Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) today announced the studio's first releases in the next-generation 4K Ultra HD Disc format, which will arrive in early 2016. "By some estimates, consumers will own over 100 million Ultra HD television sets by 2019. Sony Pictures' 4K Ultra HD Discs will deliver consumers the ultimate home theater experience, with stunning picture and sound quality," said SPHE president, Man Jit Singh.

SPHE's first 4K Ultra HD releases will include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Salt, Hancock, Chappie, Pineapple Express, and The Smurfs 2, followed by a growing roster of titles including new release film and television content.

SPHE's 4K Ultra HD Discs feature four times the resolution of HD and include high dynamic range (HDR), which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays. Many titles will also support next-generation audio formats.

The package you see on the right follows the design guidelines agreed by The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), CEA and Hollywood studios.

The Blu-ray "Elite" package conforms to retail display requirements and features a carbonized black color with metallic silver text and logo. The 4K Ultra HD logo will serve as the header of the package while the Ul tra HD Blu-ray logo will be featured on the spine, back cover and disc.

The new header is aligned with the 4K Ultra HD message used by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) to promote the latest compatible televisions.

Sony Pictures has an extensive library of 4K content, including newer films and television shows, as well as classic catalog films restored from original film elements, including Fury, Captain Phillips, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Men In Black, Ghostbusters, The Fifth Element, Bad Boys, The Da Vinci Code, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Leon: The Professional, Lawrence Of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Guns of Navarone, Taxi Driver, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and many others.

According to IHS Display Search, sales of 4K UHDTVs are expected to reach 100 million units by year 2019. Additionally, the new Ultra HD Blu-ray package is flexible enough to allow for either single disc or combo pack options; the latter of which provides consumers with both 4K UHD and Blu-ray HD versions of the movie or TV program.

The new Ultra HD Blu-ray titles will be available with the launch of Ultra HD Blu-ray players which are expected in early 2016.