Sky Movies and Lionsgate UK are offering two Lionsgate titles, 3:10 To Yuma and War, free to Sky Movies subscribers on Sky Box Office the same time they are available for all other Sky Box Office viewers at a cost of about $8 (£3.99).

The move is unusual because of the free deal for Sky Movies subscribers and its simultaneous date offering (May 3 for 3:10 To Yuma and May 17 for War).

Both titles will have special early screenings on Sky Movies Premiere, Premiere +1, Premiere HD and also via Sky Anytime on PC.

Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies and SBO commented: 'With film consumption habits changing radically it is vital that Sky continually improves its film offering to keep up. This deal with Lionsgate means Sky Movies subscribers will be able to watch two great titles on the service almost six months earlier than they would have done under the usual windows pattern. We know from similar recent deals that this experimentation can work for all sides. Indeed, with increasing consumer demand for films to be made available closer to theatrical release, we believe the UK film industry must explore new business models such as this in order to secure its long-term health.'