Sky subscribers to get Spielberg-produced war drama

Subscribers to Sky's broadband, telephone and television packages could soon be enjoying a new TV series that claims to be a "companion piece" to an award-winning 2001 war drama.

Produced by Angels & Demons star Tom Hanks and legendary Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, The Pacific follows the exploits of a group of World War II soldiers.

As the show is from the same team that brought the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Band of Brothers to the screen, the series is likely to be highly-anticipated and the network will be showing it on Sky Movies with an option to watch it in high definition.

Expected to premiere later in spring, the ten-part mini series comes from the Home Box Office - or HBO - stable that has also brought hit shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Sopranos to US and UK audiences.

Ian Lewis, director of Sky Movies, explained that having seen the previews in advance, audiences can expect a level of cinematography and effects that are usually reserved for the silver screen.

"It seemed only natural that a premium production such as [this] should live on Sky Movies, where it can be viewed as the director intended – in HD and with no ad breaks."

The Pacific details the experiences of World War II soldiers as they fight the Japanese in Guadalcanal, before moving into combat in the black sand terraces of Iwo Jima. Produced at an estimated cost of $200 million (£128 million), the show could convince some to consider the benefits of switching their existing services to a Sky package.

Tags: steven spielberg, sky