Summit Entertainment will release Duncan Jones' sci-fi thriller Source Code on VOD and EST platforms on Friday, July 8th, a date that falls more than two weeks prior to its Tuesday, July 26th Blu-ray/DVD release. While the early release date means that home entertainment audiences will be able to check out the film a little earlier (yes, I'm playing the part of the naive fan who doesn't want to acknowledge illegal peer-to-peer sharing of the film), it also means that Summit is testing future waters for VOD and EST as the delivery methods have traditionally been made available on the same day as physical home video releases.

In their own words, the studio explains that Source Code's early release is a way to "test the demand for viewing a bigger budgeted film digitally prior to the release of physical discs." In short, it's a way for them to analyze the financial ramifications of releasing films via digital distribution windows ahead of physical home releases. For more, hit the jump to check out Summit's full press release.

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Here's the full press release from Summit Home Entertainment:

SOURCE CODE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE ON VOD / EST

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011

Sci-fi Thriller to be Available Approximately Two Weeks Prior

to DVD / Blu-ray Release

Los Angeles, CA  May 31, 2011 – Summit Home Entertainment announced today that its Sci-fi film SOURCE CODE will be available to consumers via VOD and EST on Friday, July 8, 2011, approximately two weeks prior to the film’s home entertainment release date of Tuesday, July 26, 2011.  Traditionally standard VOD and EST are available day and date with physical discs.  This particular case will test the demand for viewing a bigger budgeted film digitally prior to the release of physical discs.  Summit is not shortening the industry established window between a film’s theatrical release and its home entertainment debut, rather this test aligns with the studio’s ongoing efforts to find the best way to present its films digitally.

The studio has been a leader in home entertainment since offering all of its titles on VOD and through EST day and date with a disc’s release since the company was founded in 2007.  Summit’s TWILIGHT was the first film to gross $100 million at the domestic box office released in this pattern, now a standard practice for both major studios and independents.

“As the way a consumer’s consumption of feature films evolves, we are always looking for new ways that meet these demands,” said Steve Nickerson, President, Summit Home Entertainment.  “While we are optimistic about the consumer appetite for this type of home entertainment release pattern, we are only conducting a test in this case and not making an overall policy shift at this time.  Once the results are in we will analyze the data and see what the consumer has to say.”

SOURCE CODE was released theatrically in the US by Summit on April 1, 2011 and has earned over $110 million in worldwide box office.  Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and Vera Farmiga, and directed by Duncan Jones, the sci-fi thriller tells the story of a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown commuter and is forced to live and relive a harrowing train bombing until he can determine who is responsible for it.  Mark Gordon produced the film via The Mark Gordon Company banner along with Vendome Pictures’ CEO Philippe Rousselet, and Jordan Wynn.