News

Kiosks let Chicago shoppers rent movies, games

June 11, 2003

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- Starting this month, shoppers can simplify their schedules by renting DVD movies and games at a place they already visit every week -- the grocery store. Getamovie Inc. is installing DVD rental machines at four west suburban Chicago Jewel-Osco locations, with more to come in the near future.

Getamovie rental machines are built using proprietary robotic vending technology and allows movie and video game lovers to search and select their favorite movies and games by title, director, actor and category. Rental prices start at $3 for a 24-hour movie rental, according to a news release. The release does not disclose any kiosk technology partners.

The machines have Internet connections, allowing consumers to browse machine inventories and reserve titles before they trek to the store. It's the first DVD rental system that allows consumers to ensure real-time movie and game availability at retail locations in advance.

"We want to minimize people having to go from store to store to get everything they need," said Mike DeLazzer, president and co-founder of Getamovie. This saves time and fulfills the need for instant gratification. Almost any new release movie you can think of that's in stock you can rent right this second."

Shoppers can use either their credit cards or their membership cards, which are linked to their credit-card accounts, to rent DVD movies and games. Membership is free and transactions are efficient and secure, "as straightforward as an ATM," said DeLazzer.

Further expansion in Chicagoland is planned for later this summer, the release said, with the goal of building a national network of Getamovie machines over the next 12 months.