UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BACK OUT OF BLU-RAY
Universal Studios has decided not to release movies within the Blu-Ray format, according to a spokeswoman representing the Blu-Ray Disc Association. In an email sent to
PC Magazine, a spokeswoman said that Universal had withdrawn its earlier support for the format. A
PC Magazine reporter had requested supporting documents when researching a
previous story documenting imprecisions in surveys released to bolster the Blu-Ray and competing HD-DVD format, although that request was not actually referenced in the email.
"This spring, you received materials explaining the advantages of the Blu-ray format for optical discs," the spokeswoman said. "Those materials explained that, to date, over 108 movie and music titles were scheduled for release in Blu-ray Disc and listed the studios behind those releases.
"Unfortunately, in the graphics accompanying that text, a few titles from Universal Studios were depicted," the email continued. "Although the Blu-ray format has many advantages over competing technologies and has the support of numerous studios including Disney, Fox, Sony Pictures, MGM, Lions Gate, Paramount and Warner, Universal has decided not to release titles in this format. We will let you know when and if that changes, along with other updates about how well the Blu-ray format has been accepted."
The report comes after Craig Kornblau, the president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, was quoted by ITwire.com.au, speaking at the
CEDIA consumer electronics show last week.
According to
ITWire, Kornblau essentially handed the next-generation DVD crown to HD DVD: "Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media -- HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today," Kornblau said.
Universal Music Group, which is owned by Europe's Vivendi, has supported the Blu-Ray format.
Although Blu-Ray seemed to have won the lion's share of supporters in the early going, the format has suffered from Sony's miscues. Sony has already
run into Blu-Ray production issues, suffering from a shortage of blue lasers, which has forced the company to
delay its PlayStation3 console in Europe, which uses a Blu-Ray drive.
