Warner Bros. Inks British Digital Deals

December 6, 2006 World Screen

LONDON, December 6: Warner Bros. has closed two digital
distribution agreements in the U.K. this week: one with Arts Alliance Media and
the other with BT.

The deal between Warner Bros Entertainment UK and Arts
Alliance Media allows consumers to download a selection of the studio’s movies
and TV shows. The content will be available initially on LOVEFiLM (www.lovefilm.com) and through AOL
(www.aol.co.uk). Arts Alliance Media will also deliver Warner Bros. product
through its own VOD network, Vizumi, which provides download services to
partners.

The first new DVD title available under service is Superman
Returns. The deal also covers Warner Bros.’
new and back catalogue feature films, including Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket.
The TV slate has not yet been announced.

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The agreement also extends the existing VOD relationship
between Warner Bros. and Arts Alliance Media, increasing the number of feature
films available for download and, for the first time, making titles available
for download in the Republic of Ireland.

The deal with BT, meanwhile, brings Warner Bros. content to
the BT Vision platform, on a download-to-own, download-to-rent and subscription
video on-demand basis. BT Vision customers will be able to choose from a range
of Warner Bros. current blockbuster titles and classic movies for immediate
viewing on the television. Titles include Superman Returns and the Harry Potter franchise, among others. These will be available on
a pay-per-view basis. BT Vision customers who are monthly subscribers will also
be able to select on-demand titles from Warner Bros.' television slate,
including E.R., Smallville, Without a Trace, Nip/Tuck,
The O.C. and The Closer. Warner Bros. movies will also be available for
download-to-own on a PC or Windows-compatible portable device via BT's film and
television download service at www.btvision.bt.com. TV shows will be added to
the online platform for download-to-own and download-to-rent later in 2007.