AOL upgrades movie services

New version bows with expanded offerings

By DAVID BLOOM

HOLLYWOOD -- Online services AOL and MSN are rolling out new versions, 8.0 in both cases, of their software this week. On Monday, MSN rolled out its new version, backed by a $300 million marketing campaign that's scheduled to last into the middle of next year.

AOL's version 8.0 debuts today with an expanded set of entertainment-related offerings, especially for its broadband customers, including personalized welcome screens, better access to movie trailers and musicvideos, a smarter Internet radio service, and easier sharing with friends of links to contents of interest.

The updated software also addresses long-running complaints about its spam-ridden e-mail services, providing small icons to delineate "People I Know" from "Bulk Senders" and others.

AOL also announced a strategic alliance with Telecharge.com, legit-theater ticket seller owned by Shubert Ticketing Services, to expand offerings on AOL Box Office.

The box office service also launched First Tix, providing advance ticket sales, ticket giveaways, and discounts. First Tix will give away up to 1,000 ducats to Tom Petty's next concert tour under the launch.