In an industry first, Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM), operated by Sumitomo Corporation, will deliver movies before their theatrical release as paid contents via its Video on Demand (VOD) service.

J:COM's VOD service already offers more than 25,000 titles including movies, television dramas and animations. Subscribers with a special device installed on their home TVs can access these contents simply by pressing a button on their remote control.

When the service was first offered, films were delivered about three months after their DVD release. In 2009, delivery was timed to coincide with the DVD release and later, in April 2010, with the theatrical release. Now, in an industry first, films will be available as paid contents ahead of their theatrical release.

This instant VOD delivery of pre-release films is expected to be welcomed not only by movie lovers but also by those with less opportunity to go to the cinema during the daytime and people living in remote areas with limited access to cinemas.

To mark the new service, J:COM VOD is offering Café de los Maestros (available through my THEATER) for eight days from June 18 through 25 (1,575 yen/48 hours), prior to its theatrical release on Saturday, June 26 at Bunkamura Le Cinema and theaters nationwide.

This latest service comes hot on the heels of J:COM's other new offerings, including the follow-up delivery of popular television dramas launched last year, and the 3D VOD delivery launched in April 2010, ahead of other providers. More services are yet to come.