Broadcasting & Cable published a Fox Blu-ray story today based on a demonstration of Fox material running on the high-def format and subsequent studio quotes. It provides the first confirmation of when, how and partially what Fox has planned for their Blu-ray launch.
In addition to the pop-up menus already prevalent on current HD-DVD and Blu-ray titles, Fox is looking to leverage the flash memory built into Blu-ray players for storing user-defined bookmarks accessible even after the disc has been removed and re-inserted into the player. Also, an Internet connection will provide the opportunity to download additional language tracks days or even months after a title has been released.
The first Fox Blu-ray Discs will appear in the fourth quarter of this year and include this year’s theatrical releases “Ice Age 2,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Garfield 2” and “The Omen (2006).” A total of 20 titles, including catalog offerings, are scheduled for release during the quarter and presumably before year’s end.
Look for Fox’s official Blu-ray launch wave lineup with dates, pricing, specs (50GB discs?) and cover art in the days ahead.
