LOVEFiLM to Stream Optimum Titles

LONDON, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LOVEFiLM has signed a substantial streaming deal with one of the most prominent distributors in the UK independent film and cinema market, Optimum Releasing.

The deal, which goes live today, enables members of LOVEFiLM, Europe's largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes over the internet and sending DVDs by post, to stream films from Optimum's 2009/10 slate and extensive library at no extra cost as part of their subscription package.

Amongst the titles are The Wrestler (Darren Aronofsky's Oscar winner starring Mickey Rourke), The Last Exorcism (starring Patrick Fabian), The Ghost (Polanski's multi award-winning film, starring Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan), The Losers (starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (starring Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem) and Oscar nominated films A Prophet and Coco Before Chanel.

The deal will allow LOVEFiLM to show over 30 first-run films on its streaming service during their pay TV windows as well as include a wide range of films from the Optimum catalogue, including classics like The Deer Hunter, Mulholland Drive and The Pianist.

LOVEFiLM is the first to stream most of these box-office hits in the UK which will be accessible via the LOVEFiLM Player on a range of platforms including the PC, direct-to-TV through connected devices or the PlayStation(R)3.

Simon Calver, CEO of LOVEFiLM, said:

"We are very excited to be partnering with such an influential and innovative distributor as Optimum. This announcement means we can offer consumers great films like The Wrestler and The Ghost instantly as part of their subscription. LOVEFiLM's catalogue is going from strength to strength with more and more distributors and studios joining our Watch Online service."

Robb Smith, Head of Television and New Media of Optimum Releasing, said:

"We've watched LOVEFiLM transform into a hugely popular hybrid service and we're impressed by their continued expansion onto new device platforms. This is an important step for us as we roll out our digital strategy and continue to pursue emerging platforms and partners to maximise income from our content."