Universal Studios Home Video to release Back to the Future on DVD

Universal Studios Home Video to release Back to the Future on DVD

UNIVERSAL CITY -- Universal Studios Home Video will release its first titles to support the DVD format in November 1997, it was announced today by Louis Feola, President, Universal Home Video.

"We have diligently participated in the developments of and fully support this revolutionary new format," stated Mr. Feola. "The open technological issues have been resolved to our satisfaction and we are encouraged by the successful launch of DVD hardware and software. DVD offers our industry an unprecedented growth opportunity and we believe our entry into the market at this time is critical to the success of the format. We look forward to introducing a continuous stream of high quality product on DVD and will devote considerable time and talent to ensure that the viability of this new format gains consumer acceptance across all demographics."

"Universal Studios Home Video has been working very closely with Matsushita/Panasonic, and is fully prepared to supply the same superior quality programming as has always been the company's history," stated Phil Pictaggi, Senior Vice President, Operations and Business Development.

Ten titles are slated to be released, with four scheduled for November 1997: The Land Before Time, The Shadow, The Paper and Beethoven will be released at $24.98 each suggested retail price, packaged in jewel cases. The Land Before Time, The Shadow and Beethoven will feature Digital Stereo Surround Sound audio in English, Spanish and French. The Paper and The Shadow will feature Digital Stereo Surround Sound audio in English and French. The Paper, The Shadow and Beethoven will also feature Spanish subtitles.

Other titles scheduled for release from December 1997 through February 1998 include Casper, Babe, The River Wild, Back to the Future, The Flintstones and Jurassic Park.

The DVD format utilizes a five-inch disc with enough storage capacity to fit two full-length feature films. The disc, the same size as a music CD, provides an exceptional picture and theater quality Dolby Digitald Surround Sound. Discs can be manufactured in various configurations, including dual layers on a single side disc or dual layers on a two-sided disc.

An interactive on-screen menu system allows DVD users to switch between multiple language tracks and/or subtitles. Viewers can also choose to watch the original theatrical trailer, as well as explore material about the cast, director and making of the film, when such content is included in the title's release. The format also allows inclusion of such other features as running director commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, storyboards, internet browser capability, director's cut versions, screen tests and interviews with cast and crew.