The Blu-ray 3D format is officially launching today without the benefit of standalone Blu-ray 3D titles to back it up.
Panasonic is first out the gate with a Blu-ray 3D package being sold exclusively at Best Buy stores for $2899.99 starting today. The package includes a 50-inch class (49.9″ measured diagonally) Panasonic VIERA VT20 Plasma 3D HDTV (TC-P50VT20 – SRP $2,499.95) which includes one pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U), and the Panasonic BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player (DMP-BDT300 – SRP 399.95). Additional glasses are priced at a steep $149.99 each, while each of the components can also be purchased separately with larger sets and bundles due at a later date.
Panasonic has additionally partnered with Fox Home Entertainment and will be offering Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on Blu-ray 3D with the purchase of a Panasonic Blu-ray 3D Package.
Samsung will also be selling Blu-ray 3D products expected to arrive exclusively at Best Buy later this week. On March 21, a Blu-ray 3D starter kit will be available that includes the Blu-ray 3D version of Monsters vs. Aliens and two pairs of Samsung 3D active glasses with the purchase of a Samsung Blu-ray 3D package. The Shrek series will be coming to Blu-ray 3D later this year and possibly, though not confirmed, be exclusive to Samsung as well.
Not to be left out, Sony is expected to offer Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on Blu-ray 3D exclusively with the purchase of their Blu-ray 3D gear in either June or July. More details about that launch will be provided at a later date.
For the time being, if you’re courageous enough to take the Blu-ray 3D plunge now you will be stuck watching the same film on a loop.
