99-Cent Rentals at Blockbuster: Video Store Prices Get a Makeover

For those who love movies and enjoy catching up on their favorite TV shows on DVD, have no fear, because Blockbuster Video is here with a menu of cost-efficient choices for the remainder of the summer and beyond.

According to Westchase Blockbuster store manager Rebekah Vigliatura, DISH Network purchased Blockbuster about two months ago, and have been making customer-friendly changes ever since.

It comes at a pretty good time for Netflix customers, whose pockets are a bit lighter after the company’s 60 percent price hike.

The online and mail-order movie rental company — known for its signature fire engine red envelopes — incensed many of their 23 million subscribers last week when they announced their new price structure (effective Sept. 1). 

Here is an overview Blockbuster's new price points:

• DVDs less than six weeks old = $2.99 each
• DVDs between six weeks and one year old = $1.99
• DVDs older than one year (“Classics”) = $0.99

*All DVD’s are due back the next day unless otherwise noted. 

Current Summer Promotions (through September 5):

• “The Matinee” – Rent a $1.99 movie between 11am-3pm Monday through Friday and receive the movie, and 20 oz. soda (Coke Products) for $1.49. 
• “Forty Nine Cent Sundays / Lazy Sundays” – DVDs $1.99 and under are only $0.49 all day long
• “Camp Wanna’ Watch A Movie?” – Rent unlimited $0.99 kids movies form the ‘family’ section for the flat rate of $4.99 for 28 days.  Discs are limited to one at a time, unlimited due dates apply, *As an extra bonus, choose from a mesh SpongeBob or Princess backpack, perfect for back-to-school. Coloring sheets will also be distributed to children, and your child’s is chosen by the Blockbuster team, they are eligible to receive a free movie night, including: film of your choice, one candy, one popcorn, and one soda. 

In addition to these promotions, Vigliatura says that their exclusive 28-day rental exclusivity window helps them maintain a loyal customer base.

Unlike Blockbuster, both Netflix and Redbox aren’t permitted to rent film until four weeks after their original date.  New releases exclusive to Blockbuster this week include: “Limitless,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Arthur,” “Season of the Witch,” “Sucker Punch,” and “The Warrior’s Way.”

Blockbuster Video is located at 6882 Gulfport Blvd. S. South Pasadena in the Pasadena Crossing Shopping Plaza. Call (727) 343-6211 for more information.