LOS ANGELES -- In response to the widespread street-date violations that came with the release of "Jurassic Park," two major studios have issued new policies.
at Valley Adventure" as National Advertised Availability Dates. This date will consistently fall on Tuesday, and retailers who advertise the title prior to that time must say that it will be available on that date, or lose co-op funds. "Jurassic Park" was a MCA/Universal title.
In addition to implementing the National Advertised Availability Date MCA/Universal has set a Warehouse Ship Date and a combined Retail Availability Date and Will Call Release Date. The Warehouse Ship Date will be the Monday prior to the advertised availability date, and subdistributors, rack jobbers and direct accounts with distribution centers will not be allowed to ship the product before this date.
The Retail Availability Date and Will Call Release Date will be the first Friday following the Warehouse Ship Date.
FoxVideo, Beverly Hills, Calif., has established a program that includes a 24-hour hot line and penalties. Street-date violators can be reported by calling (800) 800-4FOX. When a violation is reported to FoxVideo, the studio will send out a field representative, who will confirm the violation, request compliance and report the retailer's response back to the company. FoxVideo will penalize confirmed street date violators.
Jeffrey P. Eves, president of Video Software Dealers Association, applauded these actions, as well as Buena Vista Home Video's success at restraining street-date violations on "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
"I think the actions taken by Disney, MCA and Fox are very encouraging and are a clear indication of studio support for the street-date concept and for video retailers. Furthermore, they demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the VSDA street-date summit meeting," he said.
