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[Costanza]

UPDATE: WOW, THE THREAD IS DELETED... He removed his comment!?

Oh shit :lol

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Reading that press release doesn't give this impression at all. Where are you getting it from?

The Paramount guy says that no Spielberg stuff is coming out in 2007. And you think they'd release anything on Blu-ray when they still have exclusive contract with HD DVD? C'mon! That wasn't hard to decipher.

 

[ManaByte]

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886&Itemid=2

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. Movies directed by Steven Spielberg will however continue to be released in both HD DVD and Blu-Ray formats.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Van, I was predicting an early 08 capitulation by Universal before this announcement. Had this not happened, I am certain Universal would have gone neutral post-holiday. Even if they do now, Paramount won't be neutral until 09.

And when I say console mentaility, I don't mean the bicking back-and-forth, I mean the assuming the specifics of how and why people adopt a format. With consoles, it makes sense to have more than one in part because in 4-5 years it won't matter, games age and rotate off of your collection mosr of the time, even for those of us who like old games. Movies endure, and thus the notion of supporting multiple players in multiple locations is untenable and buying both today is, for many, shortsighted.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

No the forum isn't down, the thread as been deleted...

I imagine it's because he said something he wasn't quite prepared to back up (i.e. FU to Transformers 2). It's possible he's probably learning of the details at the same rate we are; so he was told yes money hats were exchanged, no you can't do anything about it, but the exclusivity will be over by the time T2 is out.

Nonetheless, it's pretty clear he's not happy about the situation.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886&Itemid=2

That's the press release. This is a clarification of the press release.

Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, saying that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"

Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format. "At this moment, there are no plans for something further [on either format]. Anything in the future will be decided on a title-by-title basis. There certainly won't be more titles in 2007."

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...y,_But_Future_High-Def_Releases_Uncertain/878

 

[Laurent]

I imagine it's because he said something he wasn't quite prepared to back up (i.e. FU to Transformers 2). It's possible he's probably learning of the details at the same rate we are; so he was told yes money hats were exchanged, no you can't do anything about it, but the exclusivity will be over by the time T2 is out.

Nonetheless, it's pretty clear he's not happy about the situation.

...or he's getting a small but neat money hat...

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886&Itemid=2

Those are words from an article writer. He's assuming. As are you.

The official word from Spielbergs PR themselves is:

Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"

i.e. Marvin Levy, a dreamworks marketing executive and long time spokesman for Spielberg.

 

[thaivo]

No the forum isn't down, the thread as been deleted...

Perhaps he thought about it, and the $100,000 in royalties he's losing from BD sales, is outweighed by the +10 Million he'll be paid to make Transformers 2.. :lol

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Those are words from an article writer. He's assuming. As are you.

The official word from Spielbergs PR themselves is:

Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"

i.e. Marvin Levy, a dreamworks marketing executive and long time spokesman for Spielberg.

Quit confusing him with facts.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

...or he's getting a small but neat money hat...

... so... ?

 

[Warm Machine]

This isn't going to effect HD-DVD software sales numbers in the short term at all. It'll probably only do anything when Transformers or any other big name Paramount film is released.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

I imagine it's because he said something he wasn't quite prepared to back up (i.e. FU to Transformers 2). It's possible he's probably learning of the details at the same rate we are; so he was told yes money hats were exchanged, no you can't do anything about it, but the exclusivity will be over by the time T2 is out.

Nonetheless, it's pretty clear he's not happy about the situation.

He said it in anger. Transformers is clearly a franchise now. And it's Michael Bay's own thing now. He's never had a franchise and realized that he was out of line. And he was. Paramount pays him to make movies, not make marketing decisions.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

Perhaps he thought about it, and the $100,000 in royalties he's losing from BD sales, is outweighed by the +10 Million he'll be paid to make Transformers 2.. :lol

He probably did make that rationalization. But he did make the comment. So it's clear he wasn't happy about it.

As a director, would you be happy if suddenly the audience that could see your films in the best quality possible is cut by 2/3rds?

 

[jjasper]

He said it in anger. Transformers is clearly a franchise now. And it's Michael Bay's own thing now. He's never had a franchise and realized that he was out of line. And he was. Paramount pays him to make movies, not make marketing decisions.

Bad Boys!!

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

He said it in anger. Transformers is clearly a franchise now. And it's Michael Bay's own thing now. He's never had a franchise and realized that he was out of line. And he was. Paramount pays him to make movies, not make marketing decisions.

Yup. The only martial thing that comes of this (if you can call it material) is that he likes BluRay.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

I saw the news and immediately thought of this thread.

As expected, GAF delivers. :lol

 

[Laurent]

... so... ?

...so he removed his comment after learning that he would get money. I'm not judging him, I'm just adding another assumption...

 

[VanMardigan]

It's not just the article writers that are stating Spielberg dual format releases, though. Rob Moore, President Worldwide Marketing, Distribution and Home Entertainment for Paramount Pictures:

Spielberg, however, is a huge supporter of Blu-Ray and always has been and wants the titles to be available in both formats - so those will be cross-platform titles.

That's from the same quote you guys are giving mana a hard time about.

 

[thaivo]

He probably did make that rationalization. But he did make the comment. So it's clear he wasn't happy about it.

As a director, would you be happy if suddenly the audience that could see your films in the best quality possible is cut by 2/3rds?

If I was a director, I'd probably be upset in the same way. Bay may be pro-BD or not, but it is funny that there were BD fans cheering him on for saying what he said, and then the thread was killed. :lol If I were a Bay fan, I'd have lost a little bit of respect for the man. Then again, everyone makes mistakes... his could have been one in the millions of dollars.:lol

 

[acabado]

OMG I 'll have to wait 18 months to see Transformers on BD =\

More 18 months contract details at The New Yok Times

 

[xS1TH L0RDx]

el oh el "bay" and "respect"

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

...so he removed his comment after learning that he would get money. I'm not judging him, I'm just adding another assumption...

But what's that add?

It's pretty clear to me; he wasn't pleased about this deal which took him by surprise. That he took down the comment doesn't mean he's recanted his position and came out and said something along the lines of: Actually, I think this is a very positive thing now that I've thought about it.

 

[jjasper]

If I was a director, I'd probably be upset in the same way. Bay may be pro-BD or not, but it is funny that there were BD fans cheering him on for saying what he said, and then the thread was killed. :lol If I were a Bay fan, I'd have lost a little bit of respect for the man. Then again, everyone makes mistakes... his could have been one in the millions of dollars.:lol

What he said was in no way pro-BD. It was more I want everyone to have a chance to see my movie.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

It's not just the article writers that are stating Spielberg dual format releases, though. Rob Moore, President Worldwide Marketing, Distribution and Home Entertainment for Paramount Pictures:

Spielberg, however, is a huge supporter of Blu-Ray and always has been and wants the titles to be available in both formats - so those will be cross-platform titles.

That's from the same quote you guys are giving mana a hard time about.

I was working with that assumption until the Dreamworks/Spielberg PR came out. I give that one more creedence. I figured Paramount's move ensured dual format releases, if any-- the new PR implies it won't be any, at least for now.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

It's not just the article writers that are stating Spielberg dual format releases, though. Rob Moore, President Worldwide Marketing, Distribution and Home Entertainment for Paramount Pictures:

Spielberg, however, is a huge supporter of Blu-Ray and always has been and wants the titles to be available in both formats - so those will be cross-platform titles.

That's from the same quote you guys are giving mana a hard time about.

And again. Here's the quote from Spielberg's long time spokeman and VP of Dreamworks marketing. Made AFTER Rob Moore's quote. In clarification to it.

"Levy further clarified the Paramount/DreamWorks press release, syaing that "...his movies, like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War of the Worlds,' are not included in that deal. They are not exclusive to HD DVD, nor [are they] planned for that format at this time.'"

 

[VanMardigan]

18 months is the minimum amount of time to see Transformers, Shrek, and the rest of the titles involved. Supposing that the boosts the HD DVD format to a more even software split, then it would be reasonable to assume that all parties involved would want to extend the arrangement.

edit:

In regards to Spielberg: you know what, I guess I'll have to agree that the more recent comment takes precedence until we hear anything further from Paramount. Still, no more movies are slated from him for the rest of the year, so there's plenty of time to sort stuff out between the studios and his camp.

 

[thaivo]

What he said was in no way pro-Bd it was more I want everyone to have a chance to see my movie.

Actually that was what I meant by if I was a director, I'd be upset too. As a filmmaker, you definitely want your film to be in the most hands as possible.

 

[xS1TH L0RDx]

Man I'd love saving private ryan in high def. that would be a fantastic disc.

 

[jjasper]

Actually that was what I meant by if I was a director, I'd be upset too. As a filmmaker, you definitely want your film to be in the most hands as possible.

Here is the acutal quote:

"I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!"

 

[Laurent]

But what's that add?

It's pretty clear to me; he wasn't pleased about this deal which took him by surprise. That he took down the comment doesn't mean he's recanted his position and came out and said something along the lines of: Actually, I think this is a very positive thing now that I've thought about it.

Alright, let me quote you again...

I imagine it's because he said something he wasn't quite prepared to back up (i.e. FU to Transformers 2). It's possible he's probably learning of the details at the same rate we are; so he was told yes money hats were exchanged, no you can't do anything about it, but the exclusivity will be over by the time T2 is out.

Nowhere did you imply that he could be getting money to shut up. Maybe it was obvious that you were insinuating this, but I didn't read it as obvious as you seem to state it... I read that "moneyhats were exchanged between Paramount and HD-DVD God" and not between him and Paramount, otherwise he would have known that...

 

[Rabid Wolverine]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33722

Hey folks, Harry here. Woke up with the following press release in my InBox, then shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from Rob Moore, President Worldwide Marketing, Distribution and Home Entertainment for Paramount Pictures - who is doing a flurry of interviews today - in articles you'll read tomorrow in the NY TIMES, LA TIMES, USA TODAY - etc. You see - this is a big deal, because this means that alongside UNIVERSAL, PARAMOUNT is going EXCLUSIVE to HD DVD.

So, the first question I asked Rob Moore was... "Why would PARAMOUNT/DREAMWORKS choose the allegedly losing format in this format war?"

Rob responded that the keyword there was "Allegedly". It seems that according to their studies, the people that buy stand alone players - buy more dedicated film product... so, due to Toshiba's commitment to getting quality equipment at the under $300 barrier - means to the execs at Paramount, that this is the format to support.

I then countered with, "But isn't Sony supposed to introduce an under $300 Blu-Ray player this Holiday season?"

Rob responded that they have heard that, but it hadn't been assured yet. So next, I asked, "Why support either format exclusively - wouldn't providing content to supporters of both formats be the way to go?" Rob responded that concentrating on one format allows them to concentrate on content for that format exclusively, thus giving better product for the format they support. It also means that they can begin opening up their library and getting more product out for the format. Which is a very good thing for those of us on HD.

I then asked when the INDIANA JONES set would hit and if it would be exclusive to HD. Rob responded that on the films that Spielberg, however, is a huge supporter of Blu-Ray and always has been and wants the titles to be available in both formats - so those will be cross-platform titles. However, the rest of Dreamworks, Viacom/Paramount's world... those will be HD DVD exclusive for the next few years at least. Can you imagine BLOCKBUSTER not letting people rent TRANSFORMERS, SHREK THE THIRD, etc? Me Either. This format war is a fascinating chess game, isn't it?

Next, I talked with Alan Bell, the Chief Technology officer for Paramount. He's been in charge of the technological decisions and realities for Paramount, since the advent of DVD. I asked Alan if he was happy with this decision, or if this was something that was being forced upon them.

Alan then went into a very complicated series of statements about how HD DVD was the format that makes sense for Paramount. It's not just a matter of the amount of space that one format has over another. That's a gross simplification between the two formats. You see, HD DVD was built upon... not just the technology of DVD, but the programming software and other aspects. When we began talking about the cost issues - Alan stated it's very very complex, but that the replication facilities that have been built for the mass production of DVD - it's much cheaper and simpler to convert for HD DVD mass production.

For those of us consuming these products - it's easy to simply believe decisions are made due to just advertising incentives, but when you speak to the technology guys inside these studios - you hear that HD DVD is cheaper, serves the technological needs of the High Definition format, that the programming languages are an extension of the established DVD format - so it is easier for them to work with. This decision is about more than an intial Toshiba advertising incentive - the decision was made at a tech level, an economic level and about a cost delivery level to the public. Paramount made this decision from the tech guys up. Here's the release...

 

[thaivo]

Here is the acutal quote:

Oh, I read the quote that's why I said he may or may not be a BD-Supporter. I just thought it was funny how he was congratulated on expressing his displeasure by some of his fans, then then the thread is killed.

 

[SRG01]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33722

Sorry, welcome to like 10-15 pages ago.

 

[Crayon Shinchan]

Alright, let me quote you again...

Nowhere did you imply that he could be getting money to shut up. Maybe it was obvious that you were insinuating this, but I didn't read it as obvious as you seem to state it... I read that "moneyhats were exchanged between Paramount and HD-DVD God" and not between him and Paramount, otherwise he would have known that...

What money hat could he possibly have recieved?

OTOH, he's got the directors paycheck for T2 probably worth over 10 mil to consider. And his outrage at the situation is negated by the fact that exclusivity will be over by the time T2 hits home video market (i.e. T2 will be on BD and HD-DVD).

 

[kaching]

18 months is the minimum amount of time to see Transformers, Shrek, and the rest of the titles involved.

Assuming there's no clause in this contract that might allow them out before that, like if HDDVD has to maintain a certain minimum marketshare or something like that. In which case, it could be less than 18 months.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Levy went on emphasize that beyond 'Close Encounters,' Spielberg has no other films in the high-def pipeline on either format. "At this moment, there are no plans for something further [on either format]. Anything in the future will be decided on a title-by-title basis. There certainly won't be more titles in 2007."

Aw man! I've actually been thinking about A.I. and would love to have that in HD.


Speaking of Bay... anyone else think that his account could have been hacked? That line about FU to Transformers 2 seemed really odd - (maybe he's just an odd guy).

 

[xS1TH L0RDx]

Aw man! I've actually been thinking about A.I. and would love to have that in HD.


Speaking of Bay... anyone else think that his account could have been hacked? That line about FU to Transformers 2 seemed really odd - (maybe he's just an odd guy).

of course it was hacked. that whole post was bullshit. there's too much money in t2 to not make it. i thought we all knew that?

 

[mckmas8808]

Aw man! I've actually been thinking about A.I. and would love to have that in HD.


Speaking of Bay... anyone else think that his account could have been hacked? That line about FU to Transformers 2 seemed really odd - (maybe he's just an odd guy).

Going by his movies he is an odd guy.

 

[djkimothy]

I go down and play Sigma for a bit and come back to this thread.

I read the new posts and I....

 

[Laurent]

Aw man! I've actually been thinking about A.I. and would love to have that in HD.


Speaking of Bay... anyone else think that his account could have been hacked? That line about FU to Transformers 2 seemed really odd - (maybe he's just an odd guy).

He NEVER said FU... Here:

Paramount pisses me off! I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!

He said "pisses me off" and "sucks" which I would rate E for Everyone! :lol

 

[ManaByte]

http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2300

I spoke to Michael a few minutes ago.

He said he just wants people to know that we should be able to view his movies in the format of our choice. Period.

Nothing more, nothing less.

_________________
> nelson /michaelbay.com admin /

 

[Laurent]

The internet will always remember...

 

[Oni Jazar]

He NEVER said FU... Here:

He said "pisses me off" and "sucks" which I would rate E for Everyone! :lol

Sorry I didn't mean to imply he cursed. It was just that he brought up Transformers 2 like that. Anywas given the new post the account probably wasn't hacked. I guess the post could have been a lot worse if it was.

 

[thaivo]

http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2300

Shoot for the edit indeed. :lol

 

[jjasper]

http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2300

Well there is a little more, the whole not wanting to do Transformers 2 now because of this.

 

[ManaByte]

Well there is a little more, the whole not wanting to do Transformers 2 now because of this.

no, that post was deleted.

 

[jjasper]

no, that post was deleted.

Yeah I know. This post was just to say he didn't have a preference in the format wars. What it doesn't address was his knee jerk reaction about not wanting to do the sequel now.

 

[ManaByte]

Yeah I know. This post was just to say he didn't have a preference in the format wars. What it doesn't address was his knee jerk reaction about not wanting to do the sequel now.

He quit Pearl Harbor four times while filming it.

 

[thaivo]

Yeah I know. This post was just to say he didn't have a preference in the format wars. What it doesn't address was his knee jerk reaction about not wanting to do the sequel now.

I think it's a fair inference to make that he would like to still do Transformers 2, seeing as it's his most successful film.