Xbox Video Marketplace in Europe, Canada Dec. 11

Like a thunderbolt hurled from Mt. Olympus, "Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store" (aka Video Marketplace) clashes onto Canadian and select European servers next Tuesday, December 11th. As promised, Microsoft will deliver its digital movie rental service (TV content is on the back burner for new territories) before the winter solstice, bringing endearing classics like Demolition Man, Lethal Weapon 4 and Analyze This into the homes of millions of Xbox Live users.

As foretold, Video Marketplace's initial European expansion will be limited to the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Germany. Films will be available to rent in both standard definition and high definition for 250 and 380 MS Points, respectively. While that may sound like a bargain to Americans used to the 320/480 points tag, the European pricing has simply been adjusted to reflect the strength of the Euro (1 Euro is now worth nearly $1.50). Usage restrictions will be identical to those found in the US, and video rentals will expire within 24 hours of first usage or 14 days after download.

Full list of launch films:

• 300

• Analyse This

• Clash of the Titans

• Dead Calm

• Demolition Man

• Eraser

• Executive Decision

• Eyes Wide Shut

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

• Lethal Weapon 3

• Lethal Weapon 4

• Looney Tunes: Back In Action

• Mars Attacks!

• Ocean's Eleven

• Risky Business

• Space Cowboys

• Superman III

• Swordfish

• The Fugitive

• The Matrix

• The Matrix Reloaded

• The Matrix Revolutions

• The Perfect Storm

• Three Kings

• Training Day

• Zodiac