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From: lvc@cbscc.UUCP (Larry Cipriani)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Why are prerecorded tapes so ?!$# expensive ?
Message-ID: <5260@cbscc.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 6-May-85 09:19:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbscc.5260
Posted: Mon May  6 09:19:24 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 8-May-85 01:45:21 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories <SCCS>, Columbus
Lines: 16

Why are prerecorded tapes (specifically movies) so expensive?
It seems to me (and friends I've talked to) that by keeping their
price high, piracy is encouraged.  More money could be made by
selling more tapes at lower prices than a few tapes at high prices,
thats just elementary economics.

Many movies I would like to own cost over $60.00 to purchase.
If I want it I'd have to tape it off of t.v., or be dishonest and
copy a rental tape.  If they cost, say $20.00 I'd consider buying.

Is Hollywood just stupid or is there a sound economic reason that I
missed ?  Are Americans so honest that piracy will never force the
prices down ?

Larry Cipriani
cbscc!lvc