Time Warner’s new feature: Watch movies before they hit theaters
August 13th, 2009, 6:39 pm · 4 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
Time Warner Cable has launched an interesting new twist to watching movies on TV: Subscribers can now watch a movie before it debuts in the theater.
Say what?
Well, I just took a look at the sample movies and based on release dates from IMDB.com, the movies mostly haven’t hit the big screen yet. But some have had a previous life in limited film festivals, overseas and even DVD. Still, even if these films target the indy-movie circuit, this genre could be the best films to debut at home where you don’t necessarily need the big screen screen just isn’t as large as theaters.
A list of movies that are now available include the following:
- “The Answer Man” starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham (opened July 26).
- “The World’s Greatest Dad” starring Robin Williams, Henry Simmons and Jermaine Williams (opens August 21).
Movies coming soon include:
- “The Burning Plain” starring Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger and Jennifer Lawrence (debuted last year but opens to a wider audience onSept. 18).
- “ONG BAK 2,” with limited U.S. debut in October.
- “The House of the Devil,” starring Jocelin Donahue, Greta Gerwig and Mary Woronov.
Time Warner’s new “Early Screening On Demand” will offer movies on demand for $9.99 to $10.99. Interestingly, after the movie does have its official theatrical release, Time Warner will drop the price to between $3.99 to $7.99.
This service is also separate from its prior announcement of IFC in Theaters, which lets users watch some movies the same day as their box-office debut (see “Time Warner offers movies on day of theatrical release“).
While Time Warner is playing off the angle that you can save money and avoid the crowds, I know plenty of people — mostly parents — who would prefer to go to a move to escape. We’ll have to see if the hotly anticipated movies show up on demand.
To get this service, go to Channel 1 (or main On Demand channel) ►Movies ►By Category ►Early Screening
Recent Time Warner Cable news:
Check out the Gadgetress Guide to local TV services
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Mainstream theaters are going to need to upgrade. More IMAX, and newer technologies will be demanded.
Wow Ong Bak 2! I didn’t even know this was coming out. But this only works if the movies are shown in Hi Def and people at home have a good setup or just don’t care. Still this new feature doesn’t take away from the fact that Time Warner has terrible, terrible service.
Movies need to be released on BluRay/streaming at the same time as in the theatres.
Time Warner is the worst company I have ever done business with. I would rather wait a year.