Cartoon Network's Robot, Sealab for MOD
PHYSICAL: Users can mix and match Adult Swim series episodes
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 11/16/2009
NOV. 16 | PHYSICAL: Cartoon Network is letting people mix and match episodes of Robot Chicken, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and others as part of a new DVD manufacturing-on-demand service.
‘Adult Swim’s Build a Custom DVD’ offers about 100 episodes of popular late-night Cartoon Network shows for a 110-minute personal DVD. By the holidays, the selection will include 1,000 episodes. Other featured shows include Sealab 2021, Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! and The Drinky Crow Show.
People also will be able to individually title their DVD and design their own artwork for its case.
DVDs are priced at $20 and will be created and shipped to buyers within 48 hours. Orders can be placed at the network’s online store at www.AdultSwimShop.com.
The Adult Swim service is the latest in a string of initiatives utilizing MOD to empower consumers with more DVD choice. Warner Home Video and Universal Studios Home Entertainment have recently launched MOD services to offer classic films that many retailers would likely deem too niche to carry in stores.
With complete season episodes generally spread over many discs, TV DVD titles are bigger relative to movies, which makes the category challenging to stock. Many retailers only carry series’ initial and most recent season installments on shelves.
Cartoon Network’s effort marks one of the first major TV-branded made-to-order DVD services. However, Amazon.com has sold numerous shows from Nickelodeon, CNN and other channels on its site that were manufactured on demand through Amazon’s CreateSpace service.
“We want to give the best experience we can to the Adult Swim fan,” said Christina Miller, senior VP of Cartoon Network Enterprises. “They want ultra empowerment to create their own product.”
Miller added that depending on the program’s success, Cartoon Network might extend the MOD service to feature additional shows beyond its Adult Swim block.
