Foxtel has released details of its upcoming Presto service, a new on-demand movie service that preempts the expected launch of the Australian version of Netflix.
Launching in mid March for $19.99 per month, Presto will allow movie lovers to have unlimited access to the content library of seven of Foxtel's movie channels, including Foxtel Movies Premiere and Foxtel Movies Masterpiece. This will include movies released in the recent past, including 2013 titles such as Iron Man 3, Identity Thief, The Host and Side Effects. The latest movie releases can also be rented for $5.99 in addition to the all-you-can-eat access to the older movies. The service will launch as a standalone service, and an existing Foxtel subscription is not required.
As a special launch offer, Presto will be available for only $4.99 for the first month. Users can pre-register their interest on the official Presto website.
While Netflix's Australian plans are still being kept hidden (if they exist at all), Presto's immediate rival will be another locally based service: QuickFlix. Available for $5 less per month, QuickFlix also offers a selection of TV shows, but its movie library falls short of the selection that will be available on Presto.
Presto will only be available on Mac, PC and compatible iPads at launch, with smart TVs, Blu-ray players and Android devices missing out for now.
Foxtel CEO Richard Freudenstein acknowledged the Australian viewing public's desire for more choice in viewing.
“Australians are hungry for different ways to experience great entertainment when they want and how they want. The launch of Presto as a second brand allows us to meet the needs of different customer segments more effectively and is another way Foxtel is continuing to make its content more accessible ... Presto is the next major step in offering customers a product that’s just right for them. Presto will be a great online service for movie lovers with streaming through an intuitive interface and great movies backed by curated collections, recommendations and critics reviews," said Freudenstein.
