Warner to release all new theatrical movies as combo BD/DVD packs starting next year

**bruceames** · 12-16-2009, 08:38 PM

If Warner does it on a permanent basis, I think the other studios will have to do the same eventually.

Quote:

Burbank, Calif. December 16, 2009 - Warner Bros. Home Entertainment today announced two Blu-ray(TM) packaging initiatives that will give consumers greater value and portability when shopping for the best possible way to watch movies at home. Beginning in the first quarter of 2010, Warner Home Video will be releasing its entire Theatrical New Release slate as Blu-ray combo packs, containing a Blu-ray Disc of the film with exclusive special features and exciting BD-Live interactivity, a standard-definition DVD and a Digital Copy of the film. For no additional cost, Blu-ray combo packs offer consumers significantly more value by merging the unsurpassed quality of Blu-ray with the convenience of being able to watch the film in any format, on just about every playback device.

Warner Home Video is also launching the industry's first line of Blu-ray Double Features, priced at $24.98 (SRP). Beginning February 23, the attractively packaged and entry-level priced Blu-ray Double Features pack will include a pair of well-matched catalog hits spanning multiple genres - comedy, action, drama/thriller and horror. The first wave will include "Dirty Harry" and "Magnum Force" starring Clint Eastwood; "Analyze This" and "Analyze That" starring Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro; "Presumed Innocent" and "Frantic" starring Harrison Ford; "Miss Congeniality" and "Miss Congeniality 2" starring Sandra Bullock; and Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon.

http://www.flickdirect.com/news/movi...l.aspx?id=2558

HD Goofnut · 12-16-2009, 09:07 PM

So let me break this down by studio:

Sony: Blu-ray disc and digital copy
Warner: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and digital copy (starting in February)
Universal: Blu-ray disc/DVD combo flipper (starting in January)
Fox: Blu-ray disc and digital copy
Disney: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and/or digital copy (varies with each release)
Paramount: Blu-ray disc and digital copy

So here we have the six major studios with Sony, Fox, and Paramount doing the something. Then we have Warner, Universal, and Disney doing something completely different. Is there a reason they are all on different pages?

**bruceames** · 12-16-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

So let me break this down by studio:

Sony: Blu-ray disc and digital copy
Warner: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and digital copy (starting in February)
Universal: Blu-ray disc/DVD combo flipper (starting in January)
Fox: Blu-ray disc and digital copy
Disney: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and/or digital copy (varies with each release)
Paramount: Blu-ray disc and digital copy

So here we have the six major studios with Sony, Fox, and Paramount doing the something. Then we have Warner, Universal, and Disney doing something completely different. Is there a reason they are all on different pages?

They're experimenting, but at the end of the day it's all about sales. I think the DVD copy will get that job done a LOT better than the digital copy. I would think that if the DVD copy catches on, then the digital copy disc becomes like the 3rd wheel, and dispensible.

Vortex3D · 12-16-2009, 09:28 PM

Some Disney Blu-ray came with two different editions, one with Digital Copy and one without Digital Copy. Two movies I know of are Wall-E and Prince Caspian. The edition with Digital Copy is more expensive.

If movie studios have to choose between including a DVD player playable disc or Digital Copy, I prefer a DVD player playable disc. Digital Copy is useless since it can only be activated once and locked to the PC.

HD Goofnut · 12-16-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vortex3D

Some Disney Blu-ray came with two different editions, one with Digital Copy and one without Digital Copy. Two movies I know of are Wall-E and Prince Caspian. The edition with Digital Copy is more expensive.

If movie studios have to choose between including a DVD player playable disc or Digital Copy, I prefer a DVD player playable disc. Digital Copy is useless since it can only be activated once and locked to the PC.

Warner did exactly the same with Gran Torino. For the first several months the Blu-ray release contained a digital copy and now the Blu-ray does not. So sometime between May and now Warner discontinued the digital copy version and went with Blu-ray by itself.

MikeRox · 12-17-2009, 04:17 AM

It's the first press that include a Digital Copy from Warner Bros, it is included as a free bonus to encourage early (re: full price) adoption then when the cheapos step up to the plate to buy, they get the BD only version from subsequent pressings. It's quite a good idea actually, as I hate the feeling that I've paid too much for something and some films are being reduced fairly quickly after release.

I think the DVD Combi is proving pretty popular. Btw, are Fox not doing DVDs in the US? We get "Triple Play" releases from Fox now which include the film on BD, the film on DVD AND a Digital Copy. (for the same price as a Universal BD that doesn't include anything other than the BD disc it might be added

)

**PFC5** · 12-17-2009, 07:46 PM

It looks like including a DVD version is becoming the defacto standard possibly, which solves the universal use that people have become use to with SD DVD.

MikeRox · 12-18-2009, 09:19 AM

I wonder what Chris makes of the increasing adoption of this propostorous tactic that won't work and will just cost everyone loads of money?

hatt · 12-18-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

I wonder what Chris makes of the increasing adoption of this propostorous tactic that won't work and will just cost everyone loads of money?

I'll have to agree with Chris on this. Ebay's going to be bogged down with the included DVDs people will be selling for cheap. That's going to cost someone money if it's done on a wide scale.

Lee Stewart · 12-18-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatt

I'll have to agree with Chris on this. Ebay's going to be bogged down with the included DVDs people will be selling for cheap. That's going to cost someone money if it's done on a wide scale.

Of the number of homes that have a BD player - how many do you think have ONLY BD players - no DVD players at all?

hatt · 12-18-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Of the number of homes that have a BD player - how many do you think have ONLY BD players - no DVD players at all?

Who knows, Sony didn't send me my daily talking points email yet. Whatever that number is it doesn't change the fact that a substantial number of people are going to be selling the useless to them and free DVD cheap.

Lee Stewart · 12-18-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatt

Who knows, Sony didn't send me my daily talking points email yet. Whatever that number is it doesn't change the fact that a substantial number of people are going to be selling the useless to them and free DVD cheap.

Have you looked on Ebay recently to see if the DVDs included in previous BD releases are flooding the site? There have been a number of BD Combo Pack releases so far.

Why speculate when you get get facts?

MikeRox · 12-18-2009, 11:19 AM

I don't know. Most people want a box etc. They will be really cheap and the people that buy a single barebones DVD on it's own would likely not pay out for the film anyway.

hatt · 12-18-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Have you looked on Ebay recently to see if the DVDs included in previous BD releases are flooding the site? There have been a number of BD Combo Pack releases so far.

Why speculate when you get get facts?

Please share the facts. Me looking at Ebay today isn't going to show much.

Lee Stewart · 12-18-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

I don't know. Most people want a box etc. They will be really cheap and the people that buy a single barebones DVD on it's own would likely not pay out for the film anyway.

Doesn't everyone who owns a store bought movie think in the back of their mind about the resale value of what they bought?

Wouldn't a BD Combo Pack that was missing the DVD (and the digital copy) be worth less than one that was complete?

12-16-2009, 09:07 PM	#2
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,145	So let me break this down by studio: Sony: Blu-ray disc and digital copy Warner: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and digital copy (starting in February) Universal: Blu-ray disc/DVD combo flipper (starting in January) Fox: Blu-ray disc and digital copy Disney: Blu-ray disc, DVD, and/or digital copy (varies with each release) Paramount: Blu-ray disc and digital copy So here we have the six major studios with Sony, Fox, and Paramount doing the something. Then we have Warner, Universal, and Disney doing something completely different. Is there a reason they are all on different pages? __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 417~139 Latest BD Review: *Ip Man*

12-17-2009, 04:17 AM	#6
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	It's the first press that include a Digital Copy from Warner Bros, it is included as a free bonus to encourage early (re: full price) adoption then when the cheapos step up to the plate to buy, they get the BD only version from subsequent pressings. It's quite a good idea actually, as I hate the feeling that I've paid too much for something and some films are being reduced fairly quickly after release. I think the DVD Combi is proving pretty popular. Btw, are Fox not doing DVDs in the US? We get "Triple Play" releases from Fox now which include the film on BD, the film on DVD AND a Digital Copy. (for the same price as a Universal BD that doesn't include anything other than the BD disc it might be added ) __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

12-17-2009, 07:46 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,082	It looks like including a DVD version is becoming the defacto standard possibly, which solves the universal use that people have become use to with SD DVD. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

12-18-2009, 09:19 AM	#8
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	I wonder what Chris makes of the increasing adoption of this propostorous tactic that won't work and will just cost everyone loads of money? __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

12-18-2009, 11:19 AM	#13
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	I don't know. Most people want a box etc. They will be really cheap and the people that buy a single barebones DVD on it's own would likely not pay out for the film anyway. __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

12-16-2009, 09:28 PM	#4
Vortex3D High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 70	Some Disney Blu-ray came with two different editions, one with Digital Copy and one without Digital Copy. Two movies I know of are Wall-E and Prince Caspian. The edition with Digital Copy is more expensive. If movie studios have to choose between including a DVD player playable disc or Digital Copy, I prefer a DVD player playable disc. Digital Copy is useless since it can only be activated once and locked to the PC.

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