CinemaNow Inc. has signed licensing agreements with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Lionsgate to offer movies for download-to-own purchase through its Web site.
This will be the first time CinemaNow has provided movies from major studios for electronic sell-through. It is also the first time content has been made available on CinemaNow in the traditional "home video window."
CinemaNow customers can now choose from more than 85 premium Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, MGM, and Lionsgate movies for legal and secure download. Sony Pictures distributes MGM movies in the home entertainment market within the USA.
New releases, catalog favorites, and older titles will be available for prices ranging from US$9.95 to US$19.95.
With the new download-to-own option, customers can purchase and download a legal, permanent copy of a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment or Lionsgate movie for unlimited playback on the download device. All content will be copy protected by Microsoft's Windows Digital Rights Management (DRM) software.
Among the movies initially offered on a download-to-own basis will be "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Saw II," as well as catalogue favorites ranging from "Easy Rider" to "Bad Boys." Upcoming titles that will be available the same day as their DVD release include the Jim Carey comedy "Fun with Dick and Jane," on 11 April, and the horror film "Hostel," on 18 April.
