DVDs

Redbox Runover in the Works?

There's trouble brewing at Redbox: President Mitch Lowe has announced his resignation, and parent company Coinstar revised its second-quarter revenue outlook downward last week. Here are some key signs consumers and investors should watch to see if the Redbox business model (i.e. kiosk rental machines) is obsolete.

The Price of Serious 'Harry Potter' Fandom: $401.08

When it comes to providing bewitchment for the buck, Harry Potter has notched some mesmerizing numbers. Fans who bought all the hardcover books, the DVDs, and attended the movies in first run, paid an average total of $401.08 -- not counting the $20 to $30 they'll pay for the DVD or Blu-Ray of "Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

The Frugal Consumer: Stay Home for Dinner and Suspense

Looking for an easy way to keep your entertainment budget in check without feeling like you're pinching pennies or getting bored? Bring the gang over for a dinner party and movie night that features one of these classic Hollywood suspense films.

Frugal Consumer: Three Home Theater Films for Teens

Today's pinched budgets mean many American families can%u2019t shell out as much as they once did to send teenagers to the movies. But there's a more affordable way to keep young people entertained: Soup up your home theater and screen some teen-friendly classics.

Blockbuster's Future is Up for Auction

Blockbuster on Monday kicked off the confidential auction process that will decide its future. Billionaire Carl Icahn and others have bid for the troubled video-rental chain.

Disney Raises DVD Prices for Rental Giants Netflix, Redbox

Walt Disney is increasing the wholesale prices it charges for DVDs to movies-by-mail leader Netflix and movie-rental kiosk operator Redbox. Disney is looking to benefit further from being the only major studio to sell DVDs to the companies for rental the day they go on sale to the public.

The Plot Thickens: Netflix Users Angered By Latest Digital Twist

Netflix angered customers this week by removing the option to order DVDs via videostreaming consoles and mobile devices. The news that it was eliminating the "Add to DVD Queue" button in order to focus more on streaming videos has drawn thousands of comments, many critical of the company.

No Matter How Successful, Netflix Can't Shake the Bears

Throughout its history as a public company, Netflix has confounded the critics who've said it'll never survive. Yet, the critics still won't let up. And, yes, they have a scarily compelling story now. Here's why 2011 might prove to be Netflix's toughest one yet.

Embracing Change: Why Netflix Keeps Winning

In its transition from mail-order DVDs to streaming video, Netflix's latest move -- a new plan that offers unlimited downloads and no DVDs for $7.99 per month -- highlights why the company has been so successful.

Studios Discuss Premium Cable Movie Service

Studios including Sony Pictures (SNE), Walt Disney Co. (DIS) and Warner Bros. (TWX) are in talks with cable companies about offering movies soon after their theater release for as much as $30 per showing. The companies are in discussions with In Demand, a partnership of Cox Communications, Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg News reported.

Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished

It's easy to blame Blockbuster's collapse, which culminated Thursday in a voluntary Chapter 11 filing, on the rise of streaming Internet video and kiosk rental options. But Netflix faced the same threats and it's thriving. So what did Netflix do smarter than its bankrupt rival?