In recent weeks, there has been a wave of hand-wringing and even finger-pointing over the decline in DVD sales.

Some have aimed their ire at DVD rental, especially Redbox, as having a negative impact on the market for purchasing DVDs. But the answer to what is causing the decline in DVD sales is much more complicated.

Without a doubt, the primary culprit in the decline of DVD sales is the poor economy, which is forcing consumers to reduce purchases of everything -- even essentials.

In recent weeks, there’s been chatter attempting to explain the decline in DVD sales, linking this trend to a multitude of factors: consumer preferences, changing physical media, the economy and shrinking retail footprints.