In light of recent criticism levelled at Apple for its lack of downloadable movie media content via the iTunes Store, any subsequently disgruntled iPhone and iPod users can take a little solace in an interesting announcement made this week by independent film studio Lionsgate.
Lionsgate joins with Apple to bring Digital Copy files to DVD releases for iPod and iPhone playback. Credit: Lionsgate.
Specifically, Lionsgate has revealed that it has been in talks with California-based Apple with regard to adding import-friendly iPhone and iPod versions of its movies to conventional DVD and HD Blu-ray disc releases.
Lionsgate has said that it is looking to imbue selected DVD and Blu-ray movie discs with iTunes Digital Copy files, which will allow iTunes users to legally import disc-based movie copies directly into Apple’s player.
Naturally, given Apple’s range of hardware, the movies will then be compatible for playback through the video iPod, iPhone, Mac computers, PCs, and also Apple TV, reports PC World.
The iTunes Digital Copy feature is set to debut in May alongside the special edition release of Sylvester Stallone action vehicle Rambo, while Apple and Lionsgate have said that various other DVD movies from Lionsgate’s vast portfolio will arrive equipped with importable film files before the close of 2008.
“Building on our long-standing partnership with Apple, Digital Copy for iTunes is yet another innovation designed to provide the consumer with added value while continuing to expand our range of home entertainment choices,” commented Steve Beeks, president and co-chief operating officer at Lionsgate.
iTunes account holders will own the Digital Copy versions of their imported movies, although each DVD will only transfer its copy files to a single iTunes library.
“We’re excited that Lionsgate is delivering so many of their great films on DVD and Blu-ray with an iTunes Digital Copy,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “Now movie fans can easily transfer a copy of many Lionsgate films onto iTunes and bring it with them on their iPod or iPhone.”
Lionsgate is not alone in its ambition to bring Digital Copy files to its DVD discs, with major movie player 20th Century Fox having also recently partnered with Apple to deliver import movie files to iTunes users.
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