Warner Bros. Fits Two Feature Films into Apps for iPad

Feb

2011

Robert Workman, iPadNewsDaily Contributor
03:00 PM ET

Warner Bros. is attempting to change the way people watch movies on Apple devices, this week launching two movie-based apps now available in the App Store.

The Dark Knight and the mind-twisting 2010 adventure Inception, both directed by Christopher Nolan, have been reformatted for the iPad for viewers to download and watch like any other feature film.

Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, said the company is bringing more than 100 million Apple device owners a highly innovative new way to experience their favorite films.

“Watching a movie is a social activity and App Editions are the first mobile product to deliver this capability on a global scale,” he said.

The apps will offer a fully connected experience, said Gewecke, allowing viewers to engage with others around the world in real-time through Facebook and Twitter.

In 2011, Warner Bros. will release a full slate of App Editions including new release and catalog films.

Both movie apps are free to download initially, as trial versions of each film. After that, in order to access the extras and more scenes from the film, users will be charged $9.99 for The Dark Knight, and $11.99 for Inception – a decent value considering that the DVD’s for both go for about $15.

This move marks the first time a company has launched apps that specifically tie their content around a film, while also offering the movie itself. Each option is separated by an interactive menu, providing a choice of watching the movie in its entirety, checking out the extra features, spreading word about the film to others through Facebook and Twitter – both apps feature link-up to those accounts.

Between the social media interaction, extra features and the stylish menus, both of these apps are stunning. It also helps that the films are both top-tier productions. Warner Bros. could be leading the way for other studios to follow with interactive apps.