Paramount to Offer DVD

Paramount Pictures’ home video unit will enter the “open format” digital videodisc market later this year, leaving only 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks SKG not yet on board with the new CD-sized movie format. Since DVD’s introduction just over a year ago, VideoScan--which collects data on about 75% of DVD sales--estimates more than 1.6 million DVD units have been sold.

DVD players provide a much higher-quality picture than current videotape. The discs often contain additional information about the movie, including the option of listening to it in different languages.

Paramount video President Eric Doctorow declined to name specific titles or dates for releases, but he said Paramount should release new titles “day and date” with VHS releases. Though no official announcement has been made, video retailers are buzzing about the possibility of Paramount releasing “Titanic” on DVD in time for Christmas.

DVD supporters think that would give a big boost to the format. “Titanic” has shattered box-office records.