It’s become commonplace to see major films released to Digital HD several weeks before disc formats (including Blu-ray and DVD) and rental options become available. A few movies, like Serena listed below, can be rented digitally even before wide theatrical distribution. Most early digital releases can be purchased at Amazon Instant Video, Apple iTunes, CinemaNow (formerly owned by Best Buy), Google Play, and Vudu among other online video services. Here’s a list of current early digital releases and their best price for HD (which may vary depending on seller).
Early Digital Releases Now Available
Exodus: Gods and Kings
$14.99 – (Digital HD)
Epic tales of Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses come to life in Exodus: Gods and Kings starring Christian Bale and Ben Kingsley. The film, directed by Ridley Scott, can be purchased in Digital HD for $14.99 before releasing March 17th to Blu-ray Disc, DVD and On Demand.
Top Five
$14.99 – (Digital HD)
Chris Rock and Rosario Dawson star in the comedy/romance Top Five. The film will be available to rent and purchase on disc this coming Tuesday, March 17th, but it’s already to purchase in Digital HD for $14.99. The movie, about a comedian who marries a reality-TV star, was written and directed by Rock.
Unbroken
$14.99 – (Digital HD)
Three-time Oscar nominated Unbroken can be purchased in Digital HD for $14.99 before the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and On Demand options are available March 24th. The film, directed by Angelina Jolie and written by Joel and Ethan Coen, tells the story of WWII veteran and Olympian Louis Zamperini.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
$19.99 – (Digital HD)
Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will hit shelves on March 24th, but for $19.99 you can purchase the film in Digital HD. Some digital vendors, including CinemaNow, iTunes and Vudu, include several bonus features with the purchase. Here’s a price breakdown.
Serena
$9.99 (Rent HD)
Serena wilt hit theaters on March 27th, but you can rent it digitally right now for $9.99. The film, which takes place in Depression-era North Carolina, stars Oscar-nominee Bradley Cooper and Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence.
A Most Violent Year
$14.99 – (Digital HD)
A Most Violent Year starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain is available to purchase in Digital HD for $14.99 weeks before Blu-ray and DVD. The film, written and directed by J.C. Chandor, is set in the 1981 – the most dangerous year in New York City.
Want to know the best place to buy a digital movie? View more digital price comparisons on popular movie releases.
