DigitMemo.com

Movies Distributed by Paramount and DreamWorks Animation are to be released Exclusively in HD DVD Exclusively, include “Blades of Glory,” “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third”, which representing more than $1.5 Billion in combined worldwide box office.

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.”

Blu-ray has won the support of Sony Pictures Entertainment, 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney, while Warner Bros Entertainment uses both formats.

Back in June, Blockbuster said it will expand its inventory of Blu-ray high-definition DVDs to 1,700 stores, saying Blu-ray has proven more popular with its customers than a competing high-definition format. And in July, Target, the second-largest retailer in the nation, has decided to carry only Blu-ray players, although it will continue to sell HD DVD movies along with Blu-ray movies in its stores.

Source: NYTimes