Warner Brothers Debuts App-Based Movie Purchases

Warner Brothers today announced the launch of "App Editions" of its feature films, providing the titles as App Store apps that offer downloadable and streaming versions of the films along with an array of expanded content. The program, which launches today with the release of Inception [App Store] and The Dark Knight [App Store], offers the apps as free downloads with full access to the films and special features available via in-app purchase.

App Editions provide a fully-loaded, connected viewing experience that gives consumers the first five minutes of a feature film and a portion of bonus content that can include games, trivia, soundtracks and soundboards. The entire feature film can be unlocked via an in-app purchase, which enables downloading and unlimited streaming, as well as access to the entire array of bonus content available within the App.

Inception is currently available for an in-app purchase price of $11.99, while The Dark Knight checks in at $9.99.

Beyond the bonus features and flexible delivery options, Warner Brothers touts the new App Editions as a means to offer video to iOS device owners in countries where Apple does not yet offer iTunes Movie Stores.

The apps, which are packaged as universal apps for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, offer subtitles in a host of languages, as well as a social component that can allow users to interact via Facebook and Twitter. Warner Brothers is planning a host of App Edition releases throughout the year, including both new and back-catalog movies.