Distributors to set terms on new DVD releases

By RICHARD WOOD

The Government has decided film-makers or distributors have the right to decide when new-release DVDs and videos can be sold in New Zealand.

And it claims enforcing this right will benefit the local movie industry.

The Copyright (Parallel Importation of Films and Onus of Proof) Amendment Bill will ban retailers from importing videos and DVDs until nine months after global release. Individual imports will still be allowed.

The bill was introduced into the House in December and immediately attracted criticism from Consumers Institute chief David Russell, who said it was not in the interest of New Zealand consumers or retailers.

"This is the type of stuff people are buying over the internet. If they can't get it from their local shop they will be turning to overseas suppliers."

Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard said that while she admired the "enterprise" of parallel importers, that had to be balanced against the right of producers to "control their own product in terms of commercial release".