With Warner’s switch to Blu, Universal is the largest studio releasing HD DVD, so there are a lot of eyes watching their every move. And there have been mixed reports over the past day.
First up, Variety is reporting that Universal’s exclusivity contract with HD DVD has expired. This leaves them open to releasing on Blu-ray. They’re committed to some HD DVD promotional efforts in the coming months, so they may not announce a change until after fulfilling those commitments. Via EngadgetHD.
Universal has stated:“Universal’s current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format.” Sure, that’s their ‘current’ plan, and I believe that. Note that a couple of weeks before making their Blu-ray exclusivity announcement Warner denied that a change was in the works. How was that worded?“We have made no decision to change our present policy which is to produce in both HD DVD and Blu-ray.” Present policy, current policy… same thing. Universal will release Blu-ray, count on it. But it may be a few months off yet before they announce anything.
