Microsoft may be fighting a losing battle in the HD-DVD arena, but when it comes to offering content online, it is still ruling the roost! Now Microsoft has announced at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) as well as Disney-ABC Television Group will offer gamers in the US premium entertainment content through the Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store.
Robbie Bach is the president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. He quotes, “Disney-ABC Television Group and MGM are two of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, and this announcement helps continue to evolve and diversify the content offering on Xbox LIVE. The capability to offer such great content in high definition further expands Microsoft’s commitment to connected entertainment with Xbox 360.”
Jim Packer is the co-president of Worldwide Television at MGM. He comments, “The Video Store on Xbox LIVE Marketplace has proven to be very thriving, and we are excited that MGM will be a partner in 2008. At MGM we are always looking for new ways to reach our broad audience, and partnering with Microsoft allows us to make our legendary library available to the millions of Xbox LIVE members here in the U.S.”
Anne Sweeney, Co-chair of Disney Media Networks & President of Disney-ABC Television Group says, “As a company dedicated to providing consumers with a variety of high-quality entertainment and news content that they can view at their convenience, regardless of time, place or platform, we are very excited to bring our programming to Xbox LIVE members. This new agreement will not only provide incremental viewing opportunities, but also provides a wealth of promotional opportunities to further awareness of our shows and brands.”
Xbox 360 gamers in the US will be able to have access to select TV shows and movies from the ABC Television Network, ABC Family, ABC News, Disney Channel and Toon Disney via Xbox Live. Users can expect 500 hours of content, in both standard definition and high definition later this month. Shows such as Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives along with past and present ABC shows will be available on demand. As for MGM, they will be offering their renowned movie library on the Xbox Live.
Here are some of the films that the gamers can look forward to:
Rocky series
Dances with Wolves
Terminator
Silence of the Lambs
The Amityville Horror
Legally Blonde
Barbershop
Agent Cody Banks
Platoon
Rain Man
The Usual Suspects
MGM’s sister concern, United Artists will also be making their films available. Most of the titles, which will be put up by MGM on Xbox Live will be available in HD. Xbox 360 gamers are one lucky bunch, they have been offered a lot of movie and television content and that too in high definition.