Paramount streams Jackass online
Blockbuster gets exclusive one-week window
By Ned Randolph -- Video Business, 12/13/2007
DEC. 13 | Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment will release the newest installment in the stomach-churning Jackass franchise straight to the Web for streaming on Dec. 19.
The hourlong feature mixes extra footage shot for last year’s Jackass 2 and new content, including interviews.
Blockbuster will have an exclusive one-week window to stream the title at http://blockbuster.jackassworld.com and has exclusive rights to DVD rental and to offer digital rentals online.
The title will be streamed for free with ads until Dec. 31. It will be released on DVD with extra bonus features Dec. 26, at which time it will be for sale from any number of retailers and available as a download-to-own from Movielink.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and other participating services.
Beginning Jan. 1, the title will be available for download-to-rent exclusively at Blockbuster-owned Movielink.
Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment head Thomas Lesinski said the movie is the first of several features that Paramount plans to distribute online.
"We are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking event," said Keith Morrow, chief information officer for Blockbuster Inc. "Streaming Jackass 2.5 emphasizes our commitment to provide consumers with the entertainment they want in the format they want, whether it's through our stores, through the mail or online."
A new Web site, Jackassworld.com, also will be launched as a joint venture of MTV Networks and Dickhouse Productions, on Feb. 9.
"There's no better franchise than Jackass to launch our new media division," said David Gale, executive VP of new media for MTV Networks' Music Group. "With Jackass 2.5 and soon Jackassworld.com, we're giving fans cool, viral content that's perfect for the digital space."
Streaming Jackass 2.5 is open to anyone in the U.S. 17 or older.
Indie film Purple Violets, self-directed and -produced by filmmaker Ed Burns, did debut exclusively on Apple’s iTunes Store Nov. 20 for a one-month run.
