Blockbuster Express, Warner Sign Distribution Agreement

16 Dec, 2010 By: Erik Gruenwedel

NCR Corp. Dec. 16 said it signed a distribution agreement with Warner Home Video that allows its Blockbuster Express subsidiary to rent new release titles 28 days after street date.

The new arrangement, which mirrors deals between NCR and Universal Studios Home Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, provides Blockbuster Express with lower acquisition costs, a direct relationship with Warner and increased access to theatrical new release product four weeks after the street date.

Unlike the Universal and Fox deals, Blockbuster Express will not be offering premium-priced DVDs ($2.99) and Blu-rays ($3.99) of select Warner new releases on street date. About 900 Express kiosks are currently testing new tiered pricing on select Universal/Fox titles.

“We are pleased to establish a direct relationship with NCR regarding the availability of new release product,” said Mark Horak, president of the Americas division of Warner Home Video. “The new agreement allows NCR to continue providing quality DVD rental titles at an affordable price, while providing Warner Bros. with more revenue opportunities when titles are first released.”

The agreement begins with titles scheduled to hit retail stores in January 2011.

“Blockbuster Express kiosks continue to offer convenience, affordability and the best in entertainment to consumers, letting us make every night a movie night,” said Justin Hotard, VP and GM of NCR Entertainment. “Our DVD-rental kiosks are now in more locations than ever before, and this new agreement with Warner Home Video ensures that we can continue to provide our customers with the DVD titles they want at the price they want.”

Duluth, Ga.-based NCR owns and operates more than 8,000 Express kiosks through a license agreement with Dallas-based Blockbuster.