By : Thomas K. Arnold | Posted: 02 Jun 2006
tarnold@questex.com

Sony BMG has clicked in with its first two Blu-ray Disc titles, Rod Stewart: Live at Royal Albert Hall and John Legend: Live at the House of Blues. The two titles are scheduled for release this summer shortly after the first Blu-ray players, from Samsung, arrive later this month.

The source video for both titles was shot in high-definition, making them ideal candidates for the next-generation optical disc format, according to Thomas Hesse, president of Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Global Digital Business unit.

“These dynamic concerts from John Legend and Rod Stewart have all of the immediacy and excitement of a live performance, giving fans high-definition video and uncompressed sound for an extraordinary entertainment experience,” Hesse said.

The Rod Stewart video includes live performances of such classics as “Maggie May” and “Stay With Me,” both of them featuring Ron Wood, as well as songs from Stewart's “Great American Songbook” series. Also included is a 10-minute behind-the-scenes documentary.

“John Legend, Live at the House of Blues” includes exclusive live video of the artist performing such songs as “Let's Get Lifted” and “Ordinary People.” The video features guest performances by Kanye West and Snoop Dog, behind-the-scenes footage and an interview with Legend.

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