Lionsgate films on iTunes

Apple today announced that movies from Lionsgate Entertainment will be available for purchase and download from the iTunes Store starting today. iTunes can now purchase films, such as "Terminator 2," "LA Story," "Basic Instinct," "The Blair Witch Project" and "Dirty Dancing". The companies said that more than 150 titles are expected to available through iTunes this month, broadening the iTunes catalog to more than 400 titles. "We're delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future," said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. "iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere." Lionsgate is the third major movies studio to add films to iTunes, following the addition of Paramount's catalog earlier this year. Recent data has shown that Apple has seized over 90 percent of the paid video download market.

Rumors of the distribution deal have been flying since last year, when company executives told analysts during a company conference call that it had digital delivery deals in place with several major players, including Cinema Now, MovieLink, and iTunes. Earlier this month, both Amazon and Wal-Mart also announced similar movie distributions with Lionsgate.

According to the release, Lionsgate's collection of movie titles available on iTunes in the coming weeks will include legendary action adventure films and thrillers such as "Total Recall" and "Rambo," indie classics such as "Monster's Ball" as well as perennial favorites such as "Chaplin" and "The Boys From Brazil."

"The iTunes Store is by far the most popular online movie store in the world," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're thrilled to be adding this phenomenal collection of Lionsgate titles from Hollywood's leading independent studio, including such blockbusters as 'Terminator 2.'"

Apple's iTunes Store offers four million songs, 350 television shows and, now, over 400 movies. As noted in early January, the iTunes Store has sold over two billion songs, 50 million TV shows and over 1.3 million movies, making it the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store, the company claims.

Movies purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store can be viewed on a computer, Apple TV or fifth generation iPods and most are priced at $9.99 each. Movies downloaded from the iTunes Store are downloaded in near-DVD quality at a resolution of 640x480 (up to 480, depending on the aspect ratio).

by MacNN Staff