Cheap Movie Rentals

I love movies because they are my way of escaping from the daily grind of life. They are my relaxation. Renting allows me to watch movies at a cheaper price than the movie theater, and I can watch special features on DVDs as well. Movies, DVDs, renting,, and the television are all such great ideas. There’s only one problem. When I borrow movies, especially newly released movies, it costs me almost $5! Those rental fees stack up. Aren’t there any alternatives to Blockbuster, Hollywood Videos, Netflix, and the likes? Yes there are!

1. Albertson’s
Did you know that some Albertson’s branches have a movie rental service? It’s free of charge to sign up, but you have to be at least 18 years old. They don’t have as much selection of movies as the mainline movie rental businesses because how could they? The movie rentals are usually tuck snugly in a little rectangle space alloted by the store. However, their prices are great. It may depend on each branch, but on Mondays and Wednesdays, new releases are only $0.99 for one night.

On other other days, they are $3.00 for 3 days and 2 nights. Older movies have reduced prices. Yes, renting for only one night might be a drag, but are you really going to spend days watching the movie and any special features? Again it may depend on the branch, but the movie rental opens at 8am and closes at 9pm. There is a late fee, but for every 10 movies you rent, you get 1 free rental. Also, if a guaranteed copy is not available, it’s free the next time you visit. Just ask for a raincheck.

Check other local grocery or drug stores to see if they offer a movie rental service. Chances are, they charge less than mainline movie rental businesses.

2. The library
Your local library is a treasure chest! Contrary to popular belief, libraries are not boring. They carry DVDs, VHS, and other media items such as CDs and books on tape. You must be an avid and early library goer to snag newly released movies, but the rental is always free! It depends on the library, but for the San Jose Public Library, movies can be borrowed for a week, plus one time renewal. They cannot be reserved online anymore. Visit your local library and find out their rules on borrowing media items, renewals, late fees, and find out their business hours. Warning: you may have to hold on to dear life as you brave the throngs of kids around you.

3. Your friends
True friends let you smooch off of them. Hey, if they bought it or borrowed it, it wouldn’t hurt to ask if you can borrow the movie from them. If they say no, they say no. If they say yes, then respect their property (if they bought the movie) and respect due dates for rentals.

Movie rental fees don’t have to eat up your money. There are really cheap and really free movie rentals. You just have to find them.