Sony launches first Blu-ray movies in China, but high-prices and HD DVD could prove trouble

This Friday, Sony Pictures will become the first Hollywood major to release Blu-ray movies in China, launching a 30-title catalogue which includes the Spider-Man trilogy, Kung-Fu Hustle and Hitch.

At present, Blu-rays intended for China are produced at existing Western replication houses. Local facilities are expected to open sometime during 2009.  The software launch coincides with the arrival of Sony’s BDP-S350 Blu-ray player in the country.

However, the format is not expected to have an easy ride. With a street price of 205 yuan, the Sony discs are unlikely to tempt many local film fans away from cheap and plentiful illegal alternatives.

More potential trouble for Chinese Blu-ray lurks in the form of old rival HD DVD. Now renamed China Blue High-Def (CBHD), the rival hi-def format is being positioned as the official replacement for DVD in the region by the DVD Forum.

For more on the Chinese reinvention of HD DVD click here.