Video retailer association to launch anti-kiosk campaign
October 11, 2009
According to a reportfrom Video Business, Video Buyers Group, an association of independent movie retailers, will launch its much-anticipated anti-DVD kiosk campaign this month. The organization will provide its 1,700 member stores with posters and stickers featuring an "Available here first" theme, emphasizing its selection over that of redbox kiosks, in light of the at least 30-day distribution delay some studios have imposed on redbox.
Video Business says VBG shares several movie studios' belief that $1-per-night kiosk rentals will eventually have a grave affect on the movie industry and reports that other organizations may join the fight against DVD kiosks:
Beyond the fear of losing customers, many retailers worry that cheap redbox rentals will hurt film revenue so much that studios will ultimately have to scale back future movie production. Hollywood trade unions are believed to be prepping a consumer campaign of the own to similarly insists that redbox harms the entertainment business.
Many "rentailers" also insist DVD kiosks make it easier for those under 18 years of age to rent R-rated films, the report says.