If downloading video clips is what you like to do, then you should check out Grouper. Recently purchased by Sony Pictures Entertainment for $65 million, this is their answer to YouTube.
Yes, Grouper is now a legal site. Universal Music sued the original owners of Grouper after some of the members posted some of Universal Music’s copyrighted materials and music videos. That led up to the opportunity that Sony was waiting for – they now own Grouper.
Members of the site will be able to access Sony’s film clip library and embed these into their blogs or social networking site such as myspace without fear of being sued or having the clip suddenly taken down. Sony Pictures or Grouper won’t mind if you share the video clips. In fact, they’ll be very happy if you spread their material because they feel it will bring more eyes to their work. According to Sean Carey, Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, “It’s really a marketing vehicle for sales of actual product. The clips”, he said, “will help us sell more DVDs and digital downloads…in a viral fashion.”
There are clips from movies such as Jerry Maguire and Taxi Driver. There are also clips of some old TV shows such as the Three Stooges, Fantasy Island and Different Strokes. Of course there are more movies lined up to be included in their line up.
Membership to the site is free of charge. Do note though that they only provide short clips or trailers on the site. If you want a movie or TV show’s episode, you will have to pay to download the full version or to have the DVD sent to you. That seems pretty reasonable, right? The question will just be on how much you are willing to pay.
[tags] Download,legal download, Grouper, Sony Pictures Entertainment,Jerry Maguire,Taxi driver,Three Stoges,Fantasy Island,Different Strokes [/tags]