Sony announced late today it is
delaying the release of its initial wave of
Blu-Ray disc titles to June, to coincide with the launch next month of the first
Blu-Ray players, reports Video Business.
The first batch of Blu-Ray titles from Sony and its subsidiary MGM -- including
such hits as '
Hitch,'
'
50 First Dates,'
'
The Fifth Element'
and '
xXx' -- were originally
set to debut May 23. The titles will now be released beginning June 20.
"Although these titles will be available as scheduled, the majority of
our retail base and hardware partners have requested that we reconsider this
date to better coincide with the first commercially available Blu-Ray compatible
hardware,” said Ben Feingold, head of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
worldwide, in a statement.
"In an effort to ensure a more coordinated launch, we will deliver the
first eight SPHE Blu-Ray titles to retail on June 20, along with the first day-and-date
with DVD title, '
Underworld:
Evolution,'" added Feingold.
Technical specs, supplementary content and suggested retail price for all titles
remains unchanged.
The complete listing of rescheduled Sony and MGM Blu-Ray titles confirmed in
the statement are listed below. The new dates have also been updated in our
complete
Blu-Ray
Release Schedule.
6/20 -- '50 First Dates,' 'The Fifth Element,' 'Hitch,' 'House of Flying Daggers,'
'A Knight's Tale,' 'The Last Waltz,' 'Resident Evil: Apocalypse' and 'xXx.'
(Delayed from May 23)
6/27 -- 'Kung Fu Hustle,' 'Legends of the Fall,' 'RoboCop,' 'Stealth,' 'S.W.A.T.'
and 'The Terminator.' (Delayed from June 13)