The high-definition format war may have moved a step closer to an armageddon-like conclusion for HD-DVD, as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment today announced it will stop releasing its movies on HD-DVD and begin to back only the Blu-ray Disc format.
According to Reuters, the studio will make its exclusive switch to Blu-ray in June. All of Warner Bros.’ movies will continue to release in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats until the end of May.
Warner Bros. attributed its move to support Blu-ray exclusively to consumer confusion and a need for resolution in the “HD-DVD or Blu-ray?” discussions?
“The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger,” said Warner Bros. Chairman and Chief Executive Barry Meyer. “We believe that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential for mass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and most importantly, consumers.”
Warner Bros.’ decision means that Paramount, Universal and New Line Cinema are the only three big-studio amigos in their support of HD-DVD. Other, smaller, studios will continue to back the HD-DVD format, including The Weinstein Company, Canal Studios, Genius Products, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Image, Rhino and Bandhi.
