Blockbuster Digital Ltd. has signed an agreement with Disney-ABC International Television for the new Moviebox Internet platform. Blockbuster Digital will offer its customers a wide range of Disney movies for rent via the Internet. This pilot is available only in Israel.
Blockbuster Digital recently launched the pilot of the Moviebox platform, which enables the downloading of movies for pay via the Internet, without the need to go to a video rental store. The service is initially for movies and television shows, and the company plans to expand it to include entertainment, sports, and other content. Blockbuster Digital's launched the pilot after obtaining a Ministry of Communications license to provide video-on-demand (VOD) and multi-channel television services.
Blockbuster Digital is the first Israeli company to sign an agreement for an Internet download service with a major Hollywood studio. The agreement covers the downloading of new Disney hits, such as "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" and "Bewitched", as well as animated classics, such as "Aladdin", "Aristocats", and "Finding Nemo". The company is in talks with other studios.
Blockbuster Digital CEO Anat Shen-Zur said, "This agreement with Disney will, for the first time, enable Israeli customers to legally and safely consume premium content directly from the computer. Blockbuster is ready invest to large amounts to acquire digital content with the confidence that this service provides an ideal response to the changing needs of our customers, and enables them to choose at any given moment how they want to consume Blockbuster content, either at the store, videomat, or directly on-screen."
Blockbuster Digital is a subsidiary of Super-Pharm Ltd. and France Telecom SA (NYSE; Euronext: FTE) subsidiary Orca Interactive Ltd. (AIM: ORCA). Blockbuster Israel Ltd. is a franchisee of Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI).
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 24, 2008
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