Disney has already begun a consumer marketing push for 3D Blu-ray “even though the studio has only announced one title in the format for general consumer retail release more than a month from now and has been dribbling out specifics of that title, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” on Nov. 16.
The studio has launched a DisneyBluray3D.com website and has devoted the entire cover page and a second full page to promoting 3D Blu-ray in its 16-page marketing booklet inside the Blu-ray Diamond Edition of “Beauty and the Beast,” being released this Tuesday, Oct. 5.
The printed booklet features “Toy Story 3” in Blu-ray 3D, but that title has not been announced for the format. A 2D-only version, the first on Blu-ray, is set for Nov. 2.
A video promo at the new Blu-ray 3D site features Timon and Pumbaa from “The Lion King” showcasing the virtues of Blu-ray 3D, explaining a simple 4-step process to do so, and donning 3D glasses.
Interestingly, Disney has slated “The Lion King” for its own Diamond Edition Blu-ray next year, and is working on a 3D conversion for theatrical release to, presumably, be followed by a 3D Blu-ray version.
— By Scott Hettrick