Transformers: MPAA Vs. Camcorder Pirates

Watch out for the MPAA Police! Once a popular genre movie like Live Free or Die Hard is in release, countless movie pirates infiltrate theatres with their camcorders and cell phone cameras, ready to upload their data files online. The MPAA has tracked down five movie thieves with camcorders at Transformers showings in New York, California, Georgia, Illinois and Florida.

Inside the movie download community, which is wary and watchful of the MPAA, pirates like these are seen as rebel warriors. ""These are the unsung heroes that sacrifice so much for the enjoyment of so many," writes one unapologetic movie downloader. The studios see themselves as fighting the good and righteous fight against movie pirates to preserve the status quo for everyone who works in the movie business. But on some level they are turning their own customers into criminals, who enjoy their maverick status in the download underworld.

It's a tricky wicket. Lowering the price on legit high-quality downloads ASAP is one solution--which the studios won't do because they are still making so much cash on DVD sales commandeered by giant retailers like Wallmart, who call the shots. But that won't last forever.

Classic library titles are one place to start. I still don't understand why the studos don't sell those titles themselves online and let the long tail rule, as it does on Netflix.

Here's the Variety story.