Cost: $1 per rental

What to enjoy:
Found in a number of supermarkets and pharmacies, Blockbuster Express is Blockbuster’s video rental kiosk, allowing you to rent movies for $1 straight from the machine (which, yes, does look a lot like an ATM). As for rental fees, if you turn the DVD in past 9 pm the next day, you pay an extra dollar.

Features:
Blockbuster Express is out in competition with Redbox. Both offer instant rentals charging a dollar a day rentals and have hundreds of film available, however Blockbuster Express offers email coupons for free movies. The one drawback: Blockbuster Express doesn’t offer as many movie titles as Redbox, plus the machines aren’t nearly as widespread. Moreover, while Blockbuster does have a big name brand, they don’t have the ability to reserve films online, as Redbox does, but they are the new kid on the block and they promise to have more on the horizon.

News & Updates:
Video Business (8/12/09): – NCR-made machines expected to be in all Big Y stores by Sept. 3 – “Blockbuster is expanding its customer reach with a deal that will put Blockbuster Express DVD rental kiosks in Big Y grocery stores throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.” {Read more}

Press Release:
Street Insider (8/17/09): NCR Accelerates Deployment of BLOCKBUSTER Express(TM) DVD-Rental Kiosks in Publix Super Markets – NCR Corporation has reached an agreement to operate its DVD rental kiosks in Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the U.S. NCR plans to complete the installation of its BLOCKBUSTER Express DVD-rental kiosks in most Florida-area Publix stores by November 1. {Read more}

Cost: Free

What to enjoy:
Crackle offers streaming feature-length movies and television (with a surprising amount of the old cartoon shows like He-Man and Voltron that children of the ’80s used to watch and love). The streaming website includes clips and trailers for upcoming films, works with independent online distributors, and even produces its own entertainment content. Crackle also has a fun wit about them, which can be found in their blog and episode descriptions.

Third-Party Features:
Crackle’s content can be accessed via many third parties, including Hulu, YouTube, Boxee, Sling, and TV.com.

News & Updates:
Variety (4/29/2009): Sony offers free films on Crackle.com – “Sony is making more of its films available for free on Crackle.com, the company’s online movie and TV video website, adding “Spider-Man 2″ and other male-skewing titles as it looks to lure viewers and advertisers.” {Read more}

Cost: Rentals: $1.99 – $3.99 | Purchases: $9.95 – $19.95

What to enjoy:
The CinemaNow library contains approximately 14,000 feature-length films, shorts, concerts, and television programs. CinemaNow allows streaming directly to your computer or Web-enabled TV.

Third-Party Features:
CinemaNow streams its content to various LG Blu-ray players: LG BD370 and LG BD390.

News & Updates:
PC World (9/15/2008): Copy CinemaNow Films with Dell’s Qflix DVD Burner – “Dell is teaming up with Sonic Solutions to offer an external drive that allows users to download movies from CinemaNow and burn them to DVDs.” {Read more}

Cost | What to Enjoy | Features | News & Updates | Press Releases

Cost: $1 per rental

What to enjoy:
Found in a number of supermarkets and pharmacies, Blockbuster Express is Blockbuster’s video rental kiosk, allowing you to rent movies for $1 straight from the machine (which, yes, does look a lot like an ATM). As for rental fees, if you turn the DVD in past 9 pm the next day, you pay an extra dollar.

Features:
Blockbuster Express is out in competition with Redbox. Both offer instant rentals charging a dollar a day rentals and have hundreds of film available, however Blockbuster Express offers email coupons for free movies. The one drawback: Blockbuster Express doesn’t offer as many movie titles as Redbox, plus the machines aren’t nearly as widespread. Moreover, while Blockbuster does have a big name brand, they don’t have the ability to reserve films online, as Redbox does, but they are the new kid on the block and they promise to have more on the horizon.

News & Updates:
Video Business (8/12/09): – NCR-made machines expected to be in all Big Y stores by Sept. 3 – “Blockbuster is expanding its customer reach with a deal that will put Blockbuster Express DVD rental kiosks in Big Y grocery stores throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.” {Read more}

Press Release:
Street Insider (8/17/09): NCR Accelerates Deployment of BLOCKBUSTER Express(TM) DVD-Rental Kiosks in Publix Super Markets – NCR Corporation has reached an agreement to operate its DVD rental kiosks in Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the U.S. NCR plans to complete the installation of its BLOCKBUSTER Express DVD-rental kiosks in most Florida-area Publix stores by November 1. {Read more}

Blockbuster Total Access

Cost | What to Enjoy | Features | News & Updates

Cost: Plans range from $8.99 – $19.99

What to Enjoy:
Choose from Blockbuster’s huge inventory–over 90,000 titles–and watch them without fear of late fees. Blockbuster also allows a limited amount of in-store transfers.

Third-Party Features:
While Blockbuster does offer online streaming, it’s not through their Total Access plan. However, they do offer Blu-ray movies without an extra charge; and, for an additional $4.99, you can rent video games.

News & Updates:
Engadget.com (2/23/2009): Blockbuster hamstrings Total Acces rental plan – “You know what the last thing a losing company should do? Something that makes even more of its customers jump ship. As Blockbuster looks to cut costs and buy fewer DVDs from studios, the company is also hoping that Total Access customers don’t notice a tiny change (posted in full after the break) in the fine print.” {Read more}

Cost: $1 a night

What to enjoy:
Redbox offers movie rentals at one dollar a day at its 15,000 kiosks (many located in stores nationwide). You can return the DVD the following day, at any kiosk, not only the one from which it was rented. If you keep the film an extra day, your credit card is billed only one more dollar. Redbox also allows viewers to pay and reserve their movie online so it’s available when they arrive at the kiosk. Blu-ray rentals are also only $1, though the discs cannot be reserved online, and are not available at every location. Video game rentals are available for $2.

Features:
While Redbox has a huge number of DVDs, most of them are new releases. They don’t have the library as deep as Netflix’s, nor Blockbuster OnDemand, but their easy pick up and drop off rental method, makes them a convenient choice for renters.

News & Updates:
Engadget (8/17/09): Redbox debuts $2 video game rentals – “If you’ve been waiting expectantly for Redbox to launch its much dreamed-of video game rentals kiosks — well, dream no more. Word has come down from on high that it’s happened, and we’ll tell you: we couldn’t be more pleased. For $2 a night (which isn’t really a great premium compared to Blockbuster’s $9 for five nights), you can hit up the kiosk and grab games for Nintendo DS, Wii, PS2 and 3, and Xbox 360.” {Read more}

Video Business (8/13/09): Warner lines up with Fox, Uni on kiosk window – “Warner Home Video officially lined up with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment in pushing a later release window for DVD rentals through vending kiosks.” {Read more}

Variety.com (8/12/09): Redbox files suit against Fox – “Redbox has filed suit against 20th Century Fox because of the studio’s new distribution terms, which would prohibit Redbox kiosks from carrying Fox DVDs until at least 30 days after their initial street date.” {Read more}

Variety.com (8/11/09): Redbox lands Lionsgate DVDs – “Lionsgate has signed a five-year, estimated $158 million deal to distribute its DVDs to the kiosk operator on a film’s initial street date, according to an SEC filing by Redbox parent Coinstar. The output deal, which runs through August 2014, guarantees Lionsgate an approximately 7.4% market share in Redbox kiosks.”{Read more}

Sales Info:
L.A. Times (8/4/09): Redbox revenue more than doubles, testing new pricing models – Redbox has filed suit against 20th Century Fox because of the studio’s new distribution terms, which would prohibit Redbox kiosks from carrying Fox DVDs until at least 30 days after their initial street date. {Read more}

Cost: $39.99 + 14 day free trial.

What to enjoy:
Install PlayOn onto your PC and stream media to your networked media device. If you’re still scratching your head, take a look at this diagram…

…basicially this means that you can get Netflix Instant on your Xbox 360–for example–without that pesky Xbox LIVE Gold Membership). This also means that you can get Netflix Instant on your Nintendo Wii or your PlayStation 3. PlayOn also works with HP MediaSmart TVs and Moxi HD DVRs. PlayOn is only available for the PC.

Third-Party Features:
Receive content from Netflix, Hulu, CBS, YouTube, CNN, and ESPN.

News & Updates:
Engadget (07/30/2009): PlayOn Media Server now serving Wii customers (in beta anyway) – We knew good and well that the fine folks over at MediaMall were toiling away in an attempt to bring internet TV content from YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN and a host of other sources to Nintendo’s white-hot Wii, but there’s just nothing like hearing that intentions have become reality. {Read more}

Want to get your movie fix on your iPhone or iPod touch? There are a multitude of great apps out there that can help curb your craving, whether you want to manage your DVD library or Netflix queue, watch clips and trailers, or just find the right film to see later in the day…

Find Apps:

1. Flicktweets – Free
The first site to organize and filter tweets about movies, Flicktweets presents only the most relevant tweets, helping moviegoers determine what movie to see whenever they’re ready to see it. Flicktweets covers current releases, DVD releases, and film classics.

2. Fandango – Free
Browse movies now playing and movies coming soon, watch trailers, get showtimes, and purchase tickets. This app also cues up Google Maps to get directions to theaters.

3. Boxee Remote – Free
The Boxee remote app turns your iPhone into a Boxee remote control. The Boxee remote application connects to Boxee over WiFi and has two modes: Gesture Mode and Buttons Mode. The Buttons mode allows you to connect through buttons on the iPhone while the Gesture mode allows the user to use your thumb on the boxee logo to link up with boxee on your screen. It takes some getting used to but has big benefits.

4. Netflix – Free
The Netflix iPad application allows the iPad user to use instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix Instant. You can watch as often as you’d like and it’s a part of your Netflix Unlimited membership.

5. IMDb – Free
Browse for movies opening/playing, movies coming soon, box office results, showtimes (search by zip code), watch trailers and clips, and get full movie data (cast, credits, synopsis).

6. Slingplayer Mobile – 29.99
Watch and control your home television and DVR with Slingbox and this helpful app. This app works over 3G and Wi-Fi in connection with Slingbox SOLO, PRO or PRO-HD.

7. Amazon Moblile – Free
While allowing the user to purchase the wide variety of merchandise available through Amazon, Amazon Mobile also has Video On Demand available including movie trailers.

8. LogMeIn Ignition- 29.99
This application allows the user to remotely access one or more computers anywhere, anytime. Mac Mini users who set up their Mac Mini as a HTPC love this application for easy remote control.

9. i.TV- Free
Find local TV listings, Netflix, iTunes, and use your iPhone as a remote for TiVo HD DVRs and Roku Players (including Remote DVR scheduling for broadband-connected TiVo DVRs). Also this app allows users to share what they’re watching with friends with Facebook and Twitter.

10. Vudu- Free
The VUDU Movie Catalog application for iPhone and iPod Touch allows the user to browse and search through VUDU’s expansive movie catalog.

11. redbox- Free
The official iPhone app from redbox allows you to browse and reserve a movie and find the nearest redbox.

12. Blockbuster- Free
Search the 95,000 movie titles and add, delete and reorder movies in your Blockbuster Movie Queue. The app also allows you to find the nearest Blockbuster store and see if the movie you want is in stock.

Cost | What to Enjoy | Features | Video | News & Updates | Press Releases | Editor’s Assessment

Cost: Instant comes free with Subscription

What to Enjoy:
According to their website, Netflix is the world’s largest online movie rental service, boasting a deep well of over 100,000 titles (both movies and TV shows) available on DVD and Blu-ray. Netflix Instant is a free service to all subscribers that streams on-demand, DVD-quality movies and TV shows for viewing on any computer (PC or Mac). Netflix boasts “over 12,000 movies & TV episodes” are available via the stream. Depending on your subscription, you can watch as many movies as you want, as often as you wish.

Third-Party Features:
Netflix Instant’s stream is available on Xbox 360 (via Xbox LIVE Gold Membership) and Roku through exclusive partnerships. PlayOn gives Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii owners access. Netflix Instant are also integrated into various Web-enabled TVs and Blu-ray players from LG, Vizio and Sony.

Editor’s Assessment:
Netflix has emerged as the leading DVD rental service in the United States and with their Netflix Instant integration into web based televisions and Blu-Ray players they seem to be making huge strides in the field.

Cost | What to Enjoy | Features | News & Updates | Sales Info

Cost: Free, plus a Paid On-Demand subscription

What to enjoy:
Established by cable provider, Comcast (and part of their Interactive Media Department), Fancast offers a wide selection of TV show clips, full length episodes, feature length movies, and trailers. While Fancast is offered by Comcast, you don’t need to be a subscriber to enjoy the videos.

Third-Party Features:
Content is streamed from feeds via Hulu (for Fox and NBC shows), TV.com (for CBS shows), and ABC (for their shows) the latter opens in a separate ABC video player. Their TV content is quite extensive, and you can browse for shows from dozens of TV networks: Click here to browse.

For your movie fix, Fancast’s library is just as extensive as that on Hulu’s, and it includes much of the same movies as well. For a fee, Fancast’s On-Demand service gives you the most recent movie releases (movies that just hit DVD). Both SD and HD quality are offered, designed to be best optimized by your screen resolution.

Links to content:

Fancast is currently only offered online, though CNET explains how you can access Fancast via the iPhone.

News & Updates:
Video Business (07/09/2009): Starz puts content in Comcast’s OnDemand trial – “Starz Entertainment will join Comcast’s OnDemand Online trial, enabling subscribers to both services to watch select Starz movies and original programming on Fancast.com and Comcast.net at no extra charge.” {Read More}

Sales Info & Figures:
Forbes.com (08/05/2009): Comcast Set To Broadcast Q2 Earnings – “Investors will be tuning in to second-quarter earnings from cable provider Comcast on Thursday morning to see whether it will echo Time Warner Cable’s disappointing comments regarding growth trends for the rest of the year.” {Read More}

Cost: Prices for Amazon’s Video On-Demand vary by title and availability (whether it’s a new release). Generally, the On-Demand rental costs $0.99. A TV Pass, allowing you to get all episodes of a particular season, will cost $1.99/per.

What to enjoy:
Amazon stands as one of the biggest entertainment retailers on the web. Known primarily as a book retailer, Amazon has effectively branched out into offering movies, music, video games, home appliances, furniture, toys, and clothes.

For movies you have two options: buying the DVD or Blu-Ray disc, or watching it immediately via their Video On-Demand service a re-branded form of what they originally called “Unbox” (Unbox is now a locally installed player that allows people to download HD-quality movies/shows).

Third-Party Features:
On-Demand is Amazon’s 24-hr rental service that works like Netflix Instant: you pay a small fee to watch movies online, on your computer, or on a portable device. You can also synch your rentals and purchases over to TV via TiVo–a similar service is set up for Sony BRAVIA users. TiVo, Sony, and Amazon have linked their services, disallowing the need for any direct connection to the computer. The service is accessible directly from TiVo, or BRAVIA’s Internet Video Link, by following a few on-screen instructions. Vice versa, you can click the TiVo icon on Amazon (this is not available for BRAVIA users). You can also synch On-Demand purchases through the Roku box. Amazon On-Demand will also be available on an upcoming Blu-ray player from Panasonic.

Video:

News & Updates:
Video Business (08/04/2009): – Panasonic enables Amazon VOD on Blu-ray set-tops – “Panasonic has formally rolled out Amazon Video On Demand to all of its current Blu-ray Disc set-top player models. The company automatically updated its player software today to deliver Amazon’s offering of 45,000 movies and TV shows, including 1,000 titles in high-definition. Users must register their player with Amazon Video On Demand to access the service.” {Read More…}

Sales Info & Figures:
Video Business (07/23/2009): – Amazon’s Q2 profit falls 10% – “Amazon.com’s second-quarter earnings fell 10% as worldwide media sales flattened on lower videogame sales and changes in foreign exchange rates.” {Read More…}

Editor’s Assessment:
Amazon On Demand offers inexpensive movies at a good quality for rental and purchase. Also consumers don’t have to worry about movies taking up space on their hard drive since all movies exist on the amazon cloud.