August 20, 2007
Paramount to Offer Movies in HD DVD
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 12:04 p.m. ET
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Dueling-DVD-Formats.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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.
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George Antunes, Political Science Dept
University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204
Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927
antunes at uh dot edu
