| First Blu-ray Disc Prices
LOS ANGELES — Sony Pictures became the first studio to say how much it will charge for films released on the next-generation DVD format.
Sony is a backer of Blu-ray, a technology that displays films, TV shows and other programming in high definition. A rival and incompatible format, called HD DVD, will also hit shelves this year.
Sony set a wholesale price of $23.45 for new releases and $17.95 for older titles. That translates into a retail price of about $34.95 for new movies and $29.95 for catalog films.
Sony, which also distributes films from MGM Home Entertainment, said it will release 18 catalog titles this year, including "Hitch," "The Fifth Element" and "Species."
The first HD DVD players will hit stores next month. Blu-ray players are scheduled to be available shortly after.
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Looks like those who want to be early adopters will not only have to pay a high price for the BRD players, but you will also have to pay more for the movies. |