Going to a movie theater isn’t cheap, and buying the Blu-ray/DVD release can be expensive, especially just after release. Add to that the fact you might be unsure about the quality of a movie, or really only want to watch it once, and renting becomes the obvious option. Redbox just improved its rental service by signing a new deal with Universal.
Until now, Redbox had to wait 28 days after the Blu-ray and DVD retail releases before it could rent out new Universal movies. As Variety reports, that is no longer the case. From January, retail release day also means rental release day, with American Made and Brad’s Status being the first to appear next month under the day-and-date deal. If you prefer streaming, the newly launched Redbox on Demand is also covered under the same agreement.
As it stands, Redbox enjoys day-and-date deals with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, and now Universal. Both 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. requires a seven day wait before rentals, and Disney doesn’t have a deal with Redbox although third-parties are allowed to sell Disney products through the service.
It seems very unlikely Disney will ever do a direct deal with Redbox. Earlier this month Disney sued Redbox in an attempt to stop it selling digital downloads by offering printouts of codes. Those codes can be used to watch movies such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Add to that Disney building its own streaming app and service, and Redbox on Demand will clearly be viewed as a rival.