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Ken Graffeo leaving HD marketing role at Universal, still sticking around the studio
Ken Graffeo, who formerly served as executive VP of marketing before signing on as executive VP of HD strategic marketing at Universal, has decided to step down from a position that had essentially crumbled since the fall of HD DVD. Curiously enough, the bigwig noted that he wouldn't be taking on a similar role for the Blu-ray side, but did assert that he would be hanging around Universal Studios Home Entertainment. More specifically, he was quoted as saying that he would be "looking at what [his] different options are and what [his] next moves would be," which -- to be fair -- is about as canned of a response as one could hope for. Somehow, we get the feeling Ken will be quite alright, though.[Via FormatWarCentral, image courtesy of FutureNet]
Universal exec says studio and HD DVD are moving forward
In an interview, Universal executive vice president and HD DVD Promotional Group co-president Ken Graffeo gave some insights to the recent format war developments. First up, he addresses the obvious: the pre-CES Warner announcement was a surprise, and the necessary re-jiggering of the HD DVD press conference is what led to its cancellation. Graffeo also reiterates that Universal will continue to stand behind the HD DVD format and roll out new titles; "business as usual" as he calls it. It's a brave face to put on the embattled format; but if consumer purchases are the strongest statement that can be made, then how can the 60:40 split in sales figures be reconciled with his statement that "... we just haven't addressed (Warner's move) yet?"
Universal Studios VP sez HD DVD is 'more affordable' than Blu-ray
As if the format war really needed another quote for fanboys on both sides to jump on and argue over, none other than Ken Graffeo (an executive vice president at Universal Studios) threw a proverbial can of lighter fluid right on the fire. Responding to the recent Target reports that misinterpreted Sony's purchase of an "end cap" for Blu-ray players as the ousting of HD DVD from the store, Ken went on to say that "standalone HD DVD players are still much more affordable than Blu-ray players," and moreover, he reportedly added that HD DVD provided a better experience, and welcomed a direct comparison between movies such as 300 and Blood Diamond, which are available on both formats. 'Course, there certainly seems to have been a lot more price cutting going on in the HD DVD camp of late, but regardless of price quarrels, what does this say about Universal's chances of actually supporting Blu-ray anytime soon?
