Blockbuster Buys Movielink

Blockbuster is taking major steps to step on Netflix's neck!!!

With the purchase of Movielink, Blockbuster is in position to put Netflix in a bind. Netflix had held a trump card against Blockbusters on-line store simply because they had VOD service that Blockbuster couldn't match. That all may have changed with the purchase of Movielink, which will give Blockbuster more than 3300 titles for VOD. Netflix sill has more VODs, but this may level the playing field a little more.

No word on how much Blockbuster paid for Movielink, but rumor has it at just under $50 million. I think this war should be settled by Mortal Kombat once and for all, with our VOD souls going to the winner.

Check it out here. [NYT via Gizmodo]

Breaking: Apple Launching Online Video Rental Store

Financial Times is reporting that Apple is in "advanced talks with Hollywood's largest movie studios" to launch an online video rental service. Movies will cost $3 to rent for 30 days and can be moved to at least one other device, such as an iPod or iPhone.

This will dramatically expand Apple's movie catalog. Not to mention the number of people using VOD, which is a boon for studios, and no doubt their incentive to come to the table.

This makes Xbox Live's Video Marketplace look like they're ripping people off, with measly rental windows at higher prices. Hopefully we will get a swift reaction from their camp.

Read the rest after the jump.