Limelight Networks announced that Blockbuster has exclusively selected Limelight Networks' rich media CDN and Microsoft Silverlight to provide the technical streaming capabilities for the first studio-backed feature streamed in its entirety -- JACKASS 2.5 -- to be distributed directly online by Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, MTV New Media group from MTV Networks and BLOCKBUSTER.

Available for free, courtesy of BLOCKBUSTER, at http://blockbuster.jackassworld.com beginning December 19th through December 31st, 2007, the U.S. online distribution of JACKASS 2.5, an event made possible by the recent acquisition of Movielink by Blockbuster Inc., leverages the power of Limelight Networks' CDN and Microsoft Silverlight.

"This ground-breaking event underscores our commitment to providing customers with convenient access to media entertainment, whether it's through our stores, the mail or through new technologies," said Keith Morrow, chief information officer for Blockbuster Inc. "Combining the CDN performance and scalability of Limelight Networks with the power of Microsoft Silverlight should deliver a compelling and high-quality viewing experience to online viewers of JACKASS 2.5."

The release of JACKASS 2.5 taps into a market which is believed to be a driving force for online digital media consumption today. In search of the right solution to power the movie premiere, BLOCKBUSTER turned to Limelight Networks and Microsoft as two leaders in online media delivery.

"BLOCKBUSTER is taking a great step forward in making Hollywood digital," said Brian Goldfarb, group product manager in the developer division at Microsoft Corp. "Using Silverlight for this initiative will provide consumers with an outstanding, high-quality experience in online entertainment."

"BLOCKBUSTER is making history by driving the studio-backed release of JACKASS 2.5 to an audience whose lifestyles are continually influenced by the latest online innovations," said Dave Hatfield, senior vice president of products, marketing and sales at Limelight Networks. "Limelight Networks' infrastructure was built for these types of large, rich media streaming events. Coupled with our strong relationship with Microsoft and its leading-edge Silverlight platform, BLOCKBUSTER could not have a better solution and team supporting this project and helping them in their efforts to deliver a dynamic entertainment adventure to consumers."

Streaming JACKASS 2.5 is open to anyone in the U.S. 17 years or older whether they are a BLOCKBUSTER member or not. And best of all, it's free. Available December 19th through December 31st, go to blockbuster.jackassworld.com, download the free Microsoft Silverlight media player and with a few quick steps, you're watching the movie.