ONLINE DVD RENTALS

What? Rent a DVD Online?


Instead of operating retail stores (with the exception of BlockBuster), Online DVD Rentals house their DVD's in central warehouses. Because they have more room to store DVD's, you have a much bigger selection than you can ever hope for in a retail store. Registration, selecting the type of plan that works for you, and ordering your choice of DVD's all take place online, in the comfort of your own home. When you register online, you'll have a variety of plans to choose from, based on the number of DVD's you rent each month and the number you have mailed to you at at one time. Most companies offer "Unlimited," "Limited," or "Package" plans. If you hate visiting your local video store or finding that your local store does not have the movie you want, this may be just what you're looking for. Follow along as we tell you about the major rental outlets, plans, pricing, how to sign up and rent DVD's, movie choices, and more.

Major Players in the Online DVD Rental Business

  • NetFlix:
  • Shares top billing with Blockbuster. NetFlix invented online movie rentals in 1999, and has been number one ever since. They offer more than 70,000 movie titles, and rates range from $4.99 for the "one at a time-limit 2 per month" plan, up to $23.99 for 4 movies at a time, unlimited number of movies per month. They have 41 distribution centers throughout the US, and usually have your selection to you in 1 business day, 2 days at the most. They have excellent customer service, utilizing web self-help service as well as email and telephone.
  • Blockbuster:
  • Well known as a retail outlet for rentals and purchases, Blockbuster is one of the top online DVD rental sources. Because they also operate actual stores, you can return your movies to your local store if you chose, rather than mail them in. This allows you delivery on your next title faster than mailing them back. Their plan prices range from $5.99 a month for 1 DVD at a time--monthly limit of 2, up to $23.99 for 4 DVD's at a time, and an unlimited number you can rent. Shipping is free, your selections are mailed within one business day of ordering, and as mentioned before, you can return them to your local Blockbuster for faster service. Blockbuster also offers a free 14-day trial. More than 65,000 movie titles to choose from, classics to new releases.
  • Intelliflix
  • is a nice alternative to Netflix and Blockbuster, and offers lower prices and some other plans that the top two do not have. They also rent video games. Customer support is handled via a self-help web form or email, their response time is good for support. Shipping is free, new rentals arrive in your mailbox from 1-3 business days after ordering. Pricing ranges from $3.99 a month for the "one at a time, maximum two rentals a month" plan, to $16.99 a month for 3 rentals at a time, no monthly limit. With Intellifix there is also the option to prepay for a year at a time, saving you even more money.
  • Peerflix
  • is a little different that the other three companies we've mentioned. Instead of renting DVD's from their company, they have created a community where you trade DVD's with other members of the community. You pay $.99 each plus postage. If you trade very many DVD's, this could end up costing you nothing because you earn credits to receive DVD's every time you send one out. Peerflix does a good job of matching up traders who live in the same general area, thus keeping shipping costs down to a minimum. There are no membership fees, and may be worth a try for this reason alone.

How It Works

Once you've made your choice of DVD rental services, signing up is as easy as locating the registration form on their web site. If you're still unsure about committing to this, both Netflix and Blockbuster offer 14 day free trials, so you can see how you like getting your DVD's through the mail before committing to membership. If you decide you don't want to continue, cancel anytime before the 14 days are up and you are charged nothing. If you want to continue, no need to do anything else, your membership will automatically continue.

After signing up, select your movie choices from the company library and they will be kept in your own personal library, or rental queue. The first one(s) will arrive at your door in about one to three business days after you've signed up. As you receive, view and return each DVD, the next available one on your list is automatically shipped to you. There are no late fees or due dates, so you can keep the DVD's as long as you wish. Keep in mind, however, that no more will be shipped to you until you return them. And shipping is free for all but Peerflix. As long as you keep your library updated with your viewing choices, DVD's are automtatically mailed to you based on your rental plan.

Parting Thoughts

If you find yourself dreading the visit to your local video store, unable to find your choices of movies available, or just want to choose your DVD's in your own home at any hour of the day or night, we recommend looking into one of these DVD Rental services. You can have your choice of DVD's delivered to your door for less than the cost of renting from your retail store, free shipping, and videos delivered within a couple of days. You can make selections to add to your rental queue at any time of the day or night. And if something comes up to change your movie viewing plans, you don't have to worry about returning your DVD's without having watched them because of the due date of your local retail rental store. And with free trials available from the top two renters, what have you got to lose?

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes