The new trend is to release movies to digital before Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand rental options are available. Typically, the digital downloads are available a few weeks before the discs release, but occasionally there can be a six week early digital release. Studios have also experimented with selling films in digital format online even before theatrical release. As home theaters become more and more the preferred option for movie watching, and studios continue to look for alternatives to the traditional big screen, early digital releases may become even more prevalent in the years to come.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is one of those titles currently available for purchase on digital platforms. Most digital vendors are including bonus features with the purchase of ‘The Winter Soldier’ such as gag reels and production notebooks, and the film is offered in both SD and HD quality. Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, all have the title for $19.99. Vudu has it for a little more than they typically sell HD titles for at $22.90 (HD or HDX). And, Best Buy’s CinemaNow is selling it for $24 (but they always charge more for new releases). The movie is scheduled for release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD Sept. 9.
Draft Day starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner is also available for early release in digital format in SD or HD resolution. The film, scheduled to release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD Sept. 2, revolves around the crucial decision of an NFL General Manager on a number one draft pick. Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu are selling the title in HD for $14.99. And, CinemaNow is selling it for $16.99 (they also have a Bonus Feature Edition for the same price).
Amazon, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu are also offering a pre-theatrical release of the The Zero Theorem from director Terry Gilliam. The movie costs $14.99 (HD) to purchase or $9.99 (HD) to rent, from any of the mentioned digital providers.
