The regulators in the States and Europe have given the thumbs up for the sale of EMI Music Publishing to Sony. But Universal is still waiting for European regulators to rule on their takeover of EMI’s recorded music operations, which is due in August according to Billboard.
Cinram Files For Bankruptcy
Cinram, one of the world largest CD, DVD and blu-ray manufacturers, has filled for bankruptcy. This was in response to the loss of a major contract with Warner Music Group Corp.
EU Politician Says ACTA Is Dead
Alexander Alvaro, a member of the European Parliament, has issued a statement to Billboard stating that he expects the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement will be rejected by the European Parliament.
The agreement is currently be reviewed by the Committee on International Trade. Additional information can be found here.
Bill C-11 Update
Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act, will be up for its third reading vote by June 18th in the House Of Commons.
The Avengers & Hunger Games – Pre-order ?
 
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It appears that Hollywood is no longer waiting for films to leave the theaters before issuing release dates for DVDs and Blu-rays.
A few days back I had discovered that Men In Black III was available for pre-order from amazon.com Spring blockbusters have usually been slated for release during the Christmas season. But it appears they will be released in late summer/early fall. I guess the earlier release dates can be attributed to the digital film conversion in theaters. It’s much easier to produce blu-rays and DVDs from films that are already in a digital format. The previous 35 mm motion pictures required extensive conversion before they could be made available for distribution on blu-ray and DVD. Perhaps digital films will be made available for rental or purchase online within weeks of their theatrical release in the near future. Some independent films were already made available during their theatrical run, some on the very day they were released in theaters. |
. And now 
are available for pre-order as well.