Universal 100th Anniversary Plans

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This year Universal Pictures turns 100 and the studio will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong campaign to celebrate its 'film history and cultural legacy'. Relevant to DVD and Blu-ray fans are the studio's efforts to restore thirteen films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Out of Africa, Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Some, if not all of these will see a home release in 2012, and those that don't will likely be released in 2013. The press release notes:

Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector’s Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal’s Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal’s legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.

The press release also says to expect other releases of influential and iconic films throughout the year, including a Blu-ray release of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012.

The first two confirmed titles to benefit from their 100th anniversary efforts are To Kill A Mockingbird and All Quiet on the Western Front. The US releases are due on 31st January and 14th February respectively while the UK release date for both is 13th February.

Official websites from Universal: universal100.tumblr.com/ and universal100th.com