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Universal details international, new release Blu-ray plans
As promised, Universal has gone slightly more in-depth about its new plans as a Blu-ray studio. A few titles to expect among the 40 due in the second half of this year that we didn't mention previously are the studio's big summer releases The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy II, Mamma Mia and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Home Entertainment division Craig Kornblau has moved on from his red past and appears set to embrace BD-Live, although there weren't any specific plans announced. Otherwise, The Hollywood Reporter says we can expect 29 international Blu-ray releases from Universal, led by the global debut of Heroes seasons one and two.
Universal Studio's prez smiles at the format war
We kind of doubt that many suits high up in the movie industry agrees with Universal Studio's president, Craig Kornblau, but we understand where he is coming from. While we might not go as far as Kornblau by stating the format war is "the very best thing that ever happened for consumers, retailers, and, frankly, studios" but come to think about it, we're grateful. Can you only imagine the player's prices if there wasn't any competition? There is no doubt that Sony would still be selling their first or second generation unit for close to a grand and you can bet the farm that Toshiba would not have intro'd their original player at $500. Prices have dropped for us consumers, retailers are pushing more boxes, and the studios, well, they'll make money by eventually selling you the same movie twice. Yeah, this format war has been a pain at times, but it has drove down the cost allowing more consumers to enjoy their movies in glorious high definition.
