Inside Redbox

This week the new releases deal with such topics as: teen pregnancy, aliens, the devil, and spongebob. What more could you ask for?

BTW, if you haven’t done your taxes yet, and this is the first you are hearing about, you are already too late. Just forget about it!

Now, on to the new releases…

Juno [PG-13] [watch trailer]

Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera

Aliens v. Predator: Requiem [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: John Ortiz, Steven Pasquale

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: Philip Hoffman, Ethan Hawke

Spongebob SquarePants: Pest of the West [NR] [watch trailer]

Starring:

Here is today’s Monday-only Redbox promo code. Enjoy!

JC10LK

As always, this codes expires tonight (Monday, April 14) at midnight. If you miss it, you can always get another Redbox code here.

Chris over at the NewTeeVee blog wrote an interesting post about the scenario of Blockbuster buying Redbox. Here is an excerpt:

Blockbuster needs to do something to juice up its business because Netflix is eating its lunch. But getting into the hardware game will be an expensive endeavor, especially in an increasingly crowded field already packed with big names like Apple, TiVo, Xbox 360, Vudu and soon the Netflix LG box.

…

Finally, by leveraging the existing Redbox kiosks in non-video locations like grocery stores, Blockbuster could take advantage of impulse renting. People are already used to the idea of DVDs being sold in supermarkets, this would nudge them a little further and into downloads.

While an interesting idea, I don’t think its going to happen. I left a comment there, and agreed with frequent Inside Redbox commentor Davis Freeberg: Blockbuster cannot afford Redbox.

Redbox is too valuable right now and already has more locations than Blockbuster. While the rent-by-kiosk space is still relatively new, it is gaining a lot of users for its convenience and low prices.

Redbox just needs a new website that is easier to use and more “web 2.0″, and they will likely be unstoppable. If anyone from Redbox corporate is listening - I know what you need to do, and am happy to share that with you, if you are interested.

In any case, what do you think: Should Blockbuster buy Redbox? Should Redbox let them?

I personally think there is a better combination, and I will post about that soon…

This week we find one movie for the whole family, while the others are for adults. Check ‘em out and let us know what you think…

Water Horse [PG] [watch trailer]

Starring: Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin

Lions for Lambs [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep

There Will Be Blood [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano

Walk Hard [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer

Day of the Dead [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: Mena Suvari, Michael Welch

Below is this week’s Monday-only promo code. Enjoy!

92M3V8

As always, this code expires today (April 7) at midnight.

I just received this notice from Redbox and wanted to get it out ASAP:

A few days ago redbox detected and removed an illegal credit card skimming device at one of our 7,400 locations. At the same time, redbox also discovered evidence of skimming attempts in two other locations. Skimming involves the placement of an illegal device above the credit/debit card reader on a vending machine, ATM, or in this case a redbox. These devices are used to illegally read or store personal credit card information. Redbox is not aware of any fraudulent activity or transactions using our customers’ accounts and does all it can to minimize the risk of this happening.

…

Although there is no evidence currently that these skimming attempts were successful, consumer security is a top priority for redbox. Reviewing transaction records, there is a possibility that up to 150 customers may have been affected. Although only a small percentage of the millions of customers who use redbox each month, redbox has notified the major credit card companies so that they can monitor the situation. The redbox team is also working with local authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure your security.

If you suspect this has happened at your location, please contact Redbox immediately by calling 1-866-REDBOX3.

You can read the full alert here, including answers to FAQs about credit card skimming and photos of the illegal credit card skimming devices.

As Redbox said, this is a concern they are aware of and there is likely no reason for alarm from any of us, but its always good to be informed.

If you want to make sure your credit is safe, you can take a look at your detailed credit report for free and be sure you were not affected by this.

So, has anyone ever seen this before?

Some users have been reporting today that there is a new option in their Redbox kiosk: 9mm handguns.

An Inside Redbox community member shares the following:

Read the rest of this entry »

I was just reading a story coming out of Belleville, IL that brings up this question…

The Belleville News-Democrat reports:

An armed gunman tried to rob a 20-year-old woman early Monday at the McDonald’s near the Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville.

The woman told Belleville police that she was at the Red Box DVD rental in front of McDonald’s, 125 South Belt East, shortly after midnight when a man approached her and demanded money. When she told him she didn’t have any money, the man drew a handgun and pointed it at her, telling her she had to give him something, according to the police report.

Does anyone else feel unsafe when renting from a Redbox in their area? If so, what do you think can be done about it?

This week we have a kids movie and a horror flick - what a great combination! If you want to keep your kids from watching both, you can always move to Kansas…

Here you go:

Alvin and the Chipmunks [PG] [watch trailer]

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson

Sweeney Todd [R] [watch trailer]

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman

What is the greatest thing about March this year? It has 5 Mondays, of course!

Today’s Monday-only promo code is:

JM17RS

As always, this code expires tonight at midnight, so get out there and get your movie.

Need more promo codes? Visit the Redbox Codes page and get all you need.