Rich Fiscus
24 Oct 2007 11:02
Despite being outsold nearly 2 to 1 by Blu-ray in the first three quarters of this year, some analysts expect HD DVD to make a strong finish in the fourth quarter. They point to sales records set by the HD DVD release of Transformers by Paramount Pictures.
Earlier this year another HD DVD release, 300, generated a lot of buzz until it was released on Blu-ray and the HD DVD numbers were quickly eclipsed. Ironically, until August Paramount also released movies in both formats, which could conceivably have dealt yet another blow to HD DVD if they hadn't decided to release on HD DVD exclusively.
Still, a single title can't determine the success of an entire format, and this holiday season may be a turning point for either one. Besides competition for standalone player sales, the success or failure of Sony's PS3 will also have some effect since it doubles as a Blu-ray player.
"It's going to be 2008 before the dust will really starts to settle. For now, its like watching a yacht race," said Gerry Kaufhold, an analyst with the In-Stat research firm.
Source: Reuters