Blu-ray Backers Launch New High-Def Website

In a unique marketing move, several major Blu-ray-backing studios have teamed up to create a new consumer-focused content site called Hollywood in Hi-Def.

At first glance, the just-launched website would appear to be about high-def discs in general, but upon closer inspection, Hollywood in Hi-Def's mix of original content and links to news and reviews from other sites (including this one) is laser-focused on the Blu-ray format only.

This, of course, should come as no surprise given its stated backing by Blu-ray supporters Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Fox Home Entertainment, although the site's lack of direct disclosure has already raised a few eyebrows.

Edited by former Video Business magazine editor-in-chief Scott Hettrick, a sampling of original content on the site today features an introductory blog post by Hettrick, an interview with Jerry Bruckheimer about Blu-ray, and video footage from Disney's recent 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Blu-ray premiere party.

In an interview with Video Business, Hettrick said of his support of the Blu-ray format, "From a marketing and industry support standpoint, I think that they really have a far better chance of being successful."