About Digital Downloads

  1. How do downloads work?

    Digital downloads are available in two resolutions:

    1. A "Portable Definition" file suitable for watching on portable devices such as an iPod or Zune, or viewing on a smaller (e.g., laptop) computer screen. For most feature films, Portable Definition files are sold for $2.99.
    2. A "DVD Definition" file suitable for burning to DVD, watching full-screen on a large computer screen, or viewing on a TV through an attached device such as an Apple TV or an XBox 360. For most feature films, DVD Definition files are sold for $7.99.

    All downloads are sold free from Digital Rights Management (DRM) or copy protection.

  2. What format are downloads?

    Downloads are encoded using the H.264 codec. H.264 encoding is used for movies in the Apple iTunes store, and is a part of the standard for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray High Definition DVDs. H.264, which is widely available on all platforms, offers exceptional video quality with high compression, which means better picture with smaller downloads.

    • "Portable Definition" downloads are encoded with a resolution of 360x270 for 4:3 aspect ratio films, and 480x270 for 16:9 aspect ratio films.
    • "DVD Definition" downloads are encoded with native DVD resolution, which is 720x480 for 4:3 aspect ratio films, and 853x480 for 16:9 aspect ratio films.
    • Pixel resolution for individual films may vary based on the actual aspect ratio of the film.

  3. Why no DRM? Won't people steal my movie?

    There are several key reasons why all downloads at b-side are DRM-free:

    1. DRM doesn't prevent piracy. As long as a film is sold on DVD, it can be pirated by any 12 year-old. If someone really wants to put a film up on bittorrent, they’re going to do it. Selling a download without copy protection will not encourage otherwise law-abiding citizens to rush out to break the law.
    2. Independent films are far less susceptible to piracy than mass-marketed Hollywood films. The same is true for independent music compared to major label acts. This is why you have companies like BMG shooting themselves in the foot trying to lock down their music, while independent artists like Wilco stream their entire albums online for free, and then go on to sell 500,000 records.
    3. DRM punishes consumers. If I buy a movie from iTunes, I can only play it through a device or software designed by Apple. If later I go out and buy a Zune, I have to go back and re-buy all of my movies. Likewise, if I buy a movie from Amazon, Wal-Mart, or any other download service, I can’t play it on my iPod.

      Even more frustrating, if I buy a movie from almost any download service, the only way I can watch it on my TV is if my computer is connected, or if I buy an expensive new device.

      For most consumers, these restrictions are a non-starter. This lack of choice is the primary reason why downloads have not yet taken off like everyone knows they eventually will.

      By offering downloads without the restrictions of DRM, consumers can watch movies wherever they want to - on their iPod, on their laptop, on their TV, or on a friend’s TV.

    4. The future of digital distribution is DRM-free distribution. The movie business is 3-5 years behind the music business in figuring this out. Apple is pushing hard, and even the majors are starting to catch on with EMI announcing it would sell all of its music DRM-free on iTunes.

    For a compelling overview on the future of DRM, check out Steve Jobs’ Thoughts on Music.

  4. Why do you sell downloads? Why not just DVDs?

    People want to watch movies in different ways. Sometimes they'll watch a DVD at home, other times they might watch on their laptop, and still others they might watch on their iPod. There are so many other distractions competing for the attention of film fans -- Sony Playstation, the Internet, 350 cable TV channels. The best way to get their attention is to offer options to watch something new wherever, whenever, and however they choose.

  5. What if I don't want to sell downloads? Can I just sell my DVD?

    b-side offers all titles both on DVD and as a download. The choice we offer consumers is integral to who we are and why we're different. If for some reason you don't want to sell downloads, then b-side probably isn't the right place for you.