Redbox offering free DVD rentals in exchange for access to your Facebook info

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Internet, Movies

Redbox is trying to get Americans off their streaming movie services and down to the local kiosk on August 25th with a free DVD rental.

The movie-rental kiosk service is attempting to lure existing customers down to the local grocery with the free DVD rental, normally worth just a buck. And there's a catch, as well as a bonus.

The offer was emailed on Sunday. Redbox officials weren't available for comment over the weekend.

So far, Redbox hasn't indicated how many customers will receive the free code, or if it applies to frequent customers, occasional customers (like or family) or new, potential additions. The catch? Each user needs to access the code via Facebook, and signing in allows Redbox to access your personal information, including your Likes, and post an update(s) to your Wall.

If that doesn't bother you, Redbox is also giving you the option of inviting friends to the free DVD offer, theoretically allowing a group of friends to rent more than one DVD for the night. However, the original coupon is good for just August 25, and it seems that your friends can only rent the movie for that day as well.

The benefit, of course, is that Redbox does obtain movies earlier than Netflix, even if some kiosks seem to offer a few of the latest hits plus some low-budget buckets-of-blood horror films and some teen comedies. Redbox does allow users to reserve movies, however, which is probably a good idea if this offer goes viral.

The DVD rental doesn't appear to be good for a Blu-ray disc, which Redbox began adding last year. Redbox, owned by the coin exchange kiosk firm Coinstar, has also said before that it's looking for a partner to help it stream older movies. Redbox executives have also trialed "Gizmo", a kiosk where discounted, refurbished electronic devices will be sold directly to customers.

This article, written by Mark Hachman, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.