I know this is heavy on the videogame news side, but this is a remarkable step forward in marketing. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) have announced the first ever Blu-ray/Game hybrid (via IESB). The December 29th Blu-ray release of Neill Blomkamp‘s summer surprise hit District 9 will come packed with the highly anticipated Playstation 3 demo of God of War III, which is to be released March 16th, 2010.
Lexine Wong, Senior Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment explains:
The combination of District 9 and the game demo of God of War III is an unprecedented home entertainment offering. We are thrilled to give consumers not only an incredible high definition presentation of District 9 and the wealth of bonus material about the movie, but also a taste of what is destined to be the biggest video game of 2010. This pairing of the movie and game demo is just another example of what is possible with the Blu-ray format.
Peter Dille, Senior Vice President, Marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA says:
Blu-ray functionality has long been a differentiator that separates the PS3 from other home entertainment systems. Through this collaboration with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment we’re able to create a unique experience only available on the PS3 system that blends two of the most popular entertainment options available, watching District 9 and playing God of War III off the same disc.
The 2-disc Blu-ray will include a digital copy and will be presented with a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer and 5.1 Dolby DTS-HD Master Audio track. Special features include a director audio commentary, an interactive map of the District 9 world, production diaries, concept art and storyboards, a visual effects featurette, and robust BD Live support with the inclusion of MovieIQ and Cinechat.
Here is the Blu-ray cover art via IGN:
I have yet to play God of War, but I just got a PS3 and District 9 is one of my favorite films of the year, so I can’t wait to check this out. I wonder what this will mean for Blu-ray sales, especially if this is the only venue to play it.
District 9 Blu-ray hits shelves December 29th and the full retail God of War III hits on March 16th, 2010.
Do you have a Ps/Blu-ray player? Are you planning on buying District 9?