Dish Network tries to capitalize on Netflix’ blunders with Blockbuster Movie Pass

September 23, 2011 By Mike Dunn

Dish Network announces Blockbuster Movie Pass, an all exclusive entertainment package available only to Dish subscribers for $10 a month starting on October 1.

Dish bought Blockbuster five months ago, and now we know why they made a $320 million investment in the bankrupt company. As we reported yesterday Dish Network hosted a press event today, where they unveiled a new streaming video service. The service announced today is called Blockbuster Movie Pass, and for the time being is only available for Dish Network subscribers when it launches on October 1.

For an additional $10 a month Dish subscribers will get streaming content through Blockbuster as well as a one disc a month mail in rental program through Blockbuster. The service will be used through existing Dish customer’s web connected set-top boxes, and through the company’s website. This will provide customers TV service, on-demand service, streaming content and physical movie as well as game discs all through one company on one monthly bill.

The timing was perfect for Dish, who claimed that they were planning this event for over a month, with the recent Netflix and Qwikster news. Even though Blockbuster Movie Pass includes a streaming and physical disc it won’t replace Netflix for many people. The fact that users have to be Dish Network subscribers will greatly limit who can use the service. Another factor that was not fully addressed is where people can access all this content. Unlike Netflix the streaming content will not be available on nearly as many devices, including mobile devices.

Blockbuster did announce plans to offer the service independent of a Dish subscription, but there was no timeline on when that service will be available. Once the service is available on devices other that Dish Network receivers and to people other than Dish subscribers then it might be a Netflix replacement.

The service sounds like a smoking deal for Dish subscribers, but it does not sound like it was the solution many angry Netflix users were hoping for.

Showing 7 comments

NicoleTee at 5:05pm 24th September 2011 I like the idea that with the Blockbuster Movie Pass I’m making one choice for entertainment and I don’t have to worry about a separate bill. Working for DISH Network allows me to find out about all of these great offers ahead of time, and after October 1st I’ll certainly have my pass. Here are details on how to reserve a Blockbuster Movie Pass for your family or just more information on how the pass works http://bit.ly/nUnGx1
Mike Dunn at 5:49am 24th September 2011 Blockbuster said the service will be a stand alone service, at some point, but did not give a hint as to when.
Juan Vasquez at 4:29am 24th September 2011 What a disappointment. Netflix keeping my business not because of good service but rather because my alternatives are such trash is unfortunate for me as a long term subscriber.
Robert Burnham at 9:03pm 23rd September 2011 Among other things, Netflix still has an advantage in that it is in just about everything (consoles, TV apps, Windows Media Center, streaming boxes).Dish is going in the right direction, but they're just not there yet.
1. Mike Dunn at 10:41pm 23rd September 2011 Yeah, as a Dish subscriber I'm pretty ok with this set up, but I still won't get anything on my phone, so that's a bummer. Netflix is on everything, but I have been missing getting some actual DVDs in the mail since the price increase.
Braxton Edwards at 1:42am 24th September 2011 Is Dish Network/Blockbuster retarded? Why isn't this service available to everyone? They could wipe netflix off the map and this is what they do? Smh.
Jeffrey Van Camp at 3:24pm 23rd September 2011 lame dot com. I thought Dish might make an actual go at this. If it's an addition to Dish, then it really isn't a competitor to Netflix instant streaming at all.