Disney to include new Blu-ray features
The new Blu-ray spec 1.1 is mandated by the 31st of October, and Walt Disney Studios is preparing four new titles to feature BD-Java and BD-Live features. Although these features will be special, it is the titles themselves that are the real draw. Finding Nemo, National Treasure and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe are all impressive, but it’s the Platinum title Sleeping Beauty that will steal the show.
Nearly from its inception, Blu-ray advertisements have featured the visages of Aslan the lion and the aquatic friends from Nemo. This next year they will finally make their appearances with BD-Java features like Picture-in-Picture. Sleeping Beauty and National Treasure will feature BD-Live interactivity. The Beauty Blu-ray Disc release will include a “virtual castle” and multi-player activities.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment President Bob Chapek said of Sleeping Beauty, “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.” Sleeping Beauty has previously been released on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD. Disney claims the Pinocchio’s VHS release, and Snow White’s DVD release were major catalysts for the respective format’s growth. I’m not sure how they explain Laserdisc’s limited market in light of the Platinum releases on that format.
This is exciting news for Blu-ray supporters. You can expect to pick up The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in spring 2008, National Treasure in summer with Nemo andSleeping Beauty in the fall. No other technical specifications were given.
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