Rich Fiscus
19 Aug 2009 15:23
Redbox has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Warner Home Video over their recent decision to deny kiosk operators access to new releases until four weeks after they go on sale to the public. Redbox already has cases pending against Fox and Universal over the same issue.
In a statement, Redbox President Mitch Lowe said "Redbox will continue to offer our consumers access to all major new releases including Warner Home Video at our more than 15,000 locations nationwide."
Warner is reportedly requiring kiosk operators and DVD by mail services to agree to their profit sharing demands if they want to get movies at the same time as traditional rental outlets like Blockbuster.
This follows yesterday's decision by a federal judge allowing the suit against Universal to go forward, rejecting a motion to dismiss by Universal lawyers.
By contrast, Redbox recently came to an agreement over profit sharing with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, ensuring that studio's movies will remain available in the biggest chain of rental kiosk's.