Ultraviolet, a once-promising initiative designed to unify digital movie ownership across platforms, met its demise in 2019. Today, accessing movies purchased through Ultraviolet requires utilizing the linked Movies Anywhere account, which now serves as the central hub for digital film libraries.
Understanding Ultraviolet’s Rise and Fall
Ultraviolet aimed to solve a significant problem: fragmented digital movie ownership. Before its advent, purchasing a digital movie from, say, Vudu, meant being locked into the Vudu ecosystem. Ultraviolet provided a central “locker” where users could store their digital copies, regardless of where they were purchased. This was done through a process of redeeming codes found in Blu-ray and DVD packaging, or through direct digital purchases that supported the service.
However, the system was complex and not universally adopted by all studios and retailers. This complexity, coupled with the rise of competing services like Movies Anywhere, ultimately led to Ultraviolet’s closure. The shutdown date was July 31, 2019.
Recovering Your Ultraviolet Movies
The good news is that you likely haven’t lost access to your Ultraviolet library. Movies Anywhere absorbed most of the Ultraviolet user base. If you linked your Ultraviolet account to a Movies Anywhere account before the shutdown, your movies should already be available in your Movies Anywhere library.
To access your movies:
- Check Your Movies Anywhere Account: Visit the Movies Anywhere website (moviesanywhere.com) or use the Movies Anywhere app on your preferred device. Log in using the same email address associated with your Movies Anywhere account.
- Verify Connected Retailers: Ensure that your Movies Anywhere account is connected to the digital retailers (like Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, etc.) where you originally redeemed your Ultraviolet codes.
- Browse Your Library: Your movies should automatically appear in your Movies Anywhere library.
- Play Your Movies: Select the movie you want to watch and choose your preferred platform to stream or download it.
If you didn’t link your accounts before the shutdown, accessing your movies directly through Movies Anywhere is no longer possible. The best option is to check your accounts on individual digital retailers that you previously connected to your Ultraviolet account (e.g., Vudu, FandangoNOW/Vudu). These services should still retain your purchased movies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly was Ultraviolet?
Ultraviolet was a digital rights locker that allowed users to store and access digital copies of movies and TV shows purchased from participating retailers or redeemed through codes included with physical media like Blu-rays and DVDs. The goal was to create a unified platform for managing digital movie collections across different services.
2. Why did Ultraviolet shut down?
Several factors contributed to Ultraviolet’s demise, including:
- Complexity: The system was considered cumbersome and confusing for the average user.
- Limited Support: Not all studios and retailers participated, creating gaps in movie availability.
- Competition: The emergence of Movies Anywhere, a more streamlined and studio-backed alternative, proved to be a superior solution.
- Technical Challenges: Maintaining and updating the complex Ultraviolet infrastructure became increasingly expensive.
3. I never linked my Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere. Are my movies lost forever?
While directly transferring your library to Movies Anywhere after the shutdown is impossible, there’s still a chance to recover your movies. Check your accounts on individual digital retailers (like Vudu) that you previously connected to your Ultraviolet account. They may still have your purchased movies available for streaming or download. Contacting those retailers’ customer support directly may also be helpful.
4. How does Movies Anywhere work?
Movies Anywhere connects your accounts from various digital retailers (like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and Microsoft Movies & TV) into one centralized library. When you buy a participating movie from one of these retailers, it automatically appears in your Movies Anywhere library and becomes available on all connected platforms. This makes it easier to access your movies regardless of where you purchased them.
5. What happens if a movie isn’t available on Movies Anywhere?
Not all movies are part of the Movies Anywhere program. This is often due to licensing agreements or studio participation. If a movie isn’t available on Movies Anywhere, you’ll need to access it through the retailer where you originally purchased it.
6. Which retailers are compatible with Movies Anywhere?
Currently, the major retailers compatible with Movies Anywhere include:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Vudu
- Microsoft Movies & TV
- Xfinity (through its Xfinity Stream app)
- FandangoNOW(Transitioned to Vudu)
7. Is Movies Anywhere free to use?
Yes, Movies Anywhere is a free service. You only pay for the movies you purchase from participating retailers. There are no subscription fees associated with using the platform.
8. Can I download movies from Movies Anywhere for offline viewing?
Yes, you can download movies for offline viewing from Movies Anywhere through the apps offered by the connected retailers. For example, you can download movies to your Apple TV app, your Amazon Prime Video app, or your Vudu app from within the Movies Anywhere app. The specific steps for downloading will vary depending on the retailer’s app you’re using.
9. What are the alternatives to Movies Anywhere for managing digital movie collections?
While Movies Anywhere is the most popular option, some alternatives exist:
- Individual Retailer Libraries: Maintaining your digital movie collection within the libraries of specific retailers like Vudu, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime Video. This requires managing multiple accounts.
- Plex: A media server software that allows you to stream your own digital movie collection from a central location to various devices. This requires ripping your own DVDs and Blu-rays, which may have legal implications.
10. Is it legal to rip DVDs and Blu-rays for personal use?
The legality of ripping DVDs and Blu-rays for personal use varies depending on your jurisdiction and specific circumstances. In many countries, copyright law prohibits circumventing digital rights management (DRM) technologies, which are often used on DVDs and Blu-rays. Even if you own the physical media, making a digital copy may be considered copyright infringement. Consult legal counsel to understand the laws in your area.
11. What is DRM and how does it affect digital movie ownership?
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a set of technologies used by copyright holders to control the use of their digital content. DRM can restrict copying, sharing, and even viewing of digital movies and TV shows. DRM is a key reason why services like Ultraviolet and Movies Anywhere exist, as they attempt to provide a legal and convenient way to manage DRM-protected content across different devices and platforms.
12. Where can I get help if I’m still having trouble accessing my Ultraviolet movies?
If you’re still having difficulty accessing your Ultraviolet movies, here are some resources:
- Movies Anywhere Support: Contact Movies Anywhere customer support through their website (moviesanywhere.com) or app.
- Vudu Support: If you primarily used Vudu with Ultraviolet, contact Vudu customer support.
- Retailer Support: Reach out to the customer support of other digital retailers you connected to Ultraviolet, such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play Movies & TV.
- Online Forums: Search online forums and communities related to digital movie ownership for advice and troubleshooting tips from other users.