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'Transformers' HD DVD Smashes First-Week Sales Records
Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 05:27 PM ETTags: Disc Sales, Paramount, DreamWorks, Michael Bay (all tags)
Paramount says first-week sales numbers for its HD DVD release of 'Transformers' top those of any other high-def disc released on either next gen format to date.
According to a just-issued press release from Paramount, the HD DVD edition of 'Transformers' sold over 100,000 units in its first day of release, and went on to sell an additional 90,000 units over next six days, making it the fastest and best-selling week one release on either high definition format, as well as the best selling HD DVD ever.
The standard-def version of 'Transformers' also made news, moving over 8.3 million units in its first week, and 4.5 million copies on day one, a new record for the year 2007.
"The performance of the 'Transformers' DVD and HD DVD has demonstrated the phenomenal success of this global franchise," said Kelley Avery, president, Worldwide Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures. “We’re happy to be kicking off the fourth quarter with a title that clearly shows home entertainment releases are still an event that drives consumers into stores—which is a win for both content providers and retailers.”
Paramount's HD DVD release of 'Transformers' last week came less than two months after the studio abruptly announced it would drop support of the Blu-ray format, and would release its next-gen titles on HD DVD exclusively. The studio reportedly received $150 million in exchange for its exclusivity.
Thanks to Michael for the tip!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Transformers Becomes This Year’s Top-Selling DVD and the Best-Selling High Definition Title Day One and Week One for Either Format [Press Release]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Transformers (2007) (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- AP: Paramount/DreamWorks Drops Blu-ray; Studio to Support HD DVD Exclusively (Aug 20, 2007)
Michael Bay Retracts Earlier Statement; Says He Supports Paramount's Decision to Back HD DVD
Tue Aug 21, 2007 at 09:16 PM ETTags: Michael Bay, Paramount (all tags)
In a story that just won't die, 'Transformers' director Michael Bay now says he over-reacted when he posted a widely-reported angry message on his web site last night, condemning Paramount for dropping its support of Blu-ray.
After huddling with Paramount brass today (and apparently watching the '300' HD DVD -- "it rocks," says Bay), the 'Transformers' director says he understands where the studio is coming from, and that after hearing Paramount's rationale for choosing HD DVD over Blu-ray, "I like what I heard."
Bay now dismisses his earlier comments as an ill-informed late night post, written in haste following dinner with three owners of Blu-ray players. "I drank the kool aid hook line and sinker," said Bay.
The full text of Bay's new post follows below:
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"Last night at dinner I was having dinner with three blu-ray owners, they were pissed about no Transformers Blu-ray and I drank the kool aid hook line and sinker. So at 1:30 in the morning I posted - nothing good ever comes out of early am posts mind you - I over reacted. I heard where Paramount is coming from and the future of HD and players that will be close to the $200 mark which is the magic number. I like what I heard. As a director, I'm all about people seeing films in the best quality possible, and I saw and heard firsthand people upset about a corporate decision. So today I saw 300 on HD, it rocks! So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!" |
For the record, this concludes High-Def Digest's wall-to-wall coverage of Michael Bay's format preferences...
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Michael Bay HD post [Shoot for the Edit -- Michael Bay's Official Site]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- 300 (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Bay to Paramount: "No Blu-ray, No Transformers 2!" (Aug 21, 2007)
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