Starz Entertainment Group will roll out an upgraded version of its Starz On Demand service this quarter, with enhancements such as exclusive programming not available on linear channels along with improved navigational devices and on-screen features.
Starz On Demand will now provide collections of genre-specific content to satisfy movie lovers. Viewers can choose from specialized categories including family friendly, international, Spanish-language, science fiction and horror, anime, content aimed at males 18 to 34 and movies spotlighting African-American stars and filmmakers.
The on-demand service’s enhancements will also include instant previews of major theatrical Hollywood movies coming to theaters and additional Starz On Demand genre categories reflecting both the old and new movie titles. Sneak previews of future Starz Saturday night premieres will also be available on demand.
Several first-run movies will premiere on Starz On Demand before airing on the network’s linear channels. Such early premieres this quarter will include The Butterfly Effect, Hellboy, Hidalgo, Kill Bill Vo. 2, The Ladykillers and Van Helsing.
According to the programmer, an on-screen button will be changed monthly to correspond to unique Starz On Demand programming. For example, in January an “Ultimate Bond” on-screen button will take James Bond fans to 17 uncut, commercial-free Bond movies. “Ultimate Bond” will also feature special segments on the actors who played Bond, the villains, music, locales and “Bond Girls.”
