Is iTunes Digital Copies Being Included With Blu-ray Combo Packs A Thing Of The Past?

[Hunk Golden]

I noticed that Love Actually, a Universal release, is being re-released 10/15. From the looks of it, it'll have a UV digital copy only. Universal was one of the few studios who till gave you the choice of redeeming your DC in iTunes. Lionsgate has stopped iTunes DC's with their current releases. Who's left? Disney?

This blows. I love watching iTunes DC's on my Apple TV and iPod Touch. Everything is being forced to UV now?? I don't mind UV existing, but why can't we have the choice of where we want our DC?

It looks like iTunes movies will only be available by purchasing the movie through iTunes. Ugh.

[manutd123]

I have to say, i find it a lot easier using ITunes and, for the money i pay for these movies, i want the option to have this digital copy, rather than being 'forced' to take the UV.

In the UK, digital ITunes copies hardly exist, almost everything is coming out with UV, same for US.

I hope this is not a trend and Apple can do something to encourage more DCs of new releases.

[AZBrowncoat]

I too am bothered by the fact that UV is being rammed down our throats by the Movie Studios. I use UV as a last resort when no iTunes option is available - iTunes simply works better for me (individual results may vary )

I prefer when as a consumer I am given a choice, like with Iron Man 3 (iTunes, Vudu, Amazon or Google Play).

I want them to at least offer iTunes as an option and I'm really irritated by the inconsistency with releases by some studios, where some offer iTunes and others don't. I'm going to be mightily aggravated if Fast and the Furious 6 isn't available via code on iTunes...I've got the first five already in iTunes dammit!!!!

I'm also going to see if I can find a list of the Disney releases specifically and what digital formats they were released on and give Disney a piece of my mind.

This turn of events will only force me to go back to my previous method of acquiring movies for iTunes - and it doesn't involve paying for the movie twice.

Make your voice heard...if nothing else give them a piece of your mind via Twitter:
@DisneyPictures
@Disney
@UniversalPics

Feel free to share any other studios Twitter addresses so we can start letting them know how we feel.

Let's get #iHateUV & #UVsucks trending on Twitter

[Gray Wolf]

ugh it really sucks if Universal has dumped iTunes

Disney has been hit or miss, their big animated releases in August did NOT have iTunes digital copies but Oz in June, Iron Man 3 in September and The Little Mermaid in October did

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by AZBrowncoat

I too am bothered by the fact that UV is being rammed down our throats by the Movie Studios.

Yeah, they never did that with iTunes or anything

How anyone actually likes to use iTunes is beyond me. What a terribly messy ecoysytem/software

[bsweetness]

Originally Posted by Hunk Golden

I noticed that Love Actually, a Universal release, is being re-released 10/15. From the looks of it, it'll have a UV digital copy only. Universal was one of the few studios who till gave you the choice of redeeming your DC in iTunes. Lionsgate has stopped iTunes DC's with their current releases. Who's left? Disney?

This blows. I love watching iTunes DC's on my Apple TV and iPod Touch. Everything is being forced to UV now?? I don't mind UV existing, but why can't we have the choice of where we want our DC?

It looks like iTunes movies will only be available by purchasing the movie through iTunes. Ugh.

Are you sure the Love Actually re-release will only be UV? Universal has used a similar banner on several titles, and for quite awhile they've offered both UV and iTunes.

Paramount is also continuing to offer iTunes digital copies.

As for Disney, they're actually not cutting back on iTunes digital copies. If you look at the releases since their Digital Copy Plus started with Oz the Great and Powerful, all of the "major" Disney releases that would have previously included an iTunes digital copy have had an iTunes option. It's just the releases of what Disney deems to be "lesser" films that are getting the Vudu/Amazon option without iTunes. And just a short time ago, those "lesser" titles wouldn't have included any type of digital copy, only a DVD. So far, one of the best ways to anticipate the inclusion of an iTunes digital copy is to look at the Canadian release. If it includes a digital copy, the U.S. version will have iTunes as an option. If it doesn't have a digital copy, the U.S. version probably won't have iTunes as an option. That could change, but so far it's been accurate.

As for why so many studios are switching to UV, a big part of it is money. UV digital copies cost them less than iTunes digital copies. Another reason is compatibility. iTunes digital copies can only be used on Apple devices and PCs that have iTunes installed. UV digital copies can be used on practically everything - PCs, gaming consoles, Roku, Android, and Apple devices (the only Apple device that can't access UV is Apple TV, and that's only because Apple hates competition and refuses to allow a Vudu, Flixster, or CinemaNow app on Apple TV...so that's all on Apple).

I can see how those who are fully invested in Apple's ecosystem might miss the iTunes option, but at least they still have plenty of ways to use a UV copy. For years, those of us who have never bought into Apple were stuck with digital copies we couldn't use. Having both available as an option would be ideal, but since several studios are not doing that, providing the type that benefits the most people (including the studios) makes sense.

[Gray Wolf]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Yeah, they never did that with iTunes or anything

How anyone actually likes to use iTunes is beyond me. What a terribly messy ecoysytem/software

do you use any Apple devices? I can understand that viewpoint if you don't but if for people that have iPads, iPhones and Macs it really is the best ecosystem

Originally Posted by bsweetness

Are you sure the Love Actually re-release will only be UV? Universal has used that banner on several titles, and for quite awhile they've offered both UV and iTunes.

Paramount is also continuing to offer iTunes digital copies.

As for Disney, they're actually not cutting back on iTunes digital copies. If you look at the releases since their Digital Copy Plus started with Oz the Great and Powerful, all of the "major" Disney releases that would have previously included an iTunes digital copy have had an iTunes option. It's just the releases of what Disney deems to be "lesser" films that are getting the Vudu/Amazon option without iTunes. And just a short time ago, those "lesser" titles wouldn't have included any type of digital copy, only a DVD. So far, one of the best ways to anticipate the inclusion of an iTunes digital copy is to look at the Canadian release. If it includes a digital copy, the U.S. version will have iTunes as an option. If it doesn't have a digital copy, the U.S. version probably won't have iTunes as an option. That could change, but so far it's been accurate.

As for why so many studios are switching to UV, a big part of it is money. UV digital copies cost them less than iTunes digital copies. Another reason is compatibility. iTunes digital copies can only be used on Apple devices and PCs that have iTunes installed. UV digital copies can be used on practically everything - PCs, gaming consoles, Roku, Android, and Apple devices (the only Apple device that can't access UV is Apple TV, and that's only because Apple hates competition and refuses to allow a Vudu, Flixster, or CinemaNow app on Apple TV...so that's all on Apple).

I can see how those who are fully invested in Apple's ecosystem might miss the iTunes option, but at least they still have plenty of ways to use a UV copy. For years, those of us who have never bought into Apple were stuck with digital copies we couldn't use. Having both available as an option would be ideal, but since several studios are not doing that, providing the type that benefits the most people (including the studios) makes sense.

I hope you're right about Love Actually

edit: also I'm not so sure about that with the AppleTV, they've been adding apps this past year so I wouldn't be surprised to see a Flixter/Vudu one show up

Apple may hate competition but they also don't want to lose sales to Roku if they can help it

[bsweetness]

Originally Posted by Gray Wolf

I hope you're right about Love Actually

Well, I never said it would or wouldn't include an iTunes digital copy. Given Universal's recent history, I was just asking if there was any actual proof that it would be UV only.

[Gray Wolf]

Originally Posted by bsweetness

Well, I never said it would or wouldn't include an iTunes digital copy. Given Universal's recent history, I was just asking if there was any actual proof that it would be UV only.

yeah I wasn't aware that other titles has been labeled as Digital Copy Ultraviolet but still included an iTunes copy, it was the first one I was aware of

for $10 at Target I'll probably take the chance and still double dip when it releases

[Evil]

Originally Posted by bsweetness

As for Disney, they're actually not cutting back on iTunes digital copies. If you look at the releases since their Digital Copy Plus started with Oz the Great and Powerful, all of the "major" Disney releases that would have previously included an iTunes digital copy have had an iTunes option. It's just the releases of what Disney deems to be "lesser" films that are getting the Vudu/Amazon option without iTunes. And just a short time ago, those "lesser" titles wouldn't have included any type of digital copy, only a DVD. So far, one of the best ways to anticipate the inclusion of an iTunes digital copy is to look at the Canadian release. If it includes a digital copy, the U.S. version will have iTunes as an option. If it doesn't have a digital copy, the U.S. version probably won't have iTunes as an option. That could change, but so far it's been accurate.

My feeling is that Disney wants to go the Vudu/Amazon only route when it comes to digital copies but is somewhat trapped because of its history with using iTunes. There was a lot of anger from folks when the recent "lesser" title releases didn't come with an iTunes option and thus weren't compatible with the rest of their Disney digital copies. Surely, Disney realized their would be backlash with that move. And that is probably why they didn't go the Vudu/Amazon only route with their major releases in which including digital copies have been the norm. Nonetheless, I think the fact that Disney has started to allow the Vudu/Amazon option and the fact that the "lesser" titles are Vudu/Amazon only (rather than iTunes only) speaks volumes. This feels like a transition to Vudu/Amazon only to me. Including only Vudu/Amazon with the "lesser" titles may be a way to get folks used to the different systems and soften the blow of eventually dropping iTunes altogether.

[bsweetness]

Originally Posted by Gray Wolf

edit: also I'm not so sure about that with the AppleTV, they've been adding apps this past year so I wouldn't be surprised to see a Flixter/Vudu one show up

Apple may hate competition but they also don't want to lose sales to Roku if they can help it

I'm 100% positive about it. While they may eventually be forced by the market to give in and allow it, Apple hasn't allowed it so far. You can rest assured that Vudu is chomping at the bit to get on Apple TV, and they'd have an app ready to go as soon as it would be allowed by Apple. Apple is the only reason there hasn't been one so far. That may change in the future, but so far, it's all on Apple. They want people who are buying and renting movies via Apple TV to use iTunes exclusively.

Originally Posted by Evil

My feeling is that Disney wants to go the Vudu/Amazon only route when it comes to digital copies but is somewhat trapped because of its history with using iTunes. There was a lot of anger from folks when the recent "lesser" title releases didn't come with an iTunes option and thus weren't compatible with the rest of their Disney digital copies. Surely, Disney realized their would be backlash with that move. And that is probably why they didn't go the Vudu/Amazon only route with their major releases in which including digital copies have been the norm. Nonetheless, I think the fact that Disney has started to allow the Vudu/Amazon option and the fact that the "lesser" titles are Vudu/Amazon only (rather than iTunes only) speaks volumes. This feels like a transition to Vudu/Amazon only to me. Including only Vudu/Amazon with the "lesser" titles may be a way to get folks used to the different systems and soften the blow of eventually dropping iTunes altogether.

It's entirely possible. But so far, Disney hasn't done anything to signal that they're definitely moving away from iTunes for the types of releases that they've normally had iTunes digital copies for. So far, every release that would have received an iTunes digital copy pre-Digital Copy Plus has still received one. Disney may be trying to start a transition away from iTunes, but so far they're still releasing just as many movies with iTunes digital copies as they have in the past.

I really think it comes down to money (with iTunes digital copies costing Disney more than Vudu/Amazon), with consumer choice (and compatibility with more devices) being a distant second.

[Gray Wolf]

Originally Posted by bsweetness

I'm 100% positive about it. While they may eventually be forced by the market to give in and allow it, Apple hasn't allowed it so far. You can rest assured that Vudu is chomping at the bit to get on Apple TV, and they'd have an app ready to go as soon as it would be allowed by Apple. Apple is the only reason there hasn't been one so far. That may change in the future, but so far, it's all on Apple. They want people who are buying and renting movies via Apple TV to use iTunes exclusively.

we also don't see Amazon Instant Video on Apple TV yet

[bsweetness]

Originally Posted by Gray Wolf

we also don't see Amazon Instant Video on Apple TV yet

Yep. Because Apple doesn't want consumers having any other options besides iTunes for buying or renting digital video on Apple TV. I promise you Amazon is in the same spot as Vudu - as soon as Apple would allow them to have an app on Apple TV, they'll have one.

Netflix is on there, but that's because it's a different service than iTunes when it comes to video. There are no options for buying/renting individual titles. Amazon has both: a Netflix-like streaming service in Amazon Prime Instant Video and renting/buying with Amazon Instant Video. But since Amazon keeps those two services tied together in a single app, Apple won't allow them to have an app on Apple TV. If Amazon released a Prime Instant Video only app, they could possibly get that on Apple TV. But Amazon has a great model including both together, which encourages people to buy newer episodes or films that aren't a part of Prime, so I don't see them wanting to split it up.

It will take a massive adoption of competing hardware - like Roku - to convince Apple that in order to compete, they need to allow other apps that provide the options to buy/rent video content on Apple TV. Until then, Apple will be content to sit back, limit what choices are available, and rake in the cash from iTunes. Clearly that's working for them, so I don't see them changing course anytime soon. It would be refreshing if they did though.

[shamus]

Maybe because Apple is dominating the market? I thought VUDU would be bigger, but apparently it's just a drop in the bucket. Going mostly VUDU doesn't cost studios money since apparently it's only a handful of people on these forums that collect them. We do need a universal system though...

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/...s-65-of-movies

[jadeite312]

Originally Posted by bsweetness

Yep. Because Apple doesn't want consumers having any other options besides iTunes for buying or renting digital video on Apple TV. I promise you Amazon is in the same spot as Vudu - as soon as Apple would allow them to have an app on Apple TV, they'll have one.

Netflix is on there, but that's because it's a different service than iTunes when it comes to video. There are no options for buying/renting individual titles. Amazon has both: a Netflix-like streaming service in Amazon Prime Instant Video and renting/buying with Amazon Instant Video. But since Amazon keeps those two services tied together in a single app, Apple won't allow them to have an app on Apple TV. If Amazon released a Prime Instant Video only app, they could possibly get that on Apple TV. But Amazon has a great model including both together, which encourages people to buy newer episodes or films that aren't a part of Prime, so I don't see them wanting to split it up.

It will take a massive adoption of competing hardware - like Roku - to convince Apple that in order to compete, they need to allow other apps that provide the options to buy/rent video content on Apple TV. Until then, Apple will be content to sit back, limit what choices are available, and rake in the cash from iTunes. Clearly that's working for them, so I don't see them changing course anytime soon. It would be refreshing if they did though.

Part of it is Amazon doesnt want to give up the 30% fee like Netflix. Let Apple take a cut of the pie and watch the app appear.

[Andysol]

Originally Posted by jadeite312

Part of it is Amazon doesnt want to give up the 30% fee like Netflix. Let Apple take a cut of the pie and watch the app appear.

Netflix doesn't pay a 30% fee. Nor would Amazon for a prime membership/streaming. You're taking the App store model and applying it to the Apple TV. Apple doesn't make any money from its providers on ATV.
Now, if they added an App store- they would make money- through free apps w/ Ads or paid apps w/ their 30% take.

If Amazon were to add "in-app purchases" like you buying a movie through amazon- then Apple would take their 30%. But as it stands- that's not even how Apple TV works because there is no app store.

[Zu Nim]

Originally Posted by Andysol

Netflix doesn't pay a 30% fee. Nor would Amazon for a prime membership/streaming. You're taking the App store model and applying it to the Apple TV. Apple doesn't make any money from its providers on ATV.

My parents subscribe to Netflix using their iTunes account, and they pay using iTunes gift cards which they purchased at a discount to face value. So for some portion of Netflix subscribers, Apple is getting money from Apple TV. Google "netflix 30% apple tv" - there's a Mashable article as the first hit.

[BJS92]

There's still iTunes copies along with the UV. iTunes will probably stay around or UV's video audio will become less crinkly and poppy.

[bsweetness]

Originally Posted by BJS92

There's still iTunes copies along with the UV. iTunes will probably stay around or UV's video audio will become less crinkly and poppy.

There are fewer and fewer of those though. Paramount has been offering both, (there are indications that it may switch to being a choice between one or the other instead of both). Disney offers a choice on come of their bigger releases between Vudu, Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes, but not on all of their releases (with some only having Vudu or Amazon as a choice). And Universal, who had been offering both, is moving away from iTunes altogether.

So, right now, Paramount is really the only studio that is consistently including an iTunes option. That's a far cry from how releases were just a short time ago.

[Skippy Bibble]

Sir, you seem to know a thing or two about "a thing or two"

Is there a way to play UV copies or VUDU via a device like Apple TV (if yes, which devices)? Also, do they play in 1080P as well as the Apple TV?

I find the Apple TV (Generation 3) to be sweet when it comes to ease of use and PQ. I don't mind having another device hooked up if it is as good.

Thank you !