The Big Lebowski friends with Facebook
August 22, 2011
By Colin Mann
Universal Pictures has confirmed that cult movie The Big Lebowski is available for rent on the Facebook social network. A 48-hour rental window can be set up for 30 Facebook credits or $3. The movie is only available to consumers in the United States. As an R-rated film, it can only be rented by Facebook users who are at least 17 years of age.
The digital release marks the launch of Universal’s Social Theater application, developed in conjunction with with F-commerce developer Milyoni. The Social Theater application integrates social features into all aspects of the movie rental experience, leveraging Facebook’s powerful community features to spread the word, offer a coupon and enhance the viewing experience.
While watching the film, consumers will have the ability to ‘like’ and comment on memorable quotes and scenes, as well as see comments that friends and other The Big Lebowski Facebook fans have made while watching the movie. In addition, users who rent the film will be able to pass along a $1 discount off the rental for up to five friends through Facebook’s ‘Buy With Friends’ platform. Social discovery features allow fans to share their favourite clips, quotes and comments on the movie with their friends.
Universal becomes the latest studio to offer movies via Facebook. Warner Bros. has released The Dark Knight, with Paramount making the Jackass films available.