Michael Bay, proven right?

After launching Xbox Live Video Marketplace Stateside last year, Microsoft will launch the service in Europe on December 11.

Engadget lists a couple dozen movie titles that will be available at launch. Prices range from around $4.50 to $6.50, depending on video quality.

Engadget also reports that the service will be rental only. After downloading, users must watch the video in 14 days and when they hit play, the title deletes itself after 24 hours.

The service is limited to the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany, reports Joystiq, and may only feature movie titles, no TV episodes.

The launch is soured mildly by accusations from Transformers director Michael Bay that Microsoft is purposely investing in Toshiba's HD DVD format over Sony's Bluray in an effort to prolong the format war.

The theory goes that the two formats will ultimately kill each other off, paving the way for Microsoft's digital formats.