As streaming boxes take over TV other companies within the industry scramble to catch-up. And obviously are still missing the point.  

Comcast plans on launching the on-demand debut of Universal Pictures’ “Tower Heist”, Eddie Murphy’s action-comedy only 3 weeks after premiering in theatres. (Note - Comcast Corp is the parent company of Universal Pictures).  Of course, you have to hand over $59.99 to get a taste of Eddie and friends.  

So let’s think about this:

1. Unless the movie REALLY sucks, it’s likely it will stil be showing in most theatres when it launches on-demand. Won’t this cannibalize business from theatre owners? Of course, maybe Universal already knows it’s going to suck, so they want to distribute through as many channels as possible before we figure out just how bad it is. 

2. Entertainment companies are constantly wondering why so many people turn to piracy peer2peer sharing to access content. I’m not sure what they don’t understand - most of the films released are mediocre at best and paying $13 (in NYC) is painful as it is. But $59.99? Shouldn’t the idea be focused on how to get consumers to stop using peer2peer and instead pay for the content? $59.99 isn’t the magic number to make that happen. 

3. Who in god’s name is going to pay $59.99 to watch an Eddie Murphy film?

Once again, entertainment companies and cable providers think more about money, instead of creating a successful business model that gives customers want AND is profitable (um, have you ever heard of this man named Steve Jobs? Google him).  

I’m sort of wondering what they would charge for a Clooney movie…$599.99?