Zoo service allows those film extras

ZOO Digital, which supplies software to Hollywood studios, has launched a new service that allows full movie material to be downloaded via the Apple iTunes platform.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Sep 2010, 23:19 BST

Updated 9th Sep 2010, 23:19 BST

Previously the cost of producing the extras that come with DVDs has been prohibitive for the on-line version so customers downloading films from the internet were only offered the basic film.

But the Sheffield-based company's new software means that popular extras such as stills, deleted scenes, exclusive interviews and behind-the- scenes footage can also be downloaded.

Zoo's chief executive Stuart Green said Apple will be the first to offer a DVD-style experience, but it hopes to launch the service on other platforms over time.

Zoo's new software means that the typical $10,000 to $15,000 cost of putting extras on the internet version can be reduced to a couple of thousand dollars.

The group said a major Hollywood studio has already chosen to adopt

this technology for a range of catalogue titles.

Zoo told shareholders at its AGM yesterday that trading is in line with expectations.