Social movie discovery platform Letterboxd is about to launch a brand new digital video retailer in early December, permitting customers to hire films immediately on the platform. The corporate first introduced the characteristic in March throughout the Cannes Movie Pageant however didn’t present a particular launch date on the time.

In a latest weblog submit, the corporate shared additional particulars about “Video Retailer,” which is able to characteristic a variety of movies. The choice will embrace “competition standouts” that haven’t but been extensively distributed, movies which were largely unavailable however often watchlisted by customers, latest restorations, and different particular limited-time releases.

Launching a video retailer appears like a pure evolution for Letterboxd, permitting customers to hire films immediately with out having to navigate away from the platform. One of many key benefits of renting from Letterboxd, in comparison with different established platforms like Apple or Amazon, is its social discoverability options. In case you discover a good friend has logged a film, you possibly can try their evaluation and resolve to hire it proper then and there.

The film choice may even be primarily based on what members truly need to watch, utilizing knowledge from the platform’s watchlists and exercise. Fairly than providing a random combine like some streaming companies, the choice will really feel extra curated.

Letterboxd has not but introduced the preliminary lineup of movies or rental costs, however the firm mentioned customers can anticipate rental availability and prices to range by location. Notably, the platform gained’t function on a subscription mannequin, and there gained’t be late charges.

The brand new characteristic can be appropriate with iOS and Android gadgets, in addition to Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and AirPlay, with further good TV apps coming later. 

Since its acquisition by Canadian agency Tiny for round $50 million in 2023, Letterboxd has been actively updating its platform to enhance discovery for film buffs. Lately, it launched “Featured Lists,” which helps customers uncover film collections organized by style, studio, and themes like feminine administrators. Final 12 months, the corporate additionally upgraded its search performance to be extra superior, able to understanding acronyms, and even correcting misspellings.