Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is in talks with major Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros., to bring iTunes movie rentals to customers much sooner than they are used to.
Earlier availability of new movies could satisfy a growing consumer appetite and deter piracy, Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara said last week, according to Bloomberg.
21st Century Fox Inc., Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros. and Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures all confirmed over the past week that they are looking to offer high-priced, home-video rentals of new movies shortly after they open in theaters. Some studio executives have been pushing to allow home rentals as early as two weeks after theatrical debuts and are considering a deal with iTunes as one option, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.
These premium movie rentals would be priced between $25 and $50, but would allow you to watch movies like Justice League from the comfort of your own home while they’re still playing in theaters.
This isn’t the first time studios have explored options like this. Earlier this year, Sean Parker created The Screening Room to allow studios to deliver movies to the home while they were still in theaters as well.
It sounds like Warner Bros. are definitely interested in this new business model, but whether or not that officially sign a deal with Apple (or The Screening Room) remains to be seen.
Would you pay a premium price for the privilege of watching a movie like Justice League at home instead of the movie theater? Let me know in the comments below.
SOURCE: Bloomberg
