Viacom’s MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures will offer Jackass 2.5, the next installment in the reliable stupid-pranks-and-stunts franchise, free online for two weeks via a promotion with Blockbuster.
MTV and Paramount claimed the film is the first full-length movie produced by a major studio to be made available free online. Flanked by some commercials, the movie will be available free to view at blockbuster.jackassworld.com from Dec. 19 through 31 to U.S. residents 17 and older.
"With Jackass 2.5 and soon jackassworld.com, we're giving fans cool, viral content that's perfect for the digital space,” David Gale, executive vice president of new media for MTVN’s Music Group.
Blockbuster, which acquired studio-backed Internet video retailer Movielink in August, will stream Jackass 2.5 using Microsoft’s Silverlight media player.
Starting Dec. 26, the DVD of the unrated version of Jackass 2.5 will be available for rent exclusively at participating Blockbuster stores and at blockbuster.com and for purchase from major retailers.
On that date, the movie aslo will become available for download-to-own at Movielink.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and other services. On Jan. 1, the movie will be accessible for download-to-rent, exclusively at Movielink.com.
Described by MTVN and Paramount as “every bit as unbelievable as the preceding movies,” Jackass 2.5 features the same cast of outré pranksters and stuntmen including Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera and Steve-O.
