Amazon realises IMDB streaming potential

FINALLY SUCCUMBING TO THE obvious, Amazon has decided to enable video streaming on its film and TV database site, IMDB, giving users access to 6,000 full-length feature films and TV episodes for free.

"IMDB’s mission has always been to be the world’s most comprehensive, user-friendly destination for all movie, TV and celebrity-related information, products and services," gushed Col Needham, the site’s founder and managing director, adding, "Our goal is to show our users every movie and TV show on the Internet for free."

In the meanwhile, IMDB will have to content itself with making the dregs of Television and B-rate movies available to all who crave them.

Rotating video content from the likes of CBS, Hulu, Sony Pictures and about 500 unemployed indie filmmakers, users can now watch 'classics' like Hoop Dreams, Fiddler on the Roof and even Fever Pitch.

In the mood for some cultie 90’s TV? Try Beverly Hills 90210, Star Trek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer on for size.

Of course, there is some modern stuff on display, with shows like 24, The Office, The Simpsons and Family Guy all putting in an appearance alongside the rest of the rubbish.

Amazon is apparently looking at the big picture when it comes to IMDB’s video section. Pimping it out as a promotional tool, the company plans on integrating the movie database with Amazon’s newly-acquired indie movie site Withoutabox.

The firm will also open its platform to filmmakers and rights owners alike, in the hope of scoring some free films and telly progs. Watch this space. µ