Avatar 3D Exclusive Given to Panasonic

According to an article on Twice, Panasonic is slated to be the exclusive launch partner for the 3D Blu-ray Disc release of Avatar due out in early December. Though the length of the exclusive period is not specified yet, at launch the disc will only be available to consumers as part of a bundle package with a Panasonic 3D Viera plasma TV. Exact details are still to be announced, but Panasonic's consumer marketing VP, told TWICE his company will back the promotional offers using a marketing campaign that leverages the cooperation and resources of participating retail channel partners.

Panasonic's Blu-ray Avatar marketing efforts last April involved a bundling promotion offering a $25 rebate on the purchase of a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player or home entertainment system and a copy of the blockbuster film on a 2D DVD or 2D Blu-ray Disc.

The news of the blockbuster movie on 3D Blu-ray is big news as we've taken the lack of Avatar in 3D as a sign that even the big guns aren't 100% confident in the future of the fomat as a mainstream solution in the home. With the movie now releasing in 3D for the Christmas season, the industry is getting a big lift that might encourage some to purchase the required hardware. The second piece of the puzzle is live TV and pre-recorded material on broadcast television. In addition to this deal with Avatar, Panasonic is the primary sponsor of DirecTV's new "n3D" channel and the channel's 3D telecast of this week's 2010 U.S. Open tennis tournament.

Lest you think that you're left out in the cold, Panasonic is also apparently looking to take care of its early-adopter customers by making the Avatar 3D Blu-ray movie available to customers who have already purchased a Panasonic 3D Viera TV. Details are still being worked out.