Rich Fiscus
12 Jun 2008 2:52
Disney, a studio which has been very public in their support for Blu-ray since the format was introduced, appears ready to take full advantage of the BD Live features that will finally be available in a number of new players later this year. BD Live enables web-based content to be added to Blu-ray discs. Taking advantage of such content obviously requires that your player be connected to the internet. Currently it also requires a PS3 since it's the only player compatible with Blu-ray's Profile 2.0.
Disney's first foray into web enabled Blu-ray content will be part of a special 50 anniversary edition of Sleeping Beauty. It will include a chat feature allowing viewers to connect with others watching the movie at the same time. It will also apparently require the use of a Blackberry or similar device for text entry.
“The idea of my little girl being able to experience the movie and chat in real time with her grandparents across the country is very exciting to me,” said Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment president Bob Chapek during a presentation Monday night.
He added “We are introducing this important feature on Sleeping Beauty, but imagine the possibilities of extending this to other titles such as High School Musical or, eventually, ABC’s hit show ‘Lost.’ Can you imagine the level of excitement that will create with the tweens or the rabid fan base of ‘Lost’?”
Although certainly an interesting idea, it doesn't seem like a particularly compelling argument for buying a new Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player.