Wal-Mart is getting into the movie download business (albeit in beta for now). Unlike Apple’s iTunes which launched with only Walt Disney on board, Wal-Mart will offer some 3000 movies and television episodes from six major Hollywood studios. The fact that Wal-Mart accounts for some 40 percent of DVD sales in the US likely played a role in studios supporting Wal-Mart’s move into this space.
Recent movies will sell for between $12.88 USD and $19.88 USD while older movies will sell for $7.50 USD.
It will not be possible to burn onto DVD any movies purchased through the new service but that option could come later. Wal-Mart will also not offer movie rentals. Downloaded movies will play on Microsoft Windows PCs and Microsoft Windows Media-compatible portable digital players only.