So how exactly does Netflix get around the exclusive Blockbuster contract for the Weinstein Co. Productions? All the discs I've rented from Netflix- Miss Potter/Sicko- have the 'this disc is for sale only' screen. Is Netflix breaking a 'law' by renting these?

MOD's, feel free to move to more appropiate forum if needed...

Paul

If it says it's for sale only at Blockbuster, then maybe Netflix bought them at blockbuster and now they're renting them out. That seems legal to me.

As far as I know, Netflix and other video stores just can't get these from their regular distributor. There is nothing stopping them from acquiring these titles through an alternative source and then renting them out.

First off I though the exclusiveness was just wrt rental not purchase? I'm pretty sure I've seen these "exclusive" titles available for purchase elsewhere. Now how Netflix gets "around" this I'm not to sure. Perhaps the same way they seem to be able to ship stuff on holidays even though supposedly the PO is not working today (I had something check in this morning, a replacement is already listed as shipping and if everything holds true to form I will get it tomorrow just as if there was nothing unusual about today).

I know people who work at Hollywood Video and they essentially go out to WalMart/Best Buy, buy X number of copies and rent them in the store. There is no exclusivity for sale, but theoretically Blockbuster is the only ones renting these titles. I asked if they could get in trouble and the manager told me that they got studio permission to do this. I'm guessing this is the same thing that Netflix is doing.

This is how they are able to rent out the so-called "exclusive" titles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-s...trine#Case_law