iTunes Stepping Up To the Movie Plate

iTunes is getting set to step up its programming with a movie deal it has just signed with both Fox and Disney.

The new pact will allow iTunes to make movie rentals available from the two studio giants. Full disclosure will take place at the company’s big MacWorld con on January 14, 2008 with Steve Jobs set to make the announcement and reveal the particulars of the new service.

While iTunes has been the undisputed leader in music downloads, it has lagged way behind other services such as Movielink, Netflix, CinemaNow and others. Their new service is designed to make them a major player in the movie market as well. What will make the service unique is the availability of full feature films on Apple’s video iPod.

Other studios and networks are standing in the wings watching to see how well the new iTunes service is received by the general public before coming on board, but it is expected that they won’t remain in the shadows for very long. One of the other major studios to be considering a deal with Apple is Paramount.

iTunes clients can expect to pay any where from $2 to $5 (depending on the type and age of the film) for the movie rentals that will be good for viewing up to 24-hrs from time of purchase.