AOL relaunches Moviefone with TV listings, searches for new voice

AOL’s Moviefone, the film-listings brand probably best known for the booming voice greeting on its now-defunct call-in service, has expanded into TV.

With the new Moviefone website and apps launched Monday, the 25-year-old brand now offers listings for TV shows so viewers can find “The Big Bang Theory,” “Mad Men” and other programming through on-demand viewing options including Netflix and iTunes, as well as live television.

Moviefone collaborated with Santa Monica media and technology company Whalerock Industries for the relaunch.

“The line between television and film content blurs more every day,” Lloyd Braun, chief executive of Whalerock Industries, said in a statement. “Consumers have a dizzying array of choices in determining what and where to watch their favorite TV shows and movies. We believe the new Moviefone will become an essential tool in helping consumers make that choice.”

Moviefone was founded in 1989. Those who called 777-FILM were greeted by founder Russ Leatherman’s Mr. Moviefone character bellowing, “Hello, and welcome to Moviefone!” AOL bought the brand in 1999 for $388 million in stock.

Leatherman left the company in November, and the phone line was shut down in February.

But the enthusiastic character is not going away: Moviefone is looking for the next Mr. or Ms. Moviefone by launching an open casting call for people who text “Star” to 265265.

But I’m betting few people will be able to out-do Kramer’s impersonation on “Seinfeld.”