Sony Plans 100+ New Blu-ray Titles For 2008

With the high-def format war over, Sony says it plans to ramp up Blu-ray production and marketing.

According to an article in Video Business, the studio aims to release more than 100 titles in the upcoming year, its highest number yet. From the format’s debut in 2006, the studio has released 93 titles in all.

Although the studio stopped short of announcing any specific release dates, it did reveal several titles planned for Blu-ray later this year, including ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, and upcoming theatrical releases ‘Hancock’ with Will Smith, and ‘Don’t Mess With the Zohan’ with Adam Sandler.

The company also plans to actively build on its success through marketing efforts in collaboration with retailers such as Blockbuster, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart.

“The messaging will be that Blu-ray is the best possible experience,” said Sony Pictures Home Entertainment President David Bishop. “It’s just the flat-out best high-def experience when compared to cable or satellite.”

The new push will begin at the retail level, with stores like Best Buy increasing space devoted to the next generation format and offering product bundles in collaboration with the format’s primary backer. Other efforts under consideration include screening displays in Blockbuster stores, celebrity endorsements, and Q&As with well known directors.

“The worst thing the industry can do is rest on its laurels,” Bishop told Video Business.