Apple Joins Online Release of Controversial Film "The Interview"

Apple Inc. has partnered with Sony Corp to offer the comedy film "The Interview" through rental and purchase options on its iTunes store, four days after it was made available on other web platforms. This move comes as Sony Corp generated an estimated $15 million in sales and rentals on Christmas eve after releasing the film online. The film's plot, which involves the assassination of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, angered North Korea and led to a cybersecurity dispute between North Korea and the U.S.

Key Takeaways:

Apple Inc. has joined other tech companies, including Google Inc and Microsoft Corporation, in offering "The Interview" online, but four days after its initial release.
Sony Corp generated an estimated $15 million in sales and rentals on Christmas eve after releasing the film online.
The film was shown in about 331 theaters by smaller, independent theater chains, generating about $1 million in sales.
Sony Corp reportedly spent about $44 million in producing the movie, in addition to $30 million-$40 million spent on marketing costs.
The simultaneous release of "The Interview" on online and theater platforms is a first for a high-profile film, highlighting Google's YouTube as an alternative online film site.
Google has been building its collection of movies and music offerings to compete with Apple Inc. as a provider of premium content.
"The Interview" can be purchased from the iTunes store for $14.99, while rental costs $5.99.

Statistics:

$15 million: estimated sales and rentals generated by Sony Corp on Christmas eve after releasing "The Interview" online.
$1 million: sales generated by smaller, independent theater chains showing "The Interview" in about 331 theaters.
$44 million: production cost of "The Interview".
$30 million-$40 million: marketing costs of "The Interview".
$14.99: purchase price of "The Interview" on iTunes.
$5.99: rental cost of "The Interview" on iTunes.

Sources:

Apple Inc. press release (no date provided).
The New York Times, "Sony and Apple in Talks Over 'Interview' Release" (no date provided).