The Redbox kiosk is pretty much self explanetory and basically once you're in front you can choose all sorts of movies that that particular dvd rental vending machine has. I was surprised that it had alot of the recent releases, not everything, but enough. I decided to select the "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (my son loves the books) DVD.
Once you select it, the disk automatically (mysteriously, I thought) slides out (on the side of the machine) protected in a plastic sleeve. I was looking for it to drop on the bottom..but no look for it on the side.
Although my rental was free (see above) the cost with everything is $1.10/day..yep, per day. So, you need to bring it back the next day, or you get charged everyday on your credit card the days you don't return it..no grace period. You can bring it back it to any Redbox kiosk, and surprisingly, they have many locations in my neighborhood.
Their website is pretty cool and their movie search function is just as fast as Netflix. You can even reserve your movie online to pickup at your local RB kiosk, BUT one thing I don't like is if you reserve it and don't pick it up/forget..you WILL get charged. I don't like this concept AT ALL -- I think a better way around it is if RB gives you a reservation code that has a time period, if you don't go to the machine by the time you reserved for pick up, then the reservation is lifted so the next customer can select it.
How does it compare to Netflix? Well, I don't see Redbox really competing with Netflix as NF has ALOT more to offer and selections. I think one way that RB could improve is if they install additional kiosk(s) next to each other, in the event that somebody is in front of you and they're taking forever to make a selection. Also, they should come up with a way to mail in the DVD (like NF), and not have to take it to the kiosk. Eh, but I'm sure they have alot lined up for the future..we'll see.
When we were not on Netflix we loved RedBox.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do think Netflix is a better value w/more choices, if you don't watch movies enough to justify a Netflix subscription (which used to be us) than Redbox is SO much better than expensive rentals at blockbuster or other movie outlets.
I think it's great that although you have to GO TO a redbox, you can search online to find a movie, AND you don't have to return the movie to the same box you got it from. For those that live near multiple redbox kiosk, it's super convenient!
Yes, Jenn, think the key is they install "multiple" side-by-side kiosks..I took the DVD that we rented yesterday and the line alone was about 7 people deep..and all I wanted to do was return it. Perhaps RB could create some unit that just accepts returns so those who are waiting don't have to..eh..just more RB kiosks in our Ralph's would help..
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