New Video Rental Releases

Dates for New Video Rental Releases

Wimpy always told Popeye he would gladly pay him Tuesday for a hamburger today. These days, Popeye would come to collect, because when it comes to the world of home entertainment, Tuesdays are the golden days. All new releases are released on a Tuesday, allowing you to plan accordingly when you’re really anxious for something.

As to the actual timing of a specific title, know that home entertainment divisions are shaving the time between cinematic and DVD release dates as much as they can because the DVD market is so lucrative. When you see a movie in the theatre, like the new James Bond or Harry Potter, chances are you’ll want to get it on DVD as quickly as possible to enjoy the special features. The filmmakers will make that DVD available, but know that they are very likely also planning an even bigger release several months down the line, anticipating that you will like it so much, you’ll want this deluxe edition. This is not an absolute given; it’s just true in the majority of instances for bigger films, so if you are really eager for a DVD, you should acquire it sooner than later and hope they offer an incentive for trading up down the line. However, if you can, try to resist a DVD of a major film on its initial release if that release is soon after its cinematic release, because odds are you’ll find yourself double-dipping in a few months.

Gauging New Video Rental Releases

When it comes to older movies, studios make it very difficult to ascertain when they are going to be made available in home video format. On Amazon’s Web site, you can request to be informed when a particular title will be available. They claim this information is passed on to the studio so that they can gauge customer interest. Whether or not this is strictly accurate, studios certainly do research to determine what from their library might make them the most money. If you look at some of those releases and scratch your head, what you need to be aware of is that there is a rigid logic behind the system.

How Home Entertainment Works

So you’re in the video store looking for something interesting and see an intriguing title next to two or three others that look dire, all from the same studio. There is some connection, like they’re all dramas from the 1950s, or maybe they all feature a particular actor, but the only reason the obscure, terrible-looking films are there is because studios and rental houses have a deal. In order to get the desirable films, a rental shop must agree to stock a few copies of the lesser films. Hence, the package.

New video rental releases of older movies will also follow a holiday timeline. Of course you know when Christmas movies will come out, or a romance, and a horror movie will always be available for Halloween, but if you’re wondering when a certain war or sport or western movie will be available? Nine times out of ten, it’ll come out in time for your Father’s Day shopping. Mother’s Day fare is more wide-ranging, comprising women-centered comedies, family dramas, musicals and classics. Thinking of a silly teen sex comedy? Around about the time school is out for the summer, it will turn up. These older titles are prepared at least four months in advance, so if there’s something for which you want to agitate, bug the studio in good time.

Keep Your Eyes On the List

Finally, for those who always want to see whatever’s new, stay on top of the list provided by rental shops. Many will make the list available online, so you can see what’s coming up not just next week, but in the next few months. The only tricky part is balancing your time so you can actually watch the movies.