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Kong heads 'download to own' revolution Owen Gibson, media correspondent Friday March 24, 2006 The Guardian Peter Jackson's blockbuster King Kong is to become the first movie available to download over the internet in the UK on the same day as it is released on DVD, a move that the Hollywood studios claim could revolutionise the film industry. Universal Pictures yesterday said that the film would spearhead its move into the so-called "download to own" market, in partnership with a DVD rental site called LoveFilm and the US internet giant AOL. For £19.99, film fans will be able to download two digital copies of the movie: one to watch on their laptop or desktop computer and one that can be transferred to a compatible portable device. They will also be sent a copy of the movie on DVD through the post. Peter Smith, president of Universal Pictures International, said: "The entertainment industry is changing rapidly, with an emphasis on instant access." About 30 other Universal films will initially also be made available in this way, including Pride & Prejudice, Serenity and Nanny McPhee. LoveFilm's chief executive, Mark Livingstone, said: "This move represents a landmark development in the entertainment world and the way customers view movies." Some films are already available via broadband, and Sky has launched an internet version of its movie channel, offering subscribers 200 films to download over the internet. But existing services tend only to make films available for a single viewing before they are wiped from the viewer's hard drive, and they are released months after the DVD. The move coincides with a vociferous debate in the film industry over the best way to combat digital piracy. But some doubt whether film lovers will agree to pay more to download a film as well as to buy it on DVD. The prices of DVDs have plummeted as a result of intense competition and many people now own cheap portable players. ==== This e-mail is intended solely for the addressee. It may contain private and confidential information. If you are not the intended addressee, please take no action based on it nor show a copy to anyone. Please reply to this e-mail to highlight the error. You should also be aware that all electronic mail from, to, or within Northumbria University may be the subject of a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and related legislation, and therefore may be required to be disclosed to third parties. This e-mail and attachments have been scanned for viruses prior to leaving Northumbria University. Northumbria University will not be liable for any losses as a result of any viruses being passed on. ************************************************************************************ Distributed through Cyber-Society-Live [CSL]: CSL is a moderated discussion list made up of people who are interested in the interdisciplinary academic study of Cyber Society in all its manifestations.To join the list please visit: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/cyber-society-live.html *************************************************************************************