Dracko

In the dumper -

Is the age of EZ-D upon us? Flexplay Technologies has just announced a four-city test launch, due this August, of their new disposable DVD disc technology. These (eco-unfriendly?) discs look red when first removed from its package, then slowly turn black... and you're outta time and the disc won't play. The usability period lasts for 48 hours, and when you're done, just throw 'em in the trash. No returns, no late fees, "no hassle."

While longtime DVD fans will inevitably compare EZ-D to the failed DIVX format, the company has been quick to stress this is not a rival format, simply a convenient alternative to the rental store and has not been designed to replace or supplant the billion dollar DVD sell-through business. Developed in conjunction with GE Plastics, the technology is the same used by MGM last year for its 20-minute Die Another Day promotional disc, Flexiplay plans to make the EZ-D discs via supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores and other nontraditional retail outlets.

For the product launch, Flexplay is teaming up with Buena Vista Home Entertainment to release eight initial titles: Signs, The Recruit, The Hot Chick, 25th Hour, Frida, Equilibrium, Heaven and Rabbit-Proof Fence. All EZ-Ds require no special player or enhancements and will be devoid of extras, although technically they could offer all of the features of any standard DVD release. Retail is expected to be in the $6.95 range, with more titles due every month after the initial launch.

Note that Flexplay has issued a press release (http://www.dvdfile.com/news/web_wire...nches/ezd.html) heralding the launch, although Buena Vista Home Entertainment themselves has remained mum and issued no official statement on EZ-D. However, sources at Buena Vista have indicated that their support for "traditional" DVD has not wavered and that they are simply allowing Flexplay to license titles for the test run to gauge consumer interest. And surprisingly, there are no plans to issue EZ-D discs before the release of the companion DVD sell-through title, as many DVD enthusiasts have worried. With the format such a enormous cash cow for the studios, it seems the EZ-D format poses no threat to established release patterns... but as always, watch this space for further coverage.

- http://www.dvdfile.com/

Quinn

I actually read about this like two or so weeks ago and didn't know what to think of it. I mean, at first I thought maybe it could be a good idea, but then again it could not be. If they sold for maybe $2-4 then yeah, but as it says up there $7, I think i'd just spring the extra couple of dollars and get the real one. I don't know what to think of this...

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Dracko

i agree, if its gunna cost that much, it would be easier to buy it full price or even rent it at a near blockbuster. i didnt like the DIVX idea and im sure im not gunna like something that self destructs after 48 hours. i dont think this idea will take flight.

WhoAmI_ea

I doubt this will last, because like the DIVX discs, people didn't buy them. I know one person who did, and the price for one DVD was about $4 when he got it, so it was a good deal. Then the price went up to $6 and it was a rip off, not to mention they only lasted 3 days, compared to the 5 days at the local rental stores, and they costed about $4.

plus now they have online sites where you pay $20 a month, get as many DVDs as you want a month (3 at a time) and there are no return dates or fees, and it's free shipping. That sounds like a much better deal to me.

Should be intresting to see if it lasts...

ILuvRockNRoll

The only thing I don't like about it is because of the price, I think I would rather go through a hassle than that, especially if the movie sucked.

I'm sorry, but that is one of the most idiotic things I have ever heard haha. In my opinion anyway :-x


I mean if DIVX failed then I don't see any hope for this.

Andres

That's right
It's kind of stupid

Dangerously Crazy

they're doing that with video games too

mcklein

This idea sucks big time...i rather buy them or rent them.

WhoAmI_ea

NO WAY!!! Is it at the same site? I'm sick of going to blockbuster once and a while to rent a game for $6.50 Same site as the movie rentals or another company?

Kennedi

more garbage in the world is exactly what we need


*Kennedi*

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