Mailbox vs. Drop Box - Comparing DVD Rental

You've seen the advertisements, heard about them in the news and maybe even know people that use them—how do online DVD rental services really stack up against your local video store? Let's look at some factors:

DVD Rental Selection

If you're a casual renter that's just after the latest releases, then a broad DVD rental selection may not be a big deal. But if you really love movies, then your cinematic avenues can't be fully realized on the New Release isle. Movie coinsurers need access to large collections of classic movies, foreign films, independent films, anime and documentaries.

Established online DVD rental services, like Netflix and Blockbuster Online,offer right around 70,000 DVD titles. I don't know about you, but last time I visited my local DVD rental store, the selection was nowhere near 70,000.

DVD Rental Convenience

When the mood hits you and you decide that it's movie night, you probably go through some version of the following:

First, there's getting into your car, which can be more than simple in the wintertime and then drive several minutes to your local video store. Upon arrival, you find the New Release section and perform the side-step shuffle, scanning shelves of the same movies you stared at on the last visit. After moving from A to Z, you either make your selections, rescan, or start over in a new section. And let's not forget the fun of maneuvering around other people and their noisy kids, the long check-out line and the drive back home.

With online DVD rental services, your journey begins with the click of a button and the hum of your home computer. After signing in, you can search for movies by title, actor or director or sort choices by genre, or even more, by subgenre.

Online you'll find both new and old releases for thousands of movies your local rental store has never even seen. After picking some winners—and you'll know they're winners after checking out convenient online reviews—you add them to your movie queue (which is a fancy word for holding pattern) and maybe shuffle around your movie priority list. And as far as watching, no sweat, you already have three movies waiting by your TV that arrived five days ago. And keep in mind; this is all without going further than your computer or mailbox.

DVD Rental Fees

The amount you pay for a movie rental depends on where you rent. Some places charge a few bucks a piece but require you to return the movies by the next business day. Others charge much more, but let you keep the movies longer. One thing all rental stores have in common—you'll get charged even more if you're late returning movies to the designated drop box.

Online DVD rental services usually charge a flat rate that gradually increases depending on how many DVDs you want to rent at a time. But you are never tied to due dates and never charged late fees.

Why? The faster you watch and return movies, the more movies they mail you back and the more value you get for your money.

So whether your hot button is great selection, simple convenience or incredible value, online DVD rental services make sitting down to a good movie just that much better.

Other articles of interest: Raise Your DVD Rental IQ