After the news this week that controversial comedy The Interview would be releasing in a limited number of US cinemas after all, Sony have now announced their video-on-demand (VOD) plans for the film.

In a statement, the company said the film will be available to rent or buy on Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and the dedicated website http://www.seetheinterview.com.

The film will be available from today for American customers, with no details yet of an international release.

Sony Entertainment chairman Michael Lynton said, “it has always been Sony’s intention to have a national platform on which to release this film."

It comes as just under 300 cinemas in the US have agreed to screen the film, starting from tomorrow, with more theatres expected to show the film from January 1st.

Earlier, the White House praised Sony for reversing its decision to pull The Interview, which features a fictional assassination of North Korea's leader.

The initial cancellation came following the cyber attack against Sony, which the US blames on North Korea, and threats of violence against cinemas screening the film.

The hackers also obtained and released sensitive internal emails involving senior executives at Sony Pictures.

Sony claimed it had had "no choice" but to cancel the release because cinema chains across the US had backed away from showing the film after the threats.

North Korea has denied being behind the attack. However, Mr Obama said America would "respond" to the hacking.

North Korea's limited internet service collapsed for more than nine hours just days after the warning.

Originally posted at 16.50