The YouTube store recently expanded its growing streaming movie catalog, adding movie releases from more prominent studios.
The YouTube store previously carried independent movies only, but it will now carry several well known movies, including at least one Oscar winning title. Each movie will be available with a price tag ranging from $1.99 to $3.99, with the content available for unlimited viewing for 48 hours.
YouTube first opened the store in January with just five movies available for rental, but Google promised to expand the content catalog before the end of the year. TV episodes also can be found for $0.99, though none of the episodes are from American TV sitcoms.
The official YouTube movie streaming service can be found here. It has independent movies and films from Lionsgate, Image Entertainment, Bollywood, Screen Media, Crackle.com, plus several other partners. Movies range from the Saw horror movies to Reservoir Dogs and Precious, with anime, documentaries, travel, and educational material available.
YouTube still hasn't publicly announced the new rental service, which has led some believe it's just a matter of time before the site is ready for a big launch.
YouTube hopes to compete with Hulu and other online movie viewing sites, as they continue to attempt to bring in additional revenue. Despite movie studios, record labels and other companies sharing official content through the site, viewers have largely ignored the advertising.
It's an interesting attempt by YouTube, but I think the site simply has too much competition in this market right now. Streaming Netflix, paid Hulu, Amazon Video on Demand, Blockbuster On Demand and other services are looking to cash in on the streaming craze.
