Walt Disney Studios Home Ent. (WDSHE) announced more innovations in the Blu-ray format with the studio's first ever Platinum Blu-ray release, the first BD-Live title and full motion picture-in-picture Blu-ray bonus features coming in 2008.
The initial animated Platinum coming to Blu-ray in fall 2008 will be SLEEPING BEAUTY (59), the first large-format animated feature. Releasing Sleeping Beauty on Blu-ray marks a milestone for the format, as these titles are not released until a format has been proven both technologically and in terms of consumer acceptance -- and Disney's animated releases in the past have been a major catalyst for any format's growth. For example, PINOCCHIO'S release on VHS and SNOW WHITE'S release on DVD marked major growth milestones for both of those formats. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Blu-ray Disc release will also include a virtual castle and multi-player activities - both utilizing the BD-Live technology.
"The Platinum titles are the crown jewels of the Disney Studios and we do not take releasing them lightly on any format. The proven Blu-ray technology has allowed us to take our films to new heights, fully utilizing the larger capacity and interactive capabilities for an incredible all-new consumer experience," commented Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Ent.
In addition, WDSHE announced the special edition release of the action-adventure blockbuster NATIONAL TREASURE, which will become the Studio's first BD-Live Blu-ray Disc title in summer 2008. Also, the studio will bring two of its treasured family classics to Blu-ray Disc: Disney/Pixar's FINDING NEMO and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (spring 2008), both of which will feature full motion picture-in-picture bonus features.
Continued Chapek: "The strides that we've made with this format are just the tip of the iceberg and we are confident that consumers will be astounded by the level of entertainment that can only be achieved by using the maximum capacity of the Blu-ray Disc format. All of these wonderful titles will appeal to the ever growing Blu-ray market and we are extremely proud to offer these in the most pristine and robust presentations ever for Disney fans around the globe."
Meanwhile, Disney/Pixars CARS from John Lasseter comes to Blu-ray Nov. 6. CARS Blu-ray Disc features all new bonus materials created in high-definition exclusively for this release using the latest BD-Java enhanced technology. When users arrive at the title menu they have the option of touring "Radiator Springs" or "Emeryville." Radiator Springs allows users to go deeper into the world of CARS through the interactive "Car Finder Game," while Emeryville gives users the opportunity to pull back the curtains at Pixar for an exhaustive look at their unique creative process in "Cine-Explore."
Walt Disney Studios Home Ent., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Ent. is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
