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Paramount, DreamWorks Pick HD DVD

Aug 20, 2007  •  Post A Comment

The format war is not over yet. Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation Monday announced they will exclusively back the HD DVD format worldwide.
The benefits of lower manufacturing costs and market-ready technology that HD DVD offers contributed to the decision, the companies said.
“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a lineup of live-action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said in a statement.
“Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience,” Mr. Grey added. “I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high-quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.”
All movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films will be in the HD DVD format. However, films directed by Steven Spielberg are not exclusive to either format, the company added.
With the sales of Blu-ray discs beating HD DVD in recent months, Paramount’s support of the HD DVD format gives it a boost, but also could cause even more confusion for high-def consumers.
“This pretty much divides the market now,” Bruce Leichtman, principal of Leichtman Research said. “This decision may put HD DVD back even with Blu-ray. It will obviously make the evolution of high definition DVDs more confusing.”
Paramount will launch its HD DVD initiative with the Aug. 28 release of “Blades of Glory,” followed by “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third.”
(Editor: Horowitz)
Updated at 9:23 a.m.

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