Disney to Release More Classics On Blu-ray
Disney yesterday announced five new classic animated features that will be released on Blu-ray high-def disc over the next two years.
The studio, which is heavily promoting the release of Sleeping Beauty on Blu-ray on October 7, said it also release Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 and Beauty and the Beast on high-def disc.
Disney said each movie will be available for a limited time only and will include rarely seen footage and new bonus features.
"We are excited to announce a magical slate of Platinum titles for the first time on Blu-ray High-Definition, this celebrated collection of animated features demonstrates Disney's commitment to deliver great content," said Bob Chapek, worldwide president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
The classic films will also include BD-Live features, will enable home viewers to download related material over the Internet. Disney believes the interactive experience will revitalize the home video industry.
"The landscape for the Blu-ray format is very healthy, and we believe that the enhanced movie experiences that the format provides, such as Disney's BD-Live network, offer consumers the chance to reinvent the experience of watching movies in their homes, and the interactivity and connectivity that is being provided will truly make the family room relevant again," said Chapek.
Disney said Pinocchio will be available on Blu-ray in the spring of 2009 while Snow White will be released in the fall of 2009. The two Fantasia films will get a 2010 release.