Redbox(R) Offers Summer Fun on a Budget as Consumers Face Rising Gasoline and Food Prices

Redbox(R) Offers Summer Fun on a Budget as Consumers Face Rising Gasoline and Food Prices

National Survey Finds Most Americans Plan to Spend Less Money on Entertainment this Summer

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Redbox Summer Fun Nights Survey, entertainment budgets are getting cut this summer. The recent redbox survey, conducted online with Zoomerang, found 56 percent of Americans plan to spend less money on summer entertainment than in years past due to the rising cost of gas and groceries. Many plan to enjoy their vacations at home (40 percent). As consumers look for value in their entertainment choices, redbox, the fully automated DVD rental system featuring new release rentals for only $1 per night, offers some best bets for summertime fun without breaking the bank.

Bring the Movie Theatre Home. According to the Redbox Summer Fun Nights Survey, movies are an integral part of summer fun, as nearly 90 percent of Americans plan to watch at least one movie this season (89 percent). Consumers can't wait to take-in the summer blockbusters, with "Get Smart" ranking as the most highly-anticipated film (32 percent), followed by "The Dark Knight" (20 percent).

"While movie theater ticket and concession prices continue to rise, families can bring the theater home for a fraction of the price," advises Gary Lancina, vice president, marketing, redbox. "Stop by your local redbox retailer and pick-up a jumbo box of your favorite candy along with a $1 redbox DVD for an action-packed movie night on a shoe-string budget."

Coming to a Redbox Near You. Consumers aged 18-34 can't wait to rent "Jumper" this summer (22 percent), while Americans aged 35 and older are looking forward to renting "The Bucket List" (40 percent). From tear-jerkers to romantic comedies, a great 'chick flick' is the perfect girls' night-in activity. This summer, "Fool's Gold" and "Definitely, Maybe" (36 percent), followed closely by "The Other Boleyn Girl" (28 percent), are the hot picks for a hot summer night. Each redbox kiosk offers up to 200 new release titles, perfect for family night, date night or girls' night.

Invite the Neighbors. While less than half of all Americans report socializing with their neighbors (48 percent), summer can be the perfect season to forge new friendships with the family next door. Redbox suggests hosting a neighborhood movie night for a unique experience the neighbors will never forget. Project a favorite redbox movie on a garage door or oversized bed sheet, and serve up some popcorn for a movie night under the stars. Add a backyard barbecue, the summertime activity Americans most often enjoy with their neighbors (34 percent), and you'll be the talk of the town.

Pizza and a Movie. The redbox survey found "staying home for pizza and a movie" is a favorite activity with families (26 percent) and couples (28 percent). For an easy-on-the-wallet night at home, redbox suggests stopping at your local grocery store for a frozen pizza and a redbox flick, or pick-up your favorite toppings and make your own pizza. It's one-stop-shopping with no delivery fee required.

The Value of a Dollar. Nearly 45 percent of respondents said "going out to dinner" is the activity they most enjoy doing with their family (44 percent), and more than 50 percent of Americans voted "dinner and a movie" as their favorite date night activity (51 percent). Redbox recommends putting a new twist on dining out by making it "Dollar Night" at your neighborhood participating McDonald's(R). Pick-up a delicious offering from McDonald's Dollar Menu and your favorite $1 redbox release for a summer fun night that fits any budget. Redbox is available at more than 2,100 McDonald's restaurants in select markets nationwide. Visit http://www.redbox.com/ for a list of redbox locations near you.

About Redbox

The redbox fully automated DVD rental system features new release rentals for only $1 per night. Each fully automated redbox kiosk holds approximately 700 DVDs, representing up to 200 of the newest movie releases. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. The complete rental transaction takes less than 60 seconds. Customers can keep the DVD for as long as they'd like for $1 per night plus tax, and return it to any one of redbox's more than 9,000 locations nationwide. After 25 nights, rental charges cease and the DVD is the customer's to keep.

For added convenience, customers can also visit http://www.redbox.com/ to choose their DVD online and pick it up immediately at the redbox location of their choice. At redbox.com, consumers can select their favorite movies, choose from thousands of redbox locations nationwide for pick-up, and provide valid credit or debit card information to guarantee the title's availability. Once payment is confirmed, the selected DVDs are held for the customer at the chosen redbox location for 24 hours. Redbox.com leverages real-time inventory data and will provide an alternative location if the selected redbox does not have the title in stock.

Redbox DVD rental kiosks are featured in the nation's leading grocery stores, select McDonald's restaurants and other locations nationwide. Redbox Automated Retail, LLC is owned by Coinstar, Inc., GetAMovie, Inc., a wholly- owned subsidiary of McDonald's Corporation, and private investors. More information about redbox can be found at http://www.redbox.com/.

Editors Note:

The Redbox Summer Fun Nights Survey, conducted online by Zoomerang, polled 1,076 consumers nationwide.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC

CONTACT: Kristin Zanini of JSH&A Public Relations, +1-630-932-9316,
kristin@jsha.com, for Redbox Automated Retail, LLC

Web site: http://www.redbox.com/

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