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Warner Bros. Joins Blu-ray Disc Association and Will Release Its Films on Next Generation Blu-ray High Definition Optical Media Disc

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--Warner Bros. Entertainment and its home entertainment division Warner Home Video, which distributes the largest film library of any studio, today announced it has joined the board of directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association and will release its films on the Blu-ray format.

Warner Home Video will release titles on the Blu-ray format to support the launch of Blu-ray players in North America, Japan and Europe, giving consumers the ability to enjoy a wide range of new releases and selections from Warner Bros.' vast library and that of New Line and HBO on the Blu-ray format.

Blu-ray Disc is a next generation optical disc format developed for high-definition video and high capacity software applications. A single layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 25 gigabytes of data and a dual layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 50 gigabytes of data. This greater storage capacity enables the Blu-ray Disc to store up to five times the amount of content than is possible with current DVDs.

"Consumers will soon be able to enjoy a large selection of catalogue favorites and contemporary hits from Warner's vast library on the Blu-ray format," said Jim Cardwell, President, Warner Home Video.

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures Inc., Turner Entertainment Company, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About the Blu-ray Disc Association

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for establishing format standards and promoting and further developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc -- the next-generation optical disc for storing high-definition movies, games, photos and other digital content. The BDA has over 150 members. Its Board of Directors consists of Dell Inc.; Hewlett Packard Company; Hitachi, Ltd.; LG Electronics Inc.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Panasonic (Matsushita Electric); Pioneer Corporation; Royal Philips Electronics; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sharp Corporation; Sony Corporation; TDK Corporation; Thomson; Twentieth Century Fox; Walt Disney Pictures and Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Contacts

Studio Statements Regarding Warner Bros. Entertainment and Blu-ray Disc Association
Thursday October 20, 8:01 pm ET

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--The Blu-ray Disc Association has released the following statements from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment regarding Warner Bros. Entertainment joining the board of directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association and its plans to release its films on the Blu-ray format.

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"This news further illustrates the potent combination of Blu-ray Disc's superior consumer proposition and the undeniable market support demonstrated by the huge consortium of companies supporting Blu-ray. The continued dramatic momentum towards Blu-ray makes us more optimistic than ever that a 'format war' can be avoided."

Bob Chapek, President, Buena Vista Home Entertainment

"These latest developments are the categorical shift needed to avoid a format war and insure the successful launch of Blu-ray and secure the future of high-definition pre-recorded media. The real winner in all of this will be the consumer as a single format comes to market with the dominant support of both the hardware and software industries."

Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

About Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc is the next-generation optical disc format being developed for high-definition video and high-capacity software applications. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 25 gigabytes of data and a double-layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 50 gigabytes of data.

About the Blu-ray Disc Association

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for establishing format standards and promoting and further developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc -- the next-generation optical disc for storing high-definition movies, games, photos and other digital content. The BDA has over 150 members. Its Board of Directors consists of Dell Inc.; Hewlett Packard Company; Hitachi, Ltd.; LG Electronics Inc.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Panasonic (Matsushita Electric); Pioneer Corporation; Royal Philips Electronics; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Sharp Corporation; Sony Corporation; TDK Corporation; Thomson; Twentieth Century Fox; Walt Disney Pictures and Television and Warner Bros.