The format wars are still raging for high definition DVD movies. Thus far, it looks like Blu-ray will sell the largest number of high definition movies in 2007 due to alliances with movie studios selling some of this year’s hottest movies, plus the fact that the newest Sony PlayStaton 3 game console includes a Blu-ray player (smart move). Next year could be different.
Unfortunately, due to business alliances, some movie studios are only releasing their movies in a single format. There are ways around this, as I pointed out in my post about region codes. Many movies that are only available in Blu-ray in the USA are available in HD DVD format in Europe and other overseas markets. Because HD DVD does not use region codes, these moves will work on all HD DVD players.
We have compiled a list of movie studios and the formats used for their newest movie releases in the USA market. It may help you to decide which type of high definition play to buy.
Major Studio Alliances for High Definition Movie Formats
| Blu-Ray Format | Both Formats | HD DVD Format |
Sony Tristar Pictures Walt Disney 20th Century Fox Lionsgate Entertainment |
Warner Brothers New Line HBO |
Paramount Dreamworks Universal Studios |
It is interesting to note that some of the studios have changed alliances, such as Dreamworks and Paramount. Both formerly released movies on the Blu-ray format, but recently moved exclusively to the HD DVD camp.
As I’ve mentioned before, from the consumer’s perspective, the format war becomes neutered as soon as the prices hit the sub $500 range for dual format players. It may take another year or two for this to happen, but it is coming. Dual format high definition players are currently available from LG Electronics and Samsung.