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Feb 4, 2005

Hollywood to sell HD DVD titles for US$19-29

TOKYO - Warner Bros Inc, Paramount Pictures Corp and Universal Studios will likely start selling HD DVD movie titles in Japan and the US in October for 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen (US$19-29).

The three major Hollywood movie studios, which back the HD DVD format, had already announced their plans to release a total of 89 HD DVD movie titles in the two nations. Most of these are expected to hit the market this year.

The generous pricing, which will put the differential between the HD DVD software and conventional DVD movie titles at no more than 1,000 yen, is believed to be aimed at aiding in HD DVD's fight against the rival Blu-ray Disc format. The HD DVD standard is being pushed by Toshiba Corp and others, while a separate group led by Sony Corp is rallying behind Blu-ray.

Thomas Lesinski, president of Paramount Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment, said the differential between his company's HD DVD and conventional DVD movie titles would likely be around US$5-10. Since the firm's DVD movie software sells between US$15 and US$20, HD DVD titles will likely retail for 20-US$30.

Warner Bros and Universal Studios have yet to announce any decisions on pricing of HD DVD software, but their prices are expected to be in line with Paramount's.

(Asia Pulse/Nikkei)

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