Disney embraces Blu-ray/DVD combos
About seven upcoming releases to include both formats
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 1/7/2009
JAN. 7 | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will include a standard-definition DVD copy within many of its 2009 Blu-ray Disc releases, aiming to improve the utility of the high-definition format.
After success including a standard DVD of Sleeping Beauty within the film’s Oct. 7 Blu-ray release, Disney plans to do the same with all Blu-ray titles starting with the March 10 bow of Pinocchio running through to the October rollout of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s estimated there will be approximately seven such forthcoming standard/high-def ‘Combo Packs.’ Disney’s Feb. 17 Blu-ray release of High School Musical 3 also will feature a standard-def DVD.
Although Disney will face some additional cost with this dual-format strategy, the studio wants to help people enjoy the titles in more places within the home. Families can watch the movies on their primary Blu-ray-equipped home theater systems, but also on existing standard DVD players elsewhere in the home. This expansion is similar in concept to digital copy, which allows DVD/Blu-ray buyers view titles on physical set-top machines as well as computers and portable media devices such as iPods.
“There is some expense, but we think that it is worth it,” said Lori MacPherson, Disney general manager of North America. “Families now have Blu-ray players. But they don’t have Blu-ray players in every room. There is now utility for all of their [DVD] players, and families aren’t penalized [by not being able to use them] when they buy a Blu-ray title.”
Additionally, Disney hopes to persuade standard DVD households, possibly considering purchasing a Blu-ray player soon, to upgrade to the combo Blu-ray version.
“Families planning to buy a Blu-ray player can still buy the movie now,” added MacPherson.
At this point, Disney is the only major studio looking to widely launch dual Blu-ray/standard DVD combo titles.
Bob Chapek, Disney president, added, “These unique combo packs provide the opportunity for consumers around the world to take advantage of the quality of Blu-ray with the portability of a DVD disc in a single package. As always, we are committed to offering our consumers exceptional quality and value when purchasing our products.”
When the now-defunct HD DVD first launched, Universal Studios Home Entertainment was among studios streeting combo standard DVD/HD DVD titles to also ease adoption of a new high-def technology.
Overall, Disney is readying an extensive 2009 Blu-ray slate. It also will street through March new releases Swing Vote (Jan. 13), Space Buddies (Feb. 3), Miracle at St. Anna (Feb. 10), Blindness (Feb. 10) and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (March 3).
The studio also will soon roll out more than 30 Blu-ray catalog titles, including Pretty Woman on Feb. 10 and High School Musical Remix Edition on Feb. 17. Others coming this year are Monsters Inc., A Bug’s Life, Microcosmos, Rounders 10th Anniversary Edition, Lost: The Complete First and Second Seasons, Sin City, Miracle, Sling Blade, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Pulp Fiction Special Edition and Good Will Hunting Special Edition.
Also, the studio plans to include a digital copy on 14 of its upcoming Blu-ray releases, including High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Monsters Inc. and A Bug’s Life.
