Movies On Cell Phones? What's Next?

Movies On Cell Phones? What’s Next?

September 5, 2006

By Brad Brevet

I am not at all jazzed about watching movies on my computer and I don’t quite understand the iPod video thing. Who wants to watch a movie on their computer? Who wants to watch a television show on a 2.5-inch display? I can only assume there are those of you out there, but now I have to ask who wants to watch a feature length movie on their cell phone?

Sprint launched today Sprint Movies, the first “pay-per-view” service for mobile phones in the U.S. that streams full-length movies. The studios in participation are Buena Vista VOD, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Sprint Movies offers a list of more than 45 titles, including National Treasure, Spider-Man 2 and Scarface. Sprint Movies is powered by mSpot, which is responsible for video production and ongoing operations of the service.

I know it is pretty cool to have a full movie on your cell phone and considering these movies are going to run only $3.99 and $5.99 each for unlimited times within a set period, which varies between 24 hours and one week depending on the title. In addition, 24-hour titles include the option of purchasing up to two 24-hour viewing extensions at the rate of $.99.

Of course you have to have a compatible phone, a lot of time to waste and some extra cash to boot to watch the movies. I just can’t see, within a set amount of time, someone wanting to dedicate up to two hours to watch a movie on their cell phone. Let’s face it, it is going to drain your battery and anyone that is away from society for that long is either going to want to talk to someone, have something else to do or is a complete shut-in.

Maybe I am way off on this, and if so let the watching begin. Here is a list of the titles available right now:

Buena Vista VOD