Along with the date, Microsoft has released a list of films that will be available from launch, with highlights including Zodiac, Ocean's Eleven, Clash of the Titans and Three Kings. Robin Truchy, director of Xbox Live for Europe, said "We were already offering HD games, HD music videos and the option to enjoy HD-DVD format films, now we are offering HD movies to download and rent as well. This is very exciting for us and the consumer."

The download system will ape its US cousin, with downloaded content staying on your Xbox's hard drive for 14 days. Once a movie has been played users can access the film an unlimited number of times over a 24 hour period. As for pricing, expect to pay around 250 points (GBP 2.13, Euro 2.91) for a standard-definition film and 380 points (GBP 3.23, Euro 4.42) for their glossy HD counterparts. The full launch list, subject to change, is as follows:

Available in both standard and high definition:

300
Zodiac
Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone
The Matrix
The Matrix Revolutions
The Matrix Reloaded
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
The Perfect Storm
Swordfish
Three Kings
Training Day
The Fugitive
Risky Business
Space Cowboys
Eyes Wide Shut

Standard definition only:

Analyze This
Demolition Man
Eraser
Executive Decision
Lethal Weapon 3
Lethal Weapon 4
Looney Tunes: Back in Action
Mars Attacks!
Clash of The Titans
Superman III
Dead Calm