Blockbuster has launched Blockbuster Online, their inevitable response to Netflix. While the service is officially still in beta, anyone can sign up for an account, and the tv ad campaign starring a somnolent Carmen Electra is in heavy rotation.
Blockbuster Online offers more than 25,000 titles, just like Netflix. Blockbuster's 3 out/no late fee account is $19.99 monthly, two dollars less than the same plan with Netflix. With the Blockbuster plan, you get two free in-store rentals a month as a bonus, which doesn't count against your account quota. I like that option a lot because as Netflix has been getting more and more popular, they've been getting slower and slower, and I end up renting new movies at Blockbuster anyway because I'm about as patient as George Steinbrenner. Then I curse Netflix as I watch my $5 rental. Blockbuster must have realized that they were getting a lot of "waiting for my Netflix" customers. Smart.
You can sign up for a free two-week trial at Blockbuster.
Oh, a little Netflix hint: If you threaten to cancel your account, you will get offered a discount if you commit to six months; it's $3 off if you're on the $21.99 plan. Don't be afraid when they tell you your cancellation is permanent, they're totally bluffing.