Going to the cinema can be an expensive business, especially if you’re a full family checking out a summer blockbuster.
So would a new premium movie rental service — showing films just weeks after they hit theatres — really be a tough sell, even at $30-$50 per flick?
Apple and Comcast are said to be reviving talks with the major movie studios over just that proposition.
Related: Apple 4K TV latest
Bloomberg reports the pair are in negotiations with Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures over plans that would enable film fans to watch the latest releases from the comfort of their own homes.
Mutually beneficial
Up until now the companies have been “unable to arrive at a mutually beneficial way to create a $30 to $50 premium movie-download product,” according to the report.
However talks are continuing. The report says:
“Yet the talks continue. The terms being discussed vary between each studio and each cinema chain, with some talks focusing on a release date of about 17 days after debut, for about $50, or four to six weeks from release for $30, people familiar with the talks said. Another possibility is first experimenting with a new release window overseas before trying it in the U.S., which is the biggest home-entertainment market, one of the people said.”
These plans was first rumoured a year ago, so it seems Apple is still very interested in making this work.
Bloomberg said a deal with Lions Gate Entertainment could be announced “in the next 12 months.”
Apple’s reported plan comes as Netflix continues to push the idea of movie streaming at home during the initial release window.
Would you be willing to pay premium prices to get the whole family around for a screening? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
