Lionsgate, Apple to Deliver iTunes Copy on DVD and Blu-ray Offerings

SANTA MONICA, March 10:
Lionsgate is partnering with Apple to offer buyers of select DVDs and Blu-ray
discs an additional digital copy of the film in an iTunes format.

The first Lionsgate DVDs
to debut with iTunes Digital Copy will be the special edition DVD and Blu-ray
releases of Rambo and The
Eye, the supernatural thriller
starring Jessica Alba. Rambo
will be available at retail beginning May 27 and The Eye will be released on DVD this summer. Lionsgate and
Apple will deliver numerous additional Lionsgate films on DVD with iTunes
Digital Copy later this year.

Just like movies purchased
from the iTunes store, an iTunes Digital Copy can be transferred to iTunes and
then viewed on a PC or Mac, iPod with video, iPhone or streamed to a television
set with devices such as the Apple TV. The transfer from disc to computer
requires a unique code that can only be used once, meaning each DVD and Blu-ray
disc will only transfer to one iTunes library. Additionally, an iTunes account
is required.

“Digital Copy for iTunes
is a perfect example of how packaged media and new digital technology can work
hand in hand for the benefit of our consumers,” said Steve Beeks, the president
and co-COO of Lionsgate. “Lionsgate is constantly identifying fresh
opportunities to monetize its 12,000-title filmed entertainment library in an
increasingly digital world and provide product that is at the very cutting edge
of consumer taste. Our consumers are always looking for new viewing options in
terms of the motion pictures they buy, and we are always searching for new ways
to deliver content in formats that reflect consumer preference across the
entire home-entertainment spectrum, from packaged media to digital storage to
VOD. Building on our longstanding partnership with Apple, Digital Copy for
iTunes is yet another innovation designed to provide the consumer with added
value while continuing to expand our range of home entertainment choices.”

“We're excited that
Lionsgate is delivering so many of their great films on DVD and Blu-ray with an
iTunes Digital Copy,” said Eddy Cue, Apple's VP of iTunes. “Now movie fans can
easily transfer a copy of many Lionsgate films onto iTunes and bring it with
them on their iPod or iPhone.”

—By Ned Berke