Blu-ray and Universal in 2008? - Blu-ray Forum

Marcusarilius · 12-22-2007, 03:36 AM

So much Chatter about Warner going BD exclusive in 2008, but what about Universal? The topic usually goes something like: "If Warner goes exclusive blu-ray in 08, Universal will follow suit or at least be duel format sometime there after in 08." My Question is: When is Universal's contract up with HD DVD? Also, considering the Speilberg factor, and the approx 70% BD sales ratio compared to HD DVD, can/would Universal be influenced to become BD exclusive without the avalanche/domino effect of Warner going BD exclusive? Or are they somehow engrained into that format beyond good business sense or reason? What are the chances of Universal taking a Hero's lead stance and becoming BD exclusive without any outside circumstances or influence?

sj001 · 12-22-2007, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

So much Chatter about Warner going BD exclusive in 2008, but what about Universal? The topic usually goes something like: "If Warner goes exclusive blu-ray in 08, Universal will follow suit or at least be duel format sometime there after in 08." My Question is: When is Universal's contract up with HD DVD? Also, considering the Speilberg factor, and the approx 70% BD sales ratio compared to HD DVD, can/would Universal be influenced to become BD exclusive without the avalanche/domino effect of Warner going BD exclusive? Or are they somehow engrained into that format beyond good business sense or reason? What are the chances of Universal taking a Hero's lead stance and becoming BD exclusive without any outside circumstances or influence?

I think that Craig Kornblau and Ken Graffeo have dug red ant holes so deep that they will never climb out. But one can hope that their parent company GE gives them a boot in the ass to go Blu... which has been hinted at in the past.

bajor27 · 12-22-2007, 03:45 AM

Personally, I could never imagine them going Blu Exclusive first. I could maybe see them going Neutral before Warner decides. There has to be some reason they visiting Bluray manufacturing facilities. They may not have been deadset on making any changes, but obviously they were trying to get more information in case that day ever did some.

darkpoet25 · 12-22-2007, 03:47 AM

Well as nice as that would be, I wouldn't count on it. Both Graffeo and Kornblau are very vocal in their support of hd dvd. I would guess Warner going exclusive would happen long before Universal.

bajor27 · 12-22-2007, 03:53 AM

Kind of thought of more, and figured it was too much for and edit.

Anyway, along these same lines, how about New Line switching first to sort of ease everyone into it. They already have timed exclusives for Blu, so why not just take the next step? I can't imagine their HD-DVD versions selling incredibly well after they've already been out on Blu and DVD for months.

I could definitely see them going first (possibly at CES), then Warner to follow by the start of Q2, and Universal finally giving in for the start of Q4 (can't miss the holidays). It would sort of let all the Reds down gently, instead of simply just crushing them in an instant

CptGreedle · 12-22-2007, 04:03 AM

I just want to know what will happen when the rest of the world is clearly Blu and they are alone.. high and dry.
After saying all these bad things about Blu, and trying to promote HD DVD with questionable means, one has to wonder if we want these people on our side at all. I personally hope they leave the company altogether.. one way or another.

mystiksuicide · 12-22-2007, 04:06 AM

Im sure at one time people thought that there was no way Sony would ever make VHS. Sony did indeed make VHS tape and players.
The time will come when they will have to answer to they're stock holders as to why they are selling they're disc to a smaller market.

Alan Gordon · 12-22-2007, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystiksuicide

Im sure at one time people thought that there was no way Sony would ever make VHS. Sony did indeed make VHS tape and players.
The time will come when they will have to answer to they're stock holders as to why they are selling they're disc to a smaller market.

Yes, I remember the old days of waiting for Fox, Paramount, and DreamWorks to release on DVD... but they eventually did... granted the Fox and Paramount releases were crap for a couple of years, but Fox (especially) went on to do some of the best DVD releases, IMO.

Also, for anyone wanting to learn something, check out DIVX (Digital Video Express)
... aah... memories!!

~Alan

zMadMonk · 12-22-2007, 04:32 AM

I find it odd that Universal went HDDVD exclusive in the first place, since GE and Sun (Java) have a close partnership. Then again, I know these "switcheroos" between company alliances happen all the time, but still.

Marcusarilius · 12-22-2007, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystiksuicide

Im sure at one time people thought that there was no way Sony would ever make VHS. Sony did indeed make VHS tape and players.
The time will come when they will have to answer to they're stock holders as to why they are selling they're disc to a smaller market.

See, mystiksuicide this is what I find difficult to beleive about all of the HD DVD exclusive studios. They DO have a board of directors and share holders these companies must answer to and with the current market trend of 70% in blu's favour world wide, the math is pretty simple. How are these guys able to continue HD DVD's exclusive support under these sales numbers? To at least be duel format I can see, but the loss in sales revenue in the weakest HD market is beyond perplexing. This can't possibly go on much longer without sales number's justification for it. Where is their business sense and long term goals twards success in what will be the next generation of movie format sales? Universal has made some of the greatest titles out there for over 75 years and there is an untapped HD market in play already. If only studios would take the lead and start producing movies before waiting for people to catch up, the market would explode twards HD movie viewing with in a year. The problem is that a potential new adaptor now sees how few titles exist on the BB shelves and don't think it's worth spending the money on for a player, HD TV and/or a new sound system to take advantage of what HD will give them. And of coarse there are the fence sitters waiting for one format to exist. If they did their homework, there would be no reason for fence sitting. The would know which format will be around for years to come. I just feel the studio heads have a great deal to do with HD movie veiwing success. If only we would see some real leadership in corporate America to drive twards what people want. They make money, we get the titles we want. Everyone is happy. Whats so difficult to figure out about that business strategy?

Pictor · 12-22-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

See, mystiksuicide this is what I find difficult to beleive about all of the HD DVD exclusive studios. They DO have a board of directors and share holders these companies must answer to and with the current market trend of 70% in blu's favour world wide, the math is pretty simple.

It is quite simple indeed. As much as we want Blu to win -- and I think it will -- the HDM segment is still very small and in the grand scheme it's a drop in the ocean. I've seen numbers like $200 million spent by consumers in 2007 for Blu-Ray and while that's twice the figure estimated for HD-DVD it's minor compared to DVD. And even though DVD sales have been flat and perhaps may even be slipping the numbers today area still in DVDs favor with 95% of the sales going to standard DVDs. The future clearly isn't in DVD but as of today and from a Wall Street perspective, for the next 3-5 quarters it appears the large piece of the pie will remain in the DVD category.

I think CES is premature for any of the majors to jump to one camp or another. It will take a few solid 3+ quarters for either camp to show a significant lead and more importantly, 3+ quarters of DVD sales decline. Unless that is if Sony et al. pull a Toshiba and fork over the payola.

davidPS3 · 12-22-2007, 05:17 AM

Warner will switch first. Uni will then go neutral first, to save "some face" and the completely switch before the holidays next year. Just a thought, but there is no way they switch first.

Marcusarilius · 12-22-2007, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidPS3

Warner will switch first. Uni will then go neutral first, to save "some face" and the completely switch before the holidays next year. Just a thought, but there is no way they switch first.

I agree with that exactly for 2008. I was also wondering if Universal is under contract and if so, when is it up with HD DVD?

Petra_Kalbrain · 12-22-2007, 05:23 AM

There has to be only one format by next Christmas... and that's a fact! Otherwise, retailers will not allow for the shelf space needed to carry both. If the studios don't do it starting NOW (CES 08), then retailers will leave them high and dry with tons of stock and nowhere to sell it! Something big will happen by March 08 LATEST! I would put money on it.

Zyclone · 12-22-2007, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

I agree with that exactly for 2008. I was also wondering if Universal is under contract and if so, when is it up with HD DVD?

the Uni camp has claimed a few times they are'nt on a contract but who knows.

Marcusarilius · 12-22-2007, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

There has to be only one format by next Christmas... and that's a fact! Otherwise, retailers will not allow for the shelf space needed to carry both. If the studios don't do it starting NOW (CES 08), then retailers will leave them high and dry with tons of stock and nowhere to sell it! Something big will happen by March 08 LATEST! I would put money on it.

Sounds like a solid and reliable projection. Makes sense. I have seen HD DVD shelf space diminishing at BB in the last 3 months. I can only imagine what it will be like by the fourth quarter of 08. Shelf space is money, if a product is not moving, it gets replaced by a product that does. 2008 is going to be a real treat to watch unfold.

Joon · 12-22-2007, 05:32 AM

I will take the going neutral. I would like to see Jurassic Park, Jaws, and The Mummy on BD. I could care less if they release on HD-DVD as long as we get it on BD. Cause you know anything that get sold dual, BD kicks ass and takes names.

mystiksuicide · 12-22-2007, 05:36 AM

I must admit I am not a business expert but at times this format war makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

It's like making bad decisions is the norm

richard lichtenfelt · 12-22-2007, 05:39 AM

http://www.google.com/search?q=ge+to...ient=firefox-a
GE, which owns Universal, does an immense amount of work with Toshiba.
They are backing hd dvd because of this multi-layered business relationship that exists across products unrelated to hdm.

ranma · 12-22-2007, 05:58 AM

Doesn't universal music is one of the blu-ray backer?
What's the relationship between universal music and universal studios?

12-22-2007, 03:36 AM	#1
Marcusarilius Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Seattle, WA. Blu-ray reviews:52 Trading Score:1	Blu-ray and Universal in 2008? So much Chatter about Warner going BD exclusive in 2008, but what about Universal? The topic usually goes something like: "If Warner goes exclusive blu-ray in 08, Universal will follow suit or at least be duel format sometime there after in 08." My Question is: When is Universal's contract up with HD DVD? Also, considering the Speilberg factor, and the approx 70% BD sales ratio compared to HD DVD, can/would Universal be influenced to become BD exclusive without the avalanche/domino effect of Warner going BD exclusive? Or are they somehow engrained into that format beyond good business sense or reason? What are the chances of Universal taking a Hero's lead stance and becoming BD exclusive without any outside circumstances or influence?

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12-22-2007, 03:45 AM	#3
bajor27 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Location:BC, Canada Blu-ray collection:1031 DVD collection:2 Trading Score:5	Personally, I could never imagine them going Blu Exclusive first. I could maybe see them going Neutral before Warner decides. There has to be some reason they visiting Bluray manufacturing facilities. They may not have been deadset on making any changes, but obviously they were trying to get more information in case that day ever did some.

12-22-2007, 03:47 AM	#4
darkpoet25 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Indianapolis, IN Home Theater Gallery:45 4K collection:50 Blu-ray collection:297 Blu-ray reviews: 4	Well as nice as that would be, I wouldn't count on it. Both Graffeo and Kornblau are very vocal in their support of hd dvd. I would guess Warner going exclusive would happen long before Universal.

12-22-2007, 03:53 AM	#5
bajor27 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Location:BC, Canada Blu-ray collection:1031 DVD collection:2 Trading Score:5	Kind of thought of more, and figured it was too much for and edit. Anyway, along these same lines, how about New Line switching first to sort of ease everyone into it. They already have timed exclusives for Blu, so why not just take the next step? I can't imagine their HD-DVD versions selling incredibly well after they've already been out on Blu and DVD for months. I could definitely see them going first (possibly at CES), then Warner to follow by the start of Q2, and Universal finally giving in for the start of Q4 (can't miss the holidays). It would sort of let all the Reds down gently, instead of simply just crushing them in an instant

12-22-2007, 04:03 AM	#6
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	I just want to know what will happen when the rest of the world is clearly Blu and they are alone.. high and dry. After saying all these bad things about Blu, and trying to promote HD DVD with questionable means, one has to wonder if we want these people on our side at all. I personally hope they leave the company altogether.. one way or another.

12-22-2007, 04:06 AM	#7
mystiksuicide Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Miami Blu-ray collection:305 Blu-ray reviews:27	Im sure at one time people thought that there was no way Sony would ever make VHS. Sony did indeed make VHS tape and players. The time will come when they will have to answer to they're stock holders as to why they are selling they're disc to a smaller market.

12-22-2007, 04:32 AM	#9
zMadMonk Active Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Colorado	I find it odd that Universal went HDDVD exclusive in the first place, since GE and Sun (Java) have a close partnership. Then again, I know these "switcheroos" between company alliances happen all the time, but still.

12-22-2007, 05:17 AM	#12
davidPS3 Special Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Seattle	Warner will switch first. Uni will then go neutral first, to save "some face" and the completely switch before the holidays next year. Just a thought, but there is no way they switch first.

12-22-2007, 05:23 AM	#14
Petra_Kalbrain Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Vancouver, BC 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:561 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:20	There has to be only one format by next Christmas... and that's a fact! Otherwise, retailers will not allow for the shelf space needed to carry both. If the studios don't do it starting NOW (CES 08), then retailers will leave them high and dry with tons of stock and nowhere to sell it! Something big will happen by March 08 LATEST! I would put money on it.

12-22-2007, 05:32 AM	#17
Joon Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Blu-ray collection:208 Trading Score:1	I will take the going neutral. I would like to see Jurassic Park, Jaws, and The Mummy on BD. I could care less if they release on HD-DVD as long as we get it on BD. Cause you know anything that get sold dual, BD kicks ass and takes names.

12-22-2007, 05:36 AM	#18
mystiksuicide Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Miami Blu-ray collection:305 Blu-ray reviews:27	I must admit I am not a business expert but at times this format war makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It's like making bad decisions is the norm

12-22-2007, 05:39 AM	#19
richard lichtenfelt Power Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:I'm not drunk, I'm just tired cause I been up all night drinking. Blu-ray reviews:3	http://www.google.com/search?q=ge+to...ient=firefox-a GE, which owns Universal, does an immense amount of work with Toshiba. They are backing hd dvd because of this multi-layered business relationship that exists across products unrelated to hdm.

12-22-2007, 05:58 AM	#20
ranma Senior Member Member since:Dec 2007 Blu-ray collection:321 Blu-ray reviews:3	Doesn't universal music is one of the blu-ray backer? What's the relationship between universal music and universal studios?

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