In announcing the company’s third quarter results, Pixar Animation Studios revealed that it has sold 125,000 movies through Apple’s iTunes Music Store software. Pixar began selling movies through iTunes in October, when Apple introduced its video-capable fifth generation iPod model.
Pixar offers short subjects for purchase through the iTunes Music Store for $1.99, the same price charged for ABC television shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives and Night Stalker.
Apple recently reported that more than one million videos have been purchased and downloaded in less than 20 days.
Pixar, which is also run by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, said it earned $27.4 million on revenue of US$45.8 million for its third quarter, compared to earnings of $22.4 million on $44.5 million in revenue for the same quarter a year ago.
Pixar attributed the strong quarterly showing to higher than expected revenue for home video sales for “Finding Nemo,” and a lower-than-expected tax rate.
Although Pixar initially broke off negotiations to extend its movie distribution and marketing deal with Disney, Steve Jobs is leaving open the idea of continuing a relationship with them. When asked about 2006’s release of “Cars,” the last film that Pixar will produce in conjunction with Disney as part of its current deal, Jobs told analysts that it will either be a “triumphal cap” on Pixar’s relationship with Disney or “a bountiful new chapter.”