Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
Newser - Current News - Breaking Stories

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Warner Bros. Backs Blu-Ray

Posted Jan 5, 08 6:59 AM CST in Business,  Technology 

(Newser) – Warner Bros. will release new high-def films exclusively in Blu-ray format, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decision marks a major setback for the embattled rival HD DVD format—now adopted by only two studios, Universal and Paramount—and could be a tipping point in the ongoing format war that has discouraged consumers from buying high-def discs. Sony, Disney, and Fox are also committed to Blu-ray.

There are reports that Warner Bros. will receive marketing support from Blu-ray's backers in exchange for the exclusivity deal, but the studio claims the decision wasn't a "bidding contest." More HD DVD players have been sold in the US so far, but one analyst at Pali Research notes, "We expect HD DVD to die a quick death."
Source: Wall Street Journal

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Spielberg Strikes Huge Universal Deal

    Oct 14, 08 10:29 AM CDT
    Spielberg Strikes Huge Universal Deal Steven Spielberg is returning to the Hollywood studio where he made his classic blockbusters Jaws and ET.  Spielberg's DreamWorks, backed with $1.4 billion in new financing, has struck a seven-year distribution deal with Universal for as many as six new releases a year, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
    More »

  • Summer Movies Smash Record

    Aug 28, 08 9:00 AM CDT
    Summer Movies Smash Record Hollywood studios are reeling in their highest-grossing summer ever, the Los Angeles Times reports. Domestic ticket sales stand at $3.9 billion, up from last year's record-breaking summer. A steady stream of smash hits—and higher ticket prices—accounted for the record take, more than making up for costly flops like Speed Racer.
    More »

  • Mummy Sequel Misses Top Spot at Box Office

    Aug 3, 08 5:28 PM CDT
    Mummy Sequel Misses Top Spot at Box Office Even the undead can't stop Batman: The Dark Knight defeated The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in its third weekend win, grossing an unexpected $43.8 million and hitting nearly $400 million. The Mummy sequel took second with $42.4 million, while Kevin Costner's Swing Vote, the only other newcomer, grossed $6.9 million. Step Brothers took third with $16.3 million.
    More »

  • Get Smart Gets Rich at Box Office

    Jun 22, 08 3:36 PM CDT
    Get Smart Gets Rich at Box Office Mike Myers' Love Guru failed to work its mojo at the box office this weekend, caving to Get Smart, which raked in $39.1 million. It wasn't a close race: Myers' live-action comedy grossed $14 million, coming in at No. 4. The Incredible Hulk and Kung Fu Panda—in their second and third weeks respectively—virtually tied for second spot, grossing just more than $21 million. More »

  • Toshiba Throws in HD Towel

    Feb 19, 08 3:30 AM CST
    Toshiba Throws in HD Towel Toshiba is quitting the HD DVD player business after taking a licking in the protracted market competition, the company announced today. Toshiba's exit, which leaves Blu-ray's technology alone at the vanguard of digital video, comes after Warner Brothers joined the crowd of Blu-ray backers, leaving HD DVD in the cold, AP reports. More »

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. employee Satoko Kubo poses with a Blu-ray Disc and a camcorder in front of a Panasonic DMR-BW900 Blu-ray Disc recorder during a press preview in Tokyo Friday, Oct. 26,...   (Associated Press)
The Warner Bros. deal will significantly hurt the rival HD DVD format.(AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)   (Associated Press)
A Sony Blu-Ray disc player and a DVD of the movie "Eight Below" are seen in this file photo taken in Buena Park, Calif. on Aug. 8, 2007. Warner Bros. Entertainment said Friday it will release high-definition...   (Associated Press)
A PlayStation 3 console from Sony is shown in New York in this Feb. 22, 2007 file photo. The PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray drive and is one of the most affordable Blu-ray players on the market. (AP Photo/Mark...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Related Threads

(1 of 2)

Tags

Warner Brothers • HD DVD • Paramount • Universal Studios • Blu ray


Today's Most Popular

[ Stories ]

Threads

Loading...

Other Technology Stories