Blockbuster Online Review 2009
This review is for Blockbuster’s online dvd rental service and not the experience in their brick & mortar stores.
Blockbuster US online rental service launched in August 2004 and is up there with netflix as one of the big 2 services, now offering a massive range of 75,000+ dvd’s for rental. Some exceptional features with this service include movie critic reviews, tens of thousands of movie titles and after a free trial membership for the most popular $19.99 plan, the first month is only $9.99.
Blockbuster has set up numerous distribution points throughout the country to accomplish this faster. Movies are usually delivered within two postal days. 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.
When you view a particular film, they use a widget to present information about “If you like”, “Customer reviews”, and “More information” in the same space. I was already a longtime member of the video store chain. I tried the online rentals because it was a good way to get hard to find movies through the mail while getting the kids movies at the store.
**Blockbuster Online no longer offers online video game rentals.
Signing up for Blockbuster Online only took a few minutes, about the same time as Netflix. The clear advantage of Blockbuster that was apparent from the start was the fact that you can rent and return your movies from the store as well as online. To entice you to try them they offer you a 2 week trial.
Blockbuster Online trails Netflix in the amount of movies offered; however they still have a whopping 75,000 separate titles.
Blockbuster makes it very easy if you want to rent online they will also allow you to return the movies to the store. 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, Overall, I pretty disappointed with the Blockbuster and am feeling sorely tempted to go back to Netflix once my free trial runs out.
Blockbuster Online has search capabilities that allow you to search for video games by title, genre, rating, video game console or new releases. You can also view upcoming releases.
Overall and to my surprise, Blockbuster really held up to Netflix. It’s a shame, because I like the fact I could walk to my local store to return. If you’re a movie enthusiast or are looking for an online movie rental service that allows you to exchange movies in the store or in the mail then Blockbuster Online is the service for you.
You can change your plan at any time after signing up by contacting Blockbuster at 866-692-2789.
Visit Blockbuster Online.
