Posted on: Tuesday, November 16, 2004

HELP DESK
Web sites let you skip video store

By Kim Komando

Do you rent a lot of movies and games? Are you tired of driving to the movie store only to discover the DVD or video game you want is out of stock? Several Web sites might be just what you need. You'll never pay a late fee and everything is delivered right to your door.

There are three major online movie rental players — Blockbuster (www.blockbuster.com), Netflix (www.netflix.com) and Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com).

All offer an extensive selection of movies, competitive pricing (about $18 per month for three movies at a time) and short shipping times (one to three days each way). You can rent only DVD movies. If you are still using VHS tapes, you're out of luck.

Netflix and Wal-Mart are strictly online memberships. Blockbuster, however, acts as a complement to its video stores. Each month, you receive two free rental coupons that can be used at any Blockbuster store. This is a nice perk if you get a sudden craving for a Bond flick and don't want to wait.

The beauty of these sites is the instant access to reviews and ratings (both professional and consumer-written).

If you're looking for one site that rents both games and DVDs, there is the aptly named GameznFlix (www.gamez nflix.com). For $17.25 per month, you can check out a combination of three games and movies at a time.

For about $25 per month, Gamefly (www.gamefly.com), Gamelender (www.gamelender.com) and Gamerang (www.gamerang.com) allow you to rent three games at a time. All offer a mix of new and older games for gaming consoles. You cannot rent games for your PC.

With these companies, your selections are mailed to you and arrive with a prepaid return envelope. Once you finish with your selection, drop it in the mail. As soon as it is received by the company, they'll send you another.

There will be times when a really popular game or movie is not available. But unlike your local store, you don't have to keep calling or driving over to see if it's in. Put it on the list, and when it becomes available, it will ship.

If you rarely rent games or movies, an online subscription doesn't make sense. But if you're a heavy user, consider one.

Reach Kim Komando at www.komando.com/newsletter.asp.