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Wednesday, 31 May 2006, 11:52 GMT 12:52 UK

Disney to sell films via the web

Disney characters Disney is to start selling films over the internet via CinemaNow, including new films on the day they come out.

Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, will make the films available on a download-to-own basis.

Customers will be able to buy current and older films to view on personal computers and portable devices.

The service, which is scheduled to start on 6 June, comes after five Hollywood rivals launched similar services in April.

Industry trend

Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount Pictures jointly started a download-to-own film service via Movielink.

Disney's latest offer is not exclusive, so the firm can still reach similar film deals with other operators, a firm spokesperson said.

Until April, major studios in Hollywood had been reluctant to offer their films on the internet for fear that this would encourage illegal copying of their films and dent revenue from box office and video rental sales.

Films downloaded from Disney's new service will be protected to prevent copying.

The first film to be made available will be Glory Road.



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Related to this story:
Warner to start movie downloads (09 May 06 |  Business )
Film fans get permanent downloads (23 Mar 06 |  Entertainment )
Sky launches film download site (11 Jan 06 |  Entertainment )
Disney buys Pixar in $7.4bn deal (24 Jan 06 |  Business )
Disney's Pixar takeover is boost for Jobs (24 Jan 06 |  Business )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
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Buena Vista Home Entertainment
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