In the latest battle between studios and theaters in the theater-to-DVD windows war, Walt Disney has requested a shortening of a month for the home entertainment release of ALICE IN WONDERLAND, reports VARIETY [1].
U.S. theater chains haven't responded to the request yet, but U.K. theaters are threatening to not carry Tim Burton's 3-D extravaganza. However, there is talk that Disney might offer theater chains better profit terms on the title.
U.S. theater chains often give smaller titles a pass to release on DVD and Blu-ray early, but the only recent tentpole was G.I. JOE. Some theaters passed on CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS when Sony said it was going to release the film in the home entertainment market early.
As for VOD availability, Disney is looking into releasing films 50 days after theatrical release when piracy protection is improved. IFC and Magnolia have found success with early VOD releases.
Links:
[1] http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015033.html?categoryid=3599&cs=1&nid=2562