IMDb.com adds free full-length movies, TV shows in U.S.
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | 10:46 AM ET
CBC News
The Internet Movie Database, a popular online guide of film and TV minutiae, is adding free movies and television episodes to its offerings in the United States.
U.S. visitors to site can now watch complete episodes of new (30 Rock, Heroes and 24) and defunct shows (I Dream of Jeannie, Charlie's Angels and Star Trek) on the site at no charge.
Featured movies will range from classic (Some Like It Hot, Fiddler on the Roof) to contemporary (Fever Pitch, Master and Commander).
Because of licensing issues, however, the service is only available in the U.S. According to site operators, more than 57 million people from around the world visit the IMDb.com each month.
In total, IMDb.com is screening more than 6,000 free movies and television episodes.
"Our goal is to show our users every movie and TV show on the Internet for free on IMDb.com," site founder Col Needham said Monday.
The site's parent company, online retail giant Amazon.com, already has deals with major Hollywood studios and U.S. television networks to offer movies and TV downloads on its own website.
Faster internet connections, declining traditional viewership habits and increasing public adoption of watching videos on personal computers have prompted more companies to offer their entertainment products online and via newer technologies, like personal video recorders, despite the industry's ongoing battle with piracy.
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