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 Movieshack is the smallest of New Zealand's big three companies, but has a loyal following. In fact, Movieshack was rated number 1 online DVD rental service in an independent National Radio review. It was founded in 2004 by brothers James and Nick MacAvoy, who are driven by a passion for movies and the internet. A January 2007 New Zealand Herald story estimates Movieshack controls 10-25% of the online DVD rental market.
Unlike the other companies which started with off-the-shelf DVD rental management software, Movieshack built their system from the ground up, so they include unique things like content filters, complimentary bonus discs, and customised casings. Their website was also built from scratch, and is constantly evolving due to member requests.
We have to say, they've done an excellent job on the title info. Each film has number of discs, studio, genre, length, format, region zone, audio, classification, and even a link to the Internet Movie Database info on the title (something we haven't seen any DVD rental company in the English-speaking world do) as well as hyperlinked actors and directors. The synopses are generous in length, include reviews, and recommendations, as well as other films by the same director, a nice touch.
Movieshack are one of quickest services. They are the only company, along with Fatso, to use FastPost for delivery outside Auckland, and they also boast a Quick Return function. You simply click that you've posted your DVDs back, and they will send your next DVD immediately, without waiting to receive the incoming disc. This Return function can dramatically speed turnaround time, especially if you're in a remote area where mail usually takes longer.
Movieshack is also the only DVD rental company with a Content Filter, a parental lock which lets you password protect certain areas of the site. This is perfect for families who wish to restrict access to adult films, for instance, as well as other ratings and genres. You can also purchase gift vouchers, and excellent and unusual option for Christmas.
Movieshack mans their email Message Center Monday to Friday 9 to 5, however, they are alone among the three main DVD companies as they do not have a customer service phone number. This can be a major drawback if you have problems with your account and can't get ahold of anyone live to speak to, though to be far, we haven't encountered many customer service complaints of Movieshack in internet forums or the blogosphere.
They have an advanced anti-hacker system which previously has blocked a phishing attack, so accounts and financial details are very well-protected.
Prices: Movieshack has an industry-standard 14-day free trial at the three-disc out-at-a-time level only. They have several unlimited subscription plans, starting at 2 discs out at a time for $29.95, 3 discs for $29.95, and their standard 3-disc plan for $39.95, and so on with 4 discs for $49.95, 5 discs for $59.95, 6 discs for $69.95--unfortunately no volume discounts here.
They also have a flexi-pakage, $17.95 for 3 DVD rentals per month total (3 out at once), with the ability to add extra 3 DVD rentals for another $5.95 at any time--we'd stick with the unlimited rentals though, better value in most cases.
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Rental Basics