On Monday, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group (WBHEG) announced the “Warner Archive Collection“. These are movies that have never before been released on DVD, spanning more than 60 years of film. And, Warner says, they will be available in both manufacturing on demand (MOD) and digital download format.

When you order a DVD, the site will create a made-to-order DVD that Warner says will be “indistinguishable in quality from a standard pressed DVD.” I’m assuming that means it’s not burned the same way something I burn at home is, because those are easier to scratch than a retail DVD (or maybe I’m just too casual with them). And I’m assuming the DVD will have the normal artwork I expect on the disc itself. According to the press release:

The system places the DVD into a hard plastic Amaray case featuring custom artwork; shrink wraps it and ships the finished package to the customer which arrives in approximately five days. The cost per title is $19.95, plus shipping. Alternatively, movie fans can purchase digital downloads of these classic films to enjoy immediately on their PC. The cost for a digital download is $14.95 per title.

Right now there are 150 titles available; Warner Bros. says they will add 20 a month for a total of 300 by the end of the year. Interestingly, they will let users vote on titles to be added.

Mac users are out of luck for the downloadable versions. Downloadable films are only compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista.

It would be nice if they offered these in rental versions, as well, perhaps through Netflix or Amazon Video-on-Demand. I mean, I might be interested in watching one of these old classics once for a few bucks, but not be interested in spending $15 or $20 to buy it.