Sony Pictures unveils first Ultra HD Blu-ray discs

Hancock

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has announced plans to launch its first Ultra HD Blu-ray titles in early 2016.

The next-generation disc format will offer 4K Content with High Dynamic Range and Immersive Audio, with SPHE’s first titles to include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Salt, Hancock, Chappie, Pineapple Express, and The Smurfs 2.

SPHE said this first batch of Ultra HD disks will be followed by a “growing roster of titles” – including new release film and TV content.

“Ten years ago this month, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment authored the world’s first feature film on Blu-ray Disc, and we continue to bring consumers the most innovative, immersive home entertainment experiences available,” said SPHE president, Man Jit Singh.

Singh said that by some estimates consumers will own more than 100 million Ultra HD TV sets by 2019, and claimed that “Sony Pictures’ 4K Ultra HD Discs will deliver consumers the ultimate home theatre experience.”

Sony Pictures’ existing library of 4K content already includes a range of newer films and TVshows, as well as catalogue films restored from original film elements. These including Fury, Captain Phillips, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ghostbusters, Lawrence Of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Taxi Driver.

Ultra HD Blu-ray discs were expected to begin shipping later this year following the Blu-ray Disc Association’s decision to begin licensing the format from August 24.

The association completed the specification for its new Ultra HD Blu-ray format and released the new logo that will delineate Ultra HD Blu-ray products in May.

The specification also mandates that all new Ultra HD Blu-ray players be capable of playing back current-generation Blu-ray Discs, ensuring that equipment can be used to view an extensive existing catalogue of content.