Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

DVD Pirates Outwit Hollywood

Pre-release bootlegging on the rise despite studio security measures

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 26, 2007 7:18 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The high-profile Oscar hopeful American Gangster opens next week—but it's already available as a pirated DVD for $5 or for free via internet file-sharing sites. American Gangster is the latest example of the upper hand that bootleggers have gained of late in their war against security measures, the Wall Street Journal reports. And the bootlegs are pristine quality, too.

In recent years, the studios' heightened security successfully staved off pre-release movie piracy. This year, however, Ratatouille, Sicko and Hostel: Part II have all appeared online before their cinema release. Studios have suspected in the past that some leaks came from Academy members who screen films to recommend them for Oscars, but no copies of American Gangster were sent out.

The facade of the Apollo theatre is seen where the Premiere of American Gangster was held Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
The facade of the Apollo theatre is seen where the Premiere of "American Gangster" was held Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)   (Associated Press)
Flo, a DVD sniffing dog, drops a case in exchange for her reward of a tennis ball after finding a box of pirate discs during a demonstration in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. While the dogs have been lauded for their efforts in helping authorities crack down on counterfeit discs,...
Flo, a DVD sniffing dog, drops a case in exchange for her reward of a tennis ball after finding a box of pirate discs during a demonstration in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. While the dogs have...   (Associated Press)
Flo, a DVD sniffer dog, waits for her reward after finding a box of pirated discs in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. While the dogs have been lauded for their efforts in helping authorities crack down on counterfeit discs, the director of worldwide anti-piracy for the U.S.-based Motion...
Flo, a DVD sniffer dog, waits for her reward after finding a box of pirated discs in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. While the dogs have been lauded for their efforts in helping authorities crack down...   (Associated Press)
In a file photo pirated movie DVDs are seen on sale beside a sidewalk in Beijing Tuesday Nov. 14, 2006. The Chinese government on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 criticized U.S. plans to file World Trade Organization complaints over Chinese product piracy and market access for movies, music and books,...
In a file photo pirated movie DVDs are seen on sale beside a sidewalk in Beijing Tuesday Nov. 14, 2006. The Chinese government on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 criticized U.S. plans to file World Trade Organization...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

US says China slowing anti-piracy since WTO complaint
International Herald Tribune

Old-school thinking flunks with Disney's Iger
Hollywood Reporter

Look out for American Gangster
New York Daily News

 
Hollywood • piracy • DVD piracy • DVD • box office • bootleggers • movies

More Newser Stories

3-D Format Will Foil Film Pirates

Toy Story 3 Opens Strong

Alice in Wonderland Opens Huge at $41M

Bullock Rules 2009 Box Office

Blind Side Overshadows New Moon
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne