Audio Video News

Warren Lieberfarb's "sell through" agenda for DVD pricing has had some unintended consequences. The former head of Warner Home Entertainment pushed hard for an industry-wide pricing policy that made movies on DVD one of the greatest bargains in the history of entertainment. For compact disc prices, movie fans can own archival copies of films that cost tens of millions to produce—a strategy that has had serious consequences for the video rental business.

Talk about a slap in the face. After making a bid for Circuit City, supposedly for over $1 billion, Blockbuster has changed its mind. Siting "market conditions," Blockbuster has withdrawn its $1.3 billion bid. There's no word yet from...

Will Blockbuster Inc. be the next new face on the bankruptcy soup line?

Blockbuster is taking aggressive steps to push Blu-ray and download services. While known as a DVD rental giant, Blockbuster is busting out of the mold. The stores are pushing Blu-ray with software and hardware displays and kiosks in a joint...

Chalk up another one for the big guys. A San Antonio, TX judge has dismissed price-fixing <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/shownews.cgi?1318">charges</A> brought by independent video dealers against video retail giant Blockbuster, Inc. and several Hollywood studios.

The great thing about a video store is being able to walk right in, see what's available on the shelf, and then grab what you like for some instant home theater gratification. The bad thing about video stores is that getting your rental back on time can be a hassle, not to mention the late fees the stores count on to bolster their profits.

Where to begin with all the great Blockbuster Inc. news? First, the hard-copy rental chain may be about to take the great leap into home downloads. Second, it will also cater more conscientiously to Blu-ray fans with increased selection and in-store displays.