Report: Warner Bros. Will Stretch New Release Rental Window From 28 To 56 Days

Apparently no longer content with the 28-day window in which it sells DVDs but doesn’t allow companies to rent them out, Warner Bros. is reportedly on the verge of doubling that time frame in an effort to starve viewers into starting to buy movies again.

According to AllThingsD, Warner Bros. is gearing up to announce the new window at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 56-day rental ban will apply to Netflix, Redbox and Blockbuster.

Along with the revelation that HBO will no longer play nice with Netflix, studios are making it known that they’re not in the business of helping disc renters. Stretching the release windows, however, may well drive otherwise honest customers to piracy.

Warner Brothers Will Make Netflix, Redbox, Blockbuster Wait Longer for New Movies [AllThingsD via Engadget]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.