Tartan releases Oldboy to Blu-ray
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/4/2007
SEPT. 4 | Tartan Video USA has jumped into the Blu-ray Disc camp, with its first release in the high-definition format, Oldboy, arriving on Nov. 6 (prebook Sept. 25).
The Asian cult horror specialist decided to release exclusively on Blu-ray because of the format’s significant industry support. Although Paramount Home Entertainment recently opted to switch its dual backing to exclusive HD DVD support, there are still more major studios solely siding with Blu-ray.
Released on DVD in 2005, Oldboy is considered one of Tartan’s biggest hits. Directed by Park Chan-Wook, Oldboy follows a man who was wrongly imprisoned for 15 years and is suddenly released. The Blu-ray version will be priced at $34.95.
“To go with Blu-ray was a no-brainer for Tartan,” said Hamish McAlpine, the company’s owner.
In addition to the feature film, the Blu-ray set also will include a standard-definition bonus disc holding extra content.
Interestingly, Tartan distributor Genius Products has been releasing theatrical films from its majority owner The Weinstein Co. on HD DVD, including Clerks II and Scary Movie 4. To this point, TWC remains HD DVD exclusive.
