’ve accomplished in the past are not finished making/producing films. Seeds planted now can grow into beautiful sunflowers in the future.

P.S.
To those that PM’ed me, I’m whittling away at them…..slowly.

[DaViD Boulet]

Paidgeek,

quick question about Close Encounters,

you mentioned that you guys had problems with the "orignial master"... that could could either mean that you had problems with the *old legacy* master on the shelf from a few years back, or that you had problems with the original master prior to digital cleanup after a new film-transfer was performed.

Hoping it's the latter... please no more 5th Element debacles!

Can you clarify?

thanks!

dave

[FourToedStatue]

Are we looking at a long wait for the Star Trek Series to hit blu ray as well?

[WriteSimply]

To Penton: How's the work at securing a BD encoding engineer or a BD exec from Disney, Lionsgate and Fox to come and releasing tit-bids of info here? I think it'll be helpful.

Oh, any news of Lost and/or Grey's Anatomy on BD?


fuad

[dobyblue]

paidgeek/penton

Amir has said that there will be no HD PIP on Blu-ray and that profile 1.1 is only for 480 SD PIP.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&#post11138198

Originally Posted by amirm

I can comment on the HD PiP. I heard recently that this feature has been put to pasture! Profile 1.1 is only about SD PiP. We have many sources for this information and they all confirm the same thing.

Yeh, I was surprised too to hear the news given the amount of hype created around this oxymoron. But it seems that the hardware cost is too high for dual HD decode, and demand simply is not there for the feature given the easy ways to implement the same experiences.

Of course, we are not part of the BDA. So I am happy to be corrected. Paid? Keith?

Is this correct?