Big films set for Blu-Ray release

The Da Vinci Code was a headline-making box office draw

Major films including The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean are among the titles to be released on the Blu-Ray next generation DVD format.

Some 75 software titles will also be released in Japan at the end of the year, as competition with the rival HD DVD format hots up.

Hollywood and electronic firms are backing Blu-Ray, while HD has computer giant Microsoft on its side.

Players for both formats were introduced in Japan earlier this year.

'Dampen'

Sony is planning to release a Blu-Ray player in the US this October, while a time-frame for a release in Japan has yet to be decided.

Games consoles with the Blu-Ray technology, including the Playstation 3, are likely to debut in November.

The Blu-ray format is backed by Sony

Both sides are expected to release an attractive package of films and computer games to increase interest in their product.

The new hardware is likely to breathe new life in the dwindling home video market, but some experts fear a repeat of the tussle between VHS and Betamax formats, when consumers were confused and VHS gradually won over the market.

Experts have predicted that the two formats will co-exist until a dual format system is developed.

Ben Keen, chief analyst for Screen Digest, said earlier this month that the format war would "dampen consumer appetite" for the HD disc category.