Universal's Kornblau wants format war to continue - Blu-ray Forum

4K display · 08-09-2007, 07:00 AM

Hollywood in Hi-Def
Hmm...Didn't I say earlier I was so sick of...

If Kornblau and Graffeo are so infatuated with "consumer friendly" pricing then why haven't they lowered their software prices? Who wrote this "Studio get fat while CE bleed" motto? If Universal had followed the same "consumer friendly" pricing of their hardware partners their titles SRP would be under 20 bucks...

phil · 08-09-2007, 07:03 AM

Thank You For posting this, will answer alot of my questions and add to my interest of the whole thing.

phil · 08-09-2007, 07:06 AM

I agree with this "the hi-def format war has been "the very best thing that ever happened for consumers, retailers, and, frankly, studios" -- because it has driven prices down further and far more quickly than would have been the case if there had been only one format in the market."

I mean that's a pro! Right now I'm paying between 20-25 dollars for my Blu Rays and if there was only Blu Ray I bet it would be way higher like 30-40. I mean DVD's were this high at one point even VHS back in the day. Competition is a good thing, it's what makes are marketplace unique right?

But wow think of all the people that are going to laugh at our faces when they buy their players for 200 dollars. I suppose I'll have my Movie Collection.

"In the meantime, I guess those customers who are already choosing Blu-ray will have to live without hi-def versions of "Knocked Up," "Evan Almighty" and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" for awhile."

Like I, you, or anyone should even care LoL

Blu_J · 08-09-2007, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil

I agree with this "the hi-def format war has been "the very best thing that ever happened for consumers, retailers, and, frankly, studios" -- because it has driven prices down further and far more quickly than would have been the case if there had been only one format in the market."

I mean that's a pro! Right now I'm paying between 20-25 dollars for my Blu Rays and if there was only Blu Ray I bet it would be way higher like 30-40. I mean DVD's were this high at one point even VHS back in the day. Competition is a good thing, it's what makes are marketplace unique right?

But wow think of all the people that are going to laugh at our faces when they buy their players for 200 dollars. I suppose I'll have my Movie Collection.

Though I don't agree with some of your other POVs (Warner Neutrality) I do agree with the prices being driven down quick and low. I do however feel Blu-Ray is in a well enough position to gain mass acceptance if it were the only HiDef format. Although if player prices were a bit lower, it would certainly help said acceptance.

4K display · 08-09-2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hettrick

With Universal the only holdout in sticking with HD DVD exclusively, Kornblau reluctantly concedes that HD DVD's position is just fragile enough that if Universal decided to release in Blu-ray now, it would have a serious, if not life-threatening impact on the future of HD DVD.

SO FRAGILE in fact, they continue to pretend JAPAN doesn't exist.

phil · 08-09-2007, 07:32 AM

Well the whole Warner thing is not my opinion, as a Blu Ray User I didn't like it, but at the same time I think Warner was making more money overall by going Neutral. I think Universal has always been a second rate studio when compared to Warner. Really I think Universal hasn't really been in the spotlight for a while (this year is not a hot year for Universal he even admits it in the article) But they are in the spot light right now with this Format War and are feeling the power and are probably enjoying it in their own sick demented way. So once he gets off this high stool of his, I'm sure we'll start seeing some Universal Flicks on Blu Ray. Can't say I would buy anything though, and I wouldn't even be in a mad rush to pick anything up but you know... Whatever...

Blu_J · 08-09-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil

...I'm sure we'll start seeing some Universal Flicks on Blu Ray. Can't say I would buy anything though, and I wouldn't even be in a mad rush to pick anything up but you know... Whatever...

If they can work out some of those quality issues they've been having, once they do release on Blu I will be extremely happy. They have an extensive back catalog of films I am frothing at the mouth to get my hands on.

monkyman · 08-09-2007, 10:34 AM

Maybe i'm reading too much into this article, but It seems like they are defending and explaining their choice to be HD-DVD exclusive, but also giving themselves an out as to why they could change or go neutral.

Quote:

In fact, Kornblau says the lack of comparable interactivity and connectivity in Blu-ray as compared with HD DVD at this point is why Universal refuses to go the same route as Warner and Paramount in releasing in both formats but being forced to offer less interactive and connected features on the Blu-ray versions, such as Warner's new "300."

We know this is coming soon, so that would take care of that point.

Quote:

Kornblau admits that there is only a limited window of time for which this situation can be interpreted as beneficial for consumers, retailers, and studios. He says that window will start to close when players drop to a price of $200 and consumers start making their choice, which is what will guide Universal's ultimate course.

Ok, so he will take credit for the lower cost of players and try to look like "universal did this in everyones best interest." (except HD-DVD buyers)

So once BD Live comes out this fall, player prices come down this Christmas, and BD has an 80% market share, MAYBE?

phil · 08-09-2007, 11:02 AM

Yeah talk about being cornered.

Knight-Errant · 08-09-2007, 12:14 PM

This could backfire badly for them as I think consumers are getting pretty frustrated by this format war and its leading to mass confusion.

ground chuck · 08-09-2007, 12:21 PM

Greedy corporate b@stards, that's all they are. they could really care less about us as consumers.

atomik kinder · 08-09-2007, 12:22 PM

I am not sure they would lower prices on players again this year, especially if they are just ready to release the third generation of players. You would think when they released the players the prices would be lower. But they could as another act of desperation.

phil · 08-09-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight-Errant

This could backfire badly for them as I think consumers are getting pretty frustrated by this format war and its leading to mass confusion.

I don't know.. I think the average consumer isn't even really all that informed about the whole thing nor do they really care. I say this because I don't feel that either format or player has gone mainstream yet. Truthfully speaking it appears to me that out of the average everday person only the real tech people even care about whats going on with this format war. I'm convinced that half the people walking in and out of Best Buy everyday probably don't even know what the true difference is between HD DVD and Blu Ray.

Spankey · 08-09-2007, 01:03 PM

The article all but confirms that MS and Toshiba money is behind Universal's stance. Universal will switch when the loss of potential sales is offset by the MS investment. At that point, I will be in no mood to buy anything Universal.

buckshot · 08-09-2007, 01:14 PM

evidently m$ pockets are still deeper then sony wishes to pay.

there are more than a few universal title I would like. but I can wait.

weren't there supposed to be inexpensive chinese made bd players this year? if those were out I would have bought 1 for the bedroom.

JTK · 08-09-2007, 01:15 PM

Mind blowing stupidity.

At least they admit right out in the open how fragile HD-DVD's existence is and it basically rests on them staying exclusive to it.

I'd be quoting that and showing that to every HD-DVD zealot over and over again.

Most people know that this format war's usefulness on any level has expired.

I take 300 as the most recent example to make my point. As nice as the sales figures are on that for both formats, or if you combine the totals, or whatever...the question people were asking was: What if there had been one solidified HD format in place and 300 had come out on that?

It's the kind of question that really should be getting asked a lot more.

Reading stuff like this really is dismaying. There really must either be some idiots working at Universal and/or they really have been paid off by MS somehow.

Just ridiculous. It's honestly put Universal in a realm of contempt as far as I'm concerned.

ra1024 · 08-09-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spankey

TAt that point, I will be in no mood to buy anything Universal.

Yea, my animosity for University will linger long after the war is over. It's incredibly stupid to lose the money they are with lower software sales and the fact that all their releases this year will be catalog titles next year when they go neutral. When you figure in that they will be paying a higher rate for BR royalties at that point forward, the financial loss is just plain foolish. I really can't see any big corporation incurring those types of losses "for the public good".

zany6669 · 08-09-2007, 01:19 PM

I was so enraged by these comments and the cynical attitude they containthat I immediately sought out the contact section of the Universal Pictures website to voice my extreme displeasure. Anyone who wishes to do likewise can find their contact us form at the following link:
http://www.universalstudios.com/home...cgi?email_id=9

jdsanko · 08-09-2007, 01:21 PM

I believe Universal has signed some sort of deal to remain HD-DVD only. When this deal ends, Universal will go neutral. I don't believe the powers to be will ignore reality/$'s beyond that point.

With their current mostly poor showing at the box office, they have not been hurt too much to date. Hoewever, "The Bourne Ultimatium" has the potential to be as big if not bigger than "300". Based on the sales split of 65/35 (which pretty much mirriors the current market share) Universal could increase sales by 186% by publishing on both formats (by 86% just by going BD exclusive). If the trend contiues with BD having better long term legs, this will be even greater.

Regarding cheaper hardware, I don't believe anyone is making any money on the hardware, especially Toshiba. I will be very surpirsed to see any Chinese HD-DVD units as they can't make any money at current prices. If they jump in, it will be with BD because of the market share advantagae that will continue to grow and the fact that the BD folks have left more pricing room to work with.

dialog_gvf · 08-09-2007, 01:26 PM

Truelly amazing. Incredibly, it confirms everything many of us have been saying for years about Universal being bought and paid for. Even in face of incentives, they remain firm. The deal with MS-Toshiba must be so freaking sweet that it can't be budged by the BDA.

Time for the DOJ to look into that. It sounds like it is too sweet. And if it is specifically blocking support of another format, it is illegal.

Time for the BDA to take that incentive money that was offered and put it into the war marchine.

Time to crush HD DVD.

08-09-2007, 07:00 AM	#1
4K display Active Member Member since:Sep 2006 Location:Alberta Home Theater Gallery:1 Trading Score:1	Universal's Kornblau wants format war to continue Hollywood in Hi-Def Hmm...Didn't I say earlier I was so sick of... If Kornblau and Graffeo are so infatuated with "consumer friendly" pricing then why haven't they lowered their software prices? Who wrote this "Studio get fat while CE bleed" motto? If Universal had followed the same "consumer friendly" pricing of their hardware partners their titles SRP would be under 20 bucks...

08-09-2007, 07:06 AM	#3
phil Banned Member since:Aug 2007	I agree with this "the hi-def format war has been "the very best thing that ever happened for consumers, retailers, and, frankly, studios" -- because it has driven prices down further and far more quickly than would have been the case if there had been only one format in the market." I mean that's a pro! Right now I'm paying between 20-25 dollars for my Blu Rays and if there was only Blu Ray I bet it would be way higher like 30-40. I mean DVD's were this high at one point even VHS back in the day. Competition is a good thing, it's what makes are marketplace unique right? But wow think of all the people that are going to laugh at our faces when they buy their players for 200 dollars. I suppose I'll have my Movie Collection. "In the meantime, I guess those customers who are already choosing Blu-ray will have to live without hi-def versions of "Knocked Up," "Evan Almighty" and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" for awhile." Like I, you, or anyone should even care LoL Last edited by phil; 08-09-2007 at 07:19 AM.

08-09-2007, 01:21 PM	#19
jdsanko Member Member since:Jun 2007	It all depends on when their deal ends I believe Universal has signed some sort of deal to remain HD-DVD only. When this deal ends, Universal will go neutral. I don't believe the powers to be will ignore reality/$'s beyond that point. With their current mostly poor showing at the box office, they have not been hurt too much to date. Hoewever, "The Bourne Ultimatium" has the potential to be as big if not bigger than "300". Based on the sales split of 65/35 (which pretty much mirriors the current market share) Universal could increase sales by 186% by publishing on both formats (by 86% just by going BD exclusive). If the trend contiues with BD having better long term legs, this will be even greater. Regarding cheaper hardware, I don't believe anyone is making any money on the hardware, especially Toshiba. I will be very surpirsed to see any Chinese HD-DVD units as they can't make any money at current prices. If they jump in, it will be with BD because of the market share advantagae that will continue to grow and the fact that the BD folks have left more pricing room to work with.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Is Toshiba fighting a personal war, and not a format war?	General Chat	tron3	25	02-06-2008 01:05 PM
BBC to Continue Dual-Format Support for the time being	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	Loudninja	15	01-16-2008 08:57 PM
Will format neutral members continue buying hd dvd now that Warner has switched?	General Chat	drb124	7	01-05-2008 01:26 PM
Format War	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	scott87	16	06-13-2007 01:02 PM

08-09-2007, 07:03 AM	#2
phil Banned Member since:Aug 2007	Thank You For posting this, will answer alot of my questions and add to my interest of the whole thing.

08-09-2007, 07:32 AM	#6
phil Banned Member since:Aug 2007	Well the whole Warner thing is not my opinion, as a Blu Ray User I didn't like it, but at the same time I think Warner was making more money overall by going Neutral. I think Universal has always been a second rate studio when compared to Warner. Really I think Universal hasn't really been in the spotlight for a while (this year is not a hot year for Universal he even admits it in the article) But they are in the spot light right now with this Format War and are feeling the power and are probably enjoying it in their own sick demented way. So once he gets off this high stool of his, I'm sure we'll start seeing some Universal Flicks on Blu Ray. Can't say I would buy anything though, and I wouldn't even be in a mad rush to pick anything up but you know... Whatever...

08-09-2007, 11:02 AM	#9
phil Banned Member since:Aug 2007	Yeah talk about being cornered.

08-09-2007, 12:14 PM	#10
Knight-Errant Power Member Member since:Aug 2005 Location:Sheffield, UK	This could backfire badly for them as I think consumers are getting pretty frustrated by this format war and its leading to mass confusion.

08-09-2007, 12:21 PM	#11
ground chuck Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Charm City Blu-ray collection:75 Blu-ray reviews:48 Trading Score:18	Greedy corporate b@stards, that's all they are. they could really care less about us as consumers.

08-09-2007, 12:22 PM	#12
atomik kinder Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Omaha NE 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:-	I am not sure they would lower prices on players again this year, especially if they are just ready to release the third generation of players. You would think when they released the players the prices would be lower. But they could as another act of desperation.

08-09-2007, 01:03 PM	#14
Spankey Power Member Member since:Oct 2006	The article all but confirms that MS and Toshiba money is behind Universal's stance. Universal will switch when the loss of potential sales is offset by the MS investment. At that point, I will be in no mood to buy anything Universal.

08-09-2007, 01:14 PM	#15
buckshot Blu-ray Guru Member since:Feb 2007 Location:san die ego Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:9	evidently m$ pockets are still deeper then sony wishes to pay. there are more than a few universal title I would like. but I can wait. weren't there supposed to be inexpensive chinese made bd players this year? if those were out I would have bought 1 for the bedroom.

08-09-2007, 01:15 PM	#16
JTK Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jan 2006 Location:www.blurayoasis.com	Mind blowing stupidity. At least they admit right out in the open how fragile HD-DVD's existence is and it basically rests on them staying exclusive to it. I'd be quoting that and showing that to every HD-DVD zealot over and over again. Most people know that this format war's usefulness on any level has expired. I take 300 as the most recent example to make my point. As nice as the sales figures are on that for both formats, or if you combine the totals, or whatever...the question people were asking was: What if there had been one solidified HD format in place and 300 had come out on that? It's the kind of question that really should be getting asked a lot more. Reading stuff like this really is dismaying. There really must either be some idiots working at Universal and/or they really have been paid off by MS somehow. Just ridiculous. It's honestly put Universal in a realm of contempt as far as I'm concerned.

08-09-2007, 01:19 PM	#18
zany6669 Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Sydney, Australia Blu-ray collection:64	I was so enraged by these comments and the cynical attitude they containthat I immediately sought out the contact section of the Universal Pictures website to voice my extreme displeasure. Anyone who wishes to do likewise can find their contact us form at the following link: http://www.universalstudios.com/home...cgi?email_id=9

08-09-2007, 01:26 PM	#20
dialog_gvf Moderator Member since:Nov 2006 Location:Toronto Blu-ray collection:320	Truelly amazing. Incredibly, it confirms everything many of us have been saying for years about Universal being bought and paid for. Even in face of incentives, they remain firm. The deal with MS-Toshiba must be so freaking sweet that it can't be budged by the BDA. Time for the DOJ to look into that. It sounds like it is too sweet. And if it is specifically blocking support of another format, it is illegal. Time for the BDA to take that incentive money that was offered and put it into the war marchine. Time to crush HD DVD.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals