MacRumors.com

Apple announced today that new movie releases from major film studios and premier independent studios are now available for purchase on iTunes on the same day as their DVD release. The studios involved include 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, Image Entertainment and First Look Studios.

"We're thrilled to bring iTunes Store customers new films for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We think movie fans will love being able to buy their favorites from major and independent studios."

This is distinct from the Warner Brothers plan to release video-on-demand on the same day as DVD releases. In that case, "on demand" refers to iTunes rentals, while today's announcement encompasses actual purchased downloads ($9.99-$14.99).