Instant Video

I finally got around to trying "Redbox Instant by Verizon" on my PS3 this weekend. We were looking for Groundhog Day (1993) last weekend and I was trying to explore all options. It was not available on Redbox Instant, and not very movies were, so we ended up not trying the new service until this weekend.

The first thing that struck me was how old fashioned the Redbox app is on the PS3. It requires you to use an official PS3 controller and only recognizes controller number 1. Other services (e.g. Netflix, Amazon, Vudu) let you use any controller and multiple controllers at the same time. The Redbox app also uses its own proprietary, unintuitive control scheme rather than the scheme used by the PS3's native Blu-Ray and DVD and other streaming services.

Not only is the selection limited, but the selections are not well organized. Perhaps they don't think extensive organization is necessary because of that limited selection. You also get disc-only and pay-per-view selections when you are looking for movies.

We ended up watching My Blue Heaven (1990). The picture was clear enough but seemed to have a bad frame rate making the action very jerky.

If you're willing to play high prices for your video selections Vudu has a nice instant viewing experience. Amazon Instant Video has a good service and somewhat better prices, and a number of their offerings are available at no additional charge if you are a Prime member. Netflix is decently priced, has a pretty wide selection, and a very good service. I know Hulu is out there as are some other less mainstream services, but I haven't tried any of them yet.

P.S. We ended up "buying" Groundhog Day (1993) on Amazon Instant Video, so we'll be able to watch it any time we want. Or will we?