Microsoft ink deal with MGM for James Bond movies in HD for Xbox

Microsoft has inked a deal with MGM Studios to make more than 50 classic movies available on its Xbox Live service for the Xbox 360 console - reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Titles include "Rocky," "The Silence of the Lambs" and the James Bond franchise.

In addition, XBox Live will add to its TV holdings, with series from Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, Disney Channel, Toon Disney and ABC Family joining the lineup. Among the series coming to XBox include "Desperate Housewives," "Hannah Montana" and "Nightline."

The announcement was made Sunday during Microsoft's keynote address opening the Consumer Electronics Show.

Microsoft added that many of the MGM movies will be available in high-definition as well as standard formats. It brings the total amount of downloadable content available on Xbox Live Marketplace to more than 3,500 hours. Company officials claim that Marketplace is now the No. 1 destination for HD downloads.

This deal comes as Microsoft revealed that it sold 4.3 million Xbox 360 consoles worldwide during the fourth quarter, bringing the total Xbox 360 installed base to 17.7 million.

Microsoft launched Xbox Live Marketplace for movies and TV in 2006 and has since signed content deals with Warner Bros., Paramount, Nickelodeon, Fox, Disney, New Line, Lionsgate, Miramax, MTV and Turner Broadcasting.

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