by Buddy Herring

Created on: January 24, 2011

Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com launched officially in 1995.  As soon as it hit the scene million across the globe used it to purchase software, electronics, apparel, furniture, video games and even food.  Most of all the company has come up with a solution for individuals who love renting movies but hate having to go out to the video store, or are in a location where one isn’t located.  Renting and watching movies on Amazon’s Video on Demand also comes in handy when the family is sick and everybody just wants to relax and have a good time.

This feature allows movies to be watched without having to download them to the computer.  The old method, called Unbox, required that the movies be downloaded to the computer.  This would usually take a bit of time, sometimes around an hour.  This new feature though allows you to have the option of having the movies streamed online or downloading them onto the computer.  The video runs smooth, clear, and the produces good sound quality.  To enjoy it however high speed internet is needed along with a good computer with speakers and a credit card.  If the computer and television share connectors you can even connect the television to the computer and watch your movies on there.

While the company has several videos available for rent however, they don’t usually have the newest releases.  Some movies are allowed for purchase but not for rental.  The television episodes can only be purchased as well.  Sometimes you can find a movie available to rent one week, then the next it says “Due to our licensing agreements this video is currently not available for purchase or rental.”  Due to these licensing agreements, more movies could be pulled in the future.

The price to rent some of these movies range from free to $3.99.  Amazon also allows you more than two minutes of free viewing before you decide to buy the movie, even though most of the time is taken up by opening credits.  

The ordering process goes so fast with Amazon though one would wish there would be a step in between.  It goes so quickly your not even given a choice of which credit card you wish to use.  This seems like it would make it just a little too easy for kids to order movies, accidentally or not.  It’s important to remember to sign out of Amazon so such an occurrence doesn’t happen.  Also, once you have rented a movie twenty-four hours is given to watch it.

Amazon is good if you don’t plan on getting out and going to the video store.  It saves time, gas, and a little bit of hassle.  The main downside to it though is the limited selection it offers when it comes to the selection of movies.  Watching it on a computer screen isn’t a big upside either.

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