Chapter 301: VCD Players

After returning to Los Angeles, Arthur spent $12 million to purchase an acre of land in Beverly Park at the top of Beverly Hills with plans to construct a large, luxurious mansion.

It would be a modern, large villa designed in Arthur's style, combining privacy, security, and advanced technology.

At the same time, the Forrest Gump crew was at Santa Monica Beach filming. The leading actress, Madchen Amick, didn't have many scenes.

In a Hollywood bar, Madchen Amick looked excited, "The ratings for last month's episode of The X-Files were quite good, and ABC has already pre-ordered the second season. Last week, Dream Lover was released in North America, starring me!" she added.

Arthur nodded and then leaned down to kiss Madchen Amick in his arms, "Now you're becoming somewhat famous. It'll get even better when Forrest Gump is released next year."

"Yes, it's all thanks to you," Madchen Amick said, nuzzling Arthur's face. "Forrest Gump will be filming in other locations next, and my scenes are mostly in these two months..."

Currently, Galaxy was shooting Forrest Gump, Legends of the Fall, The Mask, and Addams Family Values.

The shooting for Pulp Fiction had already wrapped up and was in post-production, while Little Women was being filmed by an independent production company.

Also, The Piano had started its North American release, and although it had won the Palme d'Or along with Farewell My Concubine, being an English-language film, it compared much better to Chinese-language films. Farewell My Concubine had been out for about two months and had grossed $9.3 million in North America. The Piano, only out for half a month, had already accumulated $8 million.

However, the performance at the box office of August's Redemption was less than stellar; as the scale of its release further decreased, its total box office earnings hovered around $22 million, with uncertainty if it would surpass $30 million by the end of its run.

At the Beverly Hills Hotel, Arthur attended a large social event for the tech media.

"Someone has developed a VCD player?" Arthur was indeed shocked by the news.

"When did this happen?" Arthur asked Amy Pascal beside him.

"I heard it was last month; it's a product integrating a CD and video decoding chip, much cheaper than a videotape player, and can directly play more affordable VCD discs," Amy Pascal explained.

Arthur rubbed his forehead, remembering it must be the WanYan VCD player. Unfortunately, CD technology and the decoding chip were owned by others, WanYan merely assembled it, but it held a full-machine patent. However, in China, who paid attention to patents at that time?

Arthur knew that companies led by Philips and Sony were developing a multimedia disc system, while others like Toshiba, Time Warner, and Panasonic were working on an ultra-high-density disc.

Arthur had already guessed these electronics companies were sure to crack the VCD player and then manufacture their own products. The VCD's clarity and memory certainly had significant room for improvement. These guys aimed to set the new disc standard jointly, and standards meant pricing rights.

Arthur knew the DVD standard was likely to be established within two to three years and pushed into the market. 

Arthur recalled how Sony's Betamax lost to JVC and Panasonic's VHS in the early videocassette standard wars. In 1988, Sony joined the VHS camp, and Betamax fully withdrew from the market.

"It looks like a new wave of changes is coming," Arthur sighed, recognizing the high cost and price of videotapes.

Amy Pascal smiled, "It won't be that fast. Promotion and marketing will take some time. American families now have videotape players for entertainment; the price and cost-effectiveness of new players will dictate their success."

"The price of discs will inevitably be cheaper than videotapes; otherwise, they wouldn't be pushed out," Arthur said, glancing at Amy Pascal, "Maybe Galaxy should start its family entertainment industry. Videotapes, laser discs, or future discs are all core interests."

"In the future, Galaxy's production volume will increase, and licensing to other companies isn't a long-term solution," he added.

"Indeed, it's time to consider it. Galaxy's productions are very popular now, and the home market is an essential segment," Amy Pascal agreed.

However, Galaxy's current focus remained on building international distribution channels to expand its film's reputation and influence.

Arthur took a sip of his drink, noting how much there was to do, but the home entertainment market for films needed serious attention. This continuously cash-flowing business couldn't be ignored, especially with the anticipated rise in film copyright prices once DVDs emerged.

...

Recently, the biggest event in American sports was Michael Jordan's retirement, but when it comes to the entertainment industry, it had to be the investigation of Michael Jackson's child abuse allegations.

As for what was happening among Hollywood's elite, it wasn't too captivating. Just like the bidding war between Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller for Paramount Communications, it failed to capture much attention from the general public.

However, Arthur was not too concerned about these. He was frequently interacting with the Los Angeles City Council, looking to build a new multi-functional sports arena downtown. He needed their approval.

At Hollywood's Wiltern Theatre, the premiere of Galaxy's The Pelican Brief took place. Winona Ryder, Denzel Washington, and other principal cast members attended the red carpet.

Arthur showed up as well since he hadn't seen Winona Ryder in a long time.

In the movie, Arthur had high hopes for the black actor Denzel Washington, who had another film Philadelphia with Tom Hanks coming out at the end of the year.

This year, besides an English movie Much Ado About Nothing, the other two films he worked on were both with Galaxy.

"What's wrong, are you not satisfied with the movie?" After the premiere, Arthur drove away from the theater with Winona Ryder sitting in the passenger seat.

Arthur shook his head. "No, The Pelican Brief is a political thriller, and with you and Denzel Washington working together, both the story and your performances were great.

I just think Denzel Washington is a really good actor. Among Black actors, his versatility is truly impressive. He seems to pull off any role perfectly. Of course, roles that are wise and imposing suit him the best."

"Yeah, he's quite remarkable with hardly any flaws in his acting," Winona Ryder agreed. "By the way, the Newport beach house on Rhode Island has been renovated. You haven't been there, have you?"

"No, you know I was in Asia at the time," Arthur said with a smile while placing his hand on Winona Ryder's thigh.

"Filming for Little Women starts next month. You've had plenty of preparation; feeling ready?"

"Yes, I'm all set. I've read the novel several times," Winona Ryder intended to vie for awards with Little Women.

"Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence got good reviews but bombed at the box office. Not taking the supporting actress role in that film was the right call," Arthur pointed out, as The Age of Innocence had only grossed $30 million after more than a month in theaters.

Compared to The Shawshank Redemption, it did poorly in terms of box office earnings, although critically, The Age of Innocence was far inferior.

At least The Shawshank Redemption had a production cost of $25 million, while The Age of Innocence had a budget of $35 million.

Lead actor Daniel Day-Lewis might have top-notch acting skills, but his box office draw was lackluster.

Winona Ryder was nonchalant. "That British movie The House of the Spirits did well in Europe but was unpopular in America. From now on, I'll take on fewer supporting roles in such independent films!"

Winona Ryder then glanced at the Viper Room bar on Hollywood Boulevard. "Depp's bar has been renovated?"

Arthur parked the car by the roadside. "It's been renovated for months. Want to go in for a drink?"

With that, Arthur leaned forward and kissed Winona Ryder.

"Mmm," Winona Ryder responded by wrapping her arms around Arthur and then laughed, "There are a lot of drug users in such bars; don't you dislike that?"

Arthur grinned while fondling Winona Ryder's chest. "I don't care about that; let them do their thing. This year, Speed was a major hit. Johnny Depp is very popular now!"

Moreover, Johnny Depp and his agent Tracy Jacobs were planning to switch from CAA to UTA.

The reason was clearly because of Arthur, as Galaxy was now clearly targeting Michael Ovitz of CAA.

"No need, let's head straight back," Winona Ryder said, feeling a bit moved.

"Alright," Arthur replied, hitting the gas and heading straight to Beverly Hills.

Winona Ryder then asked, "I heard you recently bought the Los Angeles Clippers, and the former owner Donald Sterling seemed somewhat displeased with you in an interview?"

Winona Ryder, being in the public eye, naturally paid attention to her man's news, especially acquisitions like NBA teams.

Arthur chuckled, "I bought the Clippers for $85 million from Donald Sterling using some small tricks. This guy had too many scandals: racial discrimination, abusive treatment of women, hiring prostitutes, etc. I gathered all that dirt on him..."

"You're really something," Winona Ryder laughed, patting Arthur's leg.

When they returned to the Bel-Air mansion, they couldn't wait to get into the bedroom, and as their clothes came off piece by piece, they were soon face-to-face.

Before long, Winona Ryder was lying on top of Arthur, kissing his chest, "Happy now?"

Arthur caressed her body, "Absolutely!"

*****

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