Apple has recently expanded its movie offerings on the iTunes Store to allow both rentals and purchases of high-definition titles right from a computer. Previously, due to licensing restrictions imposed by movie studios, only rentals were in high-definition and only Apple TV owners could rent those HD titles.
The selection of movies for purchase in HD format is currently very limited but that should change in the coming months. They will of course come at a premium, with prices of $19.99 for new release HD downloads and $4.99 for new release HD rentals, compared to $14.99 and $3.99 for their standard definition counterparts - a bit too pricey considering there is no packaging or shipping charges involved. HD downloads are compatible with Apple TV and will play in standard definition on the iPhone and iPod Touch.