Get the latest tech news How to check Is Temu legit? How to delete trackers
TECH
Sony

Walmart delivers movie digital copies to Vudu

Mike Snider
USA TODAY
Jennifer Lawrence in a scene from the motion picture "X-Men: Days of Future Past."

Walmart wants you to use those digital copies that come with most of the physical Blu-ray Discs and DVDs you buy.

So the retailer has upgraded its Savings Catcher mobile app to let you scan your receipt and automatically add the digital copy of the discs you buy to your account on Vudu, the online video streaming service that Walmart owns.

The Walmart-Vudu digital copy connection called InstaWatch went live in beta testing on Tuesday. Compatible with the service are about 800 movies available in stores -- including new releases X-Men: Days of Future Past and Mr. Peabody & Sherman -- and 1,100 on Walmart.com. More titles will be added, says Gibu Thomas, senior vice president of mobile and digital at Walmart's global eCommerce division.

"Even though digital copies have been sold with DVDs and Blu-rays for years, we have heard that a very small percentage of customers who purchase a movie with a digital copy actually redeem it," he says. "We think that is unacceptable. If you are not getting your digital copy, you are simply not getting the full value. InstaWatch is really geared to solving that problem for customers."

Most major studios are on board: DreamWorks, Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner. A notable holdout: Disney.

​All customers have to do is to download the Walmart mobile app, go to the Savings Catcher feature and scan the sales receipt -- or enter the receipt number and connect a Vudu account. Customers will then get an email confirmation that the movie is ready to stream on their smartphone, tablet or computer via a browser. Vudu has has apps on Roku and the PlayStation 4 and PS3 and Xbox One and Xbox 360 video game systems.

"InstaWatch is the next evolution in bringing innovation and convenience to customers that gives them the flexibility to enjoy their movies in the living room, online and digitally across their mobile devices immediately," said Mike Dunn, president of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment in a statement.

In stores, movie discs that are compatible will be marked with orange dots. "We think customers are going to love the convenience," Thomas said.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider

Featured Weekly Ad