Universal,a staunch defender and backer of HD-DVD, has announced its initial Blu-Ray disc releases, which will hit stores on July 22.

Among the first titles released in the high definition format are The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Scorpion King;all coordinated for the summer release of the next Mummy film, Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.  Other titles include best sellers from this and last year; 40 Year Old Virgin, American Gangster, and Knocked Up.  Older titles include U-571, Miami Vice, End Of Days, and Land Of The Dead.

NBC's hit series, Heroes Season One and Two will be released on August 26th. 

Universal used the announcement to also promote it's summer slate of films that will also be available on Blu-Ray but do not have any release dates.  Besides the Mummy sequel, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Wanted, Hellboy II: The Golden Army,and  Mamma Mia!   are all slated for Blu-Ray.

The language of the press release leaves no doubt as to Universal's backing of the high definition format winner and their intentions to release many titles on Blu-Ray.