Actually, the greater danger with digital piracy is the DVD market. It is well reported that US film studios are making more and more of their money from the DVD release of their films today. If the pirate can access the digital file, he can quickly create a DVD and flood the market before the studio can release their own version.
With that said, I would also expect to see the dates between theatrical release and DVD release coming closer and closer together. Theatrical releases, DVDs, Video-on-Demand are all facets of the same business model. Studios are realizing that they can make more money from minor hits/flops with the DTD (Direct-to-DVD) and VOD models with lower risk, while promoting the 'theater experience' for the blockbusters. Especially now with digital distribution, the studios will not have to invest as much in the theatrical release, meaning they do not need to restrict customers access to the movie on other medium for as long.
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Actually, the greater danger with digital piracy is the DVD market. It is well reported that US film studios are making more and more of their money from the DVD release of their films today. If the pirate can access the digital file, he can quickly create a DVD and flood the market before the studio can release their own version. With that said, I would also expect to see the dates between theatrical release and DVD release coming closer and closer together. Theatrical releases, DVDs, Video-on-Demand are all facets of the same business model. Studios are realizing that they can make more money from minor hits/flops with the DTD (Direct-to-DVD) and VOD models with lower risk, while promoting the 'theater experience' for the blockbusters. Especially now with digital distribution, the studios will not have to invest as much in the theatrical release, meaning they do not need to restrict customers access to the movie on other medium for as long.