Subscribers are far more demanding than way back in the day when being able to order a movie and own it instantly was something of a thrill.
To serve ever-expanding consumer expectations when they sit down to catch a flick, Comcast, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Paramount Home Media Distribution, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced on Friday the introduction of “enhanced movie extras,” an offering for Xfinity X1 that allows subs to “explore, connect, and engage with a wide variety of online content, all while watching a film.”
“Accessible with the digital purchase of participating titles, the offering uniquely combines technology and content to enable dynamic, interactive, and contextually-integrated internet content directly within the movie-watching experience,” Comcast reports in a statement. “In addition to the interactive experiences, enhanced extras will also include photo galleries and video clips that contextually update as the movie plays, allowing viewers to browse and enjoy content relevant to specific moments in the film.”
For customers looking to invest some holiday downtime in front of the TV, Comcast says it will offer a free 10-day sample of enhanced movie extras from Dec. 16-Dec. 25. The operator says customers will have free access to 16 online interactive experiences including games, maps, 360-degree maps, and set tours available directly on the TV from films such as “Secret Life of Pets,” “Jason Bourne,” “Mockingjay Part 2,” “Star Trek Beyond,” and others.
“These experiences are highly produced, engaging, and employ the latest technology to bring the content to life on Xfinity in a manner fans haven’t seen before,” Thomas Hughes, EVP, worldwide digital distribution for Lionsgate, comments. “Building a collection of their favorite films with enhanced content that can be enjoyed seamlessly in their living rooms offers even more value to the Comcast customer.”
Tripp Wood, SVP, digital sales and distribution at Paramount Home Media Distribution points out that features such as the “Scene Peeler” on “Star Trek Beyond” allows viewers to access information on the visual effects process by allowing them to check out scenes from pre-vis through to the final version within the movie itself. “This kind of immersive feature enhances the viewing experience and gives fans a deeper appreciation of the filmmaking process,” Wood says.
Comcast reports it expects to add more studios and movies into the program next year.
