With the recent announcements by Criterion, Masters of Cinema and the BFI that they will be releasing titles on Blu-ray comes the unconfirmed but likely-looking new that key UK distributor Artificial Eye are to release their first Blu-ray titles onto the UK market in October. Two titles from their back-catalogue have begun appearing on on-line listings for upcoming blu-ray releases, Michael Haneke's Hidden (Caché) and Kitano Takeshi's Zatōichi, plus a simultaneous DVD and Blu-ray release of a new title, Lou Reed's Berlin. Although we are seeking and awaiting confirmation on all three releases, the inclusion of Blu-ray covers and listed extra features does seem to suggest that this is for real.

For the record, the Blu-ray of Hidden is listed as having the following extras:

• Michael Haneke Interview;
• Theatrical Trailer;
• Making Of Documentary.

The Blu-ray of Zatōichi extras are:

• Behind The Scenes Documentary;
• Theatrical Trailer.

The listed information for Lou Reed's Berlin is as follows:

A legendary figure in contemporary music, Lou Reed's extraordinary career began as a member of the influential group The Velvet Underground. As a solo artist of exceptional creativity and longevity, he has crafted a prolific body of work that includes such classic albums as 'Transformer', 'New York' and 'Berlin'. Among many awards and honours, Lou Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Lou Reed recorded the album 'Berlin' - a masterwork of love, jealousy, rage and loss - in 1973. A commercial failure upon its release, he never performed the album live until December 2006 when it was magnificently brought to life for five nights at St Ann's Warehouse Brooklyn and brilliantly captured on film by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel (Before Night Falls, The Diving Bell And The Butterfly).

Using the divided city of Berlin as a backdrop, the devastating yet beautiful story of Caroline and her lovers is told through the emotive and provocative words and performance of Lou Reed with contributions from such artists as Emmanuelle Seigner, Antony Hegarty (of Antony And The Johnsons) and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus.

The listed extras are:

• Interview With Lou Reed By Paul Morley;
• Theatrical Trailer.

All three Blu-ray titles are set to be released on 27th October 2008 at the RRP of £24.99. The DVD of Lou Reed's Berlin has an RRP of 19.99. We will confirm the details and the authenticity of the story when we're sure ourselves. Some reports suggest Lou Reed's Berlin will be released earlier in the month on 6th October. Again we're looking for confirmation on this.