Zoe Alvarez
Redbox is a video rental company that operates through kiosks, which are typically located in retail stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. The company began by renting and selling DVDs and later expanded to include Blu-ray discs and video games. Redbox also introduced a streaming service, Redbox Instant, in partnership with Verizon. The streaming service offered customers unlimited access to movies for a monthly fee, with the option to rent or purchase titles in SD or HD quality. Redbox kiosks stock a selection of roughly 200 titles, with multiple copies of popular movies. Customers can browse the available titles at the kiosk or through the Redbox mobile app and select their preferred rental length, typically ranging from one to two nights. The standard rental cost for DVDs and Blu-rays is $2.25, while 4K DVDs are priced slightly higher at $2.50.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of discs rented and sold | DVD and Blu-ray |
| Number of kiosks at its peak | 34,000 |
| Percentage of the US DVD rental market controlled at its peak | Over 50% |
| Number of titles stocked per kiosk | 200 |
| Number of kiosks with Blu-ray discs in 2010 | 13,000 |
| Cost of renting standard DVDs and Blu-rays | $2.25 |
| Cost of renting 4K DVDs | $2.50 |
| Late fees for standard DVDs and Blu-ray | $2.25 |
| Late fees for 4K UHD movies | $2.50 |
| Maximum rental period in most areas | 17 days |
| Maximum rental fees for Redbox movies | $38.25 + sales tax |
Explore related products
![The Rental [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dgBDaa5tL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Lone Survivor [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YqFLcAjdL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Journey 2: The Mysterious Island [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91l6AjxfIbL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Redbox's history and development
Redbox Automated Retail LLC was an American video rental and streaming media company, based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, west of Chicago. It was initially developed in Chicago as part of "Project 361", a McDonald's business expansion initiative. John Sexton Abrams, a strategy executive at McDonald's, designed the original concept as an immersive kiosk leveraging McDonald's product supply chain and geographic footprint to provide 24/7 access to fresh dairy and other products.
The kiosks first sold a range of goods under the name TikTok Easyshops, but in late 2003, McDonald's executive Gregg Kaplan decided to repurpose them for DVD rentals, which were tested in Denver in 2004. The company employed a "return anywhere" policy, which allowed consumers to return their rental to any Redbox kiosk, not just the one from which they originally rented it.
In 2005, Coinstar bought 47% of the company for $32 million, after unsuccessful attempts to sell half the company to Blockbuster and Netflix. Mitch Lowe, who had spent five years as an executive at Netflix, joined Redbox in the same year and became COO in 2005. In early 2008, Coinstar increased its share to 51%, before acquiring the remainder for $169-176 million in February 2009.
In April 2009, Lowe was named President of Redbox. In July 2010, Redbox began renting Blu-ray movies at 13,000 kiosks nationwide, and by the fall of 2010, Blu-ray Discs were available across the Redbox network. In October 2010, the company began testing video game rentals in several cities across the US.
At its peak in the early 2010s, Redbox operated kiosks at more than 34,000 locations, controlling more than half of the US DVD rental market. In December 2019, Redbox announced that it would no longer rent video games, and in February 2020, it launched Redbox Free Live TV. In June 2024, Redbox's parent company, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to liquidation proceedings. As part of these proceedings, Redbox's online streaming services and mobile app ceased functioning in July 2024.
Rent Escrow in Ohio: Your Rights and How to Exercise Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Neighbors [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91STHau9xlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Wrath of the Titans [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1zlq8jK0RL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![J. Edgar [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91O8IyjdaDL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Bourne Legacy [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71TdgKNUltL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91uBXLxV+XL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Rental process and costs
Redbox machines are available across the United States and offer a straightforward rental process for DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K UHD discs. The rental fees are charged per night and are as follows: DVDs and Blu-rays cost $2.25 per night, while 4K UHD discs cost $2.50. These fees are displayed during checkout, where you may also be presented with multi-night pricing options at a discounted rate. Prices may vary based on market and are subject to applicable sales tax.
To rent a movie from Redbox, you can use their website, mobile app, or kiosk. If you opt for online reservations, remember that they cannot be canceled. If you don't pick up the disc by 9:00 p.m. the following day, you will be charged for a one-day rental.
When returning your rental, you must do so by 9:00 p.m. on the due date to avoid late fees, which match the nightly rental rates. The maximum rental period is typically 17 days, after which you will be charged the maximum rental fee of $38.25 plus sales tax, and the movie is yours to keep.
Redbox also offers streaming services, allowing you to watch movies directly from their website without visiting a kiosk. On their website, you can select "On Demand" or use the dropdown menu to narrow your search by categories such as featured movies, new releases, and free movies.
Renting Out Your Home: License Requirements and Legalities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91-JKfdyZvL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![On Deadly Ground [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Spain ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ky5VqGJmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Kiosk locations
Redbox kiosks have been a familiar sight across the United States for the last 20 years. However, due to changing technology and the rise of streaming services, Redbox's parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, and kiosks are slowly being removed.
As of October 2024, there were still around 34,000 Redbox kiosks operational at locations such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger. However, these businesses are now planning to remove the kiosks for good. The removal process is not straightforward as the machines weigh 890 pounds and are often anchored to a concrete base.
If you are looking for a Redbox kiosk, your best bet is to use Google Maps to look up Redbox and see if any are still labelled as "open". You can also use street view to try and spot a kiosk. In general, if you are in a large city, you may need to go at least 30-50 miles out to find a kiosk as they have been removed from most metropolitan areas.
Some users on Reddit have reported finding functioning Redbox kiosks at grocery stores and Walgreens locations, even in cities where most kiosks have been removed. However, keep in mind that even if a kiosk is still physically present, it may no longer be operational.
Motorcycle License: Slingshot Rental Requirements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Streaming services
Some of the most popular streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock. These services offer a mix of movies, TV shows, and original content, with some focusing on specific genres or catering to diverse audiences. Netflix, for instance, is known for its extensive catalog of TV shows and movies, while Amazon Prime Video provides a varied library of classic and landmark films. Disney+ is the go-to for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars fans, and Hulu offers a generous selection of live TV channels. HBO Max bundles all of HBO's content with additional movies and TV series, and Peacock offers hit movies, iconic TV shows, and live news.
In addition to these mainstream services, there are also niche streaming platforms catering to specific interests and audiences. For example, Crunchyroll is a streaming service that specialises in anime, offering shows from Japan with short delays after their original airing. Similarly, BritBox, a collaboration between the BBC and ITV, offers a vast collection of British TV shows across various genres. For sports enthusiasts, options include B/R Live from Bleacher Report and premium Indian streaming platforms that offer live sports alongside movies and TV shows.
When choosing a streaming service, it's essential to consider factors such as cost, content availability, and device compatibility. Many services offer ad-free experiences at a premium, and some provide bundle deals that can be more cost-effective. It's also worth checking if the service offers the ability to download content for offline viewing, which can be crucial for travel or areas with unreliable internet connections.
With the ever-growing list of streaming services, it's important to weigh your options and select the ones that best fit your entertainment preferences, budget, and device setup.
Where to Rent Electric Scooters in Georgetown?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alternatives to Redbox
If you're looking for alternatives to Redbox, there are several options available, including free and paid services. Here are some suggestions:
Free Alternatives
- Crackle.com: Crackle offers a selection of free movies with commercials, providing an affordable option for movie enthusiasts.
- Public Movie Events: Keep an eye out for free movie screenings hosted by organizations like libraries, churches, youth centers, or outdoor theaters. These events provide a community-oriented movie-watching experience without any cost.
- Thrift Stores & Garage Sales: You can often find used DVDs at thrift stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army for very low prices. Garage sales are also great places to discover hidden gems and build your movie collection affordably.
Paid Alternatives
- Netflix, Hulu, Piksel, and Aframe: These are similar services to Redbox that offer movie and TV show streaming. Aframe, specifically, is a cloud video production platform that makes it easy to store, search, and share videos.
- Streaming Apps: Various streaming apps are available for Android devices, such as PLAYit, HelloTV, MovieFlix, Google TV, and Mobara TV PRO, each offering access to movies, TV shows, and other video content.
- Live Sports Apps: If you're a sports enthusiast, there are apps like Sportzfy, Vola Sports, and DStv Now that provide live streaming of sports events and popular international and regional television.
Studio Rental Costs: How Much Does it Take?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Redbox kiosks offer DVD and Blu-ray discs for rent.
Standard DVDs and Blu-rays cost $2.25 to rent, while 4K DVDs cost $2.50.
You can rent a DVD or Blu-ray from a Redbox kiosk, or reserve it in advance via the Redbox website or mobile app.
Redbox kiosks are located at retail stores, including convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
