When all hope seemed lost for HD-DVD, there was a glimmer of hope that came to Microsoft and Toshiba’s rescue earlier today. Hollywood movie studios Paramount and Universal both squashed rumors hinting that they would switch over to Blu-Ray. Instead, they reinforced their stance next to HD-DVD amidst all the ship-jumping being performed by other major Hollywood studios.

Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of High Definition Strategic Marketing at Universal Studios Home Entertainment, reassured reporters that “this is just a rumor, both Universal and Paramount are continuing to produce movies in HD DVD.” When asked what plans were underway to combat the massive support Blu-Ray has received Graffeo revealed Universal and Paramount’s joint approach for keeping HD-DVD alive.

“We believe that both Universal and Paramount have a strong arsenal of quality films that will continue to play in HD-DVD’s favor. Both studios have decided on a joint-venture campaign to breathe life back into the superior high definition format. We have two motion picture heavyweights that will act as our front lines in this war, and we are confident that consumers will think twice before exclusively choosing Blu-Ray over HD-DVD.”

He went on to reveal that Paramount was leveraging itself on the Star Trek franchise to keep consumer interest in HD-DVD while Universal would leverage itself on it’s worldwide blockbuster celebrity Mr. Bean.

Star Trek will play a much larger role in fueling the venture’s HD-DVD sales. Already in the works are HD-DVD releases of all eight Star Trek films as well as Star Trek: The Motion Picture. To further push the franchise into “the next generation,” Paramount also plans on re-mastering the re-mastered The Original Series episodes in HD-DVD format, as well as re-release all series in HD-DVD as well. Paramount estimates the release of all Star Trek films and episodes to be complete by 2011 and plans on offering a Limited Edition Collector’s Mega Pack, containing HD-DVDs of all films and series for a rough price of $11,999.99. This set will also include never before seen bonus features such as deleted scenes, behind the scenes reels, exclusive commentaries, and a life sized blow-up doll of Tasha Yar.

Universal Studios plans on capturing a broader market with it’s Mr. Bean launchpad. It will release HD-DVD versions of all films and episodes, as well as contract Rowan Atkinson for three more movies over the next ten years. Confirmed titles include Mr. Bean’s Iraqi Adventure, Mr. Bean’s Penthouse Fun, and Mr. Bean Goes To Jail.

“Together, I believe Paramount and Universal Studios can survive the Blu-Ray scare and elevate HD-DVD to commercial success via catering to customer’s movie favorites,” concluded Ken Graffeo.