"jef195 used our news submit to tell us about this most informative story running over at Video Business. We have read that the Blu-ray high definition disc will be introduced in 2006, but now we hear that there is some discontent in the the ranks of the Bluray camp of supporters. At least when it comes to Bob Chapec, Buena Vistas president of Home Entertainment AKA Disney!

During a press demo held at the 20th Century Fox lot in Los Angeles on December 29, Andy Parsons, senior VP for advanced product development for Pioneer let it slip that the 50GB was not going to be available immediately. He commented that the 25GB discs will be out in the first half of 2006, but downplayed the need for the double layer version as something that the industry would “grow into over time.” However, Chapek of Disney let it be known clearly that they had wanted the 50GB capacity version “from the get-go."

Disney showed the first video highlights of potential new consumer options via Blu-ray, including live Internet-connected events and interactivities and sophisticated videogames. Fox provided the first demo from a Blu-ray player of components using Java technology, such as the layering of traditional menu bonus features such as picture-in-picture trailers and optional audio and pop-up tracks over the movie as it runs. Many of the enhanced components demonstrated will be offered via the basic 25GB Blu-ray Disc and likely could be incorporated into the similar-capacity rival high-def format HD DVD.

But Chapek said he envisions packing discs with a full panoply of high-def bonus materials, extensive interactive features and other new types of content, which would require the higher capacity of the 50GB version. All the content would be seamlessly integrated and accessible without leaving the movie." [more]