Get out that red pen and mark your calendar in the box marked “23″ on the month “May”. Because that’s the first firm date I’ve ever seen mentioned for a BD movie release.

Lionsgate yesterday announced plans for releasing 10 titles on Blu-ray Discs. The first wave of titles will include “Crash” and “Lord of War”, which will be released May 23rd for $39.99 SRP (ouch!). The Punisher, Saw, and Terminator 2 will be $29.99 SRP (somewhat better). Later in June/July, we’ll see titles such as Resevoir Dogs, Totall Recall, Stargate, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and The Devil’s Rejects.

Sony and MGM announced eight titles for May 23rd, with another eight on June 13th.

The first Blu-ray Disc titles from SPHE and MGM Home Entertainment will include: 50 First Dates, The Fifth Element, Hitch, House of Flying Daggers, A Knight’s Tale, The Last Waltz (MGM), Resident Evil Apocalypse and XXX.

BD titles streeting June 13 include: Kung Fu Hustle, Legends of the Fall, Robocop (MGM), Stealth, Species (MGM), SWAT and Terminator (MGM). Underworld Evolution will debut in early Summer day and date with the DVD.

PRNewswire - Lionsgate Embraces Blu-ray With First 10 Titles Scheduled for Two-Part Rollout Beginning May 23
PRNewswire - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Targets May 23 for Launch of First Blu-Ray Disc Titles