[Ronald Epstein]

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
THE DISNEY BLU-RAY TITLE WAVE COMING 2008

Burbank, CA, August 17, 2007 – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) announced today more innovations in the Blu-ray format with the Studio’s first ever Platinum Blu-ray release, the Studio’s first BD-Live title, and full motion picture-in-picture Blu-ray bonus features.

The Studio announced the first animated Platinum coming to Blu-ray will be the timeless treasure Sleeping Beauty. 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 catalysis for any format’s growth. 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 Entertainment.

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 addition, 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, both of which will feature full motion picture-in-picture bonus features,

“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,” continued Chapek.

This exciting slate of Blu-ray Disc releases will begin with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in spring 2008, followed by National Treasure in summer of 2008 and culminating with Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo and Sleeping Beauty in fall 2008.

[Kris Z.]

The most interesting thing to see is if Disney will do the original film versions of the old classics for Blu-Ray, or continue the manipulated, noise-reduced, digital look versions that are on DVD.

[Jim_K]

Oh brother. This is press release worthy? They consider 4 titles in 12 months a "title wave"? Are they serious?

Based on the 4 catalog titles we'll end up getting this year I wouldn't be surprised if this is Disney's entire 08 catalog title lineup.

I suddenly feel like a SACD collector.

[Paul Arnette]

I understand where you are coming from Jim, but you have to realize the reality of the HDM market too. I'm sure there will be other titles released next year, but Disney is wisely touting its more high-profile releases for next year in an effort to say to potential Blu-ray Disc buyers "This format is here to stay. Look at the great titles we have on tap for next year that will continue to push the limits of the technology". Frankly, I don't mind Disney's quality over quantity approach, but perhaps that is simply because I'm already trying to figure out how to buy all the BD titles that have been announced this year.

Of greater interest to me are the sign-posts for Profile 1.1 and 2.0 that can be inferred from this press release. Of course, there's no guaranteeing anything, but if BD Live players will be out by Fall '08, this merely reinforces my decision to skip over Profile 1.1 players entirely.

[Jason_V]

I'm not complaining in the slightest. I might actually pick up Chronicles of Narnia now.

One question, though: have we ever gotten an annoucement like this from any other studio? Narnia is a spring release, meaning at least 7 months away. This has got to be some kind of record. I half wonder if something else is driving this news right now...

[DaViD Boulet]

Jim,

this isn't the comphrensive list of Disney releases... just a few of the big-guns they plan to release.

I'd call their first catalog "classic" on BD like Sleeping Beauty, Narnia, and Nemo really BIG news items for HD releases.

Quote:

The most interesting thing to see is if Disney will do the original film versions of the old classics for Blu-Ray, or continue the manipulated, noise-reduced, digital look versions that are on DVD.

Agreed. Especially with the EE-ridden Sleeping Beauty that was also misframed on the last DVD version. So far Disney's Blu-ray releases have been INCREDIBLE in the sense of transparency-to-the-film but we have yet to see any of the "Lowry" digitally-cleaned "classic" titles come surface in 1080p.

Fingers crossed...

[Robert Crawford]

When it comes to new home video formats, patience is definitely a virtue for early adopters. I'm very happy about this press release as I look forward to buying me that next generation of BR player this Fall to replace my current one.





Crawdaddy

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Arnette

IOf greater interest to me are the sign-posts for Profile 1.1 and 2.0 that can be inferred from this press release. Of course, there's no guaranteeing anything, but if BD Live players will be out by Fall '08, this merely reinforces my decision to skip over Profile 1.1 players entirely.

I am with you on that one. My current Panny 10a will have to sufice until 2.0. It is becoming a little costly to change out equipment every 6 months (this includes both formats).

[ppltd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
THE DISNEY BLU-RAY TITLE WAVE COMING 2008

While these are certainly titles I will pick up, 'Title Wave' is pushing it a little too much.

[Jim_K]

Well I am sorry for being a wet blanket, honest.

I'm just a bit irritated with Disney's catalog output this year. I'm just not doing backflips for Narnia in the Spring of 08 when they were touting a Summer 07 BD release just a couple of months ago. I'm also a bit peeved that if I want Crimson Tide, Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction I'll have to import them from other regions at over $40 a pop (if they're not region coded that is). Then there's Sin City in their BD promo trailer. Why promote titles on a format you have no inclination to release in the near future?

I also want quality over quantity but really it's not like these titles are 50 year old films they have to restore. I have a hard time believing their resources can only handle a small handful of recent catalog films in a year (which is pretty much looking to be their output for 07).

Maybe it's the lack of worthwhile summer titles that has me in a foul mood over HDM. My attitude will probably improve by the end of September when there's actually titles I want in my hands (the ones that don't get cancelled or postponed indefinitely that is).

RANT OVER