OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. - Redbox, provider of automated DVD rental services, announced an agreement with Smith's Food & Drug, a division of The Kroger Co., to feature fully automated DVD-rental kiosks in Smith's locations throughout the western United States. Redbox DVD kiosks are now installed and operating in 27 Smith's locations throughout Las Vegas. By June 2006, Redbox expects to have kiosks installed and ready for use in approximately 70 percent of Smith's locations in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque.

"Smith's is delighted to be the first major outlet for Redbox in Las Vegas, and our 24-hour store operations will provide total flexibility for customers," said Kenny Kimball, Smith's group vice president of operations. "Redbox offers one more reason for consumers to choose Smith's and get a little more from their shopping experience."

Each fully automated redbox DVD rental kiosk holds more than 500 DVDs, representing 50-60 of the newest movie releases. Consumers use a touchscreen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. For added convenience, customers can keep the DVD for as long as they'd like for $1 per night, plus tax, and return their DVDs to any Redbox kiosk nationwide.

Originally launched in 2003, Redbox has rented more than 8.5 million DVDs nationwide.