Warner Bros releases Apps version of Inception and The Dark Knight

Within hours of each other, both Fox and Warner Bros Digital Distribution (WBDD) have announced movie releases through mobile apps. WBDD was a little ahead in the race with their announcement of 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight', both Chris Nolan films which will be made available on Apps and can be viewed on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Fox , on the other hand, released the Blu-Ray version of the 'Unstoppable' which can be transferred along with the extra features on to Android phones.

We want to reach more people in more countries, and this is a great way to take advantage of the fact that the app store is available in more places, Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Brothers Digital Distribution, told TheWrap. We're experimenting with the concept of connected movies and recognizing that more people are experiencing content through connected devices.

These versions provide a fully-loaded, connected viewing experience that gives consumers the first five minutes of a feature film and a portion of bonus content that can include games, trivia, soundtracks and soundboards, according to the press statement. The entire feature can then be unlocked via an in-app purchase, which enables downloading and unlimited streaming, as well as access to the entire array of bonus content available within the App.

Now available in over 30 territories via iTunes, they even provide subtitles in 34 languages and real time movie chatter feed through social networking. The app version of 'The Dark Knight' is priced at $9.99. The 'Inception' app sells for $11.99 and includes a 'making-of' documentary, concept art, productions stills and movie poster artwork.

'Unstoppable' is coming in a combo-pack which allows it to be played on varied platforms, the aim being to get more Blu-ray penetration. The Android version of 'Unstoppable' is a stepping stone on the way to the UltraViolet DRM, which will allow users to watch movies and shows they download or buy on almost any device -- from TVs to smartphones to tablets to PCs to Blu-ray players.

Both Warner Bros and Fox are working towards this goal to have a universal format. Later this year, Warner Bros. intends to release a full line-up of App editions including new releases and catalog films.