iTunes Store gets movies in Japan
updated 11:00 pm EST, Wed November 10, 2010
Movies, not TV reach iTunes Store in Japan
Apple tonight began offering movies through the iTunes Store in Japan. The expansion gives locals both translated versions of English-language movies like Toy Story 3 as well as Japan-specific titles, such as Ototo, Odoru Daisousasen The Movie 2. Viewers get the extended rights available in some countries, starting with the usual 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish watching once playback has started.
Prices start at 200 yen for a back catalog, standard definition rental and move up to 400 for new releases at the same resolution. HD rentals increase the price by 100 yen. Full movie purchases range between 1,000 and 2,000 yen for standard definition movies and jump to a range of 2,000 to 2,500 for HD.
The launch comes in sync with the new Apple TV finally reaching Japan the same week and takes on a relatively fledgling industry led mostly by companies already offering video worldwide, such as Sony and services like Qriocity or the PS3's movie store.
