The Blockbuster Movie Pass - What is it? How do I get it?
DISH Network has changed the scene again, for the better.
October 4th, 2011, Lutz - Back in April of this year DISH Network purchased the beleaguered company, Blockbuster. With the advent of Netflix, and RedBox, and other competitors, like Hulu, the traditional movie and video game rental store found itself in serious trouble. DISH Network saw serious opportunity, and took it. Now that opportunity can benefit you directly.
In this article we're going to take a closer look at the Blockbuster Movie Pass, exactly what it is, why you may or may not want this, and how to get it.
Excitement Level = High.
How did you hear about the Blockbuster Movie Pass?
What is the DISH Network Blockbuster Movie Pass?
It is unlike anything that has ever been offered by a TV company, so it deserves some explanation. The Blockbuster Movie Pass is a combination of three services: Streaming video to your TV and your PC, DVDs and Video Games by mail, and over 20 premium HD channels. It all works seamlessly with your DISH Network account and the high speed Internet connection you already have in your home. It is billed directly through your DISH account, and best of all? It's included for free for new customers and for existing customers.
Stream video, like movies and TV shows, directly to your TV or your PC
Streaming is becoming more and more popular. Most people are familiar with it now. When you watch a video on Youtube, you're streaming the video. If you have Netflix, or Hulu, you know about streaming video directly to your TV or your PC. It's easy, convenient, and really nice. Now you can do this with DISH Network, powered by the Blockbuster Movie Pass.
You browse a massive library of titles, including movies and TV shows, select what you want to watch, and there it is - on your TV. The library of titles includes your old favorites and some of the new releases! This is typical, as most of the brand new releases are reserved for the DVD by mail program, which is included too.
DVDs (including Blu-Ray), and Video Games by Mail from the Blockbuster Movie Pass
There are two ways to use the DVD and Video Game by mail aspect of the Blockbuster Movie Pass. (1) You select what you want from an online library and create a queue, or (2) you can walk into any local Blockbuster store and exchange a DVD or Video Game for a new one. Many of you may already be familiar with this process through a company like Netflix, but the Blockbuster Movie Pass makes it easier, and offers you more.
- There are over 100,000 titles to choose from.
- New release movies are available before Netflix and Redbox. Sometimes this is a whole 28 day earlier!
- Blu-Ray rentals do not cost extra. They are included.
- Since this is a "by-mail" program, there are no late fees or due dates. It's on your schedule.
- This is a big one - You get unlimited in store exchanges for both DVDs and Video games. Don't want to wait for the mail? No problem. Walk into your local Blockbuster store and make an exchange.
- One disc at a time not enough? No problem. We have three options. You can change your settings to (1), (2), or (3) DVDs/Video Games at a time. Each setting has a different monthly fee.
Blockbuster Movie Pass also comes with over 20 premium HD channels!
Since DISH Network is one of the premier TV service providers it can also bundle together some of its best channels and offer them to you as part of the Blockbuster Movie Pass. Some of you may be familiar with DISH's old premium HD channel package, called the DISH Platinum, but what they've done is roll that package, with a few changes, into the Blockbuster Movie Pass.
Here are the channels included in the Blockbuster Movie Pass
- Centric
- Crime and Investigation Network
- Encore Suspense (sometimes called Encore Mystery)
- Epix
- Epix 2
- Hallmark Movie Channel
- HD Theater
- HD Net Movies
- Indieplex
- Logo
- MavTV
- MGM HD
- Palladia
- Pixl
- Retroplex
- Sony Movie Channel
- Starz Cinema
- Sundance Channel
- Universal HD
- World Fishing Network (WFN)
If you'd like to see a more detailed list of the Blockbuster Movie Pass Channels click here.
How exactly does it work, and how do I get it?
Let's explain briefly how the Blockbuster Movie Pass actually works. The streaming is done through DISH's online website called DISH Online. You can stream to your TV or your PC. How does the streaming to your TV work? Is that done right through the receiver? Simply connect your receiver to your home's high speed Internet connection and you'll be on your way.
When you're ready to start receiving DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and Video Games in the mail all you have to do is log into your account at DISH's website and start creating a queue. It's easy to do and very similar to Netflix.
The third aspect of the Blockbuster Movie Pass, the 20+ HD channels, is the easiest part of all. You turn on your TV, and you can watch the channels. It's that simple.
So how do I get the Blockbuster Movie Pass, and how much does it cost?
The Blockbuster Movie Pass is so new, and so different than anything a TV service provider has ever done, DISH has decided to include it for all new DISH Network orders and Existing Customers looking to try it out. There are two ways to try the Blockbuster Movie Pass Promotion:
- Choose any of DISH's most popular packages and you can try the Blockbuster Movie Pass free for three months with no commitment to keep it.
- If you select one of DISH's bigger packages, like the America's Top 200 or above, then you can get the Blockbuster Movie Pass free for the first year (12 months). DISH requires that you keep it for 24 months if you select this option.
If you're an existing DISH Network customer, just call customer service and ask for assistance. If you're not a DISH Network customer, click on one of the links in this article to get connected with a retailer and place an order.
There are three service levels with the Blockbuster Movie pass and they are priced in a straight forward manner. 1 disc at a time is $10 per month, 2 discs at a time is $15, and 3 discs at a time is $20 per month. All service levels include the streaming and the 20+ premium HD channels. If you take the free promotion, but need more than 1 disc at a time, you can upgrade, and just pay the difference. For instance, you'd pay $5 for 2 discs or $10 for 3 discs during the promotion.
DISH has changed things, in a big way.
DISH has always been known as an innovator in the industry. The were the first to offer FREE HD for Life for new and existing customer, they were the first to introduce the Sling Adapter and the 922 receiver which offers you live and recorded TV service on mobile devices, and now they are the first to offer streaming, DVD and Video Games by mail, and 20 premium HD channels all for one low monthly price billed directly through your TV company.
DISH is the leader right now. Only time will tell how the other big players, like DIRECTV, Charter, Verizon, and COX respond to such an ambitious new program.
Enjoy!
