Sony streaming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs free to new customers, expensively to existing ones

It wasn't long ago that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was packing theaters, but given how quickly things hit DVD and Blu-ray these days we're surprised to learn this one won't be flinging vermicelli to disc until just after the holidays. Fear not carb-lovers: similar to the Hancock deal last year, new purchasers of internet-capable Sony TVs and Blu-ray players will be receiving one free stream of the film starting on December 8; that's nearly a full month ahead of the retail release. The stream will be in 720p and will allow full control during 24 hours. What if you've already purchased your Sony setup? The company is happy to extend the streaming offer to you as well -- so long as you don't mind paying a mere $24.95. Yes, a one-time 720p rental that costs as much as a Blu-ray. That's value.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 9th 2009 12:35PM]

$25 for a RENTAL!?!? You can buy the DVD for less than that when it comes out. How stupid do you need to be to waste $25 like that.

Probably, if you were to call their customer service and complain (threaten to cancel your service) they'll give it to you for free anyway. That's the same reason that I have the introductory price on my internet.

[Jordan Posted Nov 9th 2009 12:37PM]

Why don't people really see what's going on here. This is Sony we're talking about. Blu Ray still isn't catching on like they want it to. By offering a movie rental priced slightly less than the Blu Ray they are in effect making the Blu Ray look like the better deal, hoping to push people over to Blu Ray. They don't want people to rent this for 25 bucks, they want people to buy the Blu Ray and are convincing them to buy it without them knowing it.

It's the same thing they did with the PSP Go. A crappier more expensive version to make the original look like a good deal so people buy it.

[Rivella Posted Nov 9th 2009 12:56PM]

This article will be the punch line in someone's 'Why I embrace piracy' thesis.

[loocas Posted Nov 9th 2009 1:11PM]

Is there anyone, actually, who would pay that?

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 9th 2009 3:57PM]

lmfao, what would you expect from sony. in general that wouldn't be bad for a family if you had a nice setup @ home, cheaper than going out. but ya really only 30 days prior to release date on dvd/blue ray, i'd rather just wait. netflixx ftw!

[DogStar Posted Nov 9th 2009 4:00PM]

In this case? Sony = Stupid.

[poolbowl Posted Nov 9th 2009 4:09PM]

This is not a bad deal if its a brand new movie(not in dollar theater yet). Think about it lets say its a movie you actually want to see; some comedy(that you don't need the super size screen & 30 speakers to enjoy). You get a better picture quality. If you are like me you have a decent to good surround sound. And you are not watching it by yourself.

So if movie tickets are $12 in your city; ohh you pay an additional $8 dollars for popcorn and $6 for soda and $4 for candy.

Cost of Family of 4

$56
Movie Trip: $31(2x$9.50 Adults: 2x$6 Kids movie tickets), $25 (Large Popcorn, Large Soda, & Some Candy).
+Actually Seeing it on a massive screen.

$34
At Home: $25(Movie on Demand Thing), $1 (A couple bags of Microwave Popcorn), $4 (12 pack of Coke/Pepsi), and $4 (4- $1 Candies from Walmart/Grocery Store),
+ Not having to make the trip to a crappy mall or movie theater.

[nrb Posted Nov 9th 2009 5:52PM]

The math can be done many ways. My gal and I went to the movies last weekend. Cost for two tickets (first run movie) large popcorn and two sodas was $24. Outrageous in my opinion (especially because the movie was a flop), but still less than what Sony is asking to see it on a small screen. Sony doesn't even give me popcorn for that price.

Let's try it another way. Let's take a family of four to a matinée. After all, it is a family movie. Sony doesn't provide any popcorn, soda, or candy so let's not get any at the theater either. It still costs as much, or more, to rent the movie from Sony.

There may be cases where such an offer makes sense, but it's going to be the exception.

[nrb Posted Nov 9th 2009 5:56PM]

Now, I'm going to get silly:

http://www.pressenter.com/~theatre/now_showing.html

First run movie. Family of four for $10. Their soda and popcorn prices are along the same lines. Even with refreshments, it's going to be under $20.

Far from typical, but Sony can't compete with this? That's messed up.

[telepheedian Posted Nov 9th 2009 4:59PM]

I'm pretty confident that even hotels charge less for pre-run movies.

[blakesnake00 Posted Nov 10th 2009 8:59AM]

The last time they did this we got a copy of Hancock in the mail after the DVD release date . Are they sure this isnt the same deal, I know it doesnt say it but perhaps this is the same deal. Then it is worth it for sure.