Here’s another advantage of HDTV: a four-week head-start to watch Blu-ray discs on it, and a free 24-hour viewing if you buy now.
At least, that’s if you own or purchase a Sony networked Bravia HDTV and Sony Blu-ray Disc player and you want to watch a new animated movie.
The keyword there is “networked,” which refers to the linking of the devices to the Internet.
For those consumers who purchase a networked Bravia HDTV or Blu-ray Disc player and register the device between Nov. 9, 2009 and Jan. 4, 2010, Sony Electronics will provide a free 24-hour rental of the Sony Pictures animated hit “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” in HiDef before it is released to retail stores Jan. 5.
The strategy isn’t sitting well with theater owners who don’t want any home viewer to see a movie less than four months after its theatrical debut. Sony recently relented on its plan to release “This is It” to Blu-ray in time for the holidays.
Customers who already own networked Bravia HDTVs or have earlier Bravia models equipped with the Bravia Internet Video Link can rent the movie during this exclusive time period. Televisions and Blu-ray Disc players must be connected to the internet to receive the movie.
From Dec. 8, 2009 through Jan. 4, 2010, the movie will be offered for rent at a cost of $24.95 on all current networked Bravia HDTVs, including the W5100, Z5100, XBR9* and XBR10 series as well as the company’s new BDP-N460 Network Blu-ray Disc player.
The initiative will be supported by a special broadcast advertisement featuring “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” animated characters Sam (Anna Ferris) and Flint (Bill Hader). The ad will beginning Nov. 9, 2009.
“Sony is the first company to utilize its internet enabled TVs and other networked devices to stream feature films directly to consumers’ televisions prior to availability on DVD or Blu-ray,” said Hiro Kawano, senior vice president for Sony Electronics’ Home Division business. “We hope that consumers who own networked Sony BRAVIA and Blu-ray Disc players take the opportunity to bring family and friends together during the holiday season to enjoy this warmhearted movie.”
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” which was available in 3D in theaters but will not be in 3D on Blu-ray yet, is a family comedy that grossed more than $170 million worldwide.
– Scott Hettrick