(19 November 2008 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) will be the first Hollywood studio to distribute high-definition Blu-ray Disc in the Chinese market.

The announcement was made by SPHE’s senior VP, international T Paul Miller.

Miller says, "We’re thrilled to be the first to offer the high-quality HD product that discerning Chinese customers demand and deserve.”

An initial slate of 30 Blu-ray Disc titles will coincide with Sony Electronics’ introduction of the BDP-S350 model Blu-ray player to the Chinese market on 21 November 2008, and will include both new releases and popular favorites.

Excel Media (Shanghai) GM Kenny Ling said, "We are very happy to be the first video distributor releasing legitimate Blu-ray disc in China. We have released six Sony Pictures Blu-ray Disc titles in August including Kung Fu Hustle, Spider-Man 3 etc."

Titles available at launch include Hancock, Kung Fu Hustle, Open Season, the Spider-Man trilogy, and Erin Brockovich.