Kludgeless

As I headed out of my local grocery store the other day, I noticed a big red vending machine full of new release movies. The sign read redbox. What really turned my head was that video rentals were advertised at only $1 a night. So I tried it. And I’ll never go back to Blockbuster video again. It’s phenomenal.

Here’s how it works:

You find a redbox, pick a movie using the big touch screen buttons, swipe your credit card, and your DVD pops out of the machine in a sturdy little plastic case. Take the movie home, watch it, then bring it back to any redbox by 7 PM the next day and it’s just a dollar!

Now I can rent 10 new release movies from redbox for the same price I used to pay for just 2 at my local Blockbuster. Or I can rent 18 movies for the cost of my old Netflix subscription. And if I’m late a night or two it’s no big deal because it only costs an extra dollar a day. Plus you can reserve a movie online so you can pick it up when you’re ready.

The one major drawback to redbox is that they only stock popular, new release movies. Not a problem if you’re like me and that’s mostly what you watch, or if you just want something dirt cheap to supplement your current rental habit. Also, they’re still expanding so you might want to check their website for locations close to you before you go searching every grocery store and McDonald’s in your area, which I’m sure you were thinking of doing.

Oh, and one more thing. You can try Redbox for free by going here and giving them your email address, which they dutifully promise not to share with anyone else. I got a coupon for a free DVD rental in my inbox within seconds. Just remember to select Rent with Coupon on the first screen when you go to pick out a movie at your local redbox machine, and enjoy your movie!

Update: The New Release is another DVD kiosk similar to redbox, currently available in select areas.