Apple to launch movies with Disney only
updated 06:10 pm EDT, Thu September 7, 2006
Apple, Amazon digital dual
With the launch of the much-anticipated Amazon.com's Unbox movie service today, more information has surfaced on the rumored movie offering from Apple. Amazon.com is believed to have most -- possibly all -- of the major studios in its corner, while Apple is only guaranteed to have Disney as part of its full-length movie offerings. The other major studios are likely to join iTunes some time in the next year, according to Variety.com. Pricing is to blame for Apple's possible one-studio deal, according to the report, because Amazon.com agreed to studio demands with pricing for digital offerings, which are expected to range between $9.99 and $19.99. Apple has pushed for fixed pricing on digital movie sales just as it did for musical tracks on its iTunes Music Store. Apple earlier this week was rumored to have compromised on digital movie pricing with Hollywood studios, splitting the difference between asking prices of both sides.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
$20? Never!
I would NEVER pay $20 for a downloaded movie. Even at full resolution and surround sound, at that price I'd be willing to pay a few extra bucks to go buy the DVD and get the extras and options (and still have the option of ripping the DVD if I really wanted it on my computer). Especially since I highly doubt Amazon would be able to make the viewing experience as seamless as I am expecting Apple to be able to. Give me full DVD video and audio quality, a vastly improved FrontRow video "jukebox" and AirPort Express A/V, then maybe, just MAYBE I'd be willing to pay $20 for a movie; but even then it would be a very rare occasion that I'd do it.