HMM: Disney to drop Blu-Ray support on classic titles

crazyal · 04-01-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Disney drops Blu-Ray
High cost of Combo Packs and poor sales of Blu-Ray only classics forces Disney to rethink Blu-Ray stratagy
By Susanne Summers -- Video Business Magazine, 3/27/2009

Mar. 27 | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment drops plans to release many of its 2009 Blu-ray Disc releases. “The expense of the combo pack just didn't prove worth it,” said Lori McMuphen, Disney general manager of North America. “Families don’t have Blu-ray players in every room. Families are penalized [by not being able to use them] when they buy a Blu-ray title. The combo pack was an attempt to bridge the lack of [Blu-Ray] players but fell short of company expectations.”

After success including a standard DVD of Sleeping Beauty within the film’s Oct. 7 Blu-ray release, Disney slated more Blu-ray titles starting with the March 10 bow of Pinocchio running through to the October rollout of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But due to lack of interest in the standard/high-def ‘Combo Packs’ released since the successful Sleeping Beauty has forced Disney to rethink it's plans.

Additionally, Disney hopes to persuade standard DVD households, possibly considering purchasing a Blu-ray player soon, to upgrade to the combo Blu-ray version.

“Families planning to buy a Blu-ray player can still buy the movie now,” added MacPherson.

Bob Chapstek, Disney president, said, “We are committed to offering our consumers exceptional quality and value when purchasing our products. This does not alter our commitment on Blu-Ray only (non- combo pack) releases this summer.” Bob also pointed out that Disney would revisit the decision in the near future. "We stand fully behind Blu-Ray and the High Definition experience it offers. Disney feels that when format moves from the living room to the family room and bedrooms we will again be offering great family classics parents grew up with and want to share with their children."

http://www.videobusinessmag.com/article...dustryid=47211

This caught me off guard. I thought the Combos were a good idea but I guess not.

HD Goofnut · 04-01-2009, 10:42 PM

It can't cost but maybe an additional $1 or $2 to include the additional SD DVD in the package. Regardless, it looks as if Disney will go to making their classics just in BD and SD DVD separately. IMHO they should release BD/DVD combos for the classics and that's it.

mobiushky · 04-01-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

It can't cost but maybe an additional $1 or $2 to include the additional SD DVD in the package. Regardless, it looks as if Disney will go to making their classics just in BD and SD DVD separately. IMHO they should release BD/DVD combos for the classics and that's it.

Actually for the classics, it makes more sense to just do BD and DVD seperate. Odds are if you really want the classics you already have them in some form. Probably DVD. So why would you buy DVD again? For new releases I'd like the combo so I can have it in both formats.

**bruceames** · 04-01-2009, 10:56 PM

Wow, that's a shocker. I even thought it was an April fool's joke.

I knew that sales were short of expectations just from reading the market share of the combo pack vs. the standard DVD (I think it was in the teens), but I didn't think they would drop the idea so soon.

**bruceames** · 04-01-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobiushky

Actually for the classics, it makes more sense to just do BD and DVD seperate. Odds are if you really want the classics you already have them in some form. Probably DVD. So why would you buy DVD again? For new releases I'd like the combo so I can have it in both formats.

The DVD is a rerelease, so it is a reason to double dip. The vast majority did buy the DVD over the combo pack.

crazyal · 04-01-2009, 11:05 PM

Guys it's April 1st, lol. I know I'm an A$$ but doesn't anyone ever click on the links? The clues like using HMM in the title but citing Video Business Mag or the name changes?

mytime · 04-01-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyal

Guys it's April 1st, lol. I know I'm an A$$ but doesn't anyone ever click on the links? The clues like using HMM in the title but citing Video Business Mag or the name changes?

I clicked the link. LOL I was enjoying the pots that followed too much to say anything.

**bruceames** · 04-01-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyal

Guys it's April 1st, lol. I know I'm an A$$ but doesn't anyone ever click on the links? The clues like using HMM in the title but citing Video Business Mag or the name changes?

Man I really bit hard on that one. I nevered figured you to try it and also the topic was plausible and you did a good job on the writeup. I hate April fools day.

mytime · 04-01-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceames

Man I really bit hard on that one. I nevered figured you to try it and also the topic was plausible and you did a good job on the writeup. I hate April fools day.

I did too until I clicked the link. Glad I did. Lee got me earlier.

Kosty · 04-01-2009, 11:13 PM

What got me was the March 27 date. My brain was having cognitive dissonance because it didn't match the facts.

Then I saw who wrote it

http://images.google.com/images?rlz=...N&hl=en&tab=wi

BobY · 04-01-2009, 11:16 PM

You mean you guys didn't crack up when you read "Lori McMuphen" and "Bob Chapstek"?

Not to mention the Byline of "Susanne Summers"...

crazyal · 04-01-2009, 11:16 PM

I thought about not saying anything but it's after midnight and I'm heading off to bed. I started thinking if I didn't say something tomorrow we would have 5 pages of posts.

Sorry Bruce (and anyone else) I just couldn't resist since we already had two other fools posts. HD DVD coming back just isn't plausable and as soon as you run your mouse to click on Lee's post "April Fools" pops up. Just thought if a April Fools joke was to be done it should look real and be on a subject that sounded unlikey but could be true.

mytime · 04-01-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyal

I thought about not saying anything but it's after midnight and I'm heading off to bed. I started thinking if I didn't say something tomorrow we would have 5 pages of posts.

Sorry Bruce (and anyone else) I just couldn't resist since we already had two other fools posts. HD DVD coming back just isn't plausable and as soon as you run your mouse to click on Lee's post "April Fools" pops up. Just thought if a April Fools joke was to be done it should look real and be on a subject that sounded unlikey but could be true.

Good one!

Well done.

**PFC5** · 04-02-2009, 01:38 AM

That was well done.

When I started reading it I was SURE Chris G would be posting that "see I told ya" post.

MikeRox · 04-02-2009, 03:29 AM

I was waiting for that too... Personally I'm not too fussed about the DVD being included though I do think it adds in value. I'd rather they stuck to including a DVD with the Platinum titles now though just for continuity.

04-01-2009, 10:42 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 Age: 27 Posts: 6,858	It can't cost but maybe an additional $1 or $2 to include the additional SD DVD in the package. Regardless, it looks as if Disney will go to making their classics just in BD and SD DVD separately. IMHO they should release BD/DVD combos for the classics and that's it. __________________ My Review Setup Sanyo DP46848 46" 1080p LCD Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 DirecTV HR21-100 HD DVR Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 System LG BH200 Super Blu Toshiba HD-A20 Sony 40 GB PS3 (With Netflix Streaming!) 156~206~My Movie Collection Latest Review: *The Day the Earth Stood Still*

04-01-2009, 11:05 PM	#6
crazyal Smarter than the ave bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,314	Guys it's April 1st, lol. I know I'm an A$$ but doesn't anyone ever click on the links? The clues like using HMM in the title but citing Video Business Mag or the name changes? __________________ Please don't feed the Unicorns

04-01-2009, 11:16 PM	#12
crazyal Smarter than the ave bear Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,314	I thought about not saying anything but it's after midnight and I'm heading off to bed. I started thinking if I didn't say something tomorrow we would have 5 pages of posts. Sorry Bruce (and anyone else) I just couldn't resist since we already had two other fools posts. HD DVD coming back just isn't plausable and as soon as you run your mouse to click on Lee's post "April Fools" pops up. Just thought if a April Fools joke was to be done it should look real and be on a subject that sounded unlikey but could be true. __________________ Please don't feed the Unicorns

04-02-2009, 01:38 AM	#14
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,414	That was well done. When I started reading it I was SURE Chris G would be posting that "see I told ya" post. __________________ 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

04-02-2009, 03:29 AM	#15
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 12,417	I was waiting for that too... Personally I'm not too fussed about the DVD being included though I do think it adds in value. I'd rather they stuck to including a DVD with the Platinum titles now though just for continuity. __________________ REGION B 4TW! Latest HD additions - I Love You Man - 17 Again - Born on the 4th of July - Paul Blart: Mall Cop - Monsters, Inc. HD Movies - Um... Lost count >_< bout 250 Latest Gaming Additions - Mirrors Edge - Scene It BOS - Wartech: Senko No Ronde - Lego Indiana Jones/Kung Fu Panda 2 pack - Silent Hill

04-01-2009, 10:56 PM	#4
bruceames Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 10,171	Wow, that's a shocker. I even thought it was an April fool's joke. I knew that sales were short of expectations just from reading the market share of the combo pack vs. the standard DVD (I think it was in the teens), but I didn't think they would drop the idea so soon.

04-01-2009, 11:13 PM	#10
Kosty High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,594	What got me was the March 27 date. My brain was having cognitive dissonance because it didn't match the facts. Then I saw who wrote it http://images.google.com/images?rlz=...N&hl=en&tab=wi

04-01-2009, 11:16 PM	#11
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	You mean you guys didn't crack up when you read "Lori McMuphen" and "Bob Chapstek"? Not to mention the Byline of "Susanne Summers"...

Similar Threads to HMM: Disney to drop Blu-Ray support on classic titles
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
normal blu ray vs. ps3 blu ray	bucketkicka	Blu-Ray Players	46	02-02-2009 08:47 PM
30 Blu Ray titles at Walmart for $10 or less	bhampton	High Definition Media	7	12-20-2008 06:14 PM
Flat Panel Blu Ray & Receivers Set To Boom	HighDefRealist	High Definition Media	6	03-12-2008 07:47 AM
Blu ray vs hd dvd blu ray a winner	lcjjm	Blu-Ray Players	56	12-18-2007 06:48 PM
Looking for an HD-DVD or Blu Ray player	LazerGuided	High Definition Receivers, Recorders, Players, Tivos	20	10-23-2007 05:37 AM