Fandango Unveils Mega-Streaming Platform: Vudu to Become Roku’s Official Movie and TV Store
Fandango, a prominent player in the movie ticketing and digital entertainment landscape, has announced a strategic move to consolidate its streaming services into a unified powerhouse. The company plans to merge its existing streaming platforms, FandangoNOW and Vudu, into a revamped version of Vudu, poised to become the official movie and TV store for Roku devices. This ambitious undertaking aims to create a more streamlined and comprehensive experience for consumers navigating the ever-evolving world of digital entertainment.
The decision to consolidate the streaming services stems from Fandango’s desire to enhance its agility and responsiveness to the dynamic media landscape. By combining the resources and content libraries of FandangoNOW and Vudu, the company anticipates being better equipped to innovate rapidly and implement significant improvements to benefit both consumers and partners. The move signals a commitment to providing a more robust and user-friendly platform for accessing and enjoying a vast array of movies and TV shows.
Vudu, acquired by Fandango in 2020, previously operated as a standalone service alongside FandangoNOW. While both platforms offered digital movie and TV rentals and purchases, they maintained separate infrastructures and content offerings. The consolidation into a single, expanded Vudu platform represents a strategic shift towards creating a more unified and compelling value proposition for consumers.
According to a press release issued by Fandango, the new Vudu platform will offer an unparalleled library of content, boasting over 200,000 new release and catalog movies and TV shows available for rent or purchase. This extensive collection includes popular titles such as "F9: The Fast Saga," Pixar’s "Luca," and "A Quiet Place Part II," ensuring that viewers have access to a diverse range of entertainment options.
A key differentiator for Vudu lies in its flexibility and accessibility. Unlike subscription-based streaming services, Vudu allows users to browse its vast library without requiring a monthly fee. Instead, consumers can choose to rent or purchase individual movies and TV shows as desired, providing a pay-as-you-go model that caters to a variety of viewing habits and preferences.
Paul Yanover, President of Fandango, emphasized the company’s commitment to serving entertainment fans throughout the entire entertainment lifecycle. "At Fandango, we’ve been building a digital network that super-serves tens of millions of fans across the entire entertainment lifecycle," Yanover stated. He also highlighted the importance of providing consumers with a diverse range of viewing options, particularly in a market saturated with subscription services. "During a time where consumers have a myriad of viewing options, we’re proud to deliver a service that presents an unparalleled library of content, many titles that are not available on subscription services, and the flexibility to pay as you go," Yanover added.
The partnership with Roku further solidifies Vudu’s position as a leading player in the digital entertainment space. By becoming the official movie and TV store for Roku devices, Vudu gains access to a massive user base and seamless integration with the Roku ecosystem. The new Vudu app will leverage Roku Pay, Roku’s built-in billing function, streamlining the purchase process for consumers and making it easier than ever to access premium video on-demand content.
Tedd Cittadine, Roku’s Vice President of Content Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration with Fandango. "Consumer excitement for premium video on-demand has grown significantly as users turn to streaming to access the latest movies and TV show releases," Cittadine noted. He further emphasized Roku’s commitment to creating a seamless streaming experience for users. "We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Fandango as we build a future where all TV will be streamed by creating a seamless experience for users to discover and enjoy premium video on-demand releases," Cittadine stated.
The transition from FandangoNOW to the new Vudu platform is designed to be as seamless as possible for existing users. Beginning Tuesday, the movies and TV store on all Roku devices will automatically update from FandangoNOW to Vudu. FandangoNOW customers will be able to easily transfer their existing libraries and accounts over to the new Vudu platform, ensuring that their previously purchased content remains accessible.
The launch of the new Vudu platform represents a significant milestone for Fandango and the broader digital entertainment industry. By combining the strengths of FandangoNOW and Vudu, the company aims to create a more compelling and user-friendly platform for accessing and enjoying a vast array of movies and TV shows. The partnership with Roku further expands Vudu’s reach and solidifies its position as a leading provider of premium video on-demand content. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Fandango’s strategic move to consolidate its streaming services positions the company for continued growth and success in the years to come. The focus on accessibility, content diversity, and seamless integration with popular devices like Roku promises to resonate with consumers seeking a flexible and comprehensive digital entertainment experience.
