I used to venture out of the house to buy my movies, but I’ve started staying inside and taking advantage of all the Amazon DVDs for sale. It’s not that I dislike people; I just like saving money even more. And whether we’re talking 2011, 2012, or even 2013, I don’t see this trend changing anytime soon.
The main reason I’m a fan of Amazon is convenience. I click on the movies I want, Amazon bills my credit card, and the selections arrive right at my doorstep via USPS or UPS. Products are always shipped in a timely fashion, and I’ve yet to receive anything that’s damaged or not as advertised.
The second reason I love buying movies from Amazon is the ability to save money. While there are always plenty of Amazon DVDs for sale, the site’s everyday prices are also heavily discounted. In some cases, they offer films that have been marked down by as much as 70 percent. Sure, some of these movies stink, but most are well worth adding to your collection.
Amazon Deals on DVDs
On any given day, Amazon will offer deals on thousands of DVDs. In some cases, the discount may only be a few bucks, but others will be slashed by over 50% of their original price. These are often titles that have been available for a while, but a good movie is a good movie. As long as it’s cheap and entertaining, why does it matter what year it came out?
If you’re looking for deals on DVD or Blu-ray, Amazon offers the following categories:
Action & Adventure
African American Cinema
Animation
Anime & Manga
Art House & International
Classics
Comedy
Cult Movies
Documentary
Drama
Educational
Exercise & Fitness
Gay & Lesbian
Horror
Kids & Family
Military & War
Music Video & Concerts
Musicals & Performing Arts
Mystery & Suspense
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Special Interests
Sports
Television
Westerns
Each week, Amazon offers “spotlight deals” with discounts of 58%, and these titles are almost always crowd favorites. When I checked it out, movies such as Batman Begins, The Maltese Falcon, Forrest Gump, and Saving Private Ryan were being featured. These will change, of course, but it gives you an idea of the quality of the titles being spotlighted.
While I enjoy regular discounts, I also like to save obscene amounts of cash whenever possible. Amazon has a section offering DVDs for 70% off, so I was immediately drawn there. Some of the titles were awful, but movies like Natural Born Killers, Giant, Casino, and Pale Rider are steals at such a discounted price. As the old saying goes: It pays to shop around.
Amazon Blu-rays for Sale
Customers seeking a more high-definition experience will want to check out the Amazon Blu-rays for sale. Some of these items are admittedly substandard (anything with Katherine Heigl, for example), but I was surprised by the low prices offered on many top-notch Blu-ray titles.
As of this writing, you could get the following for just under $5: Caddyshack, Blazing Saddles, Pan’s Labyrinth, Excalibur, and Soylent Green. If you like junk, you can also snag Big Business (with Bette Midler) or Jumpin’ Jack Flash (with the Whoopi) for just a few bucks.
The $5 to $10 range includes a wide range of quality titles, including Full Metal Jacket, Office Space, 300, The Hangover, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. While I already own 300 on DVD, seeing the Blu-ray at such a low price is seriously tempting.
For over $20, you can buy a lot of TV series on Blu-ray. This price range also includes a number of film collections, including the X-Men Trilogy, the Bourne Trilogy, and the entire Rocky series. If you’re really into a specific franchise, you’ll want to give this section a look.
While I hate 3D, fans of the genre should be aware that Amazon also carries 3D Blu-ray movies. Most of these aren‘t on sale, however, as the whole point of the 3D craze (in my opinion, at least) is to gouge the consumer for as much money as possible.
Keep in mind that offers change all the time, so the Amazon Blu-rays for sale will look quite different by the time you read this. By 2012 or 2013, I’m certain the list will be unrecognizable (including that inevitable Oscar-winning performance by Ashton Kutcher).
Movie Discounts at Amazon
While the Amazon DVDs on sale are reason enough to visit the site, I suggest watching out for additional bargains and special offers. When I was doing the research for this article, I noticed Amazon was offering a special allowing customers to buy two select Blu-ray titles and receive $5 off their next DVD or Blu-ray purchase.
I was expecting these “select” titles to be limited or downright crappy, but I was surprised to see a number a names that I both recognized and enjoyed (including Halloween, Last Action Hero, Tombstone, and Event Horizon). Peal Harbor also made the list, proving that even Amazon isn’t perfect.
If you’re reading this article in late 2011, 2012, or some point in the future, this deal will have expired. However, that doesn’t mean Amazon won’t be offering other special deals in its place. Keep your eyes peeled.
Amazon Instant Video
In addition to selling DVDs and Blu-ray movies, Amazon offers a service known as Amazon Instant Video. For only $3.99 you can view a movie online, and many of the latest releases are available. If you’re the type of person who only watches a movie once, this will cut down on plenty of clutter around your house. It’s also significantly cheaper than many pay-per-view services.
I’ve only used the Amazon Instant Video service once, but I had no problem with playback or picture quality. I was especially pleased, as I viewed Hobo with a Shotgun several weeks before it started a limited theatrical run.
Amazon Disc + On Demand
When you view the specific pages for Amazon DVDs on sale (Blu-ray movies are also included), you’ll notice some have an icon labeled “Disc + On Demand.” While I’ve never used it myself, this sounds like a great option for those impatient types who don’t want to wait several days to view their purchase. You still receive your DVD in the mail, but you’ll have the immediate option of watching your movie via PC, Mac, or over 100 compatible TVs and devices. And for 30 days after your purchase, you can access it online anytime you want.
A Final Word
Let me be clear about something: I don’t work for Amazon, and I have no intention of doing so in 2011, 2012, or any year beyond that (like they would have me). I’m just a customer who’s deeply satisfied with their service, and I’m using my little blog as a platform to say so. So the next time you’re in the mood for some home entertainment, at least consider the vast collection of Amazon DVDs for sale.
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