MUMBAI: After Netflix inked a content distribution deal with major Hollywood studios, Redbox has now followed suit. Redbox, which had been involved in legal suits with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment, has now settled the dispute and has joined hands with the two studios.
Redbox already has a similar deal in place with Warner Bros.
The multi-year distribution agreement will make available for rental DVD and Blu-ray titles from Fox and Universal at redbox locations following a 28-day window from the home entertainment street date for new Blu-ray and DVD film releases.
Under the agreement redbox will receive improved economic terms and may offer Fox product four weeks after street date. The agreement also extends redbox’s access to Blu-ray titles, which it is testing in select markets. The first windowed release covered under the new agreement is Avatar, which Fox will directly supply to redbox.
On the other hand, Universal Studios’ hit comedy It’s Complicated will be the first release covered under the new agreement and the movie will be directly supplied to redbox 28 days after the film’s 27 April street date.
Redbox has also agreed to destroy DVDs and Blu-ray discs of the studios following their lifespan in the rental kiosks.
"Our goal is to continue to provide value, sufficient quantities and convenience to millions of consumers who frequent the more than 20,000 redbox locations nationwide through relationships that support our business and ensure access to content," said Redbox president Mitch Lowe.
"This arrangement upholds our retail and rental strategy, while allowing us to continue to deliver the best available movies and TV shows in the market to our customers. We aggressively seek out ways to provide the greatest access to all our content while ensuring it makes the best sense for our business," added Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment president worldwide Mike Dunn.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment president Craig Kornblau said, "While this arrangement mutually benefits our two companies, it’s more importantly a win for consumers who will now have increased access to Universal films at more than 20,000 redbox locations nationwide. In forging this pact, we have successfully established balanced terms for our rental products in redbox kiosks that provide consumers value and convenience in movie rentals."
