Sometimes it seems as if I end up missing 80% of all sci-fi films that hit the theater. Take Prometheus, for example.
I really wanted to see Ridley Scott’s follow up to the Alien universe, but never actually managed to make it to the theater. And that’s why I’ve been forced to wait impatiently most of the summer for the movie to arrive on DVD.
Fortunately, Fox has confirmed that it will be moving up digital launch dates so they more closely shadow a film’s theatrical release – starting with Prometheus. Essentially, Fox’s plan is to offer high-definition versions of films – at lower prices – approximatey three weeks before the movies arrive on DVD, Blu-ray and pay-per-view. According to studio execs, the films will be offered for download at $15 apiece, or $5 cheaper than the typical (current) $20 digital rate using the UltraViolet digital locker system.
Personally, I think a lot of genre fans out there will definitely pay $15 to own a digital version of the film, assuming you can play the content across multiple devices – including tablets, smartphones, computers, and game consoles. Frankly, I’m not interested in digital films that stream only on mobile devices or the PC, as I also want to view them on my PS3 connected to ay projector and my 120-inch screen in the game room.
It remains to be seen if this move angers theater owners. As you may recall, Fox previously attempted to offer some of its films via pay-per-view services for $30 only two months after they released in theaters, but ended up having to cancel the service.
Honestly, I think it’s about time for a $15 digital download option, as $30 is simply too expensive for pay-per-view movie. Most people have a difficult enough time paying that much even for UFC fights.
