- Site News: Internet Brands acquires High-Def Digest | Amazon Sales Ranks: View by Best Sellers or HD DVD vs Blu-ray
| HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "DREAMWORKS" | Receive High-Def Disc News via RSS |  |
Paramount Cancels Majority of HD DVD Slate (UPDATED)
Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 07:02 PM ETTags: Industry Trends, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)
UPDATE: (2/28/08, 9:45pm ET) We've just received word from Paramount that DreamWorks Animation will follow its studio parent and end HD DVD support. DreamWorks Animation's sole remaining HD DVD release, 'Bee Movie' (originally scheduled for March 11) has been cancelled. We've updated our database accordingly.
Ending weeks of speculation, Paramount says 'Into the Wild' and 'Things We Lost in the Fire' will be its last two HD DVD releases.
Although the studio has yet to issue a formal statement, when asked to confirm retail reports that it had canceled the majority of its upcoming HD DVD slate, a Paramount rep told us that following the next week's HD DVD releases of 'Into the Wild' and 'Things We Lost in the Fire,' the studio will no longer issue any further titles on the format.
According to a just-published article in The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is expected to release its first new Blu-ray titles this summer.
Paramount (and its subsidiary DreamWorks) had nearly a half-dozen HD DVD titles scheduled for release through early Spring. Here is a complete list of the studio's previously-announced titles that have now been cancelled:
March 25: 'The Jack Ryan Collection,' 'The Kite Runner'
April 1: 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'
April 15: 'There Will Be Blood '
Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on further details of Paramount/DreamWorks transition to Blu-ray as they're announced.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Paramount stops HD DVD production [Hollywood Reporter]
- Paramount Done with HD DVD Next Week [Vieo Business]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Into the Wild (HD DVD)
- Things We Lost in the Fire (HD DVD)
- Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount Goes Blu (Feb 21, 2008)
- DreamWorks Animation: Still HD DVD Exclusive (For Now) (Feb 27, 2008)
DreamWorks Animation: Still HD DVD Exclusive (For Now)
Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 03:00 PM ETTags: DreamWorks, Industry Trends (all tags)
Still contractually locked into HD DVD exclusivity, DreamWorks Animation says it's up to Toshiba to decide when the company can begin releasing discs on Blu-ray.
That's according to DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, who acknowledged in an interview with Reuters Tuesday that his company was "well-compensated" for its HD DVD exclusivity, and that it was awaiting word from Toshiba on how to proceed.
"It really is in their court at this point to really declare what the next step will be," explained Katzenberg. "We're poised either way to jump into the marketplace when the conditions are right to do so."
Though DreamWorks Animation is an independently owned company, Paramount Pictures (corporate parent of sister studio DreamWorks SKG) announced its own intention to return to Blu-ray last Thursday. At press time it wasn't clear how (or if) the HD DVD exclusivity terms for the two companies were different.
'Bee Movie' is the only upcoming DreamWorks Animation title currently on the HD DVD schedule. Katzenberg told Reuters he was waiting to hear back from Toshiba on how to proceed with that title.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- DreamWorks waiting for cue from Toshiba on Blu-ray [Reuters]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount Goes Blu (Feb 21, 2008)
Paramount Nixes 'There Will Be Blood' HD DVD? (UPDATED)
Mon Feb 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Street Date Changes, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)
UPDATE: 2/25/08, 3:00pm ET Although Paramount has removed 'There Will Be Blood' from its press site as reported below, the title may not in fact be cancelled. According to retail reports, the studio is still planning an April 8th release date, but has put an embargo on release details until March 4. (Details for the standard DVD have also been removed.) Stay tuned...
Though Paramount has yet to detail its Blu-ray transition plans, one of its previously-announced HD DVD titles may not be hitting store shelves as originally planned.
Announced just last week, the April 8th release of 'There Will Be Blood' would likely have been among the biggest titles to hit HD DVD this Spring, but following Paramount's announcement late Thursday that it will re-embrace Blu-ray, the title has quietly been removed from from the studio's official media website.
At press time it wasn't clear whether the apparent cancellation was a direct result of Paramount's move to Blu-ray. As we've previously reported, the studio has yet to provide a timetable for its first Blu-ray releases, nor has it commented on the fate of its upcoming HD DVD slate.
Notably, although 'There Will Be Blood' has been removed, Paramount still lists over a half a dozen HD DVD titles for release through early Spring. Here is a complete list of previously-announced Paramount/DreamWorks titles that remain officially scheduled as of this writing:
February 26: 'Beowulf'
March 4:
'Into the Wild,' 'Things We Lost in the Fire'
March 11: 'Bee Movie'
March 25: 'The Jack Ryan Collection,' 'The Kite Runner'
April 1: 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'
Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any official announcements from Paramount as they come in.
Thanks to Nick for the tip!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Beowulf: The Director's Cut (2007) (HD DVD)
- Into the Wild (HD DVD)
- Things We Lost in the Fire (HD DVD)
- Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
- The Jack Ryan Collection (HD DVD)
- American Gangster (Blu-ray)
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount Goes Blu (Feb 21, 2008)
- Paramount Says 'There Will Be Blood' on HD DVD (Feb 20, 2008)
Paramount Goes Blu
Thu Feb 21, 2008 at 03:36 AM ETTags: Industry Trends, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)
The last domino of the format war has fallen: Paramount has officially announced it will align with Blu-ray and begin releasing titles on the format.
"We are pleased that the industry is moving to a single high-definition format, as we believe it is in the best interest of the consumer," the studio said via a statement issued Wednesday to The Hollywood Reporter.
"As we look to (begin) releasing our titles on Blu-ray, we will monitor consumer adoption and determine our release plans accordingly."
The studio did not issue any further details regarding a timeframe for the transition, nor any specific title announcements.
Also absent in Paramount's statement was any mention of subsidiary DreamWorks, although it is widely expected that the company (including DreamWorks Animation) will follow its corporate parent and begin releasing titles on Blu-ray.
Paramount's statement follows two days of silence by the studio, after primary HD DVD-backer Toshiba's announcement early Tuesday that it would drop its support of the format. Only hours later, Universal Studios confirmed a move to Blu-ray, leaving Paramount as the sole HD DVD-exclusive studio yet to declare its future plans.
We'll have more on this breaking story as it comes to us.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- All Hollywood studios now lined up behind Blu-Ray [Reuters]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Toshiba Officially Drops HD DVD (Feb 19, 2008)
- Universal Studios Goes Blu (Feb 19, 2008)
DreamWorks Unveils Specs, Box Art for 'Bee Movie' HD DVD
Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Disc Announcements, DreamWorks (all tags)
DreamWorks has revealed full details for its March debut of 'Bee Movie,' which is due to hit HD DVD with a hive's worth of bonus features and high-def exclusives.
As we first reported last month, the studio previously announced a March 11 HD DVD debut for the $150 million-plus grossing Jerry Seinfeld animated adventure. Now the full specs are in, with Paramount pulling out all the stops for a two-disc HD DVD release, packed with extras.
Shared with the two-disc DVD edition (hitting stores day-and-date) are audio commentary with Seinfeld and the filmmakers, four making-of featurettes ("Jerry's Flight Over Cannes," "Inside The Hive: The Cast of Bee Movie," "Tech of Bee Movie," "Meet Barry B. Benson"), deleted scenes and an alternate endings with optional commentary, a music video, "TV Juniors" shorts that first aired on NBC, and a suite of "DreamWorks Animation Kids" interactive activities ("The Buzz About Bees," "The Ow! Meter," "That's Un-BEE-lievable!", "Pollination Practice," "Be A Bee").
Exclusive to the HD DVD will be several additional features, including "The Animators' Corner" a picture-in-picture storyboard reel that runs the length of the film, "Barry's Trivia Track" pop-up fun facts and "My Menus" which allow users to customize the disc's navigation based on their favorite character. Additional web-enabled content is set to include "The World Of Bees" movie guide with biographies of talent and characters from the film, the "Build-A-Bee Avatar" and "Barry's Digital Coloring Book."
Tech specs include 1080p video and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround audio and subtitle tracks in English, French and Spanish (no high-res audio options have yet been announced).
Finally, DreamWorks has revealed the final box art for 'Bee Movie' on HD DVD:
 |
As previously announced, list price for the HD DVD is $39.98.
You'll find complete specs for 'Bee Movie' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 11.
We've also set up a dedicated thread for DreamWorks's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Bee Movie' HD DVD release.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- 'Bee Movie' Buzzes to HD DVD (Dec 31, 2007)
Specs, Box Art in for 'Beowulf' HD DVD
Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Packaging, DreamWorks (all tags)
Confirming earlier reports, Paramount has officially announced a February arrival and full specs for 'Beowulf,' which will hit HD DVD in a new Director's Cut version with hours of added bonus content.
As we first reported late last year, Paramount had alerted retailers to a February 26 debut for the Robert Zemeckis-directed 'Beowulf on HD DVD, day-and-date with the standard DVD.
They've now confirmed the release and issued full specs, which include a full second disc of extras. In addition to a never-before-seen Director's Cut, the set includes a 16-part documentary "The Making of 'Beowulf,'" plus a dozen Deleted & Alternate Scenes. All of the bonus content will also be presented in full HD.
Exclusive to the HD DVD will be additional web-enabled content still to be announced.
Tech specs boast 1080p/VC-1 video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio, plus optional Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround dubs and subtitles in English, French and Spanish.
Finally, Paramount has revealed the disc's cover art:
 |
As previously announced, retail for the HD DVD is $39.98.
You'll find final disc details for 'Beowulf' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, indexed under February 26.
We've also set up a dedicated thread for Paramount's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Beowulf (2007)' HD DVD release.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Beowulf: The Director's Cut (2007) (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Paramount Plots 'Beowulf' HD DVD for February (Dec 19, 2007)
Paramount/DreamWorks: "Still Supporting HD DVD" [UPDATED]
Mon Jan 07, 2008 at 04:33 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Paramount, DreamWorks (all tags)
UPDATE: We have received word from Paramount/DreamWorks that although they continue to support HD DVD, they will not be making any new high-def title announcements at CES 2008.
Paramount/DreamWorks responded to Warner's shift to Blu-ray exclusivity today, saying that the studios have no plans to abandon the HD DVD format.
Following Warner's shocking defection to Blu-ray last Friday, and the subsequent cancellation by the HD DVD Promotions Group of its planned CES media event Sunday night, speculation has run rampant regarding Paramount's next move, as well as the fate of any HD DVD title announcements they had originally planned for CES.
High-Def Digest contacted Paramount for comment, and we were told by a spokesperson that despite the events of the past few days, "we are still supporting HD DVD," and that neither Paramount nor DreamWorks had any further statements on the matter at this time.
As for any Paramount HD DVD title announcements originally planned for CES, at press time any such plans were "up in the air." Needless to say, we'll keep you posted.
Watch this space for continuing coverage....
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- HD DVD Promo Group Cancels CES Press Conference
- Warner Goes Blu
'Bee Movie' Buzzes to HD DVD
Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 01:00 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, DreamWorks (all tags)
In an early alert to retailers, DreamWorks has set a March arrival for the animated Jerry Seinfeld blockbuster 'Bee Movie.'
Scoring nearly $125 million at the domestic box office and bolstered by an all-star voice cast that includes Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick and Oprah Winfrey, 'Bee Movie' is likely to be just as big of a hit on the small screen when it arrives on HD DVD March 11, 2008, day-and-date with the standard DVD.
Due to the early nature of this news, DreamWorks specs and supplemental details for 'Bee Movie' have yet to be announced, but we'll keep you posted.
DreamWorks has set a $39.98 list price for the HD DVD.
You'll find preliminary disc details for 'Bee Movie' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 11, 2008.
We've also set up a dedicated thread for DreamWorks' latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Bee Movie' HD DVD release.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
DreamWorks Plans 'Things We Lost in the Fire' HD DVD
Thu Dec 13, 2007 at 03:00 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, DreamWorks (all tags)
In an early alert to retailers, DreamWorks has announced that it will bring the Halle Berry drama 'Things We Lost in the Fire' to HD DVD this February.
Starring Berry and Benecio Del Toro as widowers who find love after tragedy, 'Things We Lost in the Fire' was promoted as one of the season's potential Oscar heavyweights, but weak reviews and a middling box office gross of less than $15 million have seen the film all but disappear off the awards-season radar.
DreamWorks/Paramount is apparently planning to give the film another shot at Oscar attention on February 12, planning the disc for HD DVD release day-and-date with the standard-def DVD.
No tech specs or supplemental details were available at press time, but the studio tells us that a full press release is expected next week, so we'll keep you posted.
Paramount has set a $39.98 suggested list price for the HD DVD.
As always, you'll find the latest disc details for 'Things We Lost in the Fire' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 12, 2008.
We've also set up a dedicated thread for DreamWorks's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Things We Lost in the Fire' HD DVD release.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Things We Lost in the Fire (HD DVD)
First Look: 'Heartbreak Kid' HD DVD Cover Art
Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: High-Def Disc Packaging, DreamWorks (all tags)
Ben Stiller's 'The Heartbreak Kid' doesn't hit high-def until the end of December, but we've got an early look at the HD DVD cover art.
As previously reported, DreamWorks will bring the Farrelly Brothers remake of the '70s classic to HD DVD and standard-def DVD on December 26 as a special edition loaded with bonus features.
Among the extras set for the HD DVD include audio commentary with the Farrellys, four featurettes ("The Farrelly Brothers in: The French Tradition," "Ben & Jerry," "Heartbreak Halloween," "The Egg Toss"), deleted scenes, a gag reel and the film's original theatrical trailer (in HD).
Tech specs include 1080p/VC-1 video, and high-res audio support with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/24-bit) and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 Surround tracks.
Now DreamWorks has revealed the last remaining spec for the release, the HD DVD's cover art:
 |
As always, you'll find disc details for 'The Heartbreak Kid (2007)' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 26.
We've also set up a dedicated thread for DreamWorks' latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss 'The Heartbreak Kid' HD DVD release.
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- The Heartbreak Kid (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- 'Heartbreak Kid' Heads to HD DVD (Nov 14, 2007)
MORE HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "DREAMWORKS":
- First Look: 'Zodiac' HD DVD Box Art Nov 20, 2007
- Video: New 'Shrek'-Themed HD DVD Commercials Nov 02, 2007
- 'Transformers' HD DVD Smashes First-Week Sales Records Oct 22, 2007
- New 'Shrek' Specs Promise Several HD DVD Firsts Sep 28, 2007
- DreamWorks Sets Date for 'Shrek the Third' HD DVD Sep 18, 2007
- 'Anchorman' to Bow on HD DVD this November Aug 24, 2007
- DreamWorks Kicks It 'Old School' on HD DVD Aug 24, 2007
- DreamWorks Officially Announces 'Norbit' for Blu-ray, HD DVD This June Apr 10, 2007
- 'Letters from Iwo Jima' to Arrive on Blu-ray, HD DVD This May Apr 03, 2007
- DreamWorks Officially Throws Hat Into Next-Gen Ring with 'Dreamgirls' Mar 05, 2007
- DreamWorks to Jump Into Next-Gen Fray with 'Dreamgirls?' Feb 21, 2007
