Comcast to try selling movie tickets through X1

Continuing to deploy its “Symphony” strategy of looking for ways for its myriad parts to work together, Comcast is using its Universal Pictures and Fandango units to explore selling movie tickets through the X1 video platform.

For the June 22 Universal release of "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," X1 subscribers who watch the movie trailer will receive an onscreen notification, prompting them to say “get tickets” into their voice remote or to press the info button. They will then be presented with search results spanning 30,000 U.S. theatrical screens. 

Users still have to go to Comcast-owned online movie-ticket seller Fandango with a smartphone or computer to complete an actual ticket purchase. And as of now, the sales strategy remains focused on one in-house motion-picture release.

However, with Comcast set to bid on 21st Century Fox, this announcement could signal the emergence of a new revenue stream for the cable company. 

“Fandango is the perfect partner to help us give customers a fun, easy way to go right from watching TV at home to enjoying the newest releases in the movie theater,” said Nancy Spears, VP of strategy and execution for Comcast Cable, in a statement. “Xfinity X1 enables us to continually explore one-of-a-kind experiences that complement the TV viewing experience, allowing viewers to interact with content where and when it is convenient for them. We’re launching this experience starting with 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' in conjunction with the film’s trailer and look forward to further enhancing  additional movie titles with this functionality throughout the year.”