3D BD film, Panasonic 3D afspiller

Panasonic has secured exclusive access to two key 3D Blu-ray releases. UK buyers of its DMP-BDT300 Blu-ray player will be able to redeem vouchers for free copies of both Ice Age 3D and Coraline.

Speaking at the UK launch party of its 3D hardware, held at AIR Studios London, Panasonic UK MD Keith Evans declared: ‘We get used to TV innovations but ever so often there comes something truly epoch-making – 3D is it. Panasonic is the only brand that gets close to bringing the Hollywood 3D experience to the home.’ But exactly what bit of Hollywood you can bring home is looking increasingly limited.

With major hardware vendors vying with each other to gain exclusive promotional access to the limited number of 3D Blu-rays planned this year, there would seem to be little choice looming for new owners of 3D equipment. With Panasonic locking Ice Age 3D and Coraline out of retail till 2011 and Samsung obtaining 12-month exclusive access to Monsters Vs Aliens on 3D Blu-ray (available only as part of a two 3D glasses bundle for £199 or thereabouts) and the entire Shrek series in 3D, there’s not much else to buy. It remains to be seen if Sony similarly limits distribution of its own Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 3D release to buyers of its hardware. One can only imagine the bunfight going on behind then scenes to secure exclusive access to the 3D BD of Avatar for 2011…