If you haven’t checked out Redbox, I recommend you do so. The idea is pretty simple — they have a kiosk, usually inside of a grocery store, that stocks some of the more recent DVD release films. You stick your credit card in, movie automatically comes out. The real kicker is the price — you get to keep the movie until 9pm the next day for only one dollar.

Their selection is not large. They only carry a selection of new releases from the past couple of months. But in some ways, that impresses me even more. Where can you find a new release for $1 anywhere? Even iTunes charges $3.99 for this, and Blockbuster and crew charge even more.

The only issue, perhaps, is time. You only have until 9pm the next day to return the movie. I still think this is fine, as the system is quick and easy enough that you can go grab the movie only when you’re about ready to watch it. Redbox will charge your credit card for the DVD if you do not return it on time, so if you’re bad at remembering to return things, I suppose that is the downside. But if you want to go grab a new release to watch tonight and return tomorrow, this system rocks. The machines are totally automated and totally simple. When I went in to use it, I was in and out in under a minute.

I’m always looking for new ways to get my media. Some say physical media is dead, and it might be someday — if digital downloads ever actually become prevalent enough for that to occur. Most movies I find myself wanting to watch are not available on iTunes. Although at this point, even if new releases were available on iTunes, it’s hard to compete with $1. I think I’ll be using Redbox when I feel like watching a new release.