The high-definition war has officially launched in Britain this week with the release of Blu-ray players from Samsung and Panasonic. In a reversal of the US experience, Blu-ray take an early British lead, but only by a month, because HD DVD launches in November with a player from Toshiba (glitches excepted)
So, what can early-adopting Brits watch on their new Blu-ray player?
Already on general release are four titles: "SWAT", "Tears of the Sun", "Hostel" and "The Exorcism of Emily Rose".
Next week (23 October) will see "Pat Metheny Group: The Way Up - Live" being released.
Week after (30 October) comes four titles: "Ultraviolet", "The Black Crowes: Freak 'N' Roll... Into The Fog", "Elvis Costello And The Imposters: Live In Memphis 2004" and "Toto: Live In Amsterdam 2003"
A huge batch are coming on November 13th: "Hitch", "50 First Dates", "Brokeback Mountain", "Gattaca", "A Knight's Tale", "Gangs Of New York", "Into The Blue", "Kung Fu Hustle", "Million Dollar Baby", "Phantom Of The Opera (2004)", "Stealth", "Stormbreaker" and "XXX"
Sports fans may be happy on November 20th with "FIFA World Cup: All The Goals Of Germany 2006" being released.
On December 4th comes "As Good As It Gets", "Metropolis (Anime)", "R.V.", "Snatch" and "The Patriot"
December 11 brings "Monster House"
On December 26 comes "Driving Lessons"
January 29 sees "Black Hawk Down" and "Bram Stoker's Dracula"
February 12: "Replacement Killers", "Gandhi", "Legends Of The Fall" and "Sense And Sensibility"
February 26: "Underworld Evolution", "Underworld: Special Extended Edition", "Donnie Brasco", "Saw: Uncut Version", "Spy Game" and "Valiant (Animated)"
February 27: "The Crow" and "U-571"
March 5: "The Da Vinci Code"
March 13: "Guns Of The Navarone"
July 2: "Jerry Maguire"
List from Play.com via High Def Digest
Mmmm not many good movies in there. Probably putting out 2nd string movies, with a hope to sell these lesser movies on the back of them being the only Blu Ray titles available.
A couple of decent movies to offer but I would like a long string of top draw movies to even consider parting £1000, especially on what is known as a Beta Unit. Even more of a crime that you can buy the BD-P1000 from America for around £400.