Paramount joining?

[Bob Schlapowitz]

I just read that Paramount is joining Movies Anywhere starting May 1. I hope this isn't an April Fools joke!

[mjvmovieman]

This would be great news. Someone alert MGM and Lionsgate.

[thejej]

Originally Posted by Bob Schlapowitz

I just read that Paramount I joining Movies Anywhere starting May 1. I hope this isn't an April Fools joke!

It unfortunately is an April Fool's Joke that can be fielded back to a Reddit Thread.


https://www.reddit.com/r/MoviesAnywh...ll_be_joining/

[khalbrae]

Paramount got stung by UV failing because Disney refused to join it. So them, Lionsgate and others not joining may eventually spell the doom for MA (less likely though because of the outsized power Disney has now). WB, Universal, Sony and Fox were in both programs.

[oneway23]

Phooey! I clicked thinking this was finally happening!

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by oneway23

Phooey! I clicked thinking this was finally happening!

If it didn't happen when CBS: AA switched to Paramount+ then I don't think its going to happen anytime soon. Likely Paramount and the rest still blame Disney for the downfall of UV, that's debatable but the fact is IMO MA is already stronger foundation-wise then UV ever was, even though MA doesn't as yet include TV shows.

Once THAT change is made, then I think you'll see the rest of the "dominoes" fall into place. Right now, there are still occasional issues where some titles are not spread out among all MA member services. Once the in-house issues are cleaned up, then perhaps we'll see an expansion of the MA service, and if they DO begin cataloging TV shows, a name change!

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

If it didn't happen when CBS: AA switched to Paramount+ then I don't think its going to happen anytime soon. Likely Paramount and the rest still blame Disney for the downfall of UV, that's debatable but the fact is IMO MA is already stronger foundation-wise then UV ever was, even though MA doesn't as yet include TV shows.

Once THAT change is made, then I think you'll see the rest of the "dominoes" fall into place. Right now, there are still occasional issues where some titles are not spread out among all MA member services. Once the in-house issues are cleaned up, then perhaps we'll see an expansion of the MA service, and if they DO begin cataloging TV shows, a name change!

Paramount is not joining because the cost is too high. Same with MGM and Lionsgate. UV only required low payments to use the logo and technology.

MoviesAnywhere requires the participating studios to pay into the service every month. There was a low entry fee at one point but that passed and now it costs too much to join. The payments are so high that the MA consortium actually does not allow small studios like STX and WellGo to join. that is also the reason why TV shows are excluded since too many companies would be involved and drive cost of productions up.

[Shane Rollins]

So wait...now that UV failed, does that mean all my DCs are gone/unwatchable? I haven’t been on there in a while but this is gonna suck if that’s true. ��

[dunnbluray]

What incentive is there for Paramount or Lionsgate to join?

They have to pay into the system. Also, some people purchase their movies on multiple providers. If they join, it will be on all providers with just one purchase.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

Paramount is not joining because the cost is too high. Same with MGM and Lionsgate. UV only required low payments to use the logo and technology.

MoviesAnywhere requires the participating studios to pay into the service every month. There was a low entry fee at one point but that passed and now it costs too much to join. The payments are so high that the MA consortium actually does not allow small studios like STX and WellGo to join. that is also the reason why TV shows are excluded since too many companies would be involved and drive cost of productions up.

Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate were ALL on shaky financial footing when UV failed AND when MA was created. Apparently, the cost wasn't "too high" for Sony, Fox (before Disney bought it) Universal & Warner Bros.? Yes, the SAME Warner Bros. whose parent company AT&T assumed nearly $200B in debt...and still joined MA? I think its more "political" that Paramount was....excuse the pun.....paramount in keeping Disney OUT of UV once they bought Marvel....whom Paramount had a relationship with the early Iron Man, Thor and Capn' America releases.

But all that aside I can't see how joining MA doesn't benefit Paramount financially and brand-wise especially given the launch of Paramount+. Certainly, the benefit to consumers is enormous given the franchises Paramount owns...You don't think Disney isn't salivating over the possibility of "Indiana Jones" franchise available on MA, or the prospects of "Star Trek" on MA?

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by dunnbluray

What incentive is there for Paramount or Lionsgate to join?

Paramount & Lionsgate availability of their media to a much larger audience going forward.

Originally Posted by dunnbluray

They have to pay into the system. Also, some people purchase their movies on multiple providers. If they join, it will be on all providers with just one purchase.

ALL the studios, even the existing ones have to pay into the system. That didn't hinder Universal, WB or Sony?

Yeah, all the past purchases will "morph" into a single title of several purchases, but that's par for the course. It's more important to realize going forward, you only have to buy that title ONCE.

[erlinmeyer]

Originally Posted by Shane Rollins

So wait...now that UV failed, does that mean all my DCs are gone/unwatchable? I haven’t been on there in a while but this is gonna suck if that’s true. ��

They notified people via email over 2 years ago. Here is the verbage from that email:


"We are writing to inform you that the UltraViolet service is planning to shut down on July 31, 2019. You are receiving this message because you signed up for an UltraViolet Library or for a service that created an UltraViolet Library for you.

What does this mean for you?

Between January 31 and July 31, 2019
You can continue to access your UltraViolet movies and TV shows through the retailer(s) linked to your UltraViolet Library.
You can also continue to purchase new movies and TV shows and redeem digital codes by following the redemption instructions. Depending on the retailer, these new purchases and redemptions may or may not be added to your UltraViolet Library.
Linking your UltraViolet Library to additional retailers can maximize your access to your Library and help avoid potential disruption.
After the shutdown date
Your UltraViolet Library will automatically close and, in the majority of cases, your movies and TV shows will remain accessible at previously-linked retailers.
You can continue to make online purchases and redeem codes, but these may only be available through that retailer, and will not be added to your UltraViolet Library.
What should you do now?

As soon as possible, login at myuv.com and choose Retailer Services to verify the retailers linked to your UltraViolet Library. If your Library is not currently linked to a retailer or if you would like to link to additional participating retailers, select one or more retailers to link to your UltraViolet Library.
Don't unlink or close your UltraViolet Library, as UltraViolet and retailers will be working together to maximize your continued access to movies and TV shows.
Look for further communications from UltraViolet and your retailers over the coming months, as some retailers may disconnect from UltraViolet before July 31.

Some details may be updated, so visit myuv.com/faq often for the most current information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Thank you for making UltraViolet part of how you enjoy digital entertainment. Please do not hesitate to contact customer support at customercare@uvvu.com if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

The UltraViolet Team"

If you truly haven't used the DCs in all that time, then why worry? Unless you are confusing this with VUDU.


edit, just found out in another thread Shane Rollins has only converted 2 DCs in his life, so it was never a serious concern it appears.

[dunnbluray]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

Paramount & Lionsgate availability of their media to a much larger audience going forward.



ALL the studios, even the existing ones have to pay into the system. That didn't hinder Universal, WB or Sony?

Yeah, all the past purchases will "morph" into a single title of several purchases, but that's par for the course. It's more important to realize going forward, you only have to buy that title ONCE.

Yes, that's my point, what incentive is there to for them to pay in. Their movie library is available on those other providers whether or not they join. My point is that they make more money by having you purchase the title more than once. I've done it myself several times. If they join, I wouldn't do that anymore and they lose revenue. I don't see any incentive from above.

[vwnut13]

Originally Posted by dunnbluray

Yes, that's my point, what incentive is there to for them to pay in. Their movie library is available on those other providers whether or not they join. My point is that they make more money by having you purchase the title more than once. I've done it myself several times. If they join, I wouldn't do that anymore and they lose revenue. I don't see any incentive from above.

Paramount and Lionsgate get no money from me because they won't port to other platforms.

[Petey Parker]

Originally Posted by vwnut13

Paramount and Lionsgate get no money from me because they won't port to other platforms.

Same, unless it's a crazy deal on iTunes that will get you the 4K release as well, my Paramount and Lionsgate films mostly come from digital copies that were included in the Blu-ray or 4K. Same goes for MGM.

I'd definitely increase my purchases for all three if they ended up as part of MA.

[dunnbluray]

Originally Posted by Petey Parker

Same, unless it's a crazy deal on iTunes that will get you the 4K release as well, my Paramount and Lionsgate films mostly come from digital copies that were included in the Blu-ray or 4K. Same goes for MGM.

I'd definitely increase my purchases for all three if they ended up as part of MA.

I think mine would go down since I wouldn't double purchase anymore. MGM hardly does digital copies, so that wouldn't matter for them. Also, many Paramount movies aren't released on 4K blu-ray and are available digitally on 4K. So I end up purchasing the 4K version and skip paying for a redeemable digital copy.

Having to pay into the system, they probably wouldn't recoup the cost of some users opting out of a purchase because it doesn't port. Especially since double purchases wouldn't be necessary.

[vwnut13]

Originally Posted by Petey Parker

Same, unless it's a crazy deal on iTunes that will get you the 4K release as well, my Paramount and Lionsgate films mostly come from digital copies that were included in the Blu-ray or 4K. Same goes for MGM.

I'd definitely increase my purchases for all three if they ended up as part of MA.

I don't even purchase Lionsgate/Paramount Blu-rays unless I am getting them at blowout prices at a closeout store.

[Chedwiggen]

I would love for more studios to join but I don't see that happening anytime soon with all the financial destruction covid caused to studios. Maybe if MA/Disney made it more enticing for them somehow. MA should also try working with smaller studios as well, smaller they are the less they have to pay to join. Grow MA, grow.

[Alan Gordon]

The only double purchasing I do of non-supporting studios (Paramount, MGM, Lionsgate) are titles where I had HD in VUDU, but purchasing 4K in iTunes.

I doubt many people outside of some movie enthusiasts are truly double-dipping for anything but better PQ.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Chedwiggen

I would love for more studios to join but I don't see that happening anytime soon with all the financial destruction covid caused to studios. Maybe if MA/Disney made it more enticing for them somehow. MA should also try working with smaller studios as well, smaller they are the less they have to pay to join. Grow MA, grow.

You'd actually think that Covid would have helped jump-start growth instead of hinder it? Especially given the theaters didn't open and some still today are not allowed full capacity (50% in my state, Pa.). What the virus has done has changed peoples habits, and while I think as far as sporting events and vacations once this is all over will recover quite nicely, I think the theaters will be the slowest and most agonizing aspect to recover. People are now leery of the mass indoor gatherings and given the prices involved will be less apt to return. I haven't gone to a theater since John Wick Ch 3 and I really don't see me making the trip especially when I think movies will now have a faster window to the home then they did before.