Film 4 takes on iTunes with movie download service

Film 4, the movie channel operated by UK broadcaster Channel 4, has launched a download-to-rent service that it claims will offer more new releases than any other service, including iTunes, Lovefilm and Blinkbox.

Users of Film4oD are charged between £0.99 (€0.86) and £3.99 per download. Films are viewable as soon as they start downloading and users can watch titles for up to 48 hours following the first play. Each film has a rental period of up to 30 days. The service is geoblocked to restrict access to the UK.

Channel 4 said the service targets users with low bandwidth and those who want to watch movies whilst travelling.

From launch, the service offered urban sci-fi movie Attack the Block and classic remake Arthur, both of which were made available on the same day they were released on DVD.

Film4 channel manager, Julia Wrigley, said: “Video-on-demand continues to soar in popularity with viewers enjoying the freedom to watch their preferred content on their own terms. We’re excited to offer download-to-rent, further strengthening the viewer experience alongside the Film4oD online streaming and Film4 channel.”

Film4oD, which is powered by white label VOD provider FilmFlex, launched in November 2010 as a movie streaming service. The site has over 50,000 registered users.