HD DVD scores a coup with defection of Paramount and Dreamworks SKG from Blu-ray camp
Monday 20th August 2007, 01:01:00 PM, written by Geo
While it would be a bit much to say that the news has been universally bad for the HD DVD camp in recent months, it would at least be fair to conclude the tide has been running against them, and to a degree that it's been a reasonable topic of conversation to wonder if the ultimate victory of Blu-ray had become merely a matter of time rather than a serious question of ultimate results.
Today, that's changed fairly dramatically. Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Animation SKG have announced they've bolted the Blu-ray camp for HD DVD exclusively. This adds a sizeable thumb on the HD DVD side of the scale, as previously only Universal Studios was an HD DVD exclusive content provider amongst the major studios. This means that such anticipated blockbuster titles as Shrek the Third, Transformers, and Blades of Glory will now only appear on HD DVD rather than both HD DVD and Blu-ray, as was presumed to be the case before today's announcement.
Having said all that, no one should confuse today's announcement as a total turning of the tables. Blu-ray is still the odds-on favorite for most knowledgeable observers to prevail in the end. Nevertheless, we suggest that everyone who was about ready to rip up their tickets on this horse race might like to put them back in their wallet for the moment.
Today, that's changed fairly dramatically. Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Animation SKG have announced they've bolted the Blu-ray camp for HD DVD exclusively. This adds a sizeable thumb on the HD DVD side of the scale, as previously only Universal Studios was an HD DVD exclusive content provider amongst the major studios. This means that such anticipated blockbuster titles as Shrek the Third, Transformers, and Blades of Glory will now only appear on HD DVD rather than both HD DVD and Blu-ray, as was presumed to be the case before today's announcement.
Having said all that, no one should confuse today's announcement as a total turning of the tables. Blu-ray is still the odds-on favorite for most knowledgeable observers to prevail in the end. Nevertheless, we suggest that everyone who was about ready to rip up their tickets on this horse race might like to put them back in their wallet for the moment.
Tagging
HD DVD ± Blu-ray, Paramount, Dreamworks
