Curzon On Demand goes live with MEDIA support

Curzon Artificial Eye (CAE), owner of the Curzon Cinemas chain, has launched Curzon On Demand, a VoD service offering day-and-date releases of independent, arthouse and world cinema films in high definition (HD) to the UK and Ireland. Curzon On Demandwas developed with the support of the MEDIA Programme and uses the latest technology to deliver a cinema experience in the home or on the move.

The site provides greater access to theatrically-released films. Curzon On Demandwill give people the freedom to experience films however and whenever they choose - on their television, mobile phone, laptop, in or out of the home - all in HD. All films are available to the customer for seven days following purchase, allowing the film to be watched several times, at a later date or in stages.

The Curzon On Demandservice will launch with Mathieu Amalric's burlesque, MEDIA-supported comedy Tournée( On Tour), winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2010, and the British drama In Our Name, directed by Brian Walsh. Both became available at the same time as their theatrical releases, on 10 December 2010.

Curzon On Demandis unique amongst on-demand services in that the website will operate as another Curzon cinema. Films will be programmed specifically for the site, in line with their cinema releases. Curzon On Demandalso plans to offer films available exclusively online, online premieres and special events such as talent Q&As.

Philip Knatchbull, Chief Executive of Curzon Artificial Eye, commented: 'With Curzon On Demandwe are now able to offer film lovers their own cinema experience at home, or wherever they like - they can watch films at the same time they're released in the cinemas. It's a totally new service that has never been provided before by a UK cinema operator, and we can use the technology to provide our audiences with a whole range of benefits - films programmed specifically for the site, private screenings and premieres, as well as special events with actors and directors - this really is an exciting opportunity for us to continue to be at the centre of bringing independent film to the widest possible audience by use of the latest technology'.

For more details and information about membership packages see the Curzon On Demandwebsite.

Publication date: 22 Dec 2010