Just this past weekend, while spending some time with my dear mother on her birthday, the topic of conversation turned to movie rental services when I handed her one of my dvds that I had just watched, that I knew she would enjoy. I handed it to her and told her to watch it, then showed her how to put the dvd back in properly and seal it up. She was amazed that you simply put the dvd in the mail and they send you another one.
Of course, then I had to tell her that usually I do something even better - I take them into the brick and mortar Blockbuster store and trade it right there on the spot for something new. Usually, I get a new video via mail to replace the turned in one in just a few days. So it's like constantly having videos at your disposal. And for only $17 and some change after taxes (that's for the two-at-a-time, unlimited access plan; you can get more or less for, well, more or less). I also get to print out one coupon per month for a free in-store movie or game rental. My package is "Blockbuster Total Access Premium".
Mom was like, "Wow, that's a lot better than $100 for the movie packages on cable." No kiddin'! And I get to pick what I want, not take what's available. Oh, and did I mention virtually no late fees? NO late fees on the dvds that come in the mail. On the ones you pick up in-store: yes, you have to take them back, but you get a week extra from the due date before they charge your account (or debit or credit card if you have one on file). Then, if you take them back (like within a month or so) you get your money back, minus $1 and some change ($1.26 I think). Now, you have to admit, less than a dollar for late fees is really great, not to mention the extended time frame for returns.
Blockbuster has also recently introduced online downloads where you can get the movie you want right away. Prices vary according to movie choice. I haven't tried that out, because movies on computer are just too techno for me. Maybe soon...
