Lions Gate to release movies, shows in Blu-Ray DVD format

Wednesday, August 17th 2005, 8:57 pm

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Lions Gate Entertainment said Wednesday it will release movies and other content on the high definition Blu-Ray disc format when that technology launches next year.

The studio joins Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and The Walt Disney Co. as supporters of one of two next generation DVD formats vying to replace standard DVDs in the future.

Both formats promise increased storage capacity and movie resolution superior enough to get the most out of high-definition TV sets. And both would contain stronger anti-piracy protection, a key factor in the studio's anxiousness to adopt a new format.

Supporters of the rival format, HD-DVD, include Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.

Studios and consumer electronics makers are hoping to avoid a format war, which could leave consumers confused and unwilling to upgrade to the new equipment needed to play the high definition discs.

HD-DVD players and films are expected to be available by the end of the year.

Blu-Ray players and films are expected to be available in North America next year.