TCM Goes HD in the U.K.

LONDON: A high-definition version of the film channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is being launched by Turner Broadcasting on Sky in the U.K. as of September 4.

Celebrating the HD launch, TCM has lined up three weeks of programming themed around some of the greatest classic films of all time. The HD Classics Week gets under way on September 4, with films such as Ben Hur, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Casablanca and The Philadelphia Story, all in high definition.

The following week will be HD Western Week, featuring such titles as How the West was Won, Rio Bravo and The Searchers. HD Musicals Week will showcase The King and I, The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Jemma Yates, the director of general entertainment for the U.K. and Ireland at Turner Broadcasting, said: “It’s fantastic news that viewers now have the opportunity to watch TCM’s vast library of great classic and contemporary films in HD-quality format. This is another exciting step in the channel’s continuing evolution, giving TCM’s loyal and growing audience access to an outstanding viewing experience.”