‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ Available for Early Download with Advance Tickets – and $20

Moviegoers can pre-order high-def digital copy of “Smaug” beginning on Nov. 21 via Regal

Moviegoers will be able to pre-order a $20 digital high-definition version of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” at the same time they purchase advance tickets for the Peter Jackson adventure fantasy, exhibition giant Regal Entertainment said Thursday.

The “super tickets” for “The Desolation of Smaug” will be available to moviegoers beginning Nov. 21 at participating Regal box offices or via www.REGmovies.com. The movie opens in the U.S. on Dec. 13.

The pre-ordered digital HD version will be available to those who buy the “super tickets” weeks before the Blu-ray and DVD release date and four days prior to the digital release of the film. A standard definition digital version of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be immediately available to stream or download through any UltraViolet service, such as Flixster.

Also read: Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly Prepare for Battle in 7 New ‘Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug’ Character Posters (Photos)

“We’re incredibly proud to team up with Warner Bros., New Line, MGM, and Flixster on Regal Super Ticket, the first offering of its kind in the U.S., and we look forward to expanding this exclusive premium in the months ahead,” said Amy Miles, chief executive officer for Regal Entertainment Group.

As a part of the $20 premium, a standard definition digital version of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be made available.

Also read: ‘The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug’ TV Spots: Earthquakes Are Just Like Dragons (Video)

According to a Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Global Consumer Insights & Research study, more than 40 percent of those who buy a home entertainment product make their decision before seeing the film, and an additional 30 percent do so during the film’s theatrical run.

“It’s an innovative way to give fans the opportunity to see the movie now and, at the same time, secure their ownership of it forever while opening up new and easier channels for us to help consumers access digital products,” said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros.

The special purchase also enters Super Ticket holders into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Middle-earth, courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Comments