Aug 21, 2007
Paramount Pictures has announced that it will be dropping Blu-Ray support on a global basis following an extensive evaluation of current market offerings.
The decision was based largely on the perceived benefits of HD DVD relating to the format's market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs, Paramount said.
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. Movies directed by Steven Spielberg will however continue to be released in both HD DVD and Blu-Ray formats.
The release of Blades of Glory will kick off Paramount's exclusive HD DVD program, and will be followed by the release of Transformers and Shrek the Third, three titles that alone represent more than $1.5 billion in global box office ticket sales.
"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," said Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey.
"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," added DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Article taken from Next Generation
