Vid Marketplace on 11th Dec

Microsoft has announced that the long awaited European launch of Video Marketplace on Xbox Live will take place on 11th December.

Called "Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store" in line with Microsoft's new naming convention, the service will allow you to rent films in standard- and high-definition, although there's no mention of TV shows.

Films will cost 250 Microsoft Points (GBP 2.13 / EUR 2.91) in standard definition and 380 MS Points (GBP 3.23 / EUR 4.42) for high definition, and early examples include 300, The Matrix trilogy, the first two Harry Potter films and Clash of the Titans.

As of 11th December, the service will have been launched in six countries - the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France and Germany - to varying degrees. It is likely that the same US usage restrictions govern control of content downloaded here - i.e. that films are only usable until 24 hours after hitting play or within 14 days of download. (Update: Microsoft has now confirmed that this is the case.)

In the UK, Xbox Live's Video Store currently features music videos from the likes of Ministry of Sound and Sony BMG.

The full list of launch films (albeit subject to change) is as follows:

• 300
• Analyse This
• Clash of the Titans
• Dead Calm
• Demolition Man
• Eraser
• Executive Decision
• Eyes Wide Shut
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Lethal Weapon 3
• Lethal Weapon 4
• Looney Tunes: Back In Action
• Mars Attacks!
• Ocean's Eleven
• Risky Business
• Space Cowboys
• Superman III
• Swordfish
• The Fugitive
• The Matrix
• The Matrix Reloaded
• The Matrix Revolutions
• The Perfect Storm
• Three Kings
• Training Day
• Zodiac