Blockbuster has announced a new deal that aims to push its Blu-ray movie selection to new customers by offering those who sign on to one of two subscription rental plans a $50 Blu-ray player. Some unfortunate caveats mean those who have yet to purchase a dedicated BD player or a PlayStation 3 may want to think long and hard about the promotion.
According to Home Media Magazine, Blockbuster customers who sign up for a new one-year membership to either its $15/month by-mail Total Access plan or the similarly-priced in-store Combo Pass equivalent can grab a Toshiba Blu-ray player for $50 through December 26. Those with a pre-existing monthly membership (full disclosure: folks like me) are left out in the cold.
It's a nice gesture, but with some Toshiba BD players already under $100, this deal is really only for those who aim to take advantage of the company's paid membership plans by renting often. You're spending $180/year for the subscription, but saving just $20-50 on a Blu-ray player.
This isn't the first time this year Blockbuster has trotted out a so-so "deal."
The company attempted to "rescue" Netflix members upset over a 60 percent price hike this summer with a free trial to the Total Access and a follow-up offer that really didn't save takers any money when measured against similar Netflix by-mail plans. Blockbuster also tinkered with daily rental prices in a bid to better compete with Redbox's successful business model.
Its biggest move to pull customers from its main competitors, however, was spearheaded by new parent company, Dish. The telecom launched the Blockbuster Movie Pass, a streaming and rental package, in October. However, the nascent service was limited to Dish customers. (via Home Media Magazine)
