The rumor is that Warner is coming aboard soon

[CptGreedle]

The BDA did not know they were going to jump ship like that. And worst of all, they cancelled their titles due out the next week!
Paramount really sold out hard and fast and did not give it any time.
It was too aggressive and they have been criticized and condemned for it too.
The BDA ddid not expect it from what I could tell.

[DAMNSAM77]

Guys and gals, I believe this may be the most credible news we have heard over the past several "Warner-goes-Blu-exclusive" in the past 4 months.

We heard it from the horse's mouth (Dan Silverburg from Warner Home video), then we are now hearing it from a somewhat peer studio (Lionsgate's excutive who will know more about the insider news than everyone in this forum combined).

Not only that, there are credible rumors of a Sub $300 BD players hitting shelves in early 2008 mentioned in the same article. So with 1.1/2.0 BD players hitting shelves at below $299 prices will literary shut up the constant HDDVD fanboy-ism.

For some reason, this new rumor (this time around) is bringing butterflies to my stomach, it feels more REAL than any of the other rumors. I never had a doubt that 170 companies inthe BDA group would just accept defeat from Micro-Shiba, I knew they have been bugging Warner for months now. Lets hope their efforts and ours all payoff.


Format fanboyism aside, it would be terrible for the consumers if Warner goes HDDVD exclusive because that would definitely split the studio/movie shares by a 50/50 and that means format stalemate and consumers will lose interest in adopting the next HDM format, especially when Blu-ray owns nearly 67-70% of the HDM market already, it would make sense for Warner, if they care about the consumer, to go Blu-ray exclusive because that would almost instantously end the format war. Universal and Weinstein would atleast go Neutral if not Bluray exclusive, and Paramount/DW will stay with HDDVD for another 12 months that's if HDDVD doesnt even throw the towel in 3-6 months after Warner goes Blu! And in that case with blu-ray being the victorius format, HDDVD will more than likely throw in the towel and call it quits, at that point Paramount/DW can still keep the $150MM bags of cash, (whatever is left from it after the execs get their xmas bonuses), and they would be free to go Blu-ray as well since the HDDVD format is dead by then, plus we all heard what Paramount/DW execs said about the exclusively contract, that "it's an indefinite commitment for an indefinite period of time."


Let's hope that Warner will do what's best for the consumer and help end this format confusion and go blu-ray exclusive by CES 2008!

-Sam (blu-ray exclusive since PS3 launch in 2006)


P.S: did anyone else notice that www.HighDefDigest.com is OFFLINE/Not Available? This new rumor is so strong and credible that there were so many hundreds of posts at the same time that overloaded their website. This happens to HDD's site everytime there's a Warner/blu-ray rumor

[sj001]

I definitely agree that Warner should honor existing titles. I think the Paramount move was done pretty horribly, basically ripping any titles out of the hands of BD buyers that were on their way to pick up announced titles. I think WB, or hope, they have more integrity than that.

[Ispoke]

Rumour it is, but what indications (besides a leak) could there be nearer the time that it’s about to happen. Just some thoughts..........

Paramount kept it under wraps that they were going to drop Blu, until it was announced. They were announcing titles a couple of weeks before they dropped the bombshell. We even have seen evidence that they had actually pressed said titles on blu ray disc. But, Paramount knew full well that they could be back with Blu in the speculated 18 months time and therefore the disc’s are not wasted.

Now looking at Warner....... We can assume they realise that dropping HV DVD would probably bring the format war to an end and kill HD DVD off finally Would Warner therefore keep announcing titles until the end like Paramount? And what about disc’s, are they going to press HD DVD’s knowing that if they go Blu the disc’s become junk since HD DVD will be dead? I doubt HV DVD owners would keep on buying Warner titles if they went Blu.

Therefore would not the first signs that Warner maybe going Blu be delays in HD DVD schedules? Or are they going to write off 10000’s of HD DVD’s.

Lots of conjecture, any comments or thoughts on how it would happen?

[marzetta7]

Originally Posted by seto

I think I will take this rumor with a bag of salt until it is officially announced. Maybe we can get a confirmation from SA0CD. ^^;

ROFL! No joke. But hopefully Business Week has more staying power than that tool.

[JAGUAR1977]

Let's take a few steps back.

1/ When people say Warner will be giving up 25-30% of the market (HD-DVD), you have to think 99% of HD-DVD owners WILL buy a Blu-ray player if Warner switched. On the otherhand, how many BLu-ray owners, specifically PS3 owners, will switch to HD-DVD, or will they be content with 3/4 studios, DVD and video games?

2/ Right now the market is being articficially held back by the format war, far more consumers are holding out due to the war than buying in, even with dirt cheap HD-DVD players and the PS3.

3/ Japan, Australia, and very soon, Europe, will be completly dominanted by Blu-ray, if HD-DVD exclusive studios wish to sell movies in these regions, they will have to sell on the decreasing, low profit (per disc) DVD format or Blu-ray. HD-DVD isn't in the game, further a majority of HD-DVD consumers in these regions will be importing from the US.

4/ Nickerson at Warner was a huge HD-DVD cheerleader, it's no coincidence while he was in place, WB undoubtedly favoured HD-DVD. When Paramount took the MS/Toshiba cash incentive, WB turned it down. For whatever reason Nickerson then left his position at WB, while Blu-ray insiders state time and again what was once a studio heavily favouring HD-DVD, is now, at the very least, neutral, more likely favouring Blu-ray.

5/ Let's get this straight, the only possible reason for WB to go HD-DVD exclusive is to kill the BD/HD market stone dead, the formats will never rise about a niche product, both formats will be viewed as a transition from DVD to HD downloads, not a solid format in and of themselves.

All studios must surely realise DVD is a declining, though still huge, market, while only a tiny percentage of DVD viewers have the will, never mind technical capabilty and capacity, to take advantage of HD/SD Downloads.

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

It's said they didn't know anything until it was too late to anything about it.

For what it's worth, I agree with the poster(s) that say if Warner does change their stance, they should still honour all the titles they've announced to that point.

Gary

Agreed. We should've at least gotten BoG & Transformers on Blu since they were already announced & some even shipped (BoG)

Transformers would've broken records on Blu.

[Esox50]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

For what it's worth, I agree with the poster(s) that say if Warner does change their stance, they should still honour all the titles they've announced to that point.

I agree 100%. As much as I think HD DVD'ers are idiots, I do know how I felt when Paramount cancelled previously announced BD titles. In fact, I had sold off my DVDs of Top Gun, Face/Off, and the Jack Ryan Collection (and had pre-ordered the BDs at Amazon). I wouldn't wish that to happen to any HD DVD'er when WB goes Blu, it's just plain "not right".

That being said, I would expect that when Warner goes Blu in 2008 that most HD DVDers will see the writing on the wall and switch to buying WBs Blu releases. Well, except maybe rdjam, plazman, and MidnightWatcher.

[Bullseye]

Originally Posted by Esox50

I agree 100%. As much as I think HD DVD'ers are idiots, I do know how I felt when Paramount cancelled previously announced BD titles. In fact, I had sold off my DVDs of Top Gun, Face/Off, and the Jack Ryan Collection (and had pre-ordered the BDs at Amazon). I wouldn't wish that to happen to any HD DVD'er when WB goes Blu, it's just plain "not right".

That being said, I would expect that when Warner goes Blu in 2008 that most HD DVDers will see the writing on the wall and switch to buying WBs Blu releases. Well, except maybe rdjam, plazman, and MidnightWatcher.

Thats why it might be best if WB does not announce too many titles. Don't you think that either format collectors will be unhappy that they have an incomplete Harry Potter series. Maybe this is why the BDA allowed Samsung and LG to produce the duel format players.

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by JAGUAR1977

Let's take a few steps back.

1/ When people say Warner will be giving up 25-30% of the market (HD-DVD), you have to think 99% of HD-DVD owners WILL buy a BLu-ray player if Warner switched. On the otherhand, how many BLu-ray owners, specifically PS3 owners, will switch to HD-DVD, or will they be content with 3/4 studios, DVD and video games?

2/ Right now the market is being articficially held back by the format war, far more consumers are holding out due to the war than buying in, even with dirt cheap HD-DVD players and the PS3.

3/ Japan, Australia, and very soon, Europe, will be completly dominanted by Blu-ray, if HD-DVD exclusive studios wish to sell movies in these regions, they have to sell on the decreasing, low profit (per disc) DVD or Blu-ray. HD-DVD isn't in the game, further a majority of HD-DVD consumers in these regions will be importing from the US.

4/ Nickerson at Warner was a huge HD-DVD cheerleader, it's no coincidence while he was in place, WB undoubtedly favoured HD-DVD. When Paramount took the MS/Toshiba cash incentive, WB turned it down. For whatever reason Nickerson then left his position at WB, while Blu-ray insiders state time and again what wa once a studio heavily favouring HD-DVD, is now at the very least neutral, more likely favouring Blu-ray.

5/ Let's get this straight, the only possible reason for WB to go HD-DVD exclusive is to kill the BD/HD market stone dead, the formats will never rise about a niche product, with both formats being viewed as a transition from DVD to HD downloads, not a solid format in and of themselves.

All studios must surely realise DVD is a declining, thought still huge, market, while only a tiny percentage of DVD viewers have the will, never mind technical capabilty and capacity, to take advantage of HD/SD Downloads.

Good points - especially #5. Warner is smart enough to know if they went HD DVD exclusive, they would be creating serious damage to the potential of HDM.

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by Esox50

Well, except maybe rdjam, plazman, and MidnightWatcher.

They'll just buy the SD versions and watch them upconverted on their HD DVD players. "The look & sound of almost HD"

[zombie]

Warner going Blu is the only way to ensure HDM's survival. If they were to go red we'd be stuck with two formats which would never be more than niche products. So yeah, the future is Blu and I'm certain Warner knows it.

[CptGreedle]

I also noticed that HDDigest is down... it must be a really strong rumor!
WB has been very pro-blu lately and this, coming from an insider, only makes it all the more believable and likely to happen sooner rather than later.
WB is in the spotlight now, everyone is watching their every move. They alone will not only make or break a format, but the entire HDM industry!

Also, I do agree that WB should still release all the titles on HD DVD that they have announced. It was like a stab in the back from Paramount to drop all titles even when they were clearly ready to be shipped! They lost a lot of consumers, and really alienated themselves. WB should not do that to the HD DVD camp like they did to us. It would not be fair that they have been waiting just like us for these titles only to have them pulled out from beneath them.. like they were for us.
WB is fair, and realize that they will still sell well. So I am sure they will still release these titles in limited numbers on HD DVD, and stop production of the HD DVDs of other titles, as well as change some of their future announcements. But nothing they cancel should be as abrupt as what paramount did.

[zombie]

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

Also, I do agree that WB should still release all the titles on HD DVD that they have announced. It was like a stab in the back from Paramount to drop all titles even when they were clearly ready to be shipped! They lost a lot of consumers, and really alienated themselves. WB should not do that to the HD DVD camp like they did to us. It would not be fair that they have been waiting just like us for these titles only to have them pulled out from beneath them.. like they were for us.
WB is fair, and realize that they will still sell well. So I am sure they will still release these titles in limited numbers on HD DVD, and stop production of the HD DVDs of other titles, as well as change some of their future announcements. But nothing they cancel should be as abrupt as what paramount did.

+1 - Amen!

[maximiza]

I envy the Warner guy that has to meet the HD-DVD reps. All those suits with the suitcasess stuffed with cash and the call girls on the speed dial of the cell phone ....what a power trip. I am in the wrong industry!!

[stockstar1138]

Originally Posted by Ispoke

Rumour it is, but what indications (besides a leak) could there be nearer the time that it’s about to happen. Just some thoughts..........

Paramount kept it under wraps that they were going to drop Blu, until it was announced. They were announcing titles a couple of weeks before they dropped the bombshell. We even have seen evidence that they had actually pressed said titles on blu ray disc. But, Paramount knew full well that they could be back with Blu in the speculated 18 months time and therefore the disc’s are not wasted.

Now looking at Warner....... We can assume they realise that dropping HV DVD would probably bring the format war to an end and kill HD DVD off finally Would Warner therefore keep announcing titles until the end like Paramount? And what about disc’s, are they going to press HD DVD’s knowing that if they go Blu the disc’s become junk since HD DVD will be dead? I doubt HV DVD owners would keep on buying Warner titles if they went Blu.

Therefore would not the first signs that Warner maybe going Blu be delays in HD DVD schedules? Or are they going to write off 10000’s of HD DVD’s.

Lots of conjecture, any comments or thoughts on how it would happen?

i think there is already a set time on when they will announce blu-ray exclusivity. Titles announced after that time for hd dvd will not be pressed and warner will simply say the title has been cancelled. I think the reason they have not announced a boat load of new titles is because it will create less of an uproar if only Twister and Bonnie and Clyde are cancelled vs. a bunch of titles. I think it is very telling were they are going given, Hairspray has yet to be given a date on hd dvd. Its world theatrical release is basically over, why not say Hairspray is coming to hd dvd on Feb. 5th or something like that now.

[Elandyll]

Originally Posted by kknight

Here's another interesting part of the article:
Sony CEO Howard Stringer has been making personal appeals to Richard Parsons and Jeffrey Bewkes, the two top executives at Warner parent Time Warner
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Could Sony be striking up some deal in the works?? If this happens, HD-DVD will be dead in the water and the porn industry will have no choice but to go blu... because that's the only category left that Blu-ray is lack off...

The Porn industry (granted not "en masse") is already moving on Blu Ray.
So if you just -have- to see a Vivid in Blu Ray HD, that's possible (among other things).

This being daid, about Warner, don't get your hopes up too fast. It might still be a bit early.
He did say "Rumor", and "come on board", not "go exclusive".
It could a variety of things, starting with "Releasing every single missing Warner title on Blu Ray early Q1", that kind of thing.

I don't mean to be pessimistic, only cautious

[marzetta7]

Originally Posted by JAGUAR1977

Let's take a few steps back.

1/ When people say Warner will be giving up 25-30% of the market (HD-DVD), you have to think 99% of HD-DVD owners WILL buy a BLu-ray player if Warner switched. On the otherhand, how many BLu-ray owners, specifically PS3 owners, will switch to HD-DVD, or will they be content with 3/4 studios, DVD and video games?

2/ Right now the market is being articficially held back by the format war, far more consumers are holding out due to the war than buying in, even with dirt cheap HD-DVD players and the PS3.

3/ Japan, Australia, and very soon, Europe, will be completly dominanted by Blu-ray, if HD-DVD exclusive studios wish to sell movies in these regions, they have to sell on the decreasing, low profit (per disc) DVD or Blu-ray. HD-DVD isn't in the game, further a majority of HD-DVD consumers in these regions will be importing from the US.

4/ Nickerson at Warner was a huge HD-DVD cheerleader, it's no coincidence while he was in place, WB undoubtedly favoured HD-DVD. When Paramount took the MS/Toshiba cash incentive, WB turned it down. For whatever reason Nickerson then left his position at WB, while Blu-ray insiders state time and again what wa once a studio heavily favouring HD-DVD, is now at the very least neutral, more likely favouring Blu-ray.

5/ Let's get this straight, the only possible reason for WB to go HD-DVD exclusive is to kill the BD/HD market stone dead, the formats will never rise about a niche product, with both formats being viewed as a transition from DVD to HD downloads, not a solid format in and of themselves.

All studios must surely realise DVD is a declining, thought still huge, market, while only a tiny percentage of DVD viewers have the will, never mind technical capabilty and capacity, to take advantage of HD/SD Downloads.

I think you and I are on the same page today...

Originally Posted by marzetta7

Ahhh...like I've stated before, Warner has choices here...

1) Choose Blu-ray: Become widely recognized as the studio who single handily saved the high-def market by putting Blu-ray over the top. Be recognized as a studio who has consumer's interests in mind by relying on sales trends and facts. In addition become a hugely lucrative studio, enjoying royalties from the BDA at an increased clip due to more consumers diving into the high-def arena with one clear winner.

2) Choose HD DVD: Become widely recognized as the studio who single handily drove the high-def market into oblivion. Probably not the move that is in their best interest as it would assuredly stagnate the market and put it in a perpetual stalemate, thus effecting their bottom line negatively in the amount of mass sales.

3) Stay Neutral: Prolong the inevitable victory of Blu-ray while incurring additional costs by supporting both and having to continue to neuter their encodes due to the space limitations on HD DVD--a simple fact that will reflect on Warner badly in terms of the PQ and AQ they provide to the end consumer.

...Personally, #1 makes all the sense in the world for them from a business perspective. I honestly don't see them making the other two choices, even with HUGE payoffs, as the consequences of such as I previously mentioned will hit them directly and negatively.

Anyhow, here's hoping the rumor is true...

...I like like-minded folk. Did you know geniuses pick green? But Paramount didn't pick green Focker.

[stockstar1138]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

The Porn industry (granted not "en masse") is already moving on Blu Ray.
So if you just -have- to see a Vivid in Blu Ray HD, that's possible (among other things).

I don't get this porn thing. why are people pretending like the porn industry is only with hd dvd, there is abuot equal amounts of titles on both formats from what i've seen. and japanese porn is almost exclusively on blu-ray. I'd bet that worldwide, there is more porn on blu-ray than on hd dvd, so people need to quit with the porn industry is behind hd dvd, cause its not. disney and sony both have no problem with porn being on blu-ray, they just don't want their movies pressed in the same factory as porn, because mistakes happen.

[MotionBlurr]

I wish it was January already. Forget Dec. 2007, my Christmas will be in January 2008.