Sony’s 3D Blu-ray of “The Smurfs” ($45.99) offers a very good 3D representation of the computer-animated movie that generated more than half-a-billion dollars in theaters worldwide last summer. Once again the 3D on the home version is perhaps even more vibrant and visually dynamic than in theaters.

<Story continues following the 3-minutes of video highlights below from a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment media day at Sony Pictures Animation in Culver City to demonstrate the many bonus features, especially those accessible via the Internet and mobile devices…>

Oddly not included in the 3D Blu-ray set is an original new half-hour cartoon on the other Blu-ay sets called “The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol” that cleverly resurrects the original TV-style animation to distinguish the dream sequences from the present-day scenes in the new computer-animation.

– By Scott Hettrick

The line-up of exhibits, seminars, conferences and previews will once again include the preview and introduction of some of the studio’s biggest new projects at Walt Disney Studios theatrical and home entertainment divisions, The Disney Channel, ABC, and Disney Parks and Resorts.
<Story continues following video below of 2009 D23 Expo…>

There will also be an advance screening of the 3D version of “The Lion King” presented by Real 3D and screenings and panel discussion of Pixar shorts, including “For the Birds,” “One Man Band,” “BURN-E,” “Partly Cloudy,” “Day & Night,” and “La Luna.”

Show floor exhibits will include Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion; Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion; and Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection.

And where the first Expo featured a  screening of a documentary about The Sherman Brothers and an evening discussion with one of them, this year’s event will feature a Friday evening program called Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix, featuring songs from Van Dyke’s varied entertainment career and various Disney hits.

– By Scott Hettrick

<Story continues below the following 2 1/2-minute video interview about the Star Wars release with Fox Home Entertainment exec vp and general manager Simon Swart.>

Stone said Blu-ray is “a dream… even better than having a film print… like having a movie theater in your own home.” With everything going digital, Stone said Blu-ray will be the last physical format for movies, so we should all start collecting as many as we can.
Luhrmann said he also loves Blu-ray and the bonus features that provide so much insight, but that it also creates artistic challenges for restoring older films because it is so vivid and brings out elements never noticed before.
Mann said Blu-ray is the premier showcase for the color and depth nuances that he and other filmmakers spend so much time creating. It does a better job by a factor of 12 or 13, he said. Mann embraces new technologies and said he would like to shoot a dramatic dialogue-driven movie in 3D.

Fans can pre-order the Star Wars Blu-ray sets now, choosing either “The Complete Saga” 9-disc set with all six films and three discs of bonus features for $139.99, or either three-disc trilogy (original or prequel) for $69.99 each.
The more than 30-hours of extras will include previously unseen deleted and alternate scenes.
Also on Thursday, industry org DEG presented the Year-End 2010 Home Entertainment Report, noting that the adoption rate of Blu-ray hardware has increased dramatically over the last two years, including a soaring 62% gain last year, resulting in a U.S. installed base of 28.5 million.
While overall home video spending declined again by 3.3% to $18.8 billion, off a peak of $21.8 billion in 2004, Blu-ray software sales were up 68% to $1.8 billion and rental was up 34%.
Among the other sales highlights in 2010:
* Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment sold 15.3 million copies of “Avatar” in North America, with 5 mil. of those on Blu-ray, making it the #1 Blu-ray title of all time.
* A number of titles saw initial sales on Blu-ray in excess of 30% of total sales including Universal’s “Despicable Me,” Lionsgate’s “The Expendables,” Paramount’s “Iron Man 2,” Sony’s “Salt,” Warner’s “The Town,” and Disney’s “A Christmas Carol.”
* Blu-ray Disc catalog sales are up 52% year over year.
* Six million Blu-ray devices sold in fourth quarter alone.

With Blu-ray 3D launching in 2010, the DEG estimates that 100 Blu-ray 3D titles will be at retail by the end of 2011, in addition to dozens of 3D video games and hundreds of hours of 3D sports.
The DEG estimates that more than 91 million HDTV sets have sold to consumers bringing the number of HDTV households to nearly 56 million. The DEG further estimates that nearly 39% of these households have more than one set.
According to figures compiled by Swicker & Associates on behalf of the DEG, in calendar 2010, more than 170 million Blu-ray Discs shipped to market. In the fourth quarter, some 73 million discs shipped to retail.  Since launch, nearly 350 million Blu-ray Discs have shipped.

– By Scott Hettrick

Many top experts in the field presented information to attendees during the morning and early afternoon program in West Hollywood on the topics of choosing a 3D process, authoring, glasses, producing in 3D and more.

The following is 2 1/2-minutes of video highlights of the introductory market update on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D by Jeannine Patton, vice president and general manager of the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory Advanced Authoring Center, and a presentation on distributing 3D content to the home by Michael DeValue, Director of Advanced Technology at Walt Disney Studios.

“Variety is proud to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hall of Fame by inducting Ted, Bill and the BDA,” said Linda Buckley-Bruno, publishing director of Variety and former publisher of Video Business. “Each of these inductees exemplifies the vitality of home entertainment as it evolves from purely physical distribution to a revenue-expanding mix of physical, digital, mobile and other models that provide increased convenience and value to the entertainment consumer.”

Sarandos has led content acquisition for Netflix since 2000, playing a key role in the service’s move to online distribution by expanding its streaming library to more than 17,000 movies and TV episodes. During his tenure, the company’s DVD library has also expanded from 2,000 to more than 100,000 titles. Sarandos has worked in the home entertainment industry for more than two decades, at companies including video wholesaler ETD and retail chain Video City.

Clark oversees all aspects of worldwide sales, marketing, acquisitions and product development strategy for leading independent distributor Anchor Bay and in 2008 launched theatrical unit Anchor Bay Films. A 25-year veteran of the home entertainment industry who is known for innovative deal structures, business models and operational improvements, Clark previously worked at Ventura Entertainment Enterprises, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Spelling Entertainment, and the Walt Disney Studios.

The Blu-ray Disc association (BDA) is an industry consortium that has played a key role in establishing the successful Blu-ray high-definition video format, through the setting of technology standards and format promotion. The induction will be accepted by BDA Promotions Committee chairs Victor Matsuda and Andy Parsons.

Under Variety’s direction, the scope of the awards has been broadened beyond traditional packaged video to recognize achievements in all home entertainment media and distribution formats, including DVD, Blu-ray, digital and videogames. Nevertheless, the purpose of the Hall of Fame remains true to the mission established at its founding 30 years ago: to recognize excellence in the home entertainment industry while aiding those in need.

EAA is a volunteer group that was formed in 1989 to respond to the urgent need for funding AIDS service organizations nationwide. Over 90% of funds raised are distributed to qualifying AIDS healthcare organizations and facilities.

To advertise in the commemorative issue of Variety, contact Andi Elliott at 301.774.6874 or andi.elliott@variety.com.

Nonetheless, the result in 1991 was a landmark achievement that represents the apex of the renaissance era of Disney animated films in the 1990s.

<Story continues below the following 3 1/2-min video highlights of a celebrity-filled red carpet Hollywood event to promote the new “Beauty” Bu-ray with a presentation of the sing-along version at the historic El Capitan theatre, featuring video interviews of Paige O’Hara and Robby Benson and clips from composer Alan Menken’s extended medley of his Disney movie compositions.>

"Beauty" producer Don Hahn

“It was definitely a pinnacle,” he told HollywoodInHiDef.com, noting that while many movies that followed copied the Broadway musical style formula, it was never equaled. “It’s like striking a match,” he said. “You can’t do it twice, and who would want to?”

“The Little Mermaid,” which came before “Beauty,” is a pure delight, and many others that came after, from “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” to “Pocahontas” and “Mulan” have great appeal as well.

But “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated film to receive an Oscar nomination for best film before animation was given its own category, and it even won the Golden Globe for best musical or comedy movie of the year. It also won Academy Awards for best song (title song) and best score, and was nominated for best sound and two other songs — “Belle” and “Be My Guest.”

All the reasons for this acclaim are showcased better than ever on the new Blu-ray. Not only does the movie itself look stunning, no matter which of the three versions you choose — an incomplete work-in-progress version shown with great fanfare at the New York Film Festival, and the previously-released special edition featuring the “Human Again” song from the Broadway adaptation set to new animation (Hahn and I are again in agreement in preferring the original movie without this added song) — but the hours of new retrospective bonus features provide a clear understanding and appreciation of the myriad elements that came together in what Hahn describes during one of his multiple featurettes and audio commentary on the disc as “a perfect storm” of creative talent confluence with the management evolution at the studio, the timing of the echo Baby Boomer generation being the perfectly receptive audience, and good fortune.

Even before the 1989 release of “The Little Mermaid,” which would revolutionize Disney films, the “Beauty” production team was in London working on a much different storytelling approach, much of which is included here. After months of that work was scrapped in late 1988, Disney turned to Ashman and composer Alan Menken, who had been hired after their successful outrageous Broadway adaptation of “Little Shop of Horrors” and had already finished work for Disney on “The Little Mermaid” and were well into work on “Aladdin,” scheduled for release in 1992.

During that time the studio was not aware that Ashman was suffering from AIDS. He would finish the work on “Aladdin” and work diligently on “Beauty” even after everyone became aware of his incurable illness, continuing to make calls from his bed about the project right up until he died in 1991 shortly before the film’s release.

A special featurette spotlighting the life of Ashman is one of several optional mini-documentaries that can be selected as temporary detours at various points during the Blu-ray’s primary new full-length documentary, “Beyond Beauty: The Untold Stories Behind The Making of ‘Beauty and the Beast’,” hosted by Hahn, which is featured on a second Blu-ray disc.

Hahn also hosts a wonderful conversation with Menken and Disney historian Richard Kraft about the production, during which Menken, sitting at a piano, repeatedly enhances an anecdote by playing and singing songs from the movie.

Disney gets high praise for including extensive interviews with former studio execs such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, who created Disney’s chief rival in DreamWorks Animation, and Peter Schneider. Of Katzenberg, Hahn told HollywoodInHiDef.com that he was a very central part of the success of that time when the animation unit needed structure and a leader.

Most of the many other bonus features and interactivities from previous video and DVD incarnations of this movie are included on the Blu-ray Disc. Fans of music group Jump 5 will be disappointed to see their music video version of the title song on the Platinum DVD edition has been cut from this Blu-ray. But in its place is a new music video with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks singing the same song.

Interactivities include a game involving answering trivia questions (oddly, the honor system is employed to determine whether you answered correctly) and using the remote to search rooms in the castle for hidden characters. Another new one, “Bonjour, Who is This?,” requires the Web-connected BD Live feature and a telephone to receive a message.
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By Scott Hettrick

The conference of industry trade organization DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group focuses on the current and emerging technologies related to Blu-ray Disc and brings together about 400 creative, marketing and business experts from across the entertainment and electronics industries.

Cameron and Landau will discuss why Blu-ray offers the best viewing experience of “Avatar,” as well as the state of filmmaking and 3D in general from 11 a.m. – 12 noon.

“James Cameron and Jon Landau redefined the theatrical movie experience, and are at the forefront of doing the same in the home with high definition Blu-ray,” said Mike Dunn, Worldwide President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Secretary, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group.

Last March the filmmakers engaged in a conversation about the first Blu-ray Disc release of “Avatar” at a media event, where Landau said an ultimate edition of the movie would be released on Blu-ray in November. A special edition of the movie with extra footage is being re-released in 3D theaters Aug. 27 for two weeks.

“Avatar” recently became the most successful Blu-ray disc since the format’s inception, and with influential voices like Landau and Cameron supporting it, we will see continued growth in record numbers,” Dunn said.

Special sessions will also be held on Blu-ray 3D, BD-Live and classic films on Blu-ray; along with the networked players and other emerging trends that are anticipated to drive Blu-ray sales in the fourth quarter.

The schedule:

8 – 9 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
9 – 9:05 a.m. Welcome:
Amy Jo Smith, Executive Director, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group

9:05 – 9:10 a.m. Opening Remarks:
Ron Sanders, President, Warner Home Video and President, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group

9:10 – 9:40 a.m. Retail Report: Expanding the Blu-ray Market
Bill Carr, Vice President of Music and Video, Amazon.com

9:40 – 10:40 a.m. The Blu-ray Experience: A Conversation with James Cameron and Jon Landau
Introduction: Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Secretary, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group

10:40 – 11 a.m. Coffee Break
Coffee/Networking – BD Partner Pavilion exhibit area

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Presidents Forum:
Building on last year’s discussion, the home entertainment industry’s studio president leaders will discuss the current and future state of expanding the market for Blu-ray Disc. Two prominent business analysts will lead this candid dialogue, while also sharing their perspectives on the business.
Panelists: Steve Beeks, President, Lionsgate
David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment
Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment;
Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment;
Ron Sanders, President, Warner Home Video
Co-Moderators: Michael Nathanson, Managing Director and Head of US Media and Telecom Equity Research, Nomura Securities; Spencer Wang, Managing Director and Senior Media and Internet Analyst, Equity Research, Credit Suisse

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. Setting the Stage for Blu-ray 3D
This panel will examine the creative and marketing challenges posed by Blu-ray 3D and discuss the various efforts underway to promote this exciting concept at retail.
Panelists: Kris Brown, Vice President, Worldwide High Def Market Expansion Warner Home Video
Jim Mainard, Head of Production Technology, Dreamworks SKG;
Dan Schinasi, Senior Marketing Manager, Consumer Business Division, Samsung Electronics America
Brian Siegel, Vice President, Home Audio & Home Video Group, Sony Electronics
Moderator: Marc Finer, Technical Director, DEG

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Networking Luncheon Wilshire Ballroom

1:45 – 2 p.m. The BDA Perspective: An Update on the Latest Blu-ray Disc Developments
An inside look at the BDA’s various activities, including a brief history, working committees, ongoing efforts and new projects.
Andy Parsons, Chair, U.S. Promotions Committee, Blu-ray Disc Association and Senior Vice President, Product Development & Corporate Communications, Pioneer Electronics

2:00 – 2:10 p.m. Introduction to the Film Foundation Project
David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment and Vice President, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group

2:10 – 3 p.m. Film Classics: New Opportunities for Blu-ray Catalog
Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound make it the ideal medium for archiving treasured film classics. This panel will highlight some of the latest BD restoration projects and examine the marketing opportunities for rejuvenating catalog sales.
Panelists: Jeff Baker, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, Warner Home Video
Rita Belda, Director, Asset Management, Film Restoration and Digital Mastering
Bob Buchi, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Paramount Home Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment
Dave Shaw, Senior Vice President Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Moderator: Bill Hunt, Editor, The Digital Bits

3 – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Break
Coffee/Networking – BD Partner Pavilion exhibit area

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Platform as Portal: The Blu-ray Connected Customer
Blu-ray has become the most connected consumer entertainment platform ever. This panel will discuss the variety of interactive applications and services that BD players can support, along with the latest updates on BD-Live and Digital Copy.
Panelists: Jeff Cove, Vice President, Technology and Alliances, Panasonic Corporation of N.A.
Jeff Cowan, Vice President of Training Development, D&M Holdings N.A.
Tracey Garvin, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Robert Read, Senior Vice President, Worldwide High Definition Marketing, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Moderator: Josh Zyber, Contributing Editor, Home Theater Mag

4:15 – 5 p.m. Blu-ray and Music: Storytelling Through Sound
Blu-ray is emerging as an alternative format for both concert videos and high resolution music. This panel takes a closer look at how viable this concept is in an increasingly digital world.
Panelists: Jim Belcher, Vice President Advanced Technology, Universal Music Group
Adam Sosinsky, Vice President, New Technology, Sony Music Entertainment
Mark Waldrep, Founder & President, AIX Records
Moderator: Marc Finer, Technical Director, DEG

5 p.m. Closing Remarks
Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and
Vice President, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group

The day’s sessions will be streamed to the DEG’s sister organizations, the DEG Europe in London and DEG Japan in Tokyo.

For information on sponsorships, please contact Martin Porter at 516-767-6720 or at ideas@martinporter.com.

Hands-on demos from leading technology companies will be available.
Refreshments will be served after the presentations.

“3D-Focus: 3D Blu-ray Authoring” is hosted by DTS, presented by MESA, THX and 3D@Home Consortium, and sponsored by DTS and Netblender

Pre-Register Now!

Preliminary program:

* Video Masters > Compression > MVC Encoding – Tools and Processes
* Authoring – Tools and Processes
* Menu and Subtitle Creation – Tools and Processes
* Human Factor and Physiological Review
* 7.1 Surround Audio for 3D
* Testing and Verification – Tools and Processes

The home entertainment industry promotional group will present four “Home 3D: Solutions and Strategies” panels on the second day two of the Summit, which is co-produced by The Bob Dowling Group and Unicomm, LLC, and presented in association with Variety.the 3D Entertainment Summit.