Will brick-and-mortar movie rental stores soon be a thing of the past? If the recent demise of chains like Blockbuster Video and Movie Gallery is any indication, more consumers are thinking outside the box stores to find their favourite movies and TV shows. The launch of new services in Canada means more choice and competition in the market — but will you see savings?
Admittedly, our U.S. neighbours have more options when it comes to media, but here’s a look at what’s available here in Canada — and what it might cost you.
Independent movie rental stores
Have you checked out your area’s independent movie rental store yet? You won’t find nationwide promotions or a huge selection, but many places have their own loyalty programs, pricing and specials — like “half price Wednesdays”.
Cost: prices vary by stores and whether the movie is a new release or older flick. Some sources we checked charge up to $6.00/night for a new release or for an older movie for five nights. If you rent lots of movies, you can often take advantage of discounts and freebies. Look for the store’s website or call for more information.
Rental kiosks
Think of them as vending machines for movies and games. Already a hit in the U.S., kiosks like Moviecube and Spotbox (the Canadian version of Redbox) are popping in Canada. (You may have already seen them at fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores.) The boxes can hold hundreds of DVDs and often focus on recent releases. Just like a trusty vending machine, you pay and make your selection. When you’re done, you return the item to the drop box.
Cost: prices are usually $2.00 per rental, though some places can go as low as $1.00. The U.S. has some perks we may not see here like online reservations.
On Demand
If you subscribe to digital cable or satellite TV, you don’t need the movie channels to enjoy the occasional commercial-free click. On Demand services offer a pay per use “rentals” through your service or online. If you haven’t already tried it on your TV, you go to the preview channel to order your selection — a PIN number may be required — and the rental fee simply shows up on your next bill.
When you rent a film, you don’t have to watch it right away: you have access to it for 48 hours and you can pause and rewind as many times as you like. Unlike movie rental stores or kiosks, the movies are available all the time, and you don’t have to leave your home.
Cost: again, it depends on the movie and your provider. There’s a premium for new releases, and you’ll pay extra for high definition too. For instance, new releases from Rogers On Demand run $5.99 for regular video and $7.99 for HD and classic titles are $3.99. For full details, contact your service provider or visit its website.
What about TV shows? While you usually can’t rent past seasons, you can watch recent episodes for free — if you don’t mind the commercials.
