Bill Hunt Responds To the Paramount/Dreamworks News:

Lee Stewart · 08-20-2007, 01:45 PM

Well... the high-definition format war just got more confusing for consumers, and you can thank the hubris of the folks at Microsoft for it. Their HD-DVD format (because I'm sorry, can anyone really say it still belongs to Toshiba at this point) badly needed a shot in the arm going into the holiday season, and just got it thanks to suitcases full of cash from the Microsoft camp. You ready for this? Here it is:

Microsoft has paid DreamWorks and Paramount so much money that they've decided to join Universal in the HD-DVD exclusive camp. No kidding.

None of the participants in this deal are willing to openly disclose just how much money was exchanged, but the L.A. Weekly is reporting it was in the neighborhood of $50 million in "promotional considerations" for Paramount and $100 million for DreamWorks. Is anyone else just disgusted by Microsoft's naked, shameless financial influence in this thing? Other than the small camp of HD-DVD fanboys who I'm sure soiled their undies this morning in joy? That Hollywood is a greedy place should be obvious to all by now, if it wasn't already. The HD-DVD format can't win any other way than for Microsoft to PAY studios off to stay exclusive. And then they have the balls to claim the Blu-ray Disc camp is involved in antitrust violations. Wow.

I'll tell you, this doesn't change my opinion of the eventual outcome of the format war one iota. Blu-ray is still going to win this thing. And while Paramount and DreamWorks will earn lots of scorn from the rest of the industry, and they'll each make a couple extra movies with Microsoft's money while their stockholders will giggle with glee, eventually business realities will dictate that they'll change their tune again. Unless Microsoft pays them more money still. One wonders if Universal just got another paycheck too. By the way, if anyone doubts that Microsoft's real reason for involving itself is slow the adoption of next-generation discs by continuing the format war so their own Xbox Live service can continue to grow and dominate the movie and TV downloading market, you'd better think twice. Because you can bet that while they'll continue to play at supporting HD-DVD, lots of those brand, spanking new high-def transfers will end up on Xbox Live too and for a lot cheaper than the discs.

Anyway, here's the official press release from Paramount. And I'd like to call your attention to the final sentence in this press release, because I think it tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about this announcement:

Paramount and DreamWorks Animation Each Declare Exclusive Support for HD DVD

Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of "Blades of Glory," Followed by "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third," Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include 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.

The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit "Blades of Glory" on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third". These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.

"The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD," stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. "Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount."

"We decided to release "Shrek the Third" and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience -- families," stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. "We believe the combination of this year's low-priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home."

With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans.

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today's announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.

How do you like THEM apples? Spielberg wouldn't let them take his films to HD-DVD because he's all about Blu-ray Disc. So what do Paramount and DreamWorks do? They bury that news as the last bit of information in their press release. Greedy little bastards. Hey... Moneysoft talks apparently.

I'll tell you what... I'm betting Fox and MGM start making Blu-ray Disc exclusive announcements and soon. You just watch.

Stay tuned...

Bill Hunt, Editor
The Digital Bits
billhunt@thedigitalbits.com

Superman · 08-20-2007, 01:46 PM

He isn't biased at all.

Dare · 08-20-2007, 01:51 PM

Is this guy supposed to be a consumer advocate? Because he sounds like someone just gored his ox. Is he speaking for me, or himself?

Ntruder · 08-20-2007, 01:52 PM

he sucks and he's a loser, and he's ugly.

bottom left:

mshulman · 08-20-2007, 01:53 PM

Shouldn't it be pretty easy to find out how much was spent? Microsoft is a public company.

KEEBS1984 · 08-20-2007, 01:59 PM

There still has yet to be any solid proof of any pay-out, first off.

Second, Bill Hunt is a biased ignorant jerk-off. I'm sorry but he really is. He has zero tolerance for anything other than what he feels should be the right format, Blu Ray. He makes no mention of this format war actually helping to drive prices down or any of the positives that HD DVD has, at least not lately.

He is, in every sense of the word, a die-hard BD fanboy who happens to have a voice. Can somebody, for the love of god, just give him a cookie already?

GLOW · 08-20-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

By the way, if anyone doubts that Microsoft's real reason for involving itself is slow the adoption of next-generation discs by continuing the format war so their own Xbox Live service can continue to grow and dominate the movie and TV downloading market, you'd better think twice.

QFT. The only thing that is still baffling to me is that M$ hasn't already opened up their own PC internet video download store (ala iTunes) or a STB VOD service. They better hurry up before Apple beats them to it.

MikeRox · 08-20-2007, 02:13 PM

That response is hillarious. He really is showing his true colours with that retort.

Quote:

Spielberg wouldn't let them take his films to HD-DVD because he's all about Blu-ray Disc.

So one film he produced (not directed) coming to Blu Ray is suddenly he only supports Blu Ray?

Bill really needs to just stop making himself look so stupid. His first comments on why Blu Ray should win I actually thought were pretty reasonable, but the more he spouts crap like this and stories like letting his friends buy HD DVD players thinking they could play Blu Ray movies, the more he goes onto the pile of arrogant self filled wankers that make me want Blu Ray to dissapear.

It really is the Blu Ray supporters that put me off the format. That was just a bitter and twisted rant because he's gutted his beloved Blu Ray format has just had a dent in it's campaign.

MikeRox · 08-20-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

QFT. The only thing that is still baffling to me is that M$ hasn't already opened up their own PC internet video download store (ala iTunes) or a STB VOD service. They better hurry up before Apple beats them to it.

No different to Sony breaking off from the DVD consortium and going rogue with their own format to get more pennies out of every part of the home video money chain though is it?

At the end of the day every company have their own agenda. I can't believe some people romantacise about some companies intentions while trying to make others look "evil". Anyone who actually respects Bills opinion after this bile really needs a lesson in business.

Amir is currently outright rejecting Microsofts involvement in this deal. I'm not saying he's being truthful, I'm just saying don't just go "yes yes, bill knows all, bill is right!". At the end of the day he's just a fanboy in this current war, regardless of where his interests have been in the past.

Lee Stewart · 08-20-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

QFT. The only thing that is still baffling to me is that M$ hasn't already opened up their own PC internet video download store (ala iTunes) or a STB VOD service. They better hurry up before Apple beats them to it.

Hey GLOW - you playing with the quotes again? You quoted me but I didn't say that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart
By the way, if anyone doubts that Microsoft's real reason for involving itself is slow the adoption of next-generation discs by continuing the format war so their own Xbox Live service can continue to grow and dominate the movie and TV downloading market, you'd better think twice.

dobyblue · 08-20-2007, 02:18 PM

Although this is huge for HD DVD, it should be noted that 5 of the top 10 grossing P/DW films are Spielbergs.

Lee Stewart · 08-20-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Although this is huge for HD DVD, it should be noted that 5 of the top 10 grossing P/DW films are Spielbergs.

Yes but Shrek 3 and Transformers were not directed by him. They will be on HD DVD exclusive Q4

Anthos · 08-20-2007, 02:22 PM

After reading this statement from Bill Hunt, I actually have lost a little respect for him. I’ve read his website for over 10 years now and I was thinking today at lunch after I read the official announcement regarding Paramount and Dreamworks that Bill is going to spin this in the “someone got paid off angle” and sure enough, there it is. You know what, the wonderful world of business people make deals all the time, THIS IS NO DIFFERENT! Despite the fact that the format war itself is probably going to cost consumers in the end, nothing done here was illegal. Sorry to say it, but in the end, either Blu will win, HD will win, or both will thrive in a limited way or die together.

Sorry Bill, I think your statement really is unprofessional.

MikeRox · 08-20-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Although this is huge for HD DVD, it should be noted that 5 of the top 10 grossing P/DW films are Spielbergs.

And they'll just be nowhere to be seen on either format for years to come.

fmw · 08-20-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthos

Sorry to say it, but in the end, either Blu will win, HD will win, or both will thrive in a limited way or die together.

Yes those are the only 4 possibilities. To me all signs point to them both dying together. The format war will end with two losers and no winners.

08-20-2007, 01:45 PM	#1
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,193	Bill Hunt Responds To the Paramount/Dreamworks News: Well... the high-definition format war just got more confusing for consumers, and you can thank the hubris of the folks at Microsoft for it. Their HD-DVD format (because I'm sorry, can anyone really say it still belongs to Toshiba at this point) badly needed a shot in the arm going into the holiday season, and just got it thanks to suitcases full of cash from the Microsoft camp. You ready for this? Here it is: Microsoft has paid DreamWorks and Paramount so much money that they've decided to join Universal in the HD-DVD exclusive camp. No kidding. None of the participants in this deal are willing to openly disclose just how much money was exchanged, but the L.A. Weekly is reporting it was in the neighborhood of $50 million in "promotional considerations" for Paramount and $100 million for DreamWorks. Is anyone else just disgusted by Microsoft's naked, shameless financial influence in this thing? Other than the small camp of HD-DVD fanboys who I'm sure soiled their undies this morning in joy? That Hollywood is a greedy place should be obvious to all by now, if it wasn't already. The HD-DVD format can't win any other way than for Microsoft to PAY studios off to stay exclusive. And then they have the balls to claim the Blu-ray Disc camp is involved in antitrust violations. Wow. I'll tell you, this doesn't change my opinion of the eventual outcome of the format war one iota. Blu-ray is still going to win this thing. And while Paramount and DreamWorks will earn lots of scorn from the rest of the industry, and they'll each make a couple extra movies with Microsoft's money while their stockholders will giggle with glee, eventually business realities will dictate that they'll change their tune again. Unless Microsoft pays them more money still. One wonders if Universal just got another paycheck too. By the way, if anyone doubts that Microsoft's real reason for involving itself is slow the adoption of next-generation discs by continuing the format war so their own Xbox Live service can continue to grow and dominate the movie and TV downloading market, you'd better think twice. Because you can bet that while they'll continue to play at supporting HD-DVD, lots of those brand, spanking new high-def transfers will end up on Xbox Live too and for a lot cheaper than the discs. Anyway, here's the official press release from Paramount. And I'd like to call your attention to the final sentence in this press release, because I think it tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about this announcement: Paramount and DreamWorks Animation Each Declare Exclusive Support for HD DVD Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of "Blades of Glory," Followed by "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third," Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include 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. The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit "Blades of Glory" on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third". These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide. "The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD," stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. "Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount." "We decided to release "Shrek the Third" and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience -- families," stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. "We believe the combination of this year's low-priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home." With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans. Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today's announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format. How do you like THEM apples? Spielberg wouldn't let them take his films to HD-DVD because he's all about Blu-ray Disc. So what do Paramount and DreamWorks do? They bury that news as the last bit of information in their press release. Greedy little bastards. Hey... Moneysoft talks apparently. I'll tell you what... I'm betting Fox and MGM start making Blu-ray Disc exclusive announcements and soon. You just watch. Stay tuned... Bill Hunt, Editor The Digital Bits billhunt@thedigitalbits.com

08-20-2007, 01:46 PM	#2
Superman HD makes my pants tight Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Age: 35 Posts: 2,603	He isn't biased at all. __________________ Samsung 56" 720p DLP HDTV Olevia 42" 1080p LCD HDTV Onkyo TX-SR674 Receiver Onkyo TX-SR606 Receiver Velodyne CHT Front Row 5 piece speakers Sony SS-SR305 for 7.1 surround sound BIC H-100 subwoofer RCA HDV5000 HD DVD Player Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player Samsung BD-UP5000 BD/HD DVD Player Xbox 360 Pro PS3 60 gig My own personal AV/HD forum

08-20-2007, 01:51 PM	#3
Dare I moon you. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,436	Is this guy supposed to be a consumer advocate? Because he sounds like someone just gored his ox. Is he speaking for me, or himself? __________________ LG GGC-H20L Super Multi Blue Blu-ray & HD DVD ROM Drive 58 31

08-20-2007, 01:53 PM	#5
mshulman My Projector is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Marlborough, MA Age: 35 Posts: 6,572	Shouldn't it be pretty easy to find out how much was spent? Microsoft is a public company. __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A3 PS3 Sanyo PLV-Z3 Canon HF-10 Onkyo 805 "I eat green berets for breakfast and I'm very hungry!"

08-20-2007, 02:18 PM	#11
dobyblue Dare to be Great Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 36 Posts: 834	Although this is huge for HD DVD, it should be noted that 5 of the top 10 grossing P/DW films are Spielbergs. __________________ R.I.P. LeRoi Moore - 09.07.61 - 08.19.08 www.dmband.com Thank you for the music

08-20-2007, 01:52 PM	#4
Ntruder Defender of Sanity Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,239	he sucks and he's a loser, and he's ugly. bottom left:

08-20-2007, 01:59 PM	#6
KEEBS1984 Loves me some Blu-rays :) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 2,261	There still has yet to be any solid proof of any pay-out, first off. Second, Bill Hunt is a biased ignorant jerk-off. I'm sorry but he really is. He has zero tolerance for anything other than what he feels should be the right format, Blu Ray. He makes no mention of this format war actually helping to drive prices down or any of the positives that HD DVD has, at least not lately. He is, in every sense of the word, a die-hard BD fanboy who happens to have a voice. Can somebody, for the love of god, just give him a cookie already?

08-20-2007, 02:22 PM	#13
Anthos Feel the love Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 38	After reading this statement from Bill Hunt, I actually have lost a little respect for him. I’ve read his website for over 10 years now and I was thinking today at lunch after I read the official announcement regarding Paramount and Dreamworks that Bill is going to spin this in the “someone got paid off angle” and sure enough, there it is. You know what, the wonderful world of business people make deals all the time, THIS IS NO DIFFERENT! Despite the fact that the format war itself is probably going to cost consumers in the end, nothing done here was illegal. Sorry to say it, but in the end, either Blu will win, HD will win, or both will thrive in a limited way or die together. Sorry Bill, I think your statement really is unprofessional. __________________ Blu-Ray: 46 HD-DVD: 23 My Home Theatre/Prop Room: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...heatre%20Room/

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