Universal launches iPhone apps for Blu-ray

PHYSICAL: First will tie-in to Fast & Furious disc

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 7/20/2009

JULY 20 | PHYSICAL: Universal Studios Home Entertainment is introducing a new line of Blu-ray Disc features tied to iPhone apps, allowing consumers to do everything from watching extras on the go to controlling content on their TV screen with their phone.

The first app will launch July 28 on Apple’s App Store tied to Universal’s two-disc Blu-ray special edition Fast & Furious. Consumers with a wi-fi-connected Blu-ray player can download the free app for their iPhone or iPod Touch and then use the touch screen on their phone to control interactive content on their TV from the “Virtual Car Garage” bonus feature. By touching the screen, users can check out views of the street racers in the film and see technical specs.

“Bridging these platforms further broadens the scope of the digital landscape by paving the way for innovative new applications and interactive content enhancements that continue to uniquely engage consumers,” Craig Kornblau, president of USHE and Universal Pictures Digital Platforms, said in a statement announcing the new features.

Universal plans to expand the capabilities of Blu-ray-tied iPhone apps on future releases. Some Blu-ray features will be available to download to phones and the iPod Touch for viewing on-the-go. Others will allow users to access additional information about the film and cast while watching the movie.