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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

High-def movies via cable and satellite, from News Corp.

The Hollywood Reporter has this item about a speech at the Bearn Stearns Media Conference delivered today by Peter Chernin:

    News Corp. is betting that people will pay $25-$30 to watch Fox films at home in high-definition quality via cable and satellite TV 60 days after their theatrical release.


    Speaking during the second day of the annual Bear Stearns Media Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., in a session available via webcast, News Corp. president and chief operating officer Peter Chernin said Tuesday the conglomerate has been "talking to the cable operators and satellite operators about the idea of a 60-day, high-priced high-def rental" offer costing $25-$30.


And proving that Netflix has now become an establishment player, dismissive of any other technology that might ever threaten it...

    Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, also speaking at the conference, dismissed video-on-demand and Internet download services as worthy competitors, in part because of the limited selection of movies they offer.


    He said Netflix, which pioneered the DVD-by-mail subscription model, will enjoy growth of 50% year-over-year for the next five years, beginning this year with projected earnings of $30 million-$35 million.

2 Comments:

  • Does anyone else think $30 per movie is not going to happen? I could see $10 - basically one ticket price.

    By Blogger The Unknown Filmmaker, at 10:16 PM  

  • Yeah, I file that in the "Dream On!" category as well.

    $10-$15, MAYBE.

    $25-30 feels predicated on the assumption that you're going to invite all your friends over for a special occassion.

    Reality? More like single bachelor will flip it on based on "WTF" impulse buy mentality.

    Would YOU pay $25 to watch Casino Royale in high def right now at home? I wouldn't. Considering it is showing at the discount theaters now/soon...ick.

    -mike

    By Blogger Mike Curtis, at 3:25 PM  

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