Summary
Now faster than slower the different releasing windows, first on Home entertainment and then all around, are collapsing.
Even against stated resilience to change the releasing model, studios are forced by the demand generated by technology advances.
Finally, a day will come in which the consumer will truly have a choice in how it will feed on entertainment.
Analysis
I have been saying it for many years now. The solution for increased growth in the entertainment industry is to release the title simultaneously on all media, all territories because that provides two benefits;
One: the releasing of a film will not be beaten by piracy in being offered to the consumer, who can then choose which way to consume it.
Two: the advertising dollars spent on the initial release will provide better ROI since it will capitalize on heightened awareness and desirability. Why build the interest for a title to then restrict the way that the consumer can reach it?
Even when the convergence is in full force now regarding home entertainment (Disk, VOD Online, PAY TV), the windows between Theatrical and Home Video Release are also shrinking and will soon enough converge. All these may mean that there will be a slightly lower theatrical ticket sales, that will be offset by increased Home Video revenue. Theatrical Exhibitors will get slightly hurt, many online and home video distributors will be greatly benefited, but the one certainly benefiting will be the producers. Redbox will cease to exist.
