Universal puts 100 movies through the HD DVD mill

 

Gallery

Posted on 26 Jan 2007 at 15:16

Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) is further throwing its weight behind HD DVD, the next-gen DVD format. It plans to release 100 HD DVD film and TV titles in 2007 - including the likes of Scarface and Brokeback Mountain - to increase momentum behind HD DVD.

One of the key elements in the battle for dominance between HD DVD and its rival blue-laser format, Blu-ray, is the support of content producers, such as the movie studios. The more content that is available in particular formats the stronger position it can gain in the market place among consumers.

USHE is working through its back catalogue with the roster including such films as: Bruce Almighty, The Bourne Identity, Meet The Fockers, American Pie, Inside Man, Pride & Prejudice, The Big Lebowski, Liar Liar, Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Brazil, Erin Brockovich and Shaun of the Dead. These will join its existing 60 HD DVD titles.

It is also, however, committing itself to ongoing HD DVD releases through 2007. More than 90 per cent of the planned 2007 Universal titles, it says, will be released as combo discs - both a HD DVD version and a standard DVD version of the movie on the same disc.

'With more than two million HD DVD players expected in the market in North America by the end of 2007, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is committed to expanding its portfolio of compelling HD DVD content and further igniting consumer demand,' said the president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Craig Kornblau. 'By releasing most of our titles as combo discs we effectively satisfy consumers' multi-viewing habits, providing them with the most cost-effective option to watch their favorite films in either their DVD or HD DVD players.'

A complete listing of HD DVD launch titles can be found at www.TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect.com.

In the on-going battle for format supremacy neither camp would have welcomed the news that both have been cracked. The hacker who cracked the AACS copy protection on HD DVD discs then circumvented the similar system on the rival Blu-ray technology.

The likes of Sony, Samsung, Philips and Apple are lined up behind Blu-ray technology, with NEC, HP, Intel and Microsoft among those in the rival HD DVD camp.

A potential middle-way has been pioneered by Warner Bros. Entertainment. Its Total HD high-definition video disc is compatible with both Blu-ray and HD-DVD players, and the company has claimed support from some major retailers, such as Amazon.com.

Among the titles getting the Universal HD DVD treatment will be the original version of Psycho. Is a 1960s black and white title suitable for the HD DVD treatment, especially when HD DVD players will already be backward compatible with DVD? Leave a comment via the link below.

Author: Alun Williams