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Rounding Up HD News: Blu-ray Releases Growing; Economic Woes May Drive Home Electronic Sales

Oct 30, 2008  •  Post A Comment

Number of Blu-ray Releases Growing
The number of Blu-ray titles released or scheduled to be released has surpassed 1,000, the Hollywood Reporter says. There are 841 Blu-ray titles on the market currently, with 185 being prepared for sale. The latest big-name title to get the Blu-ray treatment is Disney’s “Pinocchio,” which is set for a March 10 release.
Economic Turmoil May Drive Home Electronics Market
If consumers avoid going out and spending money in this rocky economy, their stay-at-home attitude might lift home electronics sales, Futuresouce Consulting reports. The consulting firm noted that when the economy slumped in 2001, digital cameras and DVD players sold well, proving that high-tech toys have the ability to endure downturns. Futuresource said flat-panel TV and Blu-ray DVD player sales growth will continue well into 2009.
JVC Puts End to VCR Era
Electronics manufacturer JVC announced Monday that it is no longer producing stand-alone VCRs, Trading Markets.com reports. The stoppage effectively ends production of single-player machines in the format. The company will continue selling VCRs until its inventory is exhausted. Still in production, however, are DVD-VCR combo players, along with three-in-one units that combine a DVD player, VCR and a hard drive.
Makeup Makes HD Leap
Cosmetic companies are moving their stock of high-definition makeup from the studio to the general consumer market, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Cosmetic companies like Smashbox and Temptu are beginning to offer shoppers access to the makeup that newscasters use to cover imperfections that might show up in high definition. Some cosmetologists warn against the HD makeup, as there is a more involved application process, and its use could lead to dry skin.
‘Journey,’ ‘Polar Express’ Leap in 3-D on Blu-ray
Blu-ray versions of New Line’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and Warner Bros.’ “The Polar Express” arrived in stores Tuesday, both boasting 3-D cuts of the film, Hi-Def Digest reports. “Express” simply adds the 3-D version of its previous Blu-ray release last year, while “Earth” comes along with a few extras, including a commentary track and featurettes. Also hitting stores Tuesday in Blu-ray was Disney’s “Tinker Bell” and New Line’s “Elf” and “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.”

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