Update: As of January 1, 2009, it looks like Revolution/StudioPress Themes are no longer free to download.  They are all now available individually for $59.95 or all themes for $149.95.

Last month we wrote about Brian’s huge announcement that Revolution was going open source.  At that time, the original launch date was scheduled for November 1st, but in the time since then the entire Revolution team has come together and managed to get Revolution 2 ready for an early launch!

As of today, Revolution 2 is officially available to the WordPress Community.  Included with the Revolution 2 launch are 8 incredible new themes (10 if you count the two blog theme variants) which were designed to fill a large number of different niches.  So far the choices include magazine themes, professional themes, media themes, photo themes, video themes, and even blog themes.   Best of all, they are available to download completely FREE!

What is the catch?  Well, there isn’t one.  The themes are 100% free, but there is a small fee attached to any extras you may want.  With purchase of either the yearly pro membership, or the pro plus lifetime membership (Revolution all-inclusive package owners already have this), you will get the following benefits:

• Unlimited support answered by our experts
• Learn customization techniques with our detailed theme tutorials
• Professional design services available by our list of recommended designers
• Discounted general consulting rates
• Increase your search rankings with a link from the Revolution site directory

Here are the Revolution themes which were included with the original launch of Revolution Two:

Revolution Magazine Themes

Revolution Church Theme

• 3-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Lifestyle Theme

• 3-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Media Themes

Revolution Charred

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Chrome

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Photos Themes

Revolution Album Theme

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Black Canvas Theme

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Professional Themes

Revolution Office

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Video Themes

Revolution Video

• Built for embedding videos
• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Blog Themes

Revolution Elements Theme

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Blue (also available in Red & Grey)

• 3-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

After looking around, I am already very impressed with how the site is setup and can see just how this site will grow in time to be a focal point in the WordPress community.   If you read the new Revolution feed, you’ll also see me in there regularly, as I have joined the Revolution joined the Revolution 2 team.

What do you think of this new business model?  Will it replace the current premium WordPress themes market in your opinion, or will you still be willing to spend your money when themes of this quality are available completely free?

Updated: January 29, 2009

Probably the most recent niche to emerge when it comes to WordPress themes is the market for video and photo WordPress themes.  These types of themes are ideal for a blogger who likes to display a lot of videos, show off their photos, or any type of multimedia.    These themes are designed to allow you to display this type of content while still maintaining the feel of a blog.   Readers will be able to review your latest videos or photos, leave comments, etc.

If you are interested in this type of premium WordPress theme, we’ve gone out and collected the ones currently available and displayed them in a gallery format, allowing you to weigh your options and make an informed decision.

WooTube Video Theme

• Super-easy functionality to create video posts;
• Videos are resized automatically and WooTube even publishes the embed code for your readers;
• Integration of the WP-PostRatings plugin for some added fun & interactiveness;
• A completely widgetized sidebar with custom widgets included in the theme packaging. No third party widgets required; and
• 7 amazing color schemes to choose from!
• Integrated Theme Options (for WordPress) to tweak the layout, color scheme etc. for the theme;
• Threaded Comments for WordPress 2.7;
• Custom Page Templates for Archives & Sitemap;
• Built-in Gravatar Support for Comments; and
• 3 Integrated ad spaces, which can accommodate both image banner ads or AdSense embeds.

Single-Use License: $70.00, Developer’s Pack: $150.00

Source/Demo | Purchase

Video Elements Theme

Single-Use ($25.00), Multi-Use ($75.00), Developer ($125.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

TV Elements Theme

Single-Use ($50.00), Multi-Use ($125.00), Developer ($225.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

On Demand Video Theme

Single-Use ($75.00), Multi-Use ($150.00), Developer ($250.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Revolution Charred

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Chrome

• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

eCommerce Theme

• eCommerce Plugin Compatibility – Easily integrate with the popular eCommerce Plugin from Instinct Entertainment.
• Easily customizable – Make it your own by tweaking the CSS stylesheet and your own images (includes 6 pre-built color styles)
• Search engine optimized — We’ve built our themes to get the most search engine benefit for you and your products
• Manage your store online – WordPress is an online software program; you log in and edit your store from the web
• Use your own domain name — Most online shops require you to use their domain name, with Ecommerce Themes, you can install the template on your custom domain name and hosting account

Single-Use ($49.00), Multiple-Use ($199.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

eVideo Theme

Comes with $20.00 subscription to Elegant Themes Club!

Source/Demo | Download

Revolution Video

• Built for embedding videos
• 2-Column Fixed Width Theme
• Widget Ready

License for this theme ($59.95), All Themes license ($149.95)

Source/Demo | Download

For a complete list of premium WordPress themes available, check out our premium WordPress themes gallery!