Online DVD Rental Services

Blockbusters Total Access offers extra value. In additional to the mail option, you can also return your DVDs to a local Blockbuster and exchange them for another movie instantly. They also include a free in-store coupon each month for a movie or a game.

All Blockbuster's plans offer the monthly coupon and the ability to return and exchange movies at a local store:

• $5.99/mo. (1 at a time, 2 max/mo.)
• $7.99/mo. (1 at a time, 3 max/mo.)
• $9.99/mo. (1 at a time, unlimited)
• $14.99/mo. (2 at a time, unlimited)
• $17.99 (3 at a time, unlimited)
• $23.99 (4 at a time, unlimited)

Overall, Blockbuster Total Access offers an excellent service. Their in-store exchange option and free monthly coupon make it the best value for anyone close to a Blockbuster store.

NetFlix invented online movie rental in 1999. With 70,000+ titles and 41 distribution centers, they offer more movies than anyone else. All NetFlix plans allow you to keep each DVD as long as you like, then get a new one shipped when you send one back - free shipping and no late fees. All plans come with a 14 day free trial for new NetFlix customers.

• $4.99/mo. (1 at a time, 2 max/mo.)
• $9.99/mo. (1 at a time, unlimited)
• $11.99/mo. (2 at a time, 4 max/mo.)
• $14.99/mo. (2 at a time, unlimited)
• $17.99/mo. (3 at a time, unlimited)
• $23.99 (4 at a time, unlimited)

NetFlix recently announced a new feature for watching movie and TV titles on your PC instantly. This feature is included in all plans. The number of hours you can watch per month depends on your plan and will range from 6 to 18 hours.

If games aren't of interest to you and you have no desire to visit a Blockbuster again, NetFlix is the great choice.

Intelliflix offers cheaper prices and some additional services. You can save extra money by paying for a year in advance. The upfront plans (which they call SuperPass) are not refundable so you need to make sure you like the service before signing up for one.

Intelliflix offers plans that let you choose games and adult movies.

• $24.95/mo. (3 at a time unlimited, $177 year prepay)
• $11.92/mo. (2 at a time unlimited, $143 year prepay)
• $5.99.mo. (1 at a time/2 max mo, $71.88 year prepay)
• Pay per rental at $4.26-$5.32 per DVD (depending on title); you get the DVDs for 5 days, then charged $1.50 per day

Overall, Intelliflix is a choice if you are looking for the lowest price or want some of the unique plans including games and adult DVDs.

CinemaNow is the pioneer in the new movie download service market. Instead of getting a DVD, you download or stream a movie to your computer and watch it there or on another device your computer hooks to. You'll need a powerful Media PC (Mac not supported) to play high quality video.

You can stream (not download) as many movies as you want per month. You have access to adult titles as well. They also offer movies for rental and purchase on a download basis.

• Stream: $29.95/mo. or $99.95/yr.
• Rental: $.49 to $3.99
• Purchase: $9.99 to $19.99

They offer a 7 day free trial. An interesting, new service you might want to try out.

DVD Avenue has plans that include regular movies, games and adult titles. Their games seem fairly outdated, so if that's of interest, you should probably check out Intelliflix. Their movie selection is good, but smaller than the competition. Their adult selection is very good and they offer very reasonable plans.

All their plans follow the typical DVD Rental service, offering unlimited monthly rentals.

• $9.99/mo. (1 at a time)
• $14.95/mo. (2 at a time)
• $19.95/mo. (3 at a time)
• $24.95/mo. (4 at a time)

DVD Avenue has one shipping center in Maryland. If you aren't near Maryland, it will take a few days for your DVD to arrive. Main reason to check out DVD Avenue is if you interest is in adult films.