Blockbuster offers online free trial for Netflix users

Blockbuster is looking to capitalize on Netflix's price increases, offering current Netflix users a free 30-day trial to switch subscriptions.

Blockbuster said in a press release that it would begin "rescuing upset Netflix customers" with the offer. However, Blockbuster's prices—$10 for one DVD at a time, and $15 for two at a time—remained higher than its competitor's plans for standard-definition discs.

[UPDATE July 18, 2011: Netflix currently charges $8 for one DVD at a time and $12 for two DVDs at a time. But, it also charges an additional $4 per month for Blu-ray disc rentals. As a reader pointed out, since Blockbuster's online plans don't charge extra for high-definition discs, its options could be seen as competitive. —Ed.]

On Wednesday, Netflix announced that it was raising its monthly rate to $16 for one DVD rental at a time plus unlimited online streaming. However, choosing to rent only one DVD at a time will cost $8, and two DVDs at a time will cost $12--figures that are both 20 percent cheaper than the offers from Blockbuster.

Furthermore, Blockbuster's streaming service, Blockbuster On Demand, is not included in its monthly subscription rate. Online rentals from Blockbuster On Demand start at $2.

But Blockbuster is hoping that customers will make the switch because the company offers video game rentals, and offers new releases 28 days earlier than Netflix. Blockbuster users can also exchange their DVDs in person at one of the chain's retail stores, rather than having to wait to exchange by mail.

Blockbuster's regular pricing is $12 for one DVD at a time and $17 for two at a time. That price will remain for existing customers and for new customers who aren't current Netflix subscribers.

Netflix users looking to take advantage of Blockbuster's free trial offer must bring an e-mail or a tear-off from a mailer that proves they are a Netflix subscriber.

Thinking of changing your DVD rental service? Check out Consumer Reports' comparison of DVD rental and streaming services.

Netflix customers offered Blockbuster Total Access with new pricing and free 30-day trial [Blockbuster]

—Evan MacDonald