Sony Gives PSP Movie Rentals a Try
With UMD movies proving a surprise success, Sony tackles another distribution mechanism.
The PSP may be mainly a gaming device, but Sony is keen to push the handheld's multimedia capabilities. Most of the major Hollywood studios - Warner has yet to sign on - have already released movies on UMD for the PSP, and some of them have, according to Sony, sold more than 100,000 copies.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse and a handful of otherUMD movies have already topped the 100,000 mark
The next testing ground for UMD movies is in video rentals, where DVD is currently king.
Starting this week, PSP owners in Japan will be able to take part in a test run of Sony's new service. Initially, 14 movies will be made available for rental, and only at 50 stores, but the company is hoping to expand on the trial in the near future.
Sony has shown that it is determined to make a success of the PSP as a platform not only for games but also movies, music and possibly other content.
There were early concerns about movies on UMD, most specifically because of the cost of the discs. (In the UK, new releases will cost £19.99 in the UK while older movies will go for £17.99.) But to the surprise of many, UMD movies have been a success.
Sony currently has no plans for a similar rental program in the UK, but the first UMD movies available to buy will start hitting shelves on 1 September, when Sony officially launches the PSP.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare