Warner Bros. is no longer authorizing Blockbuster to carry its new movies when they’re released on DVD, after a dispute over Warner’s wish to have rental outlets offer its titles only for sale in the first 28 days of release, reports the Los Angeles Times’ Company Town blog.
Netflix and Redbox also have to wait 28 days before offering the titles for rental customers, the story notes.
This marks the first time the company has enforced the policy, which Warner has had for a long time, the piece notes. Dish Network recently bought Blockbuster.
Warner Bros. made the decision soon after Blockbuster said it would create its own streaming service, competing with Netflix.
Despite the ban, Blockbuster is apparently buying up copies of Warner Bros. films to put on its shelves, the story says. A representative for Dish declined to comment, the piece adds.
Glad to see that Warner is dumping Blockbuster like it should and getting in bed with Netflix.
Wow, go Blockbuster! It’s encouraging seeing a company stick by their word and doing their best to provide customers with the best services they can. As a DISH customer and employee I think that Blockbuster as a company has greatly improved their services since being purchased by DISH. I tried out their Movie Pass recently and really liked it. As long as they stick by their word and customers, I think they will do well.