"Beginning this Spring, SPHE will support the rollout of BD-compatible
players, PCs and drives from a variety of consumer electronics and computer
companies by offering a wide-breadth of high-definition movies and other
promotional materials," said Mr. Feingold.
The first slate of BD titles encompasses a diverse mix of genres including
The Fifth Element, in multichannel uncompressed audio
Bram Stoker's Dracula,
Desperado,
For a Few Dollars More,
The Guns of Navarone,
Hitch,
House of Flying Daggers,
A Knight's Tale,
Kung Fu Hustle,
The Last Waltz,
Legends of the Fall,
Resident Evil Apocalypse,
Robocop,
Sense and Sensibility,
Stealth,
Species,
SWAT
and XXX.
Black Hawk Down and The Bridge on the River Kwai will
also be available on 50 GB, dual-layer Blu-ray Discs Summer 2006.
"With the announcement of these first 20 titles, I am delighted to say
that the age of Blu-ray has truly arrived," said Mr Feingold. "BD delivers
the most advanced high-definition experience available to entertainment
enthusiasts today, while offering filmmakers a limitless canvas to express
their artistic vision."
In addition to 1920x1080p HD master quality, consumers will benefit from
Blu-ray Disc's immense improvements over current DVD technology including
enhanced menu navigation, increased added-value and new interactive
capabilities.
"MGM has always been committed to presenting its films in the best formats
available," said Blake Thomas, head of MGM Home Entertainment. "The Blu-ray
high definition format allows us to give movie lovers what they deserve: the
absolutely best viewing experience available today."
Commencing Summer 2006, SPHE will begin adding bonus BD Java games, and
other anticipated features, to new release titles including Underworld
Evolution that will street day-and-date with DVD. The studio announced it
will also deliver four catalog titles per month beginning this Summer,
accelerating to 10 titles per month by the fourth quarter 2006. Also being
readied for Summer release is the complete television series of sci-fi
favorite, "Stargate Atlantis," in high-definition.
"Our strategy is to release new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date
with DVD to drive consumer awareness, excitement and sales of high-definition
movies. We will also release a continuous slate of catalog titles that film
enthusiasts love to own, to further maximize consumer interest," added Mr.
Feingold.
