CinemaNow and Microsoft Launch Internet Pay-Per-View Service

Strategic Insights -

CinemaNow Inc., the leading distributor of feature films over the Internet, has partnered with Microsoft Corp. to launch a pay-per-view service based on Windows Media. The service debuted with the Internet pay-per-view premiere of Russell Crowe's new film HEAVEN'S BURNING. This new service marks a significant milestone in the digital distribution of films, offering consumers a wider variety of entertainment options and increasing accessibility through secure streaming.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new CinemaNow service is the first to offer securely streamed feature films from a major independent Hollywood production and distribution company over the Internet on a pay-per-view basis.
  • The service uses Windows Media Format to ensure high video and audio quality and protects against piracy with digital rights management (DRM) technology.
  • CinemaNow holds exclusive Internet distribution rights to over 800 feature films, including movies from Lions Gate, Trimark Pictures, Allied Artists, Tai Seng Home Video, and Salvation Films.
  • The service offers additional features such as special trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the film's cast and director.
  • The partnership between CinemaNow and Microsoft aims to create a robust, profitable new window of distribution for the film industry.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 feature length films are currently available on the CinemaNow website, streamed in Windows Media Player.
  • The service will soon offer more than 800 films for pay-per-view, including over 200 from Lions Gate, Trimark Pictures, Allied Artists, Tai Seng Home Video, and Salvation Films.
  • Russell Crowe has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor and has starred in critically-acclaimed films such as L.A. CONFIDENTIAL.
  • The HEAVEN'S BURNING premiere was the first feature film starring major talent to premiere on the Internet on a pay-per-view basis.

Sources:

  • Managed by the webmaster on behalf of CinemaNow - (Source not named)
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Lions Gate Entertainment
  • Trimark Pictures
  • Allied Artists
  • Tai Seng Home Video
  • Salvation Films
  • Canada NewsWire, Vancouver 604-669-7764
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)