As of September 29th, Netflix is bidding farewell to its DVD-by-mail rental service, a move that might catch many off guard given its focus on streaming. But fret not, loyal DVD enthusiasts, for there’s a new player in town ready to cater to your physical media needs anywhere in the US. Enter Scarecrow, the behemoth of independent video stores in the United States, now offering its own rent-by-mail service, delivering DVDs and Blu-ray discs directly to your doorstep.
Scarecrow initially tested the waters with this service in 2019, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that they embarked on a mission to make their vast library accessible to folks all over the nation. According to The Seattle Times, a fundraising campaign was launched in 2021 to revamp their aging website, giving it a modern facelift and enhancing search capabilities. And the result? Scarecrow’s rent-by-mail website is now live and user-friendly, complete with step-by-step instructions for eager movie buffs and a neatly categorized library by genres.
To kickstart your cinematic journey with Scarecrow, you’ll need to create an account, which will be carefully verified and approved by their dedicated staff. Once that’s done, you’re free to start filling your cart with DVDs of your choice. Prices vary based on individual titles, but the shipping fee is a flat $12 for up to six discs. It’s worth noting that this count pertains to discs, not titles. So, if you stumble upon a six-disc epic, you won’t be able to squeeze in more within the same shipment. The rental period spans 14 days, inclusive of shipping time, and after that, you can opt to renew via phone or face the dreaded late fees.
Scarecrow boasts an astounding collection of 140,000 titles—an impressive contrast to Netflix’s US catalog of approximately 5,000 titles, as reported by CordCutting. Most of these titles are available for rent by mail, but there are some exceptions. Rare and out-of-print gems may require a security deposit, newly released blockbusters may not be on the menu, and, well, let’s not forget the adult titles—they’re not part of the mail-out roster either. Additionally, VHS tapes and laser discs are also off the table, so if you’re hunting for those nostalgic formats, you’ll need to explore alternative avenues.
In a world where streaming has largely overshadowed physical media, Scarecrow’s commitment to preserving the art of DVD and Blu-ray rentals is a testament to the enduring appeal of tangible movie collections. So, if you’re a film aficionado who revels in the nostalgia of browsing rows of DVDs and Blu-rays, Scarecrow’s nationwide DVD-by-mail service might just be your silver screen dream come true.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DVD-by-mail service
How do I sign up for Scarecrow’s rent-by-mail service?
To sign up for Scarecrow’s rent-by-mail service, you’ll need to create an account on their website. Once your account is set up, it will be verified and approved by a staff member, after which you can start adding DVDs to your cart and enjoy their extensive collection.
What is the cost of renting DVDs from Scarecrow by mail?
The cost of renting DVDs from Scarecrow varies based on individual titles. However, the shipping fee is a flat $12 for up to six discs in a single shipment. Please note that this limit applies to discs, not titles. If a movie has multiple discs, you won’t be able to add more to the same shipment.
How long can I keep the rented DVDs?
The rental window for DVDs from Scarecrow is 14 days, including shipping time. If you need more time with your DVDs, you can choose to renew them by phone or, if you exceed the rental period, you may incur late fees.
What types of DVDs are not available for rent through Scarecrow’s mail service?
Scarecrow offers an impressive selection of DVDs, but there are exceptions. Newly released movies, rare and out-of-print videos, and adult titles may not be available for rent by mail. Additionally, Scarecrow does not offer VHS tapes or laser discs for rent through their mail service.
How does Scarecrow’s DVD collection compare to Netflix’s?
Scarecrow boasts an extensive collection of 140,000 titles, which is significantly larger than Netflix’s US catalog, consisting of approximately 5,000 titles. If you’re looking for a diverse range of films and genres, Scarecrow’s collection offers a wealth of options for movie enthusiasts.
More about DVD-by-mail service
- Scarecrow Video: Visit Scarecrow Video’s official website to explore their DVD-by-mail service and extensive movie collection.
- The Seattle Times: The Seattle Times provided insights into Scarecrow’s journey to expand its rent-by-mail service.
- CordCutting: CordCutting offers information on Netflix’s catalog size in the US, providing context for Scarecrow’s vast DVD collection.
3 comments
DVD comeback? Scarecrow’s got the tunes too!
140K DVDs! Netflix, step up yo game!
Scarecrow beat Netflix at DVD game. Crazy, right?