American movie buffs woke up this morning to a bitter taste as the four major US studios announced plans to offer a premium video-on-demand service which will cost users $30 per film rental.
Universal, Warner Bros., Sony and 20th Century Fox conceived the model in an joint effort to supplement dwindling DVD revenues brought about by the recent increase in media streaming.
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The films to be streamed through the service will be available just 60 days after their theatrical debut, potentially even crossing over with their run at the cinema.
Theatre owners have expressed a concern that shortening the window between Theatrical release and home availability will cannibalise Theatre sales.
Fortunately the studios had a response, reassuring us all that they "wouldn't release any films via Home Premiere that are still performing well at the [box office]." Fantastic! At least the theatre owners can breathe a sigh of relief. After all, who's going to stump up more than the cost of actually owning a Blu-ray to watch a film that has been out for two months, is actually struggling in the cinemas, and will never look or sound as good in your lounge anyway?
Paramount does have one answer, pirates. The studio has steered well clear of the deal amid fears that the move will deliver HD, flawless copies of films into the hands of pirates even earlier.
With piracy at an all time high, and the economy struggling as it is, charging $30 to distribute a movie just one month earlier than its Blu-ray release might well be a misguided venture. DirecTV will launch the service as "Home Premiere" sometime around the end of April with Comcast looking to follow at a later date.
Would you pay extra to rent a movie one month before its Blu-ray release? Let us know your thoughts via the T3 Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Via: Variety
Posted by T3 Online
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