The Weinstein Gamble

[Ghoulish Delight]

So, the Weinstein brothers have signed a deal with Blockbuster. Starting Jan. 1 next year, all releases by Weinstein will be available for rent through Blockbuster, and Blockbuster only (no Netflix, no Hollywood video).

Does this seem like a bad idea to anyone else? In the deal, they're getting $ from Blockbuster for every rental, plus bonus $ based on how well the movie does in theaters. But is the limiting one's distribution really worth that? As a Netflix customer, I know my reaction wouldn't be, "Hmm, I better consider switching to Blockbuster." It would be, "Scerw the Weinsteins."

Of course looking at their slated upcoming releases, I won't feel any great loss. But it just seems silly to me for an independent studio, even one with a big name behind it, to be making it harder to get their product.