Studios May Extend Kiosk Embargo To 60 Days

Small, independent DVD kiosk operators are expecting that the major studios will extend the embargo on rentals by Redbox and Blockbuster express from 28 days to 60 -- and that they'll benefit from the move. According to Home Media Magazine , the operators of the kiosks -- normally installed in locations that Redbox and Blockbuster regard as too small to bother with -- plan to offer movies on the day they are available at retail outlets -- simply by buying them from discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. Dan Kearney, who operates two kiosks in Milford, CT, told the trade publication that new releases represent 99 percent of his business. "If I don't have a new movie in the kiosk right away, I'll get emails from customers wanting it right away."

18/10/2011