With having already confirmed several UMD films heading to the in North America, as well promising regular releases for the new format, Buena Vista has joined the announcing several new UMD en route. Lions Gate committed themselves to releasing several of their pictures on UMD as of last week.

Initially, Buena Vista plan to release five new titles on Sony's proprietary format: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, National Treasure, Reign of Fire, Kill Bill Volume 1 and Hero. Buena Vista president Bob Chapek enthused "With its crisp picture, ease of use and quick response mechanisms, the PSP is poised to revolutionize portable entertainment systems throughout the world."

Buena Vista are also promising to support the PSP on an ongoing basis, though much of course depends on whether PSP users go for UMD movies in a big way. No doubt other studios will announce releases in due course.

By Luke Guttridge