Sony To Offer Lower Priced UMD Movies

***wraggster*** · August 16th, 2008, 00:09

Sony is readying a new strategic effort to establish the PSP as the best portable movie viewing device. With nearly thirteen million PSP hardware units sold, some analysts think that it may be easier for Sony to generate new interest and momentum in UMD video. Video Business reports, “Sony is shaving new release list prices to $9.99 to $14.99,” which is about half the price of UMD movies released in the past. Sony is also promising to do the bulk of the work with UMDs: management of licensing, manufacture, distribution, marketing and selling the studios’ films for them for the PSP. Expect to see at least five to seven studio-licensed UMD’s each quarter; MTV is already on board and has seen relatively good success with this new plan.

“We want to provide a legal offering from the studios, … and it’s an easier conversation to have with them now,” said John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America. “There’s a lot of positive momentum with the PSP.”

Video Business is also reporting that they hope to see more “impulse purchases” from teenage males with this new pricing scheme, as previous UMD movie pricing was almost on par with the price of a full DVD.

“The biggest issue with UMD was the lack of creating for a targeted demo,” said Koller. “When we first launched, it was a difficult sale. I don’t think it’s a big stretch to say that a 16-year-old doesn’t have a lot of discretionary income. … We were offering UMDs that were more expensive than DVDs at the time. And we want content that is in line with what the demo is asking for, action and comedy … not romantic dramas.”

http://www.sonyinsider.com/2008/08/1...ed-umd-movies/

**jvabbdac** · August 16th, 2008, 01:04

I love UMD movies... but is a shame that have litle title list in my language (portuguese) So... Sony, don't think we don't like UMD movies....

**jamotto** · August 16th, 2008, 05:29

This is good news.

**caffeinekid** · August 16th, 2008, 10:05

I thought UMD movies were deader than HD-DVD.

**kjetil1991** · August 16th, 2008, 12:08

i dont buy umd movies anymore dvds are cheaper

**Hevyduty** · August 16th, 2008, 16:00

I've bought a few UMD movies lately, but they were on clearance. Basically, $5 to $8 is my price point for them now. Good to see Sony moving prices closer to that range.

**JKKDARK** · August 16th, 2008, 18:40

Originally Posted by kjetil1991

i dont buy umd movies anymore dvds are cheaper

I agree. Plus I prefer to see movies at home on a big screen with great sound.

**alanparker05** · August 16th, 2008, 23:21

Why can't they just admit that umd is dead they must have a truck full of blank umd's that need using up and don't want to just drive it into a river where it belongs

**Nicko01** · August 16th, 2008, 23:36

I only ever bought one UMD movie... I really don't think they are necessary unless you love to watch movies and don't like to convert them.

Who even has the time to watch a movie on PSP anyway? Most people would just use a laptop if they have to. It seems their target is a pretty small group of people.