Major films including The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean are among the titles to be released on the Blu-Ray next generation DVD format.

Some 75 software titles will also be released in Japan at the end of the year, as competition with the rival HD DVD format hots up.

Hollywood and electronic firms are backing Blu-Ray, while HD has computer giant Microsoft on its side.

Players for both formats were introduced in Japan earlier this year.

'Dampen'

Sony is planning to release a Blu-Ray player in the US this October, while a time-frame for a release in Japan has yet to be decided.

Games consoles with the Blu-Ray technology, including the Playstation 3, are likely to debut in November.

More information about the movies to be released on Blu-ray discs in Japan at the end of the year at BBC News.