Make it a Blockbuster Night

To give their competitors (a.k.a. Netflix) and those of us who love to watch TV shows on DVD something to talk about, Blockbuster launched their Total Access program a few months ago with huge success. A company that was struggling with sustaining their market share very strategically won over fans by saying those five magic words, "Never be without a movie." And they mean it. No, really, they do.

Here are the basics. Blockbuster Total Access is both an online and an in-store program. Blockbuster.com has a comprehensive database of movies and TV series (a much more elaborate selection than what is available in their stores); their Total Access program allows you to create your own watch list, and have the DVDs sent right to your mailbox. There are several perks to having the Blockbuster Total Access pass vs. renting the DVDs from the store. The most obvious benefit saves you at least a few trips to the store (although take my word for it, you will be going to the store for more DVDs a lot). While you can argue that convenience and selection are reasons enough to sign up for this program, I will give you the reason to beat all reason - cost! This is what it comes down to - rent three movies a month from Blockbuster, and you will pay roughly $15; sign up for the Total Access plan where you get three movies sent to you at the time, and you will pay $17.99 a month. Sure, if you intend to rent less than three movies a month, you won't need to bother with this program. Chances are, though, that if you are a movie renter, this peaks your interest. With multiple price plans to chose from, you are sure to find something that works for your budget (I don't think I need to go over the price plans when they are so nicely outlined here).

Here is where Blockbuster kicks butt. When you receive your three movies in the mail, you can watch them at your convenience and not worry about any late fees (yeah, I know that they have advertised this, but it's not the same thing). Now, you can take the three movies you have received and ship them back to get additional ones from your list, OR you can bring them back to a local Blockbuster and exchange then for another three movies/games. Blockbuster folks will ship the movies you bring back to the warehouse where they came from. While they do so, the next three movies on your list will be making their way to your mailbox. Additionally, you can return or exchange one movie at the time (so you are not obligated to sit through a marathon of movies before you can get something new to watch). The flexibility works well for both those with kids and those with busy schedules (that covers everybody, right?). You will have to follow the return schedules of the store for those movies that you pick up there, but their "no late fees" policy applies here. Oh, and one more perk. Every month, you get a coupon for one free rental in addition to the movies you are receiving and exchanging. I've used the coupon. And you will too.

Confused yet? The bottom line is - when they tell you that you will never be without a movie, they mean it.