UK: Peter Jackson’s blockbuster King Kong is to become the first movie available to download over the internet in the UK on the same day as it is released on DVD, a move that the Hollywood studios claim could revolutionise the film industry.
Universal Pictures yesterday said that the film would spearhead its move into the so-called “download to own” market, in partnership with a DVD rental site called LoveFilm and the US internet giant AOL.
For £19.99, film fans will be able to download two digital copies of the movie: one to watch on their laptop or desktop computer and one that can be transferred to a compatible portable device.
They will also be sent a copy of the movie on DVD through the post.
About 30 other Universal films will initially also be made available in this way, including Pride & Prejudice, Serenity and Nanny McPhee.
