Movie rental savings
Netflix announced last week that it would change its pricing structure, charging an extra $6 per month for consumers who both stream videos and borrow DVDs. Consumers are angry about the change -- "Dear Netflix" has been a trending topic on Twitter, and Netflix has received hundreds of comments on its blog posts and sites. Kelli Grant, Senior Consumer Reporter for SmartMoney.com tells how to find the best rental options now.
Visit kiosk rentals. Redbox and Blockbuster Express offer new releases and popular titles for $1 per night via kiosks at supermarkets, drugstores and other locations. Promo codes can drop the price to 50 cents, or even yield free rentals. But selection is limited, and rentals get expensive if you don't remember to turn them in the next day.
Although in-store rental prices have dropped, they are still among the most expensive options. The last big chain, Blockbuster, now charges $0.99 to $2.99 for a one-day rental. A cheaper option with a broader selection and older titles is your local library. See what you can rent there for free.
Netflix and Blockbuster's mail delivery programs are still the best bet for frequent renters, but which program depends on your habits. Blockbuster doesn't offer streaming, but its cheapest $12 plan+ includes Blu-ray and five free in-store rentals per month.
Apple, Amazon and Blockbuster all offer 24-hour downloadable or streamable movie and TV episode rentals for $1 to $4. You can even buy a movie to watch later. All three sites offer regular deals, so skip the expensive movies. This week, the first part of the last Harry Potter was $0.99 on Apple, instead of $4.
A host of sites, including Hulu, Crackle and Xfinity, offer free movies and TV shows streamable to your computer or TV. Selection varies by site, with more available if you're willing to pay. Comcast, which owns Xfinity, offers more content for cable subscribers. Amazon has also been growing its on-demand video selection, with free access to shoppers who pay $79 a year for free shipping through Amazon Prime.
For more information on movie rental options and other consumer tips click here.