Why Universal Wants To Kill Redbox: It's Launching Its Own DVD Kiosks
from the competition-through-lawsuit dept
It did seem a little odd that Universal Studios was trying to bully Redbox into an agreement that would kill off the DVD vending machine company. After all, having Redbox out there renting some movies (which it paid for) certainly seems better than it not even being an option. Initially, we just chalked it up to Universal trying to make sure it had more control over the rental market -- but a bunch of readers this morning are pointing out that there may be a much more direct reason. It turns out that Universal Studios is launching its own DVD kiosk system. Initially, it's in the UK, but it's likely there are plans to offer them in the US as well. So now the ridiculous "take it or leave it" bullying threat from Universal Studios to Redbox makes a lot more sense: it was designed to force a competitor out of business so Universal could have the market to itself.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: competition, dvd, kiosks, lawsuits
Companies: redbox, universal studios
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No, wait, nice isn't the word I'm looking for.
Evil, yeah, that's the word!
Evil.
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vandalism for the people
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Yeah right
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Not Accordin g to Other News Stories...
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I passed a RedBox in the Wal-Mart and thought...
The management of payment, return, quality control just seemed too onerous. But then I walked by on Friday night and saw a line 25 people deep. A line to rent DVDs from a Red Vending Machine, a RedBox and I was amazed.
I love the USA, only in the US could something this innovative be viable. Only with a Credit/Banking System that allows merchants the ability to reclaim lost/stolen goods and the ability of customers to easily pay; only in this environment could something like RedBox thrive.
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And only Redbox could pull it off. The second movie I rented from a Redbox was scratched and unplayable. At the time, I figured that was it, no more Redbox for me. But, I went to the Web site and emailed their customer service. Within 8 hours I received an apologetic reply thanking me for reporting the bad disc and giving me THREE free rental codes. They earned me back, and I have never had an unplayable disc since. For a company whose business revolves around vending machines, their service is surprisingly good.
As far as returning movies, it is far more convenient to look for the closest golden arches than to drive out of my way to the specific store I rented from. And most people in line are nice enough to let you jump in if you are only returning (it takes about 15 seconds). It seems like there is a Redbox etiquette evolving or something because I would not have expected this to be the case.
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universal and redbox
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universal wins
Sisco buys smaller or emerging startups that in the long run can jeopordise their business, that's why they are the largest network communications company in the world. Another example: Microsoft...... I can go on and on and on. Point is, if you're big and well connected chances are antitrust laws will always bend
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