FANS OF CLASSIC or foreign cinema take note: YouTube has struck deals with a series of film studios and a movie-streaming service to offer feature-length movies through its main website.

The website has already made over 400 movies available on the website, at youtube.com/movies, and will be able to view more – and preview other more recent blockbusters – on the website soon.

“This is one of many efforts to ensure that people can find all the different kinds of video they want to see, from bedroom vlogs and citizen journalism reports to full-length films and TV shows,” said a YouTube spokesman.

“We hope film lovers enjoy the range of titles in this free library, whether catching up on a mainstream hit or delving into the vast archive of classic films from decades past.”

The deal, which involves a partnership with British film streaming service Blinkbox, will see about 165 new films being added for free, including movies starring the likes of Jackie Chan, Brad Pitt, Rob Lowe, Sean Penn, Pierce Brosnan and Jodie Foster.

The site will also add a catalogue of documentaries and a significant number of Bollywood movies. YouTube already carries full-length programmes from Channel 4 and Channel Five in the UK.