TECNOSFERA
Disney to Test Self-Destructing DVDs: Disney movies on disposable DVDs are set to arrive in convenience stores, pharmacies and other outlets in a four-city test of whether Americans will pick up a limited-life DVD rather than dropping by a video rental store.
The red DVDs turn an unreadable black 48 hours after their packages are opened, exposing them to oxygen which reacts with the disc in a process similar to how Polaroid film develops.
The DVDs, which are being distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Disney's home video unit, will carry a suggested price of $6.99.
Some retailers are expected to sell them for as little as about $5 said Alan Blaustein, Chief Executive of Flexplay, which owns the self-destruct technology.
The advantage to the disposable DVD format - known as EZ-D - is that such discs can be sold anywhere and never need to be returned, potentially making any retailer a competitor with Blockbuster Inc.