It appears that Microsoft has decided to enter the world of film exclusivity, as the company has launched its first exclusive movie on the Xbox 360. The film is called Pulp, and is a British comedy. There’s even a trailer where people say how much they loved it.
This event could be the start of something much bigger in the future of consoles. You can already stream movies on consoles through the likes of Netflix, Lovefilm or by renting them from LIVE or PSN, but movie exclusivity directly challenges the other streaming services.
Right now it’s a rather small title but it shows that Microsoft are still following the ambition of making the Xbox brand one that people will relate with entertainment.
Maybe next gen Microsoft will be trying to gain exclusivity rights for more movies and perhaps shows. If it’s successful then there is the possibly that Microsoft could invest in their own exclusives, much like Netflix has done with House of Cards.
This may seem like a rather small stunt now but the long term ramifications could be huge.
Source: Engadget.
Starman
They should’ve announced this on the ps4 reveal day! Would have stolen the headlines!
BULLofDOOM
Interesting move and one I hope will be good for the film industry as a whole. As mentioned though – competing with Sony Pictures would be a huge battle and one I doubt Sony would lose much sleep over.
jimmy-google
Sony have already had the latest Resident Evil as a timed digital exclusive last month. It was even available digitally before physical copies as well. Not sure if will enter the the Netflix/Sky levels but Sony is certainly in a powerful position.
a inferior race
Doesn’t Sky have a near enough monopoly on films?
TSBonyman
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1737680/
“Thunder Racers, Infinite Finity, Rat Warriors. Junk Comics’ titles have been referred to as ‘the worst printed material since Mein Kampf’. Tony Leary, the nice-guy owner of Junk Comics, is gearing up for one last roll of the dice. His new superhero title, The Sodomizer, launches at the British International Comic Show, and nothing will stop Tony from making it a success. Nothing except a gang of Geordie criminals who are using a comic company to launder their dirty money. Tony is drafted by the police to identify the culprits and bring them to justice. Aided by his trusty geek sidekicks, Rick and Keith, Tony must defy the odds if he is to become a real life hero.”
The promo didn’t really sell it for me but the plot sounds absurd enough to warrant a look. It’s an interesting way to release a movie. Perhaps it will have some cult appeal since it is getting such a limited release but I doubt if any of the big blockbuster movies would ever be made only available on one source/platform.
eye8have9you3
The film didn’t seem too bad, might watch it one day, but I wouldn’t buy an xbox just for the privilege, and that’s where this service will fall down. Netflix works on basically all modern consoles, tablets, computers, phones and most smart TVs. What film company would want a exclusivity deal that would cut out so much of their market?