In a groundbreaking move that promises to further elevate and differentiate the Blu-ray user experience, Universal Studios Home Entertainment today announced a plan to deliver an extensive array of iPhone and iPod touch-enabled features on its upcoming Blu-ray releases that can be accessed via companion applications from the App Store.
This industry-leading functionality will launch on Apple's APP Store on July 28, 2009, coinciding with the 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray release of the box-office smash Fast & Furious. For the first time ever, iPhone and iPod touch users will have the ability to control interactive content on their Internet and Wi-Fi connected Blu-ray players for a more enhanced and unique experience. Later this year on select Universal releases, consumers will also be able to access bonus content found on their Blu-ray disc and download it into their iPhone or iPod touch to watch features on-the-go; use the devices as a virtual remote to control their Blu-ray disc features; and/or access additional detailed information about the film, its cast and more while watching the movie. Releases will also integrate with social network applications or sites such as Facebook and Twitter to allow users to update their friends about movie-related activities.
"By harnessing Blu-ray technology and combining it with Apple's highly acclaimed iPod touch and iPhone, we continue to raise the bar in delivering an array of unprecedented, user-friendly home entertainment experiences," said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures Digital Platforms. "Bridging these platforms further broadens the scope of the digital landscape by paving the way for innovative new applications and interactive content enhancements that continue to uniquely engage consumers."
Powered by BD-Live, the 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray release of Fast & Furious will utilize this interactive technology tied to its "Virtual Car Garage" bonus feature. With iPhone or iPod touch in-hand, Blu-ray viewers can use their devices' touch screens to control 360-degree views of the movie's supercharged street-racers and instantly punch up exclusive technical specs for the film's high-tech cars.
The "Virtual Car Garage" is just one of many exciting features included in the fully-loaded release of the Fast & Furious 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray, which hits the streets July 28, 2009. Packed with more fast cars, hot bodies and breath-taking stunts than ever, this built-for-speed action thriller reunites the original cast for an all-new, high-octane adventure. The 2-disc Special Edition Blu-ray comes packed with bonus materials, plus a digital copy of the film that can be enjoyed on an array of electronic devices.
In this global hit, Vin Diesel (The Chronicles of Riddick) and Paul Walker (2 Fast 2 Furious) re-team with Michelle Rodriguez ("Lost") and Jordana Brewster (Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) for the ultimate experience in unfettered speed. Director Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift) also returns to create another edgy fast-paced crowd-pleaser. The 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray Fast & Furious is priced at $39.98 SRP.
The app will be available for free from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
