Might the format war be over way, way sooner than we think? Variety reports that Universal’s exclusivity agreement to back HD-DVD has expired. The contract in question has yet to be renewed. Will they choose to switch over to HD-DVD or go Blu? If the latter, it’d mean that Paramount would be the last studio remaining to back HD-DVD.

If Universal switches over, it’s likely that Paramount will exercise the escape clause in its HD DVD contract, which allows it to release videos on Blu-ray following Warner’s decision to exclusively back the format.

Blu-ray could win high-def battle [Variety]

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