News
Amazon readying full-length digital movie service
Online retailer Amazon.com reportedly plans to launch a new service this spring to sell downloadable, full-length versions of feature films. Variety reports that Amazon’s new service will likely marry downloads to DVD sales.
Customers could stream a digital version of the film for a fee and then apply that charge as a credit toward the purchase of the DVD. Another plan would let a customer buy a DVD, and while waiting for it to arrive, he could stream it over his computer.
“What they are serving up is a direct companion to the DVD,” explained one senior Hollywood executive. “Everything is being leveraged to sell more DVDs. When you go to a product page on the site, it will say all the variations about how you’d purchase that video—stream, buy or maybe a combination (of options).”
While the service will launch with at least two major studios, Amazon is currently working to convince indie studios, including Image Entertainment, Ardustry Home Entertainment and First Look Entertainment, to provide content.
Related Stories
- Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with new Mini Player
- Microsoft: Don’t expect iTunes app on Windows 8
- Apple launches ‘A Decade of iTunes’
- Apple adds ‘download later’ option to iTunes
- Court rules iTunes songs can’t be resold
- Apple adds freemium app warning in App Store
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Report: Apple testing 1.5” OLED displays for iWatch
- Song skipping terms slowing iRadio negotiations
- iLounge Weekly arriving Monday, giveaway reminder
- Report: BBM iOS app won’t support iPad at launch
- Report: iRadio might miss WWDC debut
- Fair Labor Assoc.: Foxconn, Apple still exceed work hours
- CW to bring content to Apple TV
- Moshi debuts aluminum USB Cable with Lightning Connector
- Cook talks Apple’s taxes ahead of Senate testimony
- iLuv intros Aud 5 Lightning speaker dock for iPhone 5
Recent Reviews
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
- MyCharge Freedom 2000 Battery Case for iPhone 5
- Nike Nike+ FuelBand
- OCDesk OCDock for iPhone 5
- Bluelounge MiniDock (With Lightning Connector)
- Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
- PhoneSuit Flex Pocket Charger
- Olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter for iPhone 5
Recent Articles
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
- Effect of erasing an iPhone on the Find My iPhone feature
1
This is a great idea. I wish iTunes would offer something similar. For instance, I just bought season one of Wonder Showzen (best 15 bucks i ever spent) on iTunes, but it would be nice if I got a discount on the DVD version of the show when it comes out (or if it already is out). Or vice-versa for those who buy the DVD but don’t have the technology to rip it.
Posted by Munkey on January 30, 2006 at 12:29 PM (PST)
2
Any word about whether the films will be iPod compatible?
Posted by Jason on January 30, 2006 at 12:35 PM (PST)
3
Of course by the time you finish converting the movie to iPod’s format the DVD will probably arrive in the mail :p
Posted by Chahk on January 30, 2006 at 12:42 PM (PST)
4
I might look into buying an amazon stock. I think this could go far
Posted by Jonathan Keim on January 30, 2006 at 1:05 PM (PST)
5
Fan-freaking-tastic!
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on January 30, 2006 at 1:41 PM (PST)
6
This sounds promising.
Apple better get on the ball and start selling movies through iTunes.
Posted by Rene on January 30, 2006 at 2:20 PM (PST)
7
Lame!
Posted by Talking Madness in Los Angeles on January 30, 2006 at 7:25 PM (PST)
8
Sounds like a good idea, especially that you can use the download cost for a credit towards the DVD version. However, it probably won’t be going anywhere, depending on the price per download, and how many hollywood studios are going for it. It’s a good model for porn though. You can stream the porn while waiting for the high-res full quality DVD version on the mail.
Posted by Porn? on January 31, 2006 at 12:03 AM (PST)
9
What we need is a better media pc or something that attaches to the television to play streaming media. It’s a great first step but until we can watch those movies in the familiar setting of our living room it has only come half way.
Posted by Ray-G on February 1, 2006 at 9:48 AM (PST)