Fox Bows Virtual Disc Store in the U.K.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Nov. 14 launched the first-ever virtual disc store in the United Kingdom — capable of selling new-release Blu-ray Disc and DVD movies via a smartphone.

Using a free smartphone app created by HMV — a well-known music and entertainment retail chain in the U.K. and Ireland — consumers scan the QR code of a chosen Blu-ray or DVD title. The phone will automatically launch hmv.com and the selected product page. Users then click to add the Blu-ray or DVD to their basket and check out.

Fox titles available at launch include: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Blu-ray/DVD); X-Men First Class (Blu-ray/DVD); Rio (DVD); Mr. Popper’s Penguins (DVD); Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Blu-ray); Home Alone: The Complete Collection (DVD); Alien Anthology (Blu-ray); Glee: Season Two (DVD); Family Guy: Season 11 (DVD); and 24: The Complete Series (DVD).

“It’s a convenient and easy experience for shoppers, and by leveraging HMV’s user-friendly mobile site, Fox is able to present its holiday offerings in a fast, yet cost effective manner,” said Robert Price, managing director of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.