'Warner on Demand' website to be launched in Japan

Warner Entertainment Japan has announced plans to launch by the end of November 2009 "Warner On Demand," a website where Japanese consumers can rent or buy Warner Bros films and TV series for the first time ever directly from the Studio via VOD (video-on-demand) and download to own (electronic sell-through) on their PCs and mobile phones.

Warner Bros. is partnering with Japanese software venture Skillup Japan to make this service available. Warner On Demand will run on Skillup Japan's "ULIZA" video content delivery platform.

At launch, Warner On Demand will be available on PCs and only to NTT Docomo users for access by mobile phones.

The announcement was made by William Ireton, president and representative director, Warner Entertainment Japan Inc. and Marc Gareton, executive vice president, Asia-Pacific, International Warner Home Video and Digital Distribution.

With the launch of "Warner On Demand", Warner Bros. aims to deepen its understanding of consumers' movie and TV series preferences, building a direct relationship with them. Part of a global Warner Bros. loyalty programme begun in the US, and now extended to Japan, Warner On Demand customers will receive regular news and updates from the Studio on all Theatrical, Blu-Ray, DVD and digital VOD and EST new releases and be able to participate in special promotions and sweepstakes.

In addition to this new "Warner On Demand" service, Warner Bros. films and television content will also continue to be enjoyed by Japanese consumers through Warner Bros.' highly valued existing partner channels.