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Blockbuster Review: Online DVD Rental |
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| Two week free trial and DVD exchange in stores | |
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Blockbuster has been playing catch up to NetFlix in the online rental game, leveraging their position as the top in-store rental company to offer some unique features that make Blockbuster a good option for those that live near a local Blockbuster store and still want the option of picking up a movie there. Blockbuster has been able to virtually match NetFlix in terms of number of titles and speed of delivery. Recently, Blockbuster introduced their new Total Access plans, which offers extra value by allowing you to return your DVDs to the local Blockbuster AND instantly exchange them for another movie from the store at no additional cost. Of course, you can always just mail your DVDs in as well and receive the next one in your queue back by mail or just return the DVD to the store and have the next one arrive by mail, but this in-store exchange option allows you to get the next movie you want instantly. Blockbuster's newest plan is called Blockbuster By Mail which is for those who want to stay away from stores altogether or don't live near a Blockbuster store. Since this plan is only by mail there is no in-store exchange. This plan is notably cheaper than the Total Access plans but does not include the convenience of returning your movie to a local Blockbuster store. Blockbuster has done a nice job with their web site as well, offering a recommendation engine based on your ratings of movies that you've seen, user reviews and trailers for some movies. They recently improved the site, making it easier to browse, select, rate and get recommendations on movies. They still lack critics' reviews and a friends' ratings option, both of which NetFlix has, but other than that their site is great. Blockbuster Online has a nice self-service help system, email support, and phone support if you run into problems.
In terms of plans and pricing, Blockbuster offers options very similar to NetFlix. All plans charge a monthly fee and vary by the number of DVDs you can have out at one time and the maximum number of DVDs you can rent per month. There are two types of Total Access Plans; Total Access-Limited In-Store Exchange and Total Access Unlimited In-Store Exchange. The Limited In-Store Exchange Plans limits you to the number of movies you can exchange in the store per month. The Unlimited In-Store Exchange Plans give you the option to continuously exchange your movies within any Total Access participating Blockbuster Store. For a limited time Blockbuster is offering a two week free trial when you sign up through this website. After the two week free trial you will be signed up for the $9.99 per month plan which allows you one movie out at a time with a maximum of two movies per month. Blockbuster's most popular plan is the Total Access Limited, which allows three movies out at one time for $19.99 per month. This is a $40 value and by signing up through our site, you can take advantage of the exclusive two week free trial. Other Blockbuster plans are as follows: Total Access Limited In-Store Exchange Plans $9.99/month (1 at a time, 2 max/month, 2/month In-Store Exchange) $11.99/month (1 at a time, Unlimited/month, 2/month In-Store Exchange) $16.99/month (2 at a time, Unlimited/month, 3/month In-Store Exchange) $19.99/month (3 at a time, Unlimited/month, 5/month In-Store Exchange) Total Access Unlimited In-Store Exchange Plans $21.99/month (1 at a time, Unlimited In-Store Exchanges) $29.99/month (2 at a time, Unlimited In-Store Exchanges) $34.99/month (3 at a time, Unlimited In-Store Exchanges) Blockbuster By Mail Plans $3.99/month (1 at a time, 2 max/month, No In-Store Exchanges) $8.99/month (1 at a time, Unlimited/month, No In-Store Exchanges) $13.99/month (2 at a time, Unlimited/month, No In-Store Exchanges) $15.99/month (3 at a time, Unlimited/month, No In-Store Exchanges) You can change your plan at any time after signing up by contacting Blockbuster at 866-692-2789. Blockbuster does not rent games (except for the free in-store rental coupon) or adult movies so you'll need to try another service such as DVD Avenue or CinemaNow (no games) if you are interested in those genres. Overall, Blockbuster Online offers an excellent service. While the online service alone is virtually the same as NetFlix, the in-store exchange option makes it an excellent value for anyone with access to a local Blockbuster store. |
| Free Trial: | Two weeks |
| Monthly Price: | $8.99-$34.99/mo |
| Delivery Speed: | One or two days if mailed, instant if exchanged in store |
| Late Fees: | None |
| Shipping Fees: | None |
| Customer Service: | Email & phone |
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