You're right DJ, multi-region is wonderful, but it's not about consumer choice. It's about control. The argument that the consumer is king only applies within your own territory, and even then, it's arguable. Remember that it's the rights holder himself who applies the Region coding, either the core rights holder (like a Major Studio) or a licensee (who may be contractually obliged to apply Region Coding by the core rights holder).
Multi-region hacks remove that control, and actually encourage breach of copyright. I know nobody ever reads the rubbish they put on the top and tail of discs, but it's all there.
Multi Region will arrive for BD players, but I'm not sure how long it'll stay. BD players that encourage us to get online and download firmware will also give control back to The Man (whoever that might be), and that's one of the reasons (apart from sheer greed, obviously) that the format has such support from the Studios. Every time you upgrade they can push you back to their default settings.
Remember, for example Sony is also Columbia. They have hardware and software to sell, support and protect.
Removing region-coding removes their control, reduces their profits and screws up the way they want to do business with you.
It's worth noting that the Kill Bill colour/b&w issue arose because the MPAA in the US were wary of giving the picture an R rating. And of course, because in far East, they're historically more relaxed about blood and violence than we are. It was a censorship issue, albeit a self-imposed one.
Multi-region hacks remove that control, and actually encourage breach of copyright. I know nobody ever reads the rubbish they put on the top and tail of discs, but it's all there.
Multi Region will arrive for BD players, but I'm not sure how long it'll stay. BD players that encourage us to get online and download firmware will also give control back to The Man (whoever that might be), and that's one of the reasons (apart from sheer greed, obviously) that the format has such support from the Studios. Every time you upgrade they can push you back to their default settings.
Remember, for example Sony is also Columbia. They have hardware and software to sell, support and protect.
Removing region-coding removes their control, reduces their profits and screws up the way they want to do business with you.
It's worth noting that the Kill Bill colour/b&w issue arose because the MPAA in the US were wary of giving the picture an R rating. And of course, because in far East, they're historically more relaxed about blood and violence than we are. It was a censorship issue, albeit a self-imposed one.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram