Five leapfrogs blockbusters’ pay window

UK free-to-air channel Five is bidding to outdo pay-TV rivals by inking a deal with Sony Pictures Television International to air a number of Hollywood blockbusters before the pay window.

Five has secured a film package comprising Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines; Bruce Willis vehicle Tears of the Sun; and Charlize Theron’s Trapped. Terminator 3 is expected to premiere in November.

“This is a huge coup for the channel,” said Five’s managing editor and director of acquisitions, Jeff Ford. “Five’s viewers will get to see some of 2003’s biggest blockbusters only 15 months after their cinema release.”

The deal also covers terrestrial premieres of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle; Anger Management; Bad Boys II; Maid in Manhattan and Daddy Day Care.