Studios, Apple Getting Closer to Offering First-Run Premium Movies at Home

Premium video on demand, or PVOD, is now being pushed by nearly every Hollywood Studio except for Walt Disney, Co. The goal: finding a way to make up for declining DVD sales.

Initially, it looked like theater chains would reluctantly endorse a plan for PVOD since studios were willing to negotiate revenue sharing agreements. However, “exhibitors have sought a long-term commitment of as much as 10 years for that revenue split, which the studios have rejected.”

PVOD titles could cost between $30 and $50.

If the chains don’t play nice, the studios might go it alone. In doing so, the chains might decide to boycott films slated for PVOD. However, this isn’t likely to happen. Deals with potential distributors such as Apple won’t be completed until early next year, so there’s still time.

In December, Bloomberg first reported that Apple iTunes could become the launching pad for PVOD. Six months later, Business Insider said talks between the interested parties had commenced.

I’m confident all sides will eventually agree to PVOD, including exhibitors who might not have another choice. Just this week, Movie Pass began offering a $10 a month service that lets you see one movie per day in theaters. Chains like AMC are naturally crying foul over the service. However, from a legal perspective, there might not be much it can do.

Would you pay up to $50 to view first-release films in your home? Let us know below.