Rumor: Paramount sta per diventare esclusiva HD DVD

[FrancescoP]

UPDATE: E' stato confermato ufficialmente, vedi sotto!!!

Notizia bomba se confermata: Paramount sta per diventare esclusiva HD DVD!.

Pare che il consorzio HD DVD abbia versato 150 milioni di dollari per l'esclusiva. 50 milioni per il catalogo Paramount e 100 per quello Dreamworks Animation.



"Based on conversations with multiple sources, we believe that Paramount is set to make the vast majority of its catalog available exclusively in the HD-DVD format (unclear whether that includes titles from its sister studio DreamWorks).

While Paramount (owned by Viacom) has some on-going commitments to release new release titles in Blu-ray, it is unclear how long that commitment lasts and how comprehensive the agreement is.

Up until now, Paramount and DreamWorks (live action) were releasing in both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats. The reason for shifting catalog exclusivity to HD-DVD would appear to be substantial upfront dollars. We expect these dollars could have a meaningfully positive impact on Viacom's film profitability in 2H '07 and full-year 2008.

Separately, it appears that DreamWorks Animation is set to announced that 3-5 key titles (some catalog, some new releases, but details are still fuzzy) over the next several years will be made available exclusively in HD-DVD.

While we are somewhat surprised to see DWA favor a format given its smaller number of releases in a year similar to Paramount, we suspect the driving force of the decision was upfront payments to increase their support of HD-DVD. Given DWA's size, the financial impact on EPS in 2008-2010 could be a positive catalyst for the stock (we are still assuming that Shrek The Third is coming out in both formats in November 2007).

Prior to these revelations, we believe HD-DVD was essentially "dying a slow death," as Universal was the only studio exclusive to HD-DVD (and its box office was not strong enough this year to make a difference), far outweighed by the Blu-ray only studios (Sony, Fox, Disney, MGM, and Lionsgate.) Even though Sony's PS3 has been disappointing from a sales standpoint, Blu-ray DVD sales had begun to notably accelerate based on the content being made available. However, the Paramount/DWA moves alter the landscape meaningfully, as Paramount (Including DW/DWA titles) is the leading theatrical distributor year-to-date (enabling its catalog DVDs to "ride the coattails" of the success of successful theatrical films being released on DVD for the first time.)"


fonte: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/desp...dvd-format-war/


Traduco:


"In base a conversazioni con multeplici fonti, crediamo che Paramount stia per rendere la vasta maggioranza del suo catalogo disponibile esclusivamente nel formato HD DVD (non è chiaro che questo includa i titoli del suo studio sorella DreamWorks).

Mentre Paramount (posseduto da Viacom) ha alcuni impegni in corso per rilasciare nuovi titoli in Blu-Ray, non è chiaro quanto a lungo questi impegni dureranno e quanto comprensivo sia questo accordo.

Fino ad ora, Paramount e DreamWorks (live action) pubblicavano sia in formato Blu-Ray che in HD DVD. La ragione dello spostamento del catalogo esclusivamente su HD DVD appare essere dovuto ad un sostanzioso ammontare di dollari. Pensiamo che questi dollari potranno avere un significativo e positivo impatto sui profitti di Viacom nel 2H '07 e in tutto il 2008.

Separatamente, appare che DreamWorks Animation si prepara ad annunciare 3-5 titoli chiave (alcuni di catalogo, alcune nuove uscite, ma i dettagli sono ancora incerti) nei prossimi anni e che questi saranno esclusivamente in HD DVD.

Mentre noi siamo in qualche modo sorpresi di vedere DWA favorire un formato dato il basso numero di uscite annuali rispetto a quelle Paramount, noi sospettiamo che la forza motrice della decisione siano stati pagamenti per incrementare il supporto di HD DVD. Data la dimensione di DWA, l'impatto finanziaro sull'EPS nel 2008-2010 potrebbe essere un catalizzatore positivo per le azioni (assumendo che Shrek The Third esca in entrambi i formati a Novembre 2007).

Prima di queste rivelazioni, crediamo che HD DVD stesse morendo di una lenta morte, poichè Universal era il solo studio esclusivo HD DVD (ed il suo box office non era abbastanza forte quest'anno per fare una differenza), ben surclassato dal numero di studios esclusivi Blu-Ray (Sony, Fox, Disney, MGM, e Lionsgate.) Nonostante la PS3 di Sony sia stata una delusione dal punto di vista delle vendite, le vendite dei dischi DVD Blu-Ray hanno iniziato ad accelerare in base al contenuto disponibile. Comunque, la mossa Paramount/DWA altera lo scenario significativamente, poichè Paramount (includendo i titoli DW/DWA) è ad oggi l'attuale leader della distribuzione cinematogrfica (permettendo al suo catalogo DVD di "calvalcare la coda" dei successi dei film usciti in DVD per la prima volta)"

UPDATE: la notizia è stata confermata ufficialmente! Paramount e Dreamworks sono esclusive HD DVD!

E' arrivata la conferma ufficiale: Paramount e Dreamworks sono esclusive HD DVD!



LOS ANGELES - Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced Monday that they will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray, a move that further complicates the race between the competing technologies.

The move by the two studios will include the upcoming blockbuster "Shrek the Third" and all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Studios and retailers have been choosing sides.

"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures.

Likewise, people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.

fonte: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070820/...1YWV25ms0 NUE

Altra fonte:


Paramount to Offer Movies in HD DVD

Monday, August 20, 2007

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced Monday that they will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray, a move that further complicates the race between the competing technologies.

The move by the two studios will include the upcoming blockbuster "Shrek the Third" and all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Studios and retailers have been choosing sides.

"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures.

Likewise, people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.

Associated Press


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../f090407D98.DTL

Altra ancora: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6670264



Riassumendo:


Paramount Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures
Paramount Vantage
Nickelodeon Movies
MTV Films
DreamWorks Animation


Sono tutte diventate esclusive HD DVD.



Direi megaton...

[GIANGI67]

La cosa mi piacerebbe,ma mi pare strano che il consorzio abbia versato una cifra cosi' grande per un mercato ancora di nicchia;se cosi' fosse,la fiducia di HD-DVD nel loro prodotto e' davvero grande.

[nchiar]

Mi piace perchè è stato omesso il titolo

è questa una mossa disperata e cash grab(non ho idea di come si traduca ma credo equivalga a una raccolta di soldi) o la sanguinosa guerra tra BR e hd dvd?

In ogni caso se la notizia è confermata direi che hd dvd ha quantomeno capito qual'è la strada da battere. Prendersi degli studios in esclusiva, solo due cose mi lasciano perplesso. Si parla di titoli futuri quindi probabilmente dal 2008 in poi, per allora l'ago della bilancia potrebbe già essere troppo spostato... Non si capisce bene il livello di esclusiva, perchè si parla di alcuni titoli di catalogo e delle novità.

se cosi' fosse,la fiducia di HD-DVD nel loro prodotto e' davvero grande.

Beh, solo sony(non il consorzio) ha stanziato una campagna pubblicitaria da 100 milioni di dollari per promuovere l' hd dei suoi prodotti mentre disney gira l'america con un attivitù promozionale sui film BR. Pure loro non è che si risparmiano...

Per la cronaca, credo sia più intelligente spendere 100M$ per prendersi in esclusiva uno studio che per fare pubblicità.

[55AMG]

Per la cronaca, credo sia più intelligente spendere 100M$ per prendersi in esclusiva uno studio che per fare pubblicità.

Hai dato ragione ad HDDVD percui?
Che evento

Se la pubblicità è quella che abbiamo visto in un link tempo fa, sembra più una pubblicità pro-PS3 che ai nuovi formati cmq.

Poi non è detto e forse non è dato sapere, magari anche le altre Major sono state convinte con "offerte"

[nchiar]

Mica è colpa mia se hd dvd ne fa una giusta ogni morte del papa...

Comunque attendiamo conferme o dettagli.

La notizia degli spot è di un mese fa quindi dubito che abbiano già prodotto qualcosa...

[virtuali]

Poi non è detto e forse non è dato sapere, magari anche le altre Major sono state convinte con "offerte"

Molto probabile, la differenza magari è solo che questa volta si è sparsa la voce.

[nchiar]

Questo l'annuncio mortuario di blu-ray.com

Despite selling more movies on the Blu-ray format, Paramount has announced today that they will begin supporting HD DVD exclusively.

Mi fa troppo ridere perchè solitamente scrivono dei papiri immensi, ora invece 4 righe.

[FrancescoP]

Si, è arrivata la conferma ufficiale: Paramount e Dreamworks sono esclusive HD DVD:


Yahoo LOS ANGELES - Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced Monday that they will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray, a move that further complicates the race between the competing technologies.

The move by the two studios will include the upcoming blockbuster "Shrek the Third" and all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Studios and retailers have been choosing sides.

"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures.

Likewise, people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.

fonte: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070820/...1YWV25ms0 NUE

Altra fonte:


Paramount to Offer Movies in HD DVD

Monday, August 20, 2007

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced Monday that they will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray, a move that further complicates the race between the competing technologies.

The move by the two studios will include the upcoming blockbuster "Shrek the Third" and all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

"Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience," said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures. "I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

The competition between Blu-ray and HD DVD has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Studios and retailers have been choosing sides.

"Spider-Man 3" will only be available in the Blu-ray DVD format when it is released by Sony Pictures.

Likewise, people with Blu-ray players won't be able to enjoy the action-thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum," which Universal Pictures will release only in HD DVD.

Associated Press


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../f090407D98.DTL

Altra ancora: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6670264

[FrancescoP]

Riassumendo:


Paramount Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures
Paramount Vantage
Nickelodeon Movies
MTV Films
DreamWorks Animation


Sono tutte diventate esclusive HD DVD.

[Billy]

Grande notizia, sono contento. HD-DVD certo non meritava di morire.

La convivenza dei formati, come da tempo sostengo, è sempre più realtà!

[FrancescoP]

La press release ufficiale di Paramount, da cui si apprende che tra i titoli ad essere pubblicati esclusivamente su HD DVD questo Natale ci saranno:

Blades of Glory
Shrek the Third
Transformers




PARAMOUNT AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION EACH DECLARE EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR HD DVD

Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD



Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of “Blades of Glory,” Followed by “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third,” Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office



Los Angeles, CA, August 20, 2007 – Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSEWA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.



The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit “Blades of Glory” on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third”. These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.



“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. “Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.”



“We decided to release “Shrek the Third” and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience – families,” stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We believe the combination of this year’s low- priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.”



With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans.



Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today’s announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.



About Paramount Pictures Corporation



Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.



About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fourteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, and Shrek the Third. DreamWorks Animation’s newest release, Bee Movie, opens in theaters November 2, 2007.


fonte: http://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1042073

[GIANGI67]

Allora e' ufficiale...bel colpo,la format war si fa sempre piu' avvincente!

[FrancescoP]

Allora e' ufficiale...bel colpo,la format war si fa sempre piu' avvincente!

E a tutto vantaggio di noi consumatori, aggiungerei.

Ora vedremo una guerra sulla qualità e sui prezzi come non si è mai vista nell'home video..

[virtuali]

E chi gode di più ?

La SAMSUNG...

Ma c'era qualcuno che davvero poteva pensare che una multinazionale come la Samsung, rischiasse di passare dall'iniziale supporto al solo BD, al lettore universale, se non sapesse benissimo che la guerra dei formati è tutt'altro che finita, e che l'epilogo più probabile sarà la convivenza di entrambi ?

Ora, è solo questione di sapere *quanti* altri lettori universali arriveranno dalle altre case.

[nchiar]

E a tutto vantaggio di noi consumatori, aggiungerei.

Ora vedremo una guerra sulla qualità e sui prezzi come non si è mai vista nell'home video..

A nostro vantaggio ? Sono stati investiti 150 milioni di dollari per avere una major in esclusiv(cosa che con un solo formato non si sarebbe verificata). Ti sembra un ottima notizia per i consumatori? Avere due player è un ottima notizia(doppia spesa)? Il fatto che l'unica cosa su cui concordano tutti gli analisti è che la lentezza della diffusione dell'hd è dato dal doppio formato è un ottima notizia?

Questa è un ottima notizia solo ed esclusivamente per hd dvd group(sempre che sortisca l'effetto desiderato). Sicuramente mi sarebbe piaciuto che fosse stato l'inverso perchè dopo questa mossa le carte si rimescolano un pò e quindi c'è ancora più confusione.