MALIBU, Calif., Aug. 25, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The expanding base of U.S. retailers supporting Blu-ray releases has encouraged Empire Film Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EFGU) (http://www.empirefilmgroup.com) to make a major commitment to the emerging format. With virtually all major retailers now supporting Blu-ray titles, often at the expense of shelf space previously allocated to DVD releases, Empire has committed to release all of its theatrical titles onto the format. Four Empire titles will be released onto Blu-ray in 2009, with more than twenty slated for 2010 collectively anticipated to deliver nearly twenty-five percent of the company's video profits.
"This is the right time for Empire to make a commitment to the format," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Distribution. "Blu-ray presents the consumer with an enhanced viewing experience, and we expect to see a substantial acceleration of support following this holiday season. The initial launch of Blu-ray was hampered by the format battles with HD-DVD, followed by a significant economic downturn. But with the improvement in the general economy and continued improvement in Blu-ray's capabilities, we expect to see dramatic holiday sales of hardware and enhanced demand for new release movies."
Blu-ray delivers the highest quality high-definition video signal available in the U.S. market and allows for enhanced bonus features on discs, ranging from running commentary and multiple language options, to the new 3-D viewing capabilities being developed and marketed by Panasonic. Blu-ray discs generally sell for $24.95 suggested retail or higher, delivering greater profit margins than standard format DVD units for studio suppliers, such as Empire Film Group.
Empire titles that will be available on Blu-ray include "War Eagle, Arkansas," a family drama, "The Countess," a dramatic thriller, and "Thru the Moebius Strip," an animated sci-fi adventure that has garnered comparisons to James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar." A total of twenty-four Empire titles will be available on the Blu-ray format prior to Sept. 30, 2010.
Empire Film Group is a fully integrated entertainment company, with direct distribution activities to theaters, video and television markets. The company maintains corporate offices in Malibu, California, and operates a distribution center and warehouse in N.W. Arkansas, near the company's largest DVD customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Empire also owns and operates Hannover House, a respected book publishing company established in 1993.
For more information on current Empire releases, go to: www.EmpireFilmGroup.com, or check out www.WarEagleArkansas.com, or www.TheSecretofKells.com.