How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Movie I Rented? Exploring Legalities and Costs
Have you ever rented a movie and wondered what would happen if you wanted to keep it? The cost and legality of doing so can vary widely depending on local laws and the policies of the rental store. This guide will delve into the complexities of whether you can buy a rental movie and the associated costs.
Understanding the Legalities
The primary issue in renting a movie and wanting to keep it resides in copyright and licensing laws. Most rental stores are bound by agreements that prohibit the sale of their copies to the general public, as this could infringe on the filmmaker's rights. However, the specifics of this can change based on the jurisdiction. For instance, some states might allow for certain exceptions if the movie is rare or unavailable in other formats, but this is highly case-specific.
The disks that are intended for rental are often labeled as " rental only" and selling them can be illegal. This is often because these disks are produced under specific agreements with content creators, and reselling them outside that scope might violate those agreements. In a similar vein, normal commercial disks that you might purchase from a retail store are also subject to rules. Renting them out isn't usually prohibited by copyright law, but specific rental regulations might exist, especially if you're trying to distribute copies that haven't been officially rented out by the studio.
The Cost of a Normal Purchase
So, what are the alternatives if you absolutely want to keep the movie? Your best course of action is to buy a normal retail copy of the movie from a shop or an online platform like Amazon. This ensures that you have full ownership and the ability to keep and view the movie indefinitely.
Typically, the cost of a retail DVD or Blu-Ray is around the same as its rental cost. For newer releases, the rental price is often cheaper, but popular movies that have been out for a while may be sold at a lower price to encourage more sales. Buying the disk outright provides you with additional benefits such as full control over the physical copy, additional viewing sessions, and the ability to sell or trade it in the future.
Comparing the Cost and Convenience
Comparison shopping can be crucial when deciding whether to purchase or rent. For instance, if you are a frequent movie watcher, buying the movie might be more cost-effective in the long run. On the other hand, if you are not planning to watch the movie more than a few times, renting could be the more economical option. It's important to factor in the convenience of watching the movie whenever you want, and not having to worry about the movie's availability when you desire to watch it.
Additionally, some streaming services now offer the option to "own" a movie. While not physically owning the media, this type of purchase allows you to watch the movie on any device you own, without the need to rent it again. The cost of such a service can vary, but it offers a level of convenience that traditional media ownership does not.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to rent or purchase a movie depends on your own preferences and budget. While rental stores rarely offer the option to buy a copy of the movie, buying a retail copy from a shop or online platform is the best way to ensure that you can keep the movie. The cost of a retail disk is generally around the same as a rental period, but it provides you with the convenience and ownership that renting doesn't.
For those interested in the legality and cost of renting and buying movies, researching both options and their associated costs and benefits is crucial. Always check local laws and the policies of the rental store to ensure you are complying with copyright and licensing regulations.