Universal Launches First Download to Own Service

By Jimmy Daniels
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Universal pictures has announced, are you ready for this, the first download to own service available online. The movies will be available at midnight, the day the DVD is released and will be available in three formats, a file to download to your computer, a file to download to your portable device and a DVD copy that will be sent by mail.

“Consumers are becoming more and more demanding. This service offers instant access and flexibility for consumers to watch films wherever they like,” said Eddie Cunningham, chair of Universal Pictures UK.

The films will be available on the Lovefilm and AOL websites.

The service will begin with a collection of 35 films including King Kong, Pride and Prejudice, The Bourne Supremacy and Bridget Jones’s Diary. The latest releases are priced at £19.99 ($40.46), with older films selling for £9.99 pounds ($20.23).

Universal plans to have all of its 6,500 movies available for downloading.

“The time is only 12 to 18 months away when you will be able to put the kettle on, get the kids ready and then have a great movie to watch,” said Lovefilm CEO Mark Livingstone. Source: CBC Arts

We Say: Everyone who would pay $40 bucks for a movie download online raise your hand, better yet, send me an email at igotabridgetosell@moron.com, I’m sure there’s a few things I could sell you as well. Seriously, $40 bucks? Why on Earth would anyone order from this service when they can get the latest release from Wal-Mart for $15? I really liked the quote from Mark Livingstone, 12 to 18 months away, hehe, actually we are planning on doing that next Tuesday when King Kong comes out on DVD. Mark, if you get tired of waiting, come on over, we have room on the couch.