High Definition Review is very excited. Sony pictures has released final box art and confirmed the specs for the much anticipated Blu-ray debut of Ghostbusters on 16 June, and they look to be a worthy improvement on the DVD of old. As well as a newly remastered AVC transfer and a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio track features exclusive to this 25th anniversary edition include: An in-depth ‘Slimer Mode’ picture-in-picture graphical viewing experience, ‘Ecto-1: Resurrecting the Classic Car’ featurette, ‘Ghostbusters Garage’ picture gallery, a collectible 32-page booklet as well as most of the features from the original DVD.

Sony has unveiled a new entry-level Blu-ray player, the BDP-S360. With all the usual features you’d expect from a modern high definition disc player, such as 7.1 channel HD audio decoding for DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD, BD-Live functionality and a USB port, the S360 also trades in the ill-advised Blu(e) bezel of predecessor the S350 for a nice sleek black finish. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Analysts at Futursource Consulting have projected global shipments of almost 12 million Blu-ray players for 2009. Futuresource Research Consultant Jack Wetherill, said: “Sales of HD-capable LCD and plasma TVs, and continued dramatic reductions in BD player prices also continue to fuel interest. In the last quarter of 2008, average retail prices for standalone Blu-ray players fell by 15% in most major markets and we’re going to see them fall by another 25% during the course of this year. Add to that the raft of movie titles being issued on Blu-ray – over 1,100 at the end of last year, on track to more than double this year – coupled with the increase in promotional activity and the continued benefit of growing PS3 ownership, and we’ll see Blu-ray continue to gather momentum in all major markets across the globe.”

The BBC’s head of digital media technology, Anthony Rose, has confirmed the iPlayer’s jump to HD. The updated online service will detect a users internet connection speed, before automatically switching to the highest quality image. “Introducing HD streams [enables] users to enjoy BBC programmes in HD without a set-top box,” said Rose, adding: “The new adaptive bitrate technology and speed diagnostics page help optimise the viewing experience, while the resizable window gives users flexibility to switch between different quality streams, hopefully leading to a more satisfying experience overall.” Shows to get the HD treatment include Doctor Who, Kerwhizz, and Dragons’ Den, but no date has yet been set for planned updates to PS3 and Virgin Media versions of the service.

Amazon.com has offered customers the chance to pre-order Peter Jackon’s fantasy epic the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although a release date has yet to be confirmed, rumours suggest that the boxset will hit in time for the 2009 holiday season - complete with packaging art, the box-set currently retails on the site at $69.99 which will bag you all three theatrical editions of the film. No official UK details from Warner just yet, but as always we’ll keep you updated.