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Amazon May Get Into DVD Rental Business

Competition Could Mean Lower Prices

Posted: 6:59 pm EDT October 25, 2004

There is good news for movie lovers, Denver television station KMGH reported.

There are signs of a price war brewing in the DVD rental business, and there may soon be a new player in the field.

Netflix was the company that got the business rolling, charging a monthly membership fee and mailing DVDs to millions of customers.

Netflix charges a monthly fee, promises a wide range of titles and, in most cases, makes overnight deliveries -- three DVD titles at a time if you want them. Netflix stocks 25,000 titles -- that's more than anyone else. There are no late fees or hidden charges and Netflix even pays the return postage on DVDs it sends out.

Blockbuster and Wal-Mart followed the lead of Netflix. Now, you may need to add Amazon.com to the list.

Anticipating Amazon's move, Netflix has lowered its monthly fee to $18 a month. Blockbuster cut its fee to $17.50 and Wal-Mart, which was the price leader, is said to be re-evaluating its price structure.

As successful as it has been, Netflix has some failings, according to the station. Customers don't get alerted to new releases, and Netflix doesn't do a good job of matching customers' tastes to movies it has in stock. Amazon.com does both those things well.

If Netflix and Amazon compete, look for some great competition, the station said. But if Amazon chooses to buy Netflix, don't expect to see any more price cuts any time soon.