So here’s something interesting I came across the other day (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aDMXKb0oqb34&refer=home). According to the article, fourth quarter shipments of DVD’s fell 32% in the U.S. and Canada: “The drop is the biggest since the industry-funded researcher started keeping track in 1997.” It goes on to blame the consumer shift toward digital media services like iTunes and Netflix, echoing what many have been saying with regard to the apparent drop in television audiences over the past several years.
Of course, from personal experience, the connection isn’t that clean-cut. After all, I don’t download programming, nor do I rent movies. And yet, I’ve gone from purchasing 5-6 DVD’s a week to 1 every couple of months. So what happened?
Well, for starters, Blu-ray happened. While a part of me appreciates the technological advancement, another part of me (specifically, that part now saddled with a room full of second-rate DVD’s) does not. Granted, Blu-ray players are backward compatible, allowing me to view both the gorgeous new Blu-ray DVD’s as well as my old, shitty ones, but I’ve yet to pick one up. There’s the cost of the new player, the extra costs of the DVD’s, and the fact that many, many titles are not yet available on Blu-ray. And then there’s the admittedly irrational notion that they’ll come up with something even better in the interim, making the Blu-ray obsolete. I used to be an impulse shopper, picking up any DVD that struck my fancy but now, I think twice and three times before picking a title up. I won’t pick up the Blu-ray version because I can’t play it, and I won’t pick up a regular DVD because they’re going the way of the dodo and I feel as though I’d be essentially throwing my money away – especially since I’m going to be picking up that Blu-ray player sooner or later (much, MUCH later). And yet even though I don‘t own one, I’ve already become extremely selective about the titles I plan to include in my new and improved Blu-ray library. While I’ll probably get movies like Iron Man and The Dark Knight, those smaller titles I used to pick up will no longer make the cut. After all, do I really need to see The Secret Life of Bees in glorious HD?
Then there’s the fact that, simply put, most of the movies coming out of Hollywood are not very good. Frankly, most of my past purchases were TV on DVD, but the convenience of personal video records (Tivo, PVR, DVR) has obviated the need to add anymore to my collection.
And, finally, there’s the fact that I just don’t watch as much as I used to. I’m busier – out and about, enjoying life, working, reading, and, of course, writing these blog entries.
Mailbag:
Thornyrose writes: “So when do the cameras actually begin rolling on Universe?”
Answer: Soon, soon.
Thornyrose also writes: “Is it safe to say that most of the production people, such as Bam-Bam, Joel Goldsmith, and others we’ve grown used to will be coming aboard Universe also?”
Answer: Yep.
Paloosa writes: “I know you’re in SGU mode, but I mention this only because it’s Friday night and after so much trauma I just wanted to sit down, relax and enjoy ATLANTIS!”
Answer: Hope you’re on the mend.
Belouchi writes: “1. hows Jason Mamoa fairing … hope all is well?
2. Joe, that almost depleted ZPM that was replaced after the events of Lifeline by the stolen one from the asurans, was it depleted?
3. Can we assume the Tria is salvageable?
4. Can we assume the Daganian ZPM is lost forever and will never be procured by our intrepid Atlantis team?
5. The Atlantis replica city from this Mortal Coil wasn’t total obliterated by Oberoth’s ship, is there a chance that our team can salvage it or strip it from its drones?
6. I have just rewatched all 100 episodes of Stargate Atlantis and I can confidently confirm that at least 29 Hive Ships were destroyed and at least 6 cruisers, would it be correct to assume that these numbers will go higher after project twilight?
7. Is the Sun-Tzu, the ship, Chinese owned or USAF?”
Answers: 1. Last I heard, he was well.
2. TBD.
3. If it was salvageable, it would have already been salvaged.
4. We can make that assumption for now.
5. It’s gone. And our team wouldn’t know where to look for it.
6. Not necessarily.
7. It’s a Chinese-crewed ship.
Blademos writes: “1. Ummm….. Where can I get the song Teyla sings during the ring ceremony?
2. Would you write more for SGA if you were given the green light?
3. Im sitting here watching an episode of SG-1 where the oddesy goes to Atlantis. How come there was no super gates in the SGA series that could allow them to get home?
4. Where can I get some Banana Cake with Caramel Ice Cream and Pecan Crumble?
5. Are you going to be at the next Comic Con?
6. What ever happen to Lt. Ford when the hive ship went BOOM?
7. I bet this one will not be last one. When writing for the SGA series did you have countless nights about what you were going to hear, when Brad Wright and MGM said it was time for SGA to come to its end even tho it was in its Prime stage?”
Answers: 1. Don’t know. Sorry.
2. Sure.
3. Because they never came across any.
4. Market in the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.
5. Nope.
6. We can assume we went down (or “up” as the case may be) with the ship.
7. Not really. Like I said, season 6 was a longshot – but that didn’t make the news of the cancellation any less disappointing.
PG15 writes: “So I’m assuming filming will begin on Monday, then?”
Answer: You assume incorrectly.
Johnny E! writes: “Hey Joe, ever thought about twittering? It is a great way to shortly get out some info on what you are doing.”
Answer: Nope, no desire to add yet one more complication to my already far-too-complicated life.
Nemi writes: “Is there a place where I can buy a Stargate Atlantis leather jacket?”
Answer: Sorry. No idea.
Major Davis writes: “1. What month will the atlantis movie film and is there still a chance that it will be released in late 09?
2. is it possible to have Colin come back and play major davis in the movie cause he was awesome in enemy at the gate.
3. When will the Children of the gods remake be released, will it be soon?
4. Who will be directing air?
5. Is there any way on earth us fans will be able to find out the nielsens ratings for vegas?”
Answers: 1. The production schedule has yet to be finalized and I doubt it would be available for a ‘09 release.
2. No plans to have Major Davis in the movie.
3. Not sure.
4. Andy Mikita.
5. I’m sure they’ll come out eventually.
Liberationbc writes: “It is simply a shame that “fine” dining must be had at the expense of the animals who suffered for this “food.””
Answer: Let’s be frank. Any dining, fine or otherwise, that involves the consumption of meat can be considered cruel. Whether it’s foie gras or organic, free-range chicken, an animal is giving up its life. People who tut-tut-tut the force-feeding of geese while chowing down on their KFC hot wings are just as hypocritical as, say, vegetarians who fixate on meat-eaters yet have little concern for the human cost of the fruits and vegetables they enjoy. Everything comes with a price, from the car you drive to the chocolate you eat. It falls on the individual to make a hopefully informed choice and draw his or her own line. Whenever possible, I opt for local, organic, free-range product because, at the end of the day, I prefer to support it over mass-produced beef and battery chicken. And if someone eventually produces a more humane version of foie gras, I’ll be the first in line to pick some up.
Leave a Reply