MTV New Media, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, both part of Viacom Inc., and Blockbuster today announced they are unleashing Jackass 2.5, the first-ever, studio-backed feature streamed in its entirety online. Jackass 2.5 will be made available for free courtesy of Blockbuster at Blockbuster.JackassWorld.com beginning December 19th through December 31st, 2007. To mark this unprecedented event, Johnny Knoxville delivered a special message to the media on JackassWorld.com, a new site and joint venture of MTV Networks and Dickhouse Productions that officially launches February 9th, 2008.
Jackass 2.5 is every bit as unbelievable as the preceding movies, combining stunts, pranks and all new lows. Jackass 2.5 includes never-before-seen footage and interviews and features long-standing cast members Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Steve-O, Ehren McGhehey, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Preston Lacy and Ryan Dunn.
“There’s no better franchise than ‘Jackass’ to launch our new media division,” said David Gale, Executive Vice President of New Media for MTV Networks’ Music Group. “With ‘Jackass 2.5’ and soon JackassWorld.com, we’re giving fans cool, viral content that’s perfect for the digital space.”
“We are very excited to be able to deliver ‘Jackass 2.5,’ the first feature-length movie from a major studio which will debut free on the internet,” states Thomas Lesinski, President of Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment. “The ‘Jackass’ movie is the first of several feature films that we plan on distributing online and as the digital world evolves, Paramount will continue to turn digital distribution of content on its head.”
Streaming Jackass 2.5 is open to anyone in the U.S. 17 or older, whether you’re a Blockbuster member or not. And best of all, it’s free! Go to Blockbuster.JackassWorld.com, download the free Microsoft Silverlight media player and with a few quick steps you’re watching the movie.
“We are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking event,” said Keith Morrow, Chief Information Officer for Blockbuster Inc. ‘Streaming ‘Jackass 2.5’ emphasizes our commitment to provide consumers with the entertainment they want, in the format they want, whether it’s through our stores, through the mail or online.”
“When we set out to make ‘jackass number two,’ we made more than a movie we made almost two movies. All the guys were so red hot, we just couldn’t stop filming,” said Jeff Tremaine, Producer and Co-Creater of “Jackass.” “Now with ‘Jackass 2.5,’ we finally have a great way to release the rest of this movie-worthy footage.
On December 26th, the unrated ‘Jackass 2.5’ DVD with bonus features and an extra 45 minutes of never-before-seen footage will be available for rent exclusively at participating Blockbuster stores and blockbuster.com. It will also be available for purchase at all major DVD retailers, including Blockbuster, as well on JackassWorld.com.
Additionally, beginning December 26th consumers can download-to-own Jackass 2.5 at movielink.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and other participating services. Beginning Jan 1st, 2008 the movie will also be available for download-to-rent exclusively at movielink.com.
The launch of Jackass 2.5 is the first in a torrent of new stuff to come from the “Jackass” crew on all platforms. From your TV, to your computer and even your local participating Blockbuster store, no place will be safe from their hi-jinks in the coming weeks.
