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 Amazon.co.uk's DVD rental service, launched in December 2005, uses the same excellent browsing system that their regular site is famous for. Once you sign up, you simply browse their normal retail DVD section, then just click "Rent Now" instead of "Buy Now"--it really is that simple, then you can prioritize your selection in numerical order. We like the fact that all the familiar Amazon ratings and helpful reviews are there. An additional, unique benefit is you get 10% off DVD purchases through Amazon. Also, they are one of the few DVD rental services that reliably indicates availability for each title--whether it's ready to ship now, short wait, long wait, released on day x, etc.
In February 2008, Lovefilm announced it would take over Amazon's DVD rental service. We're not sure about how long the process will take, but customers have been advised it will be in the "next few months.". They have a 40,000+ title library, not far behind the market leaders. In March 2006 they introduced WAP functionality to allow you to rent, or buy, DVDs on your mobile, an excellent feature.
Our only real quibble with their service is the fixed DVD rental limits, which are on the low side (2-4 discs per month). In 2007 Amazon finally broke down and introduced some unlimited services at cheap prices, but our feedback on the unlimited tariffs has not been that positive, with far more prase for the limited plans. Basically, if you only want to watch a few DVDs per month, Amazon's cheap, limited offerings are the best choice; if you want more, we suggest you go for one of the top unlimited services like Lovefilm, Blockbuster, MyMovieStream, etc.
Prices: Amazon are offering a special offer of two weeks; we don't know how long this will last, but they normally do not offer a free trial. Amazon's lowest subscription is 1 disc at a time, with a limit of 2 discs in a month for £3.99 (2 quid per disc, not too much under a rental store, so we wouldn't use this one), 3 discs in the month for £5.49 (1.83 per disc). They also have a 2 disc at a time, 4 disc total service for £6.99 per month (1.74 per disc). They've added a "top-up" of £1.99 per additional rental over the monthly limit if you request it.
However, in late 2007, they offered a full range of unlimited plans, just like the other companies, and we have yet to see how well they will withstand the additional demand. The prices are certainly cheap, with an unlimited 1 discs out plan for £8.49, 2 discs out for £11.49, and 3 discs out for £14.49.
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Featured Amazon.co.uk Customer Review
Johnny from Farnham, July 5, 2006
Simply awesome service. DVD's arrive very quickly which complements Amazon's general deli every speed. The envelope the DVD discs come in doubles up as the return envelope/pouch - so Amazon are clearly being economical which is good to see and the pouches are really easy to use - simply place into any post box once you're done with the dvd.
If there is a problem with a dvd disc (rare) - then the 'report a problem' option on your rental control panel allows you to easily report any error and you get a replacement within 2 working days - and the disc you had in the first place will not count towards your monthly rental quota - you simply send it back to amazing free of charge! Good work Amazon! VERY highly recommended!
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Most Recent Amazon.co.uk Customer Reviews
Theresa from Folkstone, April 28, 2008
I have been with Amazon since outset and will be sad to see their service transferred to LOVEFiLM. Admittedly the postage slowed whilst they were in talks with LOVEFiLM but they sorted out my complaint in not time at all, and kept me informed of progress via e-mail. I still have an excellent price with Amazon for being a loyal customer.
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Anthony from Yorkshire, April 19, 2008
I have been with Amazon for approx 8 months and at first the service was outstanding but within the last two months has gone down hill, in particular the speed at which they turn round the rentals, which now is significantly slower than when I first joined. I have now decided to cancel my subscription and joined lovefilm on a free trial.
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Peter from North Wales, March 11, 2008
I joined Amason in June 2007 when the number of dvds that you could have at any one time was restricted. Recently they have changed to unrestricted numbers but upto three at home at any one time with no time limit for keeping them. This really works for me. I pay 11.49 per month for 3 at home at any one time via my credit card and provided the postal system is on the ball, I have had as many as eighteen dvds in a month...just testing the system. Sadly, Amason have told its members that soon it is turning over its dvd rental to another company, one that is listed here. I note they are 4 a month more expensive so when that happens, I imagine I will move to another supplier.
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We also have a discussion group on Amazon.co.uk's DVD rental service in our Forum which may be of interest.
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