Universal offers King Kong as first title in download-to-own service

by Emma Rigby, Revolution UK 23-Mar-06, 15:00

LONDON - 'King Kong' will be the first movie available for consumers to download and own in a deal signed between Universal Pictures UK and online DVD rental service LoveFilm.

The movie download-to-own service is a direct-to-consumer, electronic distribution service. UK film fans will be to download two files of a film to own indefinitely -- one to save on their PCs plus a copy to view on a portable device -- alongside the DVD hire, when the service launches on April 10.

The two permanent download files will be available to consumers the same date as the DVD release.

This is an advancement of the way video on demand currently operates, where streaming technology provides a temporary download that consumers can view in a 24- or 48-hour period.

'King Kong' will be the first of 35 titles from Universal available through this service. Other titles include 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Nanny McPhee'.

The service will also be available through AOL film downloads and is powered by online DVD rental service LoveFilm.

Peter Smith, president of Universal Pictures International, said: "Universal is very proud to be the first to launch this download-to-own model in partnership with LoveFilm, particularly debuting with a film of the calibre of 'King Kong'. Download-to-own has the potential to completely revolutionise the way people watch movies."

Mark Livingstone, CEO of LoveFilm, said: "This represents a landmark development in the entertainment world, and the way customers view movies and content."

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