The issue of downloadable movies has been a hot one around The Movie Blog for a while. In general, we all like the idea of a downloadable movie option… but the sticking point has always been the price. The number always seems to be around $20 US for a movie. Considering what you’re getting for that $20, it seems like an insane rip off.
Well… the good folks over at Cinematical are reporting that the iTunes movie downloadable service could be live by the end of the year… and that new movies will come in just under $15 per new flick:
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer let out the news that the studio would soon be selling movie downloads through Movielink, CinemaNow and iTunes. Not only that, but when asked when the movies would be available on iTunes (keep in mind Apple hasn’t announced a service for feature films yet, since they were only said to be in negotiations with studios), Feltheimer said before the end of 2006.
BusinessWeek is also reporting that the pricing for these iTunes movie downloads will be $14.99 for new releases and $9.99 for older titles.
I’m not surprised at all that Apple will come in uder the other services… $14.99 is better than $20… but I still think it’s a bit too steep for what you get for your money. It’s a step in the right direction though, and perhaps more fodder to ignite a movie download price war between the companies. We can only hope.
