Flexplay disposable DVD revived at Staples

Warner, Paramount, DreamWorks providing titles

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 5/23/2008

MAY 23 | Disposable DVDs are making a comeback.

Staples will begin selling disposable discs from Atlanta-based Flexplay Technologies in its 2,000 stores across the country beginning in mid-June.

Flexplay has deals with Warner Home Video, New Line Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment and DreamWorks to sell new release movies on its disposable discs, according to its Web site.

Flexplay time-limited discs play for 48 hours after they’ve been removed from their sealed packages, essentially making them disposable rental discs. Discs will be priced between $4 to $6.

This is Staples’ first foray into DVDs. Up to now the company has only sold blank discs.

Staples stores will carry 24-26 different newer release titles at a time in standalone displays at the front of its stores, spokeswoman Amy Shanler said.

“It’s an innovative technology, and it’s perfect for our small-business customer who’s trying to squeeze a lot of work into their extra busy lives,” she said. “They can also pick up something for fun or for an upcoming business trip.”

Flexplay has tried to build a market for its time-limited discs before, doing a trial in 2003 with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, which is noticeably absent this go-round.

Disney sold movies on the disposable discs, dubbed EZ-D, in 7-Eleven stores and through pizza chain Papa John’s in select cities for a year before giving up on the concept. This time, Flexplay has lowered the price of the discs so that they are more in line with rentals. Flexplay also is promoting recycling of the discs on its Web site and will allow buyers to print out a prepaid mailer to return the discs to Flexplay for recycling.