Amazon, has turned off the preorder function for DVDs of prominent Warner Bros. films as it seeks to raise pressure on the company during negotiations.”The Lego Movie,” for example, is listed as “currently unavailable” on Amazon. Set for release in the home video marketplace on June 17, there is no option to place a preorder.Warner is owned by Time Warner TWX, the parent company of CNNMoney.The missing preorder button illustrates the aggressive stance Amazon is taking in its negotiations with suppliers. Other retailers play hardball too — but Amazon’s gamesmanship is especially visible because it’s online.
Dispatches From The Front 