Tag: hollywood

Ridley Scott disenchanted with mobile and computer technology killing cinema

ipod_video.jpgRidley Scott has spoken out against the technology which allows films to be watched on mobile devices and computer screens.

Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, he said that, while many aspects of new technology were “wonderful”, directors were “fighting technology”.

“We try to do films which are in support of cinema, in a large room with good sound and a big picture,” he said.

He wasn’t entirely clear what types of technology were killing cinema, but presumably he’s not a fan of the way films look in anything but the original format. That’s not a new problem for filmmakers.

Andy Merrett Computers, HDTV, Mobile phones, TVs

Paramount and Dreamworks go exclusively HD DVD: Disney, Fox, MGM try hitting back for Blu-ray

Two Hollywood studios who had previously been supporting both Blu-ray and HD DVD high definition disc formats yesterday announced that they’ll support HD DVD exclusively from now on.

The decision was made based on “extensive evaluation” of the current market offerings, plumping for HD DVD because of its “market-ready technology” and lower manufacturing costs.

CEO of Paramount Pictures, Brad Grey, said that this decision by the two studios would bring a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers, with a line-up perfect for HD DVD.

Though no other studio has swapped format, Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, and MGM, all reaffirmed their commitment to Blu-ray, promising many more titles with greater interactivity — something that the format still lags behind HD DVD on thanks to technical limitations of the original Blu-ray specification.

Andy Merrett Blu-ray, HD DVD

Blu-ray film studios launch "Hollywood in Hi-Def" web site

bluray.jpgHigh definition disc formats may not be the most exciting news around, but that’s not stopped companies who support either HD DVD or Blu-ray doing what they can to push their format as the best choice for consumers.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (I think it’s all about home entertainment) have backed a new web site that aims to push Blu-ray as the best choice for watching movies.

It’s called Hollywood in Hi-Def.

Andy Merrett Blu-ray