The other day we noted that Warner Brothers had not only convinced Netflix to delay new release DVDs by 56 days, Netflix also agreed to refuse to even allow users to add upcoming releases to their queue until 26 days after release. Studio executives believe this will drive users to buy more DVDs, but as everybody except for the entertainment industry has figured out, simply acts to annoy users and drive them to explore piracy. In a statement, RedBox says they have refused the 56 day new release delay, won't renew their contract with Warner Brothers, and will get the movies from retail as they go on sale:
The Redbox contract with Warner Brothers to acquire movies directly expires today (January 31, 2012). Redbox will continue to provide our consumers with affordable access to new release movies from all major studios including Warner Brothers at our more than 28,000 locations nationwide. We will work to provide Warner Brothers movies through alternative means. Redbox maintains direct working relationships with every other major studio, said Gary Cohen, senior vice president of marketing and customer experience at Redbox.
When they do try to go against studio wishes and straight to retail, RedBox has run into problems with Warner Brothers and Fox going to retailers and striking deals that restrict the number of DVDs RedBox can purchase.read comment(s)