Apple’s iTunes Store sits out Sony’s release of ‘The Interview’

11 years ago

“Google Inc’s decision to screen Sony Pictures’ film The Interview may help legitimize its YouTube platform as a serious rival to paid video streaming services, Netflix and Amazon.com Inc.,” Malathi Nayak reports for Reuters.

“Sony Pictures made the controversial film available online on Wednesday, expanding distribution of a comedy that triggered a destructive cyberattack against the company that has been blamed on North Korea. The studio reversed its decision to halt the movie’s release after it was criticized for self-censorship,” Nayak reports. “‘This is a huge opportunity for YouTube to show the world that it can be used to release professional content and content that is paid for as most people think YouTube is for free content,’ said James McQuivey, an analyst who covers the disruption of digital platforms at Forrester Research.”

“In addition to YouTube Movies, Google Play, and Microsoft’s Xbox Video, the comedy will be available on a dedicated website, www.seetheinterview.com, to rent for $5.99 or buy for $14.99, Sony Pictures said on Wednesday, a day after agreeing to release it at some 200 independent theaters,” Nayak reports. “Apple’s iTunes store was noticeably not on Sony’s list. ‘If I were at Apple, I would think twice about re-inviting hacking troubles, which is so embarrassing especially when you’re about to get into personal health and Apple Pay. You really want to show people you can preserve their information,’ McQuivey said.”

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