Disney movie rentals reach Microsoft Xbox Live

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 12 July 2007 01:56

Your IT - Entertainment

Feature films from Walt Disney Studios are now available to rent from Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace.

The deal between Disney and Microsoft covers movies from Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax. 35 titles are available immediately, with more to come. Movies announced by the partners include Bridge to Terabithia, The Queen, and Déjà Vu.

"With this partnership, we are able to feature blockbuster new releases as they become available, as well as an incredible array of classic family films that made Disney the icon it is today," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business.

Prices vary according to the age of the movie and whether it is in standard or high (720p) resolution. New release HD titles cost 480 points (approximately $US6), or 320 points ($US4) for the SD versions. Classic movies are 360 points ($US4.50) for HD and 240 points ($US3) for SD.

Rentals must be watched within 14 days of downloading, and expire 24 hours after they first start playing. They can only be used on the Xbox.

The service is initially offered only in the US, but Microsoft has announced that Xbox Live Video Marketplace will be extended to Canada and Europe by the end of the year.

Apple's iTunes Store currently only offers movies for outright purchase, not to rent. In addition, the downloads are only SD even though the Apple TV is capable of playing HD content.