Redbox has launched a new on-demand streaming service, which will allow users to buy and rent digital movies and TV shows. Redbox is best known for physical DVD and Blu-ray rentals found at its bright red kiosks. On Demand is now in public beta and will offer many of the same new-release movies and shows that are available at kiosks, the company says. The new service isn’t like Netflix or HBO: there are no subscription fees, and customers just pay for each movie or show they rent or buy. It’s basically a competitor to iTunes and Google Play.
"We know consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to subscription streaming services, but no other brand is as closely associated with new-release movies as Redbox," said Galen Smith, CEO of Redbox, in a statement.
Redbox began testing this streaming service (its second attempt) in July 2016. It also began offering digital purchases from its kiosks recently, but earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Redbox was facing a lawsuit from Disney for selling digital download codes to the studio’s films. Redbox says it averages 1 million disc rentals each day.
The new on-demand service is available through the Redbox website, or the Redbox app both on iOS and Android, as well as Apple TV, Chromecast, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, and Roku. On-demand movies and TV shows start from $3.99 for 48-hour VOD rentals, and $9.99 for digital purchases.