This looks to be a radical move by Warner pictures. In an effort to stem rampant piracy of their content in China, the studio has opted to roll around in the dirt so to speak, with the pirates, by offering their content at prices competitive to the scofflaws. It is being reported at MS NBC, that Warner will begin to offer films that can run as high as 20 dollars US to the Chinese for the affordable price point of $1.50. This will surely raise the eyebrows of DVD film collectors in Europe and the US, causing them to wonder if there isn't a way to lower prices over in these countries as well.
First to hit the streets in China at the aggressive new price point, will be the popular film: "The Aviator" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, portraying the obsessive, compulsive business genius; Howard Hughes and he does a pretty good job too!
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"This is a first step to see if the consumer can accept this product at this price," Ms Hu said, adding that it was too early to judge the results of the experiment. Hollywood studios have struggled to establish significant businesses in China because of tight government controls on the number of foreign films approved for release and rampant piracy in the DVD market. Pirate producers have long benefited from loose enforcement of intellectual property laws in China and from state censorship that complicates DVD imports. |
Oddly, the experts have told the studios the best way to combat piracy is to drop the annoying region code fueled delays and just get the products out as quick as they can. But, no one is listening it seems.
Well, I don't know about you, but if Warner can see a
monetary benefit from selling DVDs in a cardboard sleeve over just ignoring this
pirate market, I say then bring the sleeves over here for goodness sakes! The
more I think about it, it is good for the environment to not use plastic cases
as these are obviously made from petroleum which is another ticklish subject at
the moment. So they have to be expensive and it will only get worse as time goes
on. If they would package a DVD in recycled paper and cut the cost of
manufacture, then I am all for it! Special thanks to RTV71 who brought this story to our attention.
Source: MS NBC
