News Corp. CEO Robert Murdoch confirmed the DVD release of Avatar won't have 3D support, with no word on a possible 3D Blu-ray version.
Avatar, which is the highest grossing and most expensive movie ever released, has helped 3D reach an even broader audience. The film has already racked up $254 million in revenue since December, with the number expected to continue growing in the theaters. An additional boost will occur, as expected, when the film is released on DVD and Blu-ray.
Despite its popularity, some Hollywood insiders previously reported that the DVD wouldn't have 3D. Movie viewers didn't mind seeing the movie in 3D theaters, but real-world demand for 3D, especially DVD, doesn't seem very high at this point in time.
Murdoch expects to release the movie on DVD as soon as possible, but that will only happen after it stops smashing box office records.
"We certainly plan to release the DVD as soon as possible," Murdoch told analysts during a recent financial call. "But it is continuing, for a great period it seems, in the cinemas."
3D Blu-ray is expected to gain popularity, but 3D DVD likely won't see the same growth. I don't think we should expect a lot from 3D DVD - not now, not ever - as manufacturers try to lead consumers to Blu-ray.
Actual consumer demand is still foggy, but Hollywood and Blu-ray manufacturers are now heavily promoting 3D HDTV's and Blu-ray for the home.
