People still stinging from the Netflix fiasco announced back in July now have another option: Blockbuster. DISH Network purchased the failing retail chain back in April. Now, they will revive the company as a viable alternative, and this competion could get interesting.
This week, DISH Network announced Blockbuster Movie Pass, which promises discs, games and streaming for the low price of $10 per month. The catch? The Movie Pass service will only be available to DISH Network subscribers, at least for now. An open membership to Blockbuster Movie Pass may be offered at some point in the future, but for now, DISH Network customers get an exclusive.
Of course, this isn't the first time that Blockbuster has tried the streaming thing. Back in 2008, Blockbuster launched its own on-demand service, which included 2Wire's MediaPoint Digital Media Player. DISH, on the other hand, currently offers a variety of TV, music and movie titles, through its own DISH Cinema platform. But Blockbuster Movie Pass is more akin to the Netflix model in that it combines physical disc rentals with all-you-can-eat streaming of select titles.
The service also takes advantages of Blockbuster's remaining brick and mortar locations by offering local in-store rentals and exchanges, something that Netflix cannot do. According to DISH Network, more than 100,000 DVD movies, TV shows and games will be available by mail. The service will come in three flavors, with one-, two- and three-disc plans, starting at $10 per month. One nifty perk is that there won't be any additional charges to get Blu-ray discs (Netflix charges a premium for this).
For those needing instant gratification, Blockbuster Movie Pass will offer over 3000 movies that can be streamed to the TV, with another 1000 or so that can be viewed on a PC. There will also be hundreds of TV titles available on demand.
If you're frothing for new titles and can't wait for the mail, the service also includes the option for unlimited exchanges at any participating Blockbuster store. Last, but certainly not least, Blockbuster Movie Pass includes access to 20 different movie channels, such as MGM, Epix, Sony Movie Channel, PixL, and more.
"With millions of Internet-enabled DISH Network set-top boxes deployed in U.S. homes and our ability to offer services from the iconic Blockbuster brand, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the myriad of ways consumers seek access to their favorite movies, TV shows or games," said Joe Clayton, CEO of DISH Network. "When you combine Blockbuster Movie Pass with a DISH Network subscription, you get endless entertainment options and convenient access to the content you want, when you want it. And unlike other companies, we offer the simplicity of one company, one bill and one connection."
The official launch date for Blockbuster Movie Pass will be October 1, 2011. New customers that sign up for DISH Network between that launch date and January 31, 2012 will get one year of free Blockbuster Movie Pass service. To get this freebie, you will need to commit to a minimum of 24 months of the America's Top 200 programming package or greater, as well as a DISH Network HD DVR. Those choosing the America's Top 120 programming package will get three months of free Blockbuster Movie Pass service. After the promotional period, the service starts at just $10 per month.
"We've created a package that combines the best assets of the movie entertainment and video gaming industries with the convenience and integration provided by a multichannel video provider," said Michael Kelly, president of Blockbuster. "Blockbuster Movie Pass is the ultimate programming package for every movie buff. The combination of DVDs by mail and unlimited in-store exchanges provides more than 100 million people living near Blockbuster stores, which are open 7 days a week, immediate satisfaction and unmatched choice."
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