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View Full Version : Studio offers 'Harry Potter' for download

Ziemas
11th September 2002, 14:45
Anyone know what format?

http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/internet/09/10/video.on.demand.ap/index.html
int 21h
11th September 2002, 16:28
CinemaNow manages the downloads, and as far as I can tell, its based on proprietary Microsoft DRM technology.
theReal
12th September 2002, 14:07
Films such as "Harry Potter" can be downloaded for a fee of $3.99 for 24-hour viewing. Older films from the Warner Bros. home video library can be downloaded for $2.99 for the same period.Given that they don't need a store, they don't need people behind the counter and they don't need to buy a bunch of DVDs for each movie, they are damn expensive!

If I can rent a DVD for less money, why would I want to download 700MB ??
wmansir
12th September 2002, 15:32
Originally posted by theReal
Given that they don't need a store, they don't need people behind the counter and they don't need to buy a bunch of DVDs for each movie, they are damn expensive!

If I can rent a DVD for less money, why would I want to download 700MB ??

Also, it will be of lower quality than the DVD, you probably won't get the extras, and most people will have to watch it on their PC. Because of that last limitation I believe most rentals will be from single viewers, unlike renting videos or PPV, which are often group events. There for it should be priced cheap, so it becomes an impulse buy.

For this type of service I would pay $.99 for an older movie and $1.99 for a new release.
theReal
12th September 2002, 15:37
The "impulse" isn't that quick if you think about the 2 hours download time you'll need even with a good connection...
WorldBook
12th September 2002, 17:31
This business model is neither convenient nor economical. I don't see any reason why any one would utilize such a service.

The duration of the rentals should be increased and then I might consider it.
int 21h
12th September 2002, 17:51
No offense.

But call someone who cares, Studio Executives aren't frequenting the Doom9 Forum (as much as you'd like to think they are). Email them, let them know what you think. Email CinemaNow. :rolleyes:
WorldBook
12th September 2002, 17:57
No offense :)

But one need to be an Einstein to figure out simply day-to-day economics. Maybe if studio execs were human they would know :D
int 21h
12th September 2002, 18:02
Well for guys that make $1.5 million dollars a year in bonuses, its hard to remember what $3.99 is like. The best bet is to try and get your voice heard and send them your opinion (in)directly.