Because when I think of Batman, I think of social networking. But, in an effort to keep complete control over where and when you watch their movies, and presumably to have absolutely the most demographic information as possible on their viewers, Warner Bros. is testing out allowing Facebook users to digitally rent The Dark Knight for $3.
Viewers will have two days from purchase to watch the movie, and may pause, resume, and fullscreen it. Also:
While watching the movie, consumers will also have full Facebook functionality, including the ability to post comments, interact with friends and update their status.
Because when I think about watching a movie, I know I’ll want to be constantly in contact with people I haven’t seen in years or only tangentially know to let them know about the movie I’m watching that came out two years ago.
“Facebook has become a daily destination for hundreds of millions of people,” said Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “Making our films available through Facebook is a natural extension of our digital distribution efforts. It gives consumers a simple, convenient way to access and enjoy our films through the world’s largest social network.”
This also allows Warner Bros. to keep people watching their movies on a pay-per-view stance, even digitally. With, for example, Netflix, Warner Bros. gets paid a licensing fee, and then viewers pay Netflix a small monthly fee and watch as many times as they want.
If TDK renting is successful, Warner Bros. plans to roll out other movies to the service. No word on when you’ll be able to watch The Social Network on Facebook.
Using your iPhone. Using multitasking to tweet about it.
So you’ll never be forced to just sit and appreciate cinema again.
/huff
