Apple Computer announces the iTunes movie store, initially with 75 Disney company movies for download. Prices range from US$10 to 16 per film.

In a dramatic progression of the world of technology, Apple Computer Inc. stepped up to introduce yet another significant feature, the iTunes movie store, on an auspicious day, September 12, 2006. The forward-thinking technology company has consistently remained a forerunner, pushing the boundaries of the technical allied front. Backed by the leading movie empire, Disney, this timely singles out Apple as a trailblazer.

Before we delve, let’s pour some light on this major event. The inaugural collection of the iTunes movie store brought 75 esteemed movies from the Disney family, all set for immediate download at user’s convenience. Presented at the price range of US$10 to 16 per film, Apple managed to create another domain that marries technology with entertainment.

If we look back at the timeline, this wasn’t the first time that the Cupertino-based technology giant had ventured into the media realm. In fact, Apple had already made a mark with its iTunes music store. But, the introduction of the iTunes movie store was clearly an orchestration of a bigger dream, a dream to reincarnate the way we consume cinema.

The movie store came with the promise of top-quality video movies handy at the tap of a button. Walk down any street, and it wouldn’t be hard to spot Apple loyalists toting around their slick MacBooks or the pocket-sized yet tech-rich iPods, indulging in their favorite Disney movie or two. The seamless experience of availing of the latest cine wonder in their daily lives amplified the effect of individualized entertainment.

The price range that Apple set for the movie downloads proved to be something of a tech revolution. Starting from as low as US $10 and capping off at a maximum of US $16, Apple successfully brokered the perfect middle ground, shaking up the traditional DVD rental service. The pricing schema allowed users an advantageous foot, allowing them to choose, download, and keep a movie for a nominal fee, much cheaper than an average DVD and a trip to a brick and mortar store.

The transformation was noteworthy — from a tech giant, Apple painting itself into a novel picture of a film storehouse and effectively selling the concept. Apple managed to turn the tables around traditional viewing methods overnight. Disney, a renowned name in the world of entertainment, partnering in this cause amplified the magnitude of the event manifold.

Where Disney extended its vast library of classics, new releases, and everything in between, Apple provided the platform for an immersive user experience. The collaboration was a win-win situation — where Disney movies found a tech-savvy audience, the Apple users relished the feast of 75 Disney company movies. The new age of cinema was here.

However, this wasn’t just about watching movies. It was also exploring the world of synched tech. Apple designed a complete ecosystem wherein downloaded movies could be viewed on an iPod, transferred, or watched on a computer via iTunes.

Apple’s introduction of the iTunes movie store in 2006 marked a significant leap in online digital movie distribution. It managed to create a unique amalgamation of tech and entertainment that was unprecedented at the time. With affordable prices, high-quality digital copies, and a wide variety of Disney movies to choose from, Apple successfully pioneered a new age in movie consumption. What awaited us next was a digital revolution in the world of cinematic entertainment.