Walmart jumps into free movie streaming

Walmart is making a bold move in the competitive on-demand digital content marketplace.



Leveraging its free, premium video streaming service called Vudu, the retail behemoth now features “Vudu Movies on Us,” a program that offers customers the ability to watch “thousands of movie and TV titles for free, and on-demand, with limited commercials,” according to a company statement.



Competing with the many on-demand providers that charge a fee for similar services, Walmart’s Vudu Movies on Us users can access current and classic blockbuster titles like “Mad Max,” “True Grit,” “Abduction” and “School of Rock,” among others, all without paying user or subscription fees. All shows and movies are also streamed at 1080p high definition.



Customers can log on to Vudu from their Web browsers, mobile or living room devices. The service piggyback’s Vudu’s recent upgrades, including the addition of 4K UHD with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos Audio — two enhancements that “bring a premium experience into customers’ living rooms,” Walmart’s statement said.



“Millions of customers already buy and rent content on Vudu on a monthly basis,” said Jeremy Verba, VP and general manager, Vudu. “This new service provides value for customers who want to watch movies and TV for free, when and how they wish to watch, without sacrificing quality.”