Film4 to Launch in HD Exclusively on Virgin Media

LONDON: Virgin Media has added Film4 HD and E4 HD to its digital TV platform, bringing such offerings as the blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire and hit series Glee and Hollyoaks to the lineup in high definition.

Film4 HD will offer a daily slate of movies that includes Mike Leigh’s Happy Go Lucky and Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric, as well as U.S. independent films, Hollywood blockbusters, mainstream drama and comedy, foreign films and cult cinema alongside special features, in-depth interviews and exclusive programming. E4 HD simulcasts the E4 schedule. Alongside a choice of Channel 4 commissioned programs, E4 HD also offers a range of films and U.S. series, including Desperate Housewives, 90210 and Ugly Betty in HD. E4 HD is expected to launch on Virgin Media in April, while Film4 HD launches exclusively on the platform this summer.

Cindy Rose, the executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: “Channel 4 has a great track record in delivering innovative and compelling content and we’re delighted to bring some of their very best films and most popular programs to our customers in stunning HD. As more and more households become HD-ready, we’re lininup content that makes the most of high definition and are making HD available to all our of customers for no extra fee.”

Sarah Rose, the head of VoD and channel development at Channel 4, added, “We’re really excited to be launching Film4 HD and showcasing some fantastic British films to millions of viewers in high definition. There’s a growing appetite for HD and our lineup of C4 HD, E4 HD and, now, Film4 HD provides a great choice of HD content for viewers.”