September Blu for Paramount

Studio's first releases on high-def format include Tomb Raider

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 8/21/2006

AUG. 21 | Paramount Home Entertainment will roll out its first four Blu-ray Disc movies on Sept. 26, with a slate that mirrors its first HD DVD releases this summer.

Included in the first wave are Tomb Raider, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Four Brothers and Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow.

A second wave with U2: Rattle and Hum, Aeon Flux and The Italian Job hit Oct. 10.

Later in the month, the studio will release Mission: Impossible III on both HD DVD and Blu-ray with high-definition-exclusive bonus features such as enhanced commentaries with Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams and high-def-quality featurettes.

All releases have a suggested retail price of $29.99.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the only major Blu-ray supporter that hasn’t yet announced its high-def release plans.

Buena Vista Home Entertainment will debut its first movies on the format on Sept. 19.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Lionsgate and Warner Home Video have already begun releasing films on Blu-ray.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is releasing its movies on HD DVD only.