Posted on 11/12/2004 4:58:59 PM PST by LouAvul
The Christmas-themed movie "Noel" most likely won't be coming to a theater near you - but if you miss it on cable, there's always the self-destructing DVD.
The movie's producers hope its "trimultaneous" roll out this month, which starts this weekend with a theater release in just five major cities, will prove the public is willing to "rent" movies that must be tossed in the trash after just a viewing or two.
Disposable DVDs look and play like normal DVDs, except that their playable surface is dark red.
Each disc contains a chemical time-bomb that begins ticking once it's exposed to air. Typically, after 48 hours, the disc turns darker, becoming so opaque that a DVD player's laser can no longer can read it. (Discs can live as little as one hour or as long as 60 hours.)
The format has been around for a few years but hasn't generated much interest from movie studios, video rental companies - or customers - despite experiments to deliver movies direct to consumers and eliminate late fees.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Sounds like those stupid DIVX things designed by lawyers a few years back.
One word: "SCAM"!
Two words: No Sale.
"Disposal movies." This is great for the release of "regrettable movies."
They think you'll buy another one because your last one stopped working when you want to watch the movie again? Stupid..
The purpose was to make a rental DVD you don't have to return.
I will go for it if the price was 1.99. Blockbuster makes a mint on late fees.
How about you copy it, within 30 minutes of opening it.
If it costs the same (or less) than a rental at blockbuster
then this will work...
Stores could stock a huge selection of these and it would be
better than NetFlix.
Of course one could simply rip the self-destructing dvd to a computer before it gives up the ghost...then if the movie is
any good you can convert to DivX or XviD later.
(given the low quality of films these days mostly it would be a waste of time to bother)
I think for maximum appropriateness, the first disposable movie should be The Michael Moore Box Set.
Just so long as the process does not preclude it being spooled-off to a disc image file on my laptop so I can watch it (once, of course) at my own timing.
Crazy idea, but if the price is really low, maybe $1, it might make it. But I guarantee it, someone will come up with a way to outwit this. So, it will ultimately fail.
don't let THAT cat out of the bag...still (illegal)
I bought a DVD player soon after they came out. It was darn near $400 and had DIVX. What a stupid concept. You end up with a pile of useless plastic. BUT, we ended up getting a $100 rebate after it went South. I see XM Radio being an even bigger fiasco before long.
Only if they make it Charmin-soft.
maybe it isn't illegal. I can make a VHS copy of a DVD I legally own, as long as I don't sell it or give it to anyone. I legally own this DVD, so why can't I copy it before it self destructs?
What a waste. We don't need another disposal stuff in this throw away society.
$1? it costs $5 just to rent a DVD at blockbuster.
NO WAY WILL I EVER "RENT" ONE OF THESE THINGS.
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