CANADIAN MOVIE CHAIN TO SELL, RENT DVD’S

Canada’s biggest theater chain doesn’t have to worry about competition from online DVD renters. That’s because it’s getting into the digital rental — and selling — business itself. As reported by Home Media magazine, Cineplex Entertainment, which operates 129 theaters with 1,342 screens, has opened a “digital storefront” that will allow Canadians to rent movies, beginning the same day they are released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, for $4.99. They can also choose to download standard-quality DVD versions for $19.99 or $36.99 for Blu-ray. During an introductory period, Cineplex is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal, but only to Canadians. Anyone outside of the country trying to order will receive an error message reading, “We’ve detected that you’re outside of Canada. We’re sorry but Cineplex Store products are only available in Canada. We will not be able to complete your purchase.” Cineplex has signed deals with Sony, Universal and Warner Bros.