Apple has announced that its iTunes media store will now offer downloadable movies for purchase on the same day they’re released on DVD. Movies purchased through iTunes can be played back on widescreen televisions with the Apple TV appliance, iTunes-equipped Macs or PCs, on iPhones, and (of course) on video-capable iPods; new releases are typically priced at $14.99, while older titles sell for $9.99. So far, the same day releases will only be available in the U.S. version of the iTunes store.
“We’re thrilled to bring iTunes Store customers new films for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release,” said Apple’s iTunes VP Eddy Cue, in a statement. “We think movie fans will love being able to buy their favorites from major and independent studios.”
Studios participating in the same-day release program include Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, Paramount, along with Image Entertainment and First Look Studios—MGM is noticably absent from the program. The first round of movies available concurrent with their DVD release will be American Gangster and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly this week; other recent titles now available for purchase include Juno,Cloverfield,I Am Legend,There Will Be Blood,Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
Same-day online rentals have been a major issue for brick-and-mortar retailers offering DVD, who have sought to stay ahead of online services in offering newly released titles. The availability of movies through iTunes on the same day as DVD release puts Apple’s online video business into more direct competition with brick-and-mortar outlets, including retailing giant Wal-mart…and this just after Apple took over Wal-mart’s top slot for music sales in the early part of 2008.
