New Line Cinema Backs Blu-ray

As expected, and according to a report at Variety, New Line Cinema has confirmed it will follow Warner Bros. lead in becoming Blu-ray only this year. New Line Cinema is a sister company to Warner and had indicated earlier that it would follow whatever lead Warner took in the format war. At this point in time that makes for a dramatically one-sided picture in the high-definition DVD format skirmish:

Blu-ray Disc-only Studios

• Sony Pictures Entertainment
• MGM (20% owned by Sony)
• Disney/Buena Vista
• 20th Century Fox
• Warner Bros. (as of 1/04/2008)
• New Line Cinema (as of 1/04/2008)
• Lionsgate

HD DVD-only Studios

• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• DreamWorks Pictures (excluding Spielberg-directed films which are under his control)
• DreamWorks Animation

Paramount/DreamWorks were apparently paid $150 million (we're certain many Blu-ray studios were paid as well in one form or another, so don't feel that we're singling them out) for an 18-month exclusivity contract. This contract is up February, 2009. Of course, it is also possible to breach the contract and pay monetary penalties... The burning question in our mind is: What will HD DVD's next move be and will it be something that prolongs the format war, or makes it apparent that the tide has shifted?

All in all, it's still like watching two ants fight over a piece of toast when the loaf is being carried off by grasshoppers - but, much like a good wildlife shows, it's almost impossible to take your eyes off the action.