MS unveils Paramount download deal

Transformers out tomorrow.

News by Robert Purchese Associate Editor

Updated on 18 Feb 2008

Microsoft has unveiled a fancy deal with Paramount to offer its old and new films on the Live Video Store.

From tomorrow you will be able to download Transformers, with others including Disturbia and Naked Gun expected this spring.

"We're very excited to announce this new relationship," Paramount's Alex Carlos told our roving reporter Oli Welsh at an event on Friday.

"We have lots of great content that fits this demographic. We're excited about digital distribution, especially being on a platform as elegant as Xbox 360."

Microsoft will also be bolstering its digital offerings with a fresh batch of Warner Bros. films, such as The Assassination of Jesse James and Beowulf.

The Live Video Store launched in Europe last December. It lets you download films in either standard or high-definition and watch them any time within the space of two weeks. Once you hit play you only have 24 hours until it self destructs.

The films cost 250 Points (GBP 2.13 / EUR 3) for standard definition, and 380 Points (GBP 3.23 / EUR 4.56) for high definition.

Paramount supported the service when it launched in the USA in November 2006, and has continued to champion the Microsoft cause by exclusively siding with the HD-DVD format.

Paramount Pictures / DreamWorks films due this spring.