HT204411: What can I buy from the iTunes Store in my country?

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nickers831
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Why are some films available in the US and not the UK?

Why can you go to a high street store and buy the Extended Version of LOTR or the regular release in the UK and the US but not in the iTunes store? I my money not good enough?

Posted on Apr 11, 2013 1:02 PM

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nickers831

Q: Why are some films available in the US and not the UK?

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  • by varjak paw,

    varjak paw varjak paw Apr 11, 2013 1:02 PM in response to nickers831
    Level 10 (169,883 points)
    Apr 11, 2013 1:02 PM in response to nickers831

    Because whoever holds the distribution rights hasn't licensed the film for sale in the UK iTunes Store.

  • by nickers831,

    nickers831 nickers831 Apr 11, 2013 3:41 PM in response to varjak paw
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 11, 2013 3:41 PM in response to varjak paw

    That seems illogical. What is the difference then between the rights to sell the film in a high street store and in iTunes? I would have thought that if you want to sell a product you would licence it in as many places as possible to increase the potential sales in that country, and every country you could. Someone's got to pull their finger out.

  • by roaminggnome,

    roaminggnome roaminggnome Apr 11, 2013 3:46 PM in response to nickers831
    Level 10 (97,218 points)
    Apr 11, 2013 3:46 PM in response to nickers831

    "That seems illogical."

     

    To you maybe.  it is, however, very true.

     

    " What is the difference then between the rights to sell the film in a high street store and in iTunes?"


    Each store has to negotiate their own deal to sell movies/music/etc.  The owners of the distribution rights can decide who to sell through and who not to sell through.

  • by varjak paw,

    varjak paw varjak paw Apr 12, 2013 7:04 AM in response to nickers831
    Level 10 (169,883 points)
    Apr 12, 2013 7:04 AM in response to nickers831

    The holder of the rights differ from country to country, as do copyright laws and distribution contracts. So Apple, and any other download store, has to negotiate separately for rights in each country. Not all rights holders agree to make content available for download, and the movie companies are notoriously reluctant.

     

    Regards.