Why are Blu Ray\HD-DVD movies so damn expensive?

Deano@Dublin · 07-01-2008, 5:14 PM

Anyone?

**Bald Monkey** · 07-01-2008, 5:16 PM

Because you've been looking in HMV and not importing??

dan1979 · 07-01-2008, 5:17 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economies_of_scale

chelsea.tone · 07-01-2008, 5:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Monkey

Because you've been looking in HMV and not importing??

Exactly. I have never bought a UK disc, of either variety

Tony

Deano@Dublin · 07-01-2008, 5:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan1979

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economies_of_scale

So, will they get cheaper?

I just don't remember DVDs being this bad when they were first launched!

H M Wha?

dan1979 · 07-01-2008, 5:29 PM

With technology the early adopters have to pay the high prices to get the new stuff moving.

Prices are already starting to come down with 3 for 2 offers but the problem is DVD has become so cheap.

Sonic67 · 07-01-2008, 5:36 PM

Give it a few months and you might find HD DVD disks in the bargain bins.

(Sorry gallows humour

)

**Bald Monkey** · 07-01-2008, 5:42 PM

Cheaper yes... as cheap as SD ? IMO very unlikely untill the 'next best thing' comes along. Why would the studios want to spend more money and time making HD copies that they then sell for the same price as SD copies?? They are in it for the money, and not just to re-sell to existing customers but to sell at a higher price.

kingfats · 07-01-2008, 5:42 PM

Moved to HD Movies.

Alphawao · 07-01-2008, 5:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deano@Dublin

So, will they get cheaper?

I just don't remember DVDs being this bad when they were first launched!

H M Wha?

Yep new tech always cost allot of Money...I remember when DVD's first came out here 10 years ago (Wow 10 Years) they were £17-20 then FOX decided to star charging £25 for their Big Movies.

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 7:53 PM

Basically the cost is driven as it is a relitively new technology, when DVD first come out you could not buy a DVD for less than £20 (RRP) and 2 disc sets were bordering on £26/£27 mark. As the technology gets more widespread the cost will come down.

In the imidiate future your best bet is to either import, although HD-DVD region coding is apparently locking soon? (I could be wrong but i believe this has been confirmed, by some studios at least) and Blu-rays in some instances are already locked - there is a good thread at the top of this forum to find out which are not. Or to seek out the specials. Various e-tailers now have campaigns including Blu-ray and HD-DVD, some high street retailers are also following this trend, HMV's current 3 for 2 promotion to name but one. Then there is the ever populare "used market", just browse this forums own trade and sale forum where you can pick up some excellent bargins.

bosque · 07-01-2008, 8:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoka

In the imidiate future your best bet is to either import, although HD-DVD region coding is apparently locking soon? (I could be wrong but i believe this has been confirmed, by some studios at least) and Blu-rays in some instances are already locked - there is a good thread at the top of this forum to find out which are not.

The exact opposite of what you believe is the case - one of HD-DVD's biggest benefits for UK AV followers was the lack of region-coding and it was due to remain so, whereas with Blu-Ray you're forever having to check beforehand whether your imported disc can play on your machine. Progress !

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 8:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosque

one of HD-DVD's biggest benefits for UK AV followers was the lack of region-coding and it was due to remain so

I think "was" is the key word there, from what I have read HD-DVD region lock will be brought into effect by the end of 2008. IUt was certainly suggested at the begining of the format to the point where the sleves of the discs are suggesting a region code of some sort

bosque · 07-01-2008, 8:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoka

I think "was" is the key word there, from what I have read HD-DVD region lock will be brought into effect by the end of 2008. IUt was certainly suggested at the begining of the format to the point where the sleves of the discs are suggesting a region code of some sort

You must be one of the few who expects HD-DVD discs to still be on sale at the end of 2008.

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 8:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosque

You must be one of the few who expects HD-DVD discs to still be on sale at the end of 2008.

I Don't really care personally I've got a blu-ray player

(well a PS3), I have been holding back buying a HD-DVD player until the cost is negliable for the few films I would watch on it, until 1 HD standard exists. I would have the same opinion re Blu-ray if I didn't have PS3.

bosque · 07-01-2008, 8:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoka

I Don't really care personally I've got a blu-ray player

(well a PS3), I have been holding back buying a HD-DVD player until the cost is negliable for the few films I would watch on it, until 1 HD standard exists. I would have the same opinion re Blu-ray if I didn't have PS3.

Not sure what that post has got to do with your opinion that HD-DVD discs will be region locked

and that HD-DVD will be on sale at the end of 2008

. Have you actually heard that little item about Warners and Blu-Ray ?

**Bald Monkey** · 07-01-2008, 8:39 PM

And where on earth did you hear the rumour that HD-DVD was going to enforce region coding?

Was this on all discs? From all studios?

You didn't hear this from Michael bay did you?

I hope not!

So far neither the HD-DVD promo group, Universal, Paramount or even Warners have said that this will ever happen... so you must have some pretty strong information to suggest that it will happen by the end of the year, or it would be a ludicrous statement?

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 8:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosque

Not sure what that post has got to do with your opinion that HD-DVD discs will be region locked

and that HD-DVD will be on sale at the end of 2008

. Have you actually heard that little item about Warners and Blu-Ray ?

It was kind of in response to your previous post. ie

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosque

You must be one of the few who expects HD-DVD discs to still be on sale at the end of 2008.

Yes I have heard about Warner opting for blu-ray, which IMO is a good thing, I think the whole situation should switch to one or the other. The reason this post has come to where it is, is the natural progression of conversation, admitidley though it has gone slightly off topic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Monkey

And where on earth did you hear the rumour that HD-DVD was going to enforce region coding?

Was this on all discs? From all studios?

You didn't hear this from Michael bay did you? I hope not!

So far neither the HD-DVD promo group, Universal, Paramount or even Warners have said that this will ever happen... so you must have some pretty strong information to suggest that it will happen by the end of the year, or it would be a ludicrous statement?

there are various informed discussions about it on the internet. I work in the DVD industry, and from talking to several studio's, this is the genral plan for the eventual future (suggested end of 08), In the UK at least.

The logic behind even suggesting a region code in the first place would also suggest this, but admitidley this could change.

It all comes back to the original question, re: will pricing come down/why is it so expensive for media. HD-DVD could drastically come down in price if region locking is enforced, or if there is an outcome to the Blu-ray v. HD-DVD war

**Bald Monkey** · 07-01-2008, 9:03 PM

So are you suggesting that all HD-DVD will be region coded?

What happened to the freedom of choice to region code or not that most studios seem to enjoy even on BR?

What will happen to current discs and players that are not region coded and Toshiba has insisted never will be or could be changed? or will this just effect new releases?

Was this prior to the Warner announcement?

You say you have talked to several "studios" funny how they would all make this idependant decision at once, then fix a date 12months in advance, after years or not wanting it....

Sorry but I don't believe you.

FunkyMonkey · 07-01-2008, 9:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deano@Dublin

So, will they get cheaper?

I just don't remember DVDs being this bad when they were first launched!

H M Wha?

Uh, what? I remember waiting with anticipation for Fight Club and Gladiator to come out on DVD - and the price? Over £20 each!!!!!!

Tejstar · 07-01-2008, 9:19 PM

Price is the main reason I've got more HD-DVD's than BD's. I've got a UK PS3 player which has hindered what discs I can buy from overseas. I've looked at prices of UK BD's and even on UK sites they are extortionate tbh. I'll stay on the sidelines for most titles until prices come down to a much more reasonable level.

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 9:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Monkey

So are you suggesting that all HD-DVD will be region coded?

What happened to the freedom of choice to region code or not that most studios seem to enjoy even on BR?

What will happen to current discs and players that are not region coded and Toshiba has insisted never will be or could be changed? or will this just effect new releases?

Was this prior to the Warner announcement?

You say you have talked to several "studios" funny how they would all make this idependant decision at once, then fix a date 12months in advance, after years or not wanting it....

Sorry but I don't believe you.

The region coding is down in part to the discs not entirely the player, its only in esscence a piece of software which is present on all players (as far as i know) and can be implimented on all discs. I'm sure current discs will still be playable on current machines, it may be something that could be put into newer machines. We know that current machines discs are not region coded, however this could and most likely will.

It all comes down to why region coding on DVD's (and PAL/NTSC videos before that) was there in the forst place $$$ for studios.

It has been on the cards since well before Warner Bros. made the decision.

I'm not saying they [the studios] have all sat round a table and agreed to a date, but they will all be "keeping up with the jones'" If any publisher wishes to restrict use of their HD DVD content, they may do this, and this is govenerned by a consortium, including amongst other Warners, Disney, toshiba and (strangely) Sony, this can be done using AACS encryption which essentially can disable any device from using the disc, ie certain areas players. But there is also always going to be the modified players as there is today with DVD that have the region control flashed and unlocked.

there are several sources that can easily be found online to add to this.

Shoka · 07-01-2008, 9:29 PM

To get back on track from my previous posts. They will come down eventually, its just a case of waiting, at the moment in comparison its a small number of us who have any form of HD player so the studios can keep charging the ammount the do until it becomes more accesible, then we will see the same happen as has happened with DVD

Hugh · 07-01-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphawao

Yep new tech always cost allot of Money...I remember when DVD's first came out here 10 years ago (Wow 10 Years) they were £17-20 then FOX decided to star charging £25 for their Big Movies.

pffft and just before then, I paid £125 ($1 to £1 rip-off merchants) for the new Criterion CAV release of The Killer. And that wasn't my most expensive laserdisc.

Kids today eh?