Microsoft announces HD-DVD deal

Microsoft is gearing up for the Christmas period with a new offer that's aimed at taking on Sony's PlayStation 3 Blu-ray component.

The company has announced that it will hand out five free HD-DVD titles from a selection of 13 films to customers buying an HD-DVD drive for their Xbox 360 between now and the end of January next year.

The titles available are: Serenity, The Chronicles of Riddick, Hulk, Children of Men, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Troy, Full Metal Jacket, Corpse Bride, The Prestige, Swordfish, Black Rain, Dreamgirls and Word Trade Centre

To receive the films customers will need to fill in a form and send it, along with the barcode from their HD-DVD drive purchase, to Microsoft - who will then send out the films within 28 working days.

The move comes shortly after Sony's PlayStation 3 price drop announcement and attempts to push its Blu-ray drive - one of the reasons why the PS3 retails at a higher price point than the Xbox 360.