iTunes Store goes HD with select movies


Apple announced Thursday the addition of HD content for select movies in the iTunes Store.

Customers can now rent or buy movies in HD. Apple stats it will offer HD movie rentals 30 days after release for purchase. HD movies will sell for $19,99 and rent for $4.99. Movies can be viewed on Mac or PC, or on a Apple TV. The movies can also be viewed in SD on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Rentals are $1 more over SD versions.

"Movie fans are going to love being able to buy and rent films including 'Quantum of Solace' and 'Twilight' in stunning HD from the iTunes Store," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Internet Services. "Customers have made HD content on iTunes a hit, with over 50 percent of TV programming being purchased in HD when available."

HD titles initially available for purchase include Transporter 3 and Punisher: War Zone with Quantum of Solace, The Spirit, and Twilight available as pre-order.

While the rental delay is disappointing, the option for digital HD delivery is welcome. The schedule should certainly help higher-priced sales, but budget conscience customers likely would prefer to find the most HD for their buck.