Warner Bros. France To Offer Films On Video On Demand Same Day As DVD

(February 10, 2009 – Paris) - Warner Bros. France will make its new release movies available via Video on Demand on the same day the DVD and Blu-ray becomes available to buy on the high street. The announcement of this new distribution strategy was made by Iris Knobloch, President-Directeur General, Warner Bros. Entertainment, France. “This is an important step in the development and growth of the digital film market in France, providing the industry with a significant new opportunity to increase the audiences for our films. Working hand in hand with our partners, this strategy means we are now offering full choice for consumers to purchase or rent a DVD or download the film – without having to wait,” said Iris Knobloch. Beginning with the much anticipated blockbuster “The Dark Knight,” set for release on February 13, 2009, consumers will be able to access this film via the internet, PC or set-top box on TV. The launch of this initiative is supported by a range of partners across France, including Orange, Virgin, Fnac, Carrefour, FilmoTV, Allociné and NeufbySFR. Orange, who supported the theatrical release of “The Dark Knight” in August 2008, is once again supporting the title through a major promotional campaign. Orange will offer the film on Video on Demand to its TV d’Orange customers and to all French uses of Orange.fr the day before (12th February). “There are more than 17 million French consumers with broadband connections and a huge appetite for cultural content. More consumers every day are getting into the habit of acquiring their movies digitally. By offering Video on Demand at the same time as the DVD release, Warner Bros. is responding to the need for greater convenience and choice that characterise people’s changing lifestyles. Additionally, by providing reliable, high quality, digital product to consumers in real time, Warner Bros. France is helping to offer a legitimate alternative to digital piracy,” added Iris Knobloch. # # #