Digital Bits August 9th blog rant - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

MooglePorn · 08-10-2007, 06:31 PM

The August 9th Digital Bits blog concerning the format war, the pressure on Universal to be format neutral, Close Encounters and sales of 300 was VERY interesting to me, a casual supporter of HD discs at this time.

I agree with pretty much everything Hunt has to say and I would love to hear comments on it. He's pro-BD for the same reasons I am, reasons I think are VERY hard to refute, and I wanted to get some reaction...

www.theditigalbits.com for the retarded.

Derb · 08-10-2007, 06:45 PM

Spielberg never had control over Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

MooglePorn · 08-10-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derb

Spielberg never had control over Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

They say he approved the transfer and recorded a new interview though... read the whole thing.

Shawn Watson · 08-10-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

They say he approved the transfer and recorded a new interview though... read the whole thing.

But is that SPECIFICALLY for the BD? He may have recorded this for a DVD/BD release and Sony are promoting it as something else entirely. Selective truths perhaps.

Shawn

MooglePorn · 08-10-2007, 07:59 PM

In any event that's far from the main areas of the article I feel are important.

ganthc · 08-10-2007, 08:19 PM

Is there a dvd version that is coming out at the same time that has a commentary on it??

I found this reference link in his article to be very interesting:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=20&cs=1

reapersaurus · 08-10-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

www.theditigalbits.com for the retarded.

or www.thedigitalbits.com for the typo-unaware.

Derb · 08-10-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

They say he approved the transfer and recorded a new interview though... read the whole thing.

I did.

187ontheVHS · 08-10-2007, 08:38 PM

It was an interesting read for sure, some good points. I wanna read it again in 5 years!

supercutz · 08-10-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Watson

But is that SPECIFICALLY for the BD? He may have recorded this for a DVD/BD release and Sony are promoting it as something else entirely. Selective truths perhaps.

Shawn

If you would read the article, it clearly says that the new commentary was recorded specifically for the BR release.

At any rate - there's more important things HD-DVD owners should be paying attention to in that article.

Shawn Watson · 08-10-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supercutz

If you would read the article, it clearly says that the new commentary was recorded specifically for the BR release.

At any rate - there's more important things HD-DVD owners should be paying attention to in that article.

Whoa Mister Attitude, you must have people lining up to be your friend.

I was told directly by Sony reps at Comic-Con that Spielberg personally approved the high-def transfer of the film. Not only that, he's recorded a new interview for the release.

This does not SPECIFICALLY say mean the release of the BD. Sony had Spielberg approve the new master. Fine. But if they would release an SD-DVD at the same time that would only make sense since there are a lot of DVD owners who would buy a newly remastered CEOTTK. So the interview may well be for BOTH of them. And I'm assuming Spielberg would mainly concerned with the SD-DVD and how big it would sell, which would be in excess of the BD.

This is purely speculation but since Sorny are always careful with their choice of words it could be the case.

Shawn

ganthc · 08-10-2007, 10:11 PM

Is Sony releasing a sd-dvd version of this film that I'm not aware of?

Shawn Watson · 08-10-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganthc

Is Sony releasing a sd-dvd version of this film that I'm not aware of?

Maybe. I only think it would make sense that if a new master is made and new features produced then Sony (the studio who is forever making these numerous, tawdry extended cuts) would only release both BD and DVD and proclaim the BD the be-all and end-all.

Shawn

ganthc · 08-10-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Watson

Maybe. I only think it would make sense that if a new master is made and new features produced then Sony (the studio who is forever making these numerous, tawdry extended cuts) would only release both BD and DVD and proclaim the BD the be-all and end-all.

Shawn

Okay, so it's just speculation. At this point, we can say for sure that the commentary and interview are for bd only. When it is known that it's for an sd-dvd version too, then your point will be valid.

Shawn Watson · 08-10-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganthc

At this point, we can say for sure that the commentary and interview are for bd only.

We can't. The wording in my post above was too vague to say for sure.

Shawn

MooglePorn · 08-10-2007, 10:45 PM

That the debate over Spielberg knowingly approving a BD release or not is the main thing people are interested in in that article is interesting to me...

And I don't know what supercutz said that pissed Shawn off... chill man.

Pirate · 08-10-2007, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

That the debate over Spielberg knowingly approving a BD release or not is the main thing people are interested in in that article is interesting to me...

I see two items of more significant interest.

1: "Universal is getting financial incentives to create exclusive HD-DVD content"

and

2: "Graffeo seems to be implying that GE has concerns about Universal's stance in this format war."

The second one especially could spell trouble for the format.

Shawn Watson · 08-11-2007, 01:20 AM

Either way, Universal has to lower the price of the Combo (Warner too). I feel that the higher price hurt sales of 300. I did not buy it for that reason myself. They are REALLY shooting themselves in the foot with this overpriced nonsense.

Shawn

**SilentBob** · 08-11-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Watson

Either way, Universal has to lower the price of the Combo (Warner too). I feel that the higher price hurt sales of 300. I did not buy it for that reason myself. They are REALLY shooting themselves in the foot with this overpriced nonsense.

Shawn

I agree that if it weren't for the release being a combo and slightly higher in price. That maybe the difference would be nothing or pretty close to even. I bought the HD-DVD for the extra and i thought was worth it even for a few extra bucks.

Shawn Watson · 08-11-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganthc

Is Sony releasing a sd-dvd version of this film that I'm not aware of?

YES!

Shawn

snipsnapsappy · 08-11-2007, 11:05 PM

You guys are forgetting the whole point of the Spielberg argument. If Spielberg did not want the title released, Sony would not release it. They would not undermine their relationship with the biggest director in hollywood just to release one title.

I am guessing that Spielberg has not really been approached by Universal about their titles, but Sony probably pushed their number of players being in the millions because of the PS3 that has given Spielbergs camp the confidence to move forward.

This definitely has everything to do with the strength that Sony can sell their product to studios and producers with confidence.

Shawn Watson · 08-11-2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipsnapsappy

You guys are forgetting the whole point of the Spielberg argument. If Spielberg did not want the title released, Sony would not release it. They would not undermine their relationship with the biggest director in hollywood just to release one title.

I am guessing that Spielberg has not really been approached by Universal about their titles, but Sony probably pushed their number of players being in the millions because of the PS3 that has given Spielbergs camp the confidence to move forward.

This definitely has everything to do with the strength that Sony can sell their product to studios and producers with confidence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derb

Spielberg never had control over Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Shawn

snipsnapsappy · 08-11-2007, 11:48 PM

Trust me, he has control. He has control over everything. Sony could release the title and he would have no legal right to stop it, but they would not piss off the biggest director in hollywood just to put out a single title. They definitely asked his camp about releasing the title, and he signed off on it.

Shawn Watson · 08-12-2007, 12:01 AM

Probably because they are doing an SD-DVD at the same time. Perhaps he KNOWS that this will be a big seller and the BD will only be a frivolous bonus.

Sony are deliberately trying to hype this as Spielberg condoning BD. When it's really not.

Shawn

MooglePorn · 08-13-2007, 03:31 AM

It's Spielberg saying "yeah, release my movies on BD... okay"... which is something.

More importantly he makes a common sense arguement about the need for a single format and the reasons why BD support makes the most sense right now.

That was why I linked to it, not because of the Spielberg non-issue you starfuckers

ganthc · 08-13-2007, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Watson

Probably because they are doing an SD-DVD at the same time. Perhaps he KNOWS that this will be a big seller and the BD will only be a frivolous bonus.

Sony are deliberately trying to hype this as Spielberg condoning BD. When it's really not.

Shawn

So you were right about the sd-dvd version. That does call into question the interview, etc. being done specially for the blu-ray version. However, would Spielberg condone Sony saying he was in full support of bd if he wasn't? Sure there are limits you can go with marketing speak, but I doubt they could just go out and say that he gave his full blessing to have this in high def, when he didn't.

Derb · 08-13-2007, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

More importantly he makes a common sense arguement about the need for a single format and the reasons why BD support makes the most sense right now.

Was wondering if anyone besides me would of chimed in on the point of the article. I knew thats what you were implying for this thread.

All I gotta say about that is Bill has chosen a format so naturally he would like the format war to end.

Others seem to think the war has produced above average HD transfers which we would not be seeing if there was 1 format from the get-go. Not only that but quality is still be fought over between the 2 formats so as long as there is a war, HD transfers will continue to improve faster. I don't know about that, but the majority here seem to think so.

08-10-2007, 06:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	Digital Bits August 9th blog rant The August 9th Digital Bits blog concerning the format war, the pressure on Universal to be format neutral, Close Encounters and sales of 300 was VERY interesting to me, a casual supporter of HD discs at this time. I agree with pretty much everything Hunt has to say and I would love to hear comments on it. He's pro-BD for the same reasons I am, reasons I think are VERY hard to refute, and I wanted to get some reaction... www.theditigalbits.com for the retarded.

08-10-2007, 06:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Derb Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Canada	Spielberg never had control over Close Encounters of the Third Kind. __________________ My Blu-ray Collection Time for Blu to go mainstream.

08-10-2007, 08:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
ganthc Actor Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: "Vyenna", VA	Is there a dvd version that is coming out at the same time that has a commentary on it?? I found this reference link in his article to be very interesting: http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=20&cs=1 __________________ HOOK'EM!!! UT LONGHORNS - National Champs 2005-2006!!! http://ganthc.youaremighty.com

08-10-2007, 08:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
187ontheVHS Actor Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, ON	It was an interesting read for sure, some good points. I wanna read it again in 5 years! __________________ * I reserve the right to contradict myself.

08-10-2007, 10:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
ganthc Actor Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: "Vyenna", VA	Is Sony releasing a sd-dvd version of this film that I'm not aware of? __________________ HOOK'EM!!! UT LONGHORNS - National Champs 2005-2006!!! http://ganthc.youaremighty.com

08-10-2007, 07:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	In any event that's far from the main areas of the article I feel are important.

08-10-2007, 10:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	That the debate over Spielberg knowingly approving a BD release or not is the main thing people are interested in in that article is interesting to me... And I don't know what supercutz said that pissed Shawn off... chill man.

08-11-2007, 01:20 AM	#18 (permalink)
Shawn Watson Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Underverse	Either way, Universal has to lower the price of the Combo (Warner too). I feel that the higher price hurt sales of 300. I did not buy it for that reason myself. They are REALLY shooting themselves in the foot with this overpriced nonsense. Shawn __________________ A PTA meeting with cucumbers instead of parents.

08-11-2007, 11:05 PM	#21 (permalink)
snipsnapsappy Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Shell Beach, CA, USA	You guys are forgetting the whole point of the Spielberg argument. If Spielberg did not want the title released, Sony would not release it. They would not undermine their relationship with the biggest director in hollywood just to release one title. I am guessing that Spielberg has not really been approached by Universal about their titles, but Sony probably pushed their number of players being in the millions because of the PS3 that has given Spielbergs camp the confidence to move forward. This definitely has everything to do with the strength that Sony can sell their product to studios and producers with confidence. __________________ I balked, now the proud owner of both formats. I am now bi-partisan. I enjoy what both red and blue have to offer. My Theater MySpace

08-11-2007, 11:48 PM	#23 (permalink)
snipsnapsappy Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Shell Beach, CA, USA	Trust me, he has control. He has control over everything. Sony could release the title and he would have no legal right to stop it, but they would not piss off the biggest director in hollywood just to put out a single title. They definitely asked his camp about releasing the title, and he signed off on it. __________________ I balked, now the proud owner of both formats. I am now bi-partisan. I enjoy what both red and blue have to offer. My Theater MySpace

08-12-2007, 12:01 AM	#24 (permalink)
Shawn Watson Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Underverse	Probably because they are doing an SD-DVD at the same time. Perhaps he KNOWS that this will be a big seller and the BD will only be a frivolous bonus. Sony are deliberately trying to hype this as Spielberg condoning BD. When it's really not. Shawn __________________ A PTA meeting with cucumbers instead of parents.

08-13-2007, 03:31 AM	#25 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	It's Spielberg saying "yeah, release my movies on BD... okay"... which is something. More importantly he makes a common sense arguement about the need for a single format and the reasons why BD support makes the most sense right now. That was why I linked to it, not because of the Spielberg non-issue you starfuckers