Disney has followed rivals in offering download-to-own films

Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, will make the films available on a download-to-own basis.

Customers will be able to buy current and older films to view on personal computers and portable devices.

The service, which is scheduled to start on 6 June, comes after five Hollywood rivals launched similar services in April.

Industry trend

Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount Pictures jointly started a download-to-own film service via Movielink.

Disney's latest offer is not exclusive, so the firm can still reach similar film deals with other operators, a firm spokesperson said.

Until April, major studios in Hollywood had been reluctant to offer their films on the internet for fear that this would encourage illegal copying of their films and dent revenue from box office and video rental sales.

Films downloaded from Disney's new service will be protected to prevent copying.