14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has announced that iTunes fans can now purchase or rent high-definition films on the iTunes Store. HD movies are priced at $19.99 and can be viewed on a Mac, PC, or Apple TV. Upon purchasing a title, the download also includes the standard-definition copy of that movie for viewing on an iPod or iPhone. Apple said future movies would be available in HD format 30 days after their release.
In an official report posted yesterday, Apple announced launching an HD page on iTunes, featuring about a dozen films that are now available for immediate purchase or rent. Titles include Transporter 3, The Spirit, and The Punisher: War Zone. Pre-orders are also available for two of last year's more popular movies, namely James Bond: Quantum Of Solace and the teenage vampire film Twilight.
“Movie fans are going to love being able to buy and rent films including ‘Quantum of Solace’ and ‘Twilight’ in stunning HD from the iTunes Store,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “Customers have made HD content on iTunes a hit, with over 50 percent of TV programming being purchased in HD when available.”
Apple has revealed that video availability varies by country. iTunes Movie Rentals are $2.99 (US) for library titles and $3.99 (US) for new releases. High definition versions are priced just one dollar more with library titles at $3.99 (US) and new releases at $4.99 (US).
According to Apple, “the iTunes Store is the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 10 million songs, over 40,000 TV episodes, and over 5,000 movies, including over 1,200 in stunning high definition video for rent. With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as iTunes Movie Rentals, integrated podcasting support, the ability to turn previously purchased tracks into complete albums at a reduced price, and seamless integration with iPod and iPhone, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online,” the company states.
Visit the iTunes Store here to have a look at Apple's latest HD offerings.