In a move aimed at taking full advantage of Korea’s extraordinary digital infrastructure, Warner Bros. studios have announced plans to become the first in Hollywood to make movies available through VOD two weeks before the DVD release in Korea.
The announcement was made by Thomas Gewecke, president, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.
“Korea is the ideal market for us to expand our digital distribution strategy,” said Gewecke. “There is already a broad base of consumers who are immersed in technology and very comfortable getting movies through VOD or similar services, and I am proud of the team that made it possible for us to be the first US studio to offer this service to fans of Warner Bros. movies in Korea.”
Warner plans to launch a test in Korea in the coming weeks, making new release titles available through VOD two weeks before the DVD release. Specific titles will be announced as they become available.
“More than 94% of the households in South Korea have broadband connections,” added Henry Cho, director, South Korea Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “This new service is just one of the ways Warner Bros. is offering more convenience and choices that fit people’s lifestyles.”
“According to the Korean Film Council, more than 47% of people surveyed said they had downloaded movies from the internet at least once,” said Harrison Lee, MD, Warner Home Video Korea. “This combined with an advanced digital infrastructure makes Korea the perfect market for us to test this service since many Korean consumers are already in the habit of getting their movies digitally.”
