Disney targets families with early-2009 slate
Pinocchio, Space Buddies get Blu-ray debut
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 10/17/2008
OCT. 17 | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is kicking off 2009 with a bang, slotting 13 titles through the early part of the year, including bowing Pinocchio and its Buddies franchise for the first time on Blu-ray Disc.
Space Buddies will be the first movie in the franchise to be released on Blu-ray.
Pinocchio: 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition, streeting on March 10 (prebook Jan. 29) for $29.99 on DVD and $35.99 on Blu-ray, will feature two recently discovered scenes and an alternate ending. Space Buddies, coming Feb. 3 (prebook Dec. 23) for $29.99 on DVD and $34.99 on Blu-ray, will mark Disney’s third made-for-disc installment of the golden retriever puppy series, which is based on the studio’s 1997 theatrical Air Bud.
Disney also is rolling out in both formats summer Kevin Costner theatrical Swing Vote on Jan. 13 (prebook Dec. 2) for $29.99 on DVD and $34.99 on Blu-ray.
Over the course of 2009, families will be a major target in Disney’s efforts to expand Blu-ray adoption.
“We are now into the third year of the Blu-ray format, and now is the time to broaden it to families,” said Lori MacPherson, Disney general manager of North America. “We’re very happy with the percentage of Blu-ray sales on [Oct. 7 release] Sleeping Beauty. Now is the right time to demystify the technology.”
Other DVD titles soon rolling into retail are Dec. 30 (prebook Nov. 4) TV releases The Secret Life of the American Teenager: The First Season and Kyle XY: The Complete Season—Revelations, both for $39.99, and Greek: Chapter Two for $29.99.
Additional 2009 DVDs are Brideshead Revisited on Jan. 13 (prebook Dec. 2) for $29.99; Oliver & Company: 20th Anniversary Edition, Feb. 3 (prebook Dec. 23), $29.99; Bunnytown: Hello, March 17 (prebook Feb. 3), $19.99; Baby E: World Music, March 31 (prebook and price not set); School House Rock! EARTH, March 31 (prebook Feb. 3), $29.99; Handy Manny: Green Team, March 31 (prebook Feb. 17), $19.99; and MF Tigger & Pooh: Musical Too, April 7 (prebook Feb. 24), $26.99.
