Watchmen expands interactivity on Blu-ray
PHYSICAL: Title will include Maximum Movie Mode, Facebook feature
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 5/12/2009
MAY 12 | PHYSICAL: Warner Home Video has set Watchmen for a July 21 DVD/Blu-ray Disc release (prebook June 9) and will introduce a number of new features exclusive to its high-definition version.
The Blu-ray version will have new interactive features.
The Watchmen Blu-ray release, priced at $35.99, will mark the studio’s debut of ‘Maximum Movie Mode,’ in which director Zack Snyder will appear as the film is rolling to explain various ins and outs of the creation process. He’ll make side-by-side comparisons between Watchmen and its graphic novel source as well as point out differences between real-world events and moments in the film.
Also exclusive to the Blu-ray edition is a new Web-enabled feature expanding the community screening experience to user’s Facebook friend network. With Facebook Connect, people should be able to share comments with those viewing Watchmen simultaneously on BD Live Blu-ray players as well as post thoughts from the BD Live interface to their Facebook buddy circle. Users also can invite Facebook pals with BD Live-enabled Blu-ray players to join live community Watchmen screenings.
Both the Blu-ray and two-disc standard-definition DVD ($34.99) will hold the director’s cut of Watchmen, containing 25 extra minutes over the theatrical version. The two editions also share 11 making-of Watchmen shorts and Chemical Romance's music video for "Desolation Row."
Warner also will release a single-DVD edition of Watchmen for $28.99.
The studio is differentiating the content it rolls out for the digital market on July 21. For cable/satellite video-on-demand, Xbox Live and the PlayStation Store, just the theatrical Watchmen movie will be available. Both theatrical and director’s cut versions will be available for download for rental or purchase at iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand.
Warner also will release a new version of Snyder's 300 on Blu-ray the same day as Watchmen.
