Sony Announces First 4K Discs; Studios Agree On 4K Blu-ray Packaging

November 11, 2015

By Chris Tribbey

The studios have agreed on the artwork and packaging design for 4K Ultra High-Def Blu-ray Discs, while Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has become the second studio to announce specific titles for the format.

The new package features a combination of black and metallic silver coloring, with the 4K Ultra HD logo on the head of the package, and the Ultra HD Blu-ray logo on the spine, back cover and disc itself. Similar to current Blu-ray combo packs, the packaging will be flexible enough for content owners to include multiple versions of a film, and advertise other features (including high dynamic range and the inclusion of UltraViolet).

DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) and the Consumer Electronics Association will support 4K Blu-ray next year with a series of media tours, promoting retail software releases.

“The DEG is pleased to have worked closely with content owners in coordinating the development of both the artwork and messaging for Ultra HD Blu-ray packaging,” said DEG president Amy Jo Smith. “Ultra HD Blu-ray will provide an outstanding video and audio experience for 4K Ultra HD TV owners and the DEG is confident that this effort will be appreciated by retailers and consumers alike”.

Anchor Bay Entertainment, HBO Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment worked together on the design, DEG noted.

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment used the announcement to unveil their first 4K Blu-ray releases, including The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Salt, Hancock, Chappie, Pineapple Express and The Smurfs 2, all of which will including high dynamic range, and several of which will support next-gen audio formats, including DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. The titles will be available in early 2016, and will be quickly followed by more 4K Blu-ray releases from the studio.

“By some estimates, consumers will own over 100 million Ultra HD television sets by 2019. Sony Pictures’ 4K Ultra HD Discs will deliver consumers the ultimate home theater experience, with stunning picture and sound quality,” said SPHE president Man Jit Singh. “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.”

Sony becomes the second major studio to announce an initial 4K Blu-ray slate, after Fox announced it would release Kingsman: The Secret Service, Exodus: Gods and Kings, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Fantastic Four, Life of Pi, The Maze Runner and Wild in the format.

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