BlockBuster Express to distribute Warner Bros DVD rentals 28 days after release
It was only a couple of weeks ago that BlockBuster Express and Warner Bros were trialling the release of DVD titles into the former company's rental kiosks on their day of commercial release, but it seems like that's a future we're not going to see any more of. The pair have now announced a partnership whereby NCR's Blockbuster Express will offer WB's new DVD titles for rent 28 days after launch, matching Redbox and Netflix who are also subject to a four-week delay. This follows similar deals being concluded by NCR with Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox, with the major benefits being lower acquisition costs and a direct relationship with the studio.
Update: We initially conflated Blockbuster with Blockbuster Express-branded DVD kiosks operated by NCR. The post has now been updated to rectify this unforgivable misguidance.
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NCR and Warner Home Video reach new distribution agreement for DVD rental availability at BLOCKBUSTER Express kiosks
December 16, 2010
BLOCKBUSTER Express® to offer Warner Home Video Theatrical new release titles after 28-day window
DULUTH, Georgia – Warner Home Video and NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced a new distribution agreement that will make Warner Home Video theatrical new release titles available in NCR's BLOCKBUSTER Express®-branded DVD rental kiosks after a 28-day window. The new arrangement provides NCR with lower acquisition costs, a direct relationship with the Studio, and access to ample quantities of theatrical new release product four weeks after the street date. The agreement also provides Warner Bros. with the opportunity to maximize the sales of new release titles as well as video-on-demand and other forms of digital distribution in the critical first four weeks.
"We are pleased to establish a direct relationship with NCR regarding the availability of new release product," said Mark Horak, president, the Americas, Warner Home Video. "The new agreement allows NCR to continue providing quality DVD rental titles at an affordable price, while providing Warner Bros. with more revenue opportunities when titles are first released."
The new agreement begins with titles scheduled to hit retail stores in January 2011.
"NCR's BLOCKBUSTER Express-branded kiosks continue to offer convenience, affordability and the best in entertainment to consumers, letting us make every night a movie night," said Justin Hotard, vice president and general manager of NCR Entertainment. "Our DVD-rental kiosks are now in more locations than ever before and this new agreement with Warner Home Video ensures that we can continue to provide our customers with the DVD titles they want at the price they want."
NCR – the worldwide leader in self-service consumer experiences – launched its BLOCKBUSTER Express DVD kiosk program in 2009 in thousands of convenient locations and is the only DVD kiosk operator also delivering movies digitally to consumers through its digital download kiosks – such as those being installed at InMotion Entertainment stores.
For a full list of titles available at BLOCKBUSTER Express® kiosks, visit www.blockbusterexpress.com. Consumers can also rent a DVD online from BLOCKBUSTERExpress.com.
