Apple Promoting iTunes Movie Rentals With Free Codes?

[MacRumors]

9 to 5 Mac reports that it has received word that Apple appears to be sending out emails to select customers offering them free iTunes movie rentals.

iTunes has more than 8,500 movies, including new releases, to rent without late fees, envelopes, or queues. Try one today on us.

Redeem your free movie rental below, and start watching one of your favorite movies on iTunes. Watch what you want, when you want. Enjoy movie rentals on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, the all-new Apple TV, or on your computer. You have 30 days from the moment you rent a movie to start watching, and 24 hours to finish it.

The free rentals appear to be limited to the United States, and it is unclear how Apple is selecting users to receive the offers.

Apple launched iTunes movie rentals in January 2008, but has been pushing the rental model in recent months with the introduction of the new streaming-only Apple TV and TV show rentals in September.

Article Link: Apple Promoting iTunes Movie Rentals With Free Codes?

 

[Wayfarer]

Yay, I just got one!

 

[talkingfuture]

I noticed today on UK iTunes there is an advert for £0.99 rentals and a few films on offer. Usually I think it is just Film of the Week that is available at £0.99.

Perhaps this is the start of an effort to boost rentals for some reason.

 

[ineedamac]

I received an email about rentals but no code. I guess I am not one of the select customers.

 

[mrblack927]

They are no doubt targeting big iTunes store spenders and recent ATV purchasers...

 

[alphaod]

I guess I get no appreciation from Apple.

 

[rogXue]

I got one. Redeemed it and have I think until the end of Jan to use it. I've never rented from itunes before so that could be an indicator.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Free is good. But the current renting prices are just ok.

I like the Netflix method of renting tons of movies for a flat monthly rate. Apple compares better with Hotel room movies and Blockbuster outlets.

 

[kalsta]

They are no doubt targeting big iTunes store spenders and recent ATV purchasers...

Maybe. Or maybe they're just going to stagger the freebies over time. I can't imagine they want all trillion iTunes account holders trying to download their free movie at the same time.

 

[shartypants]

Still waiting for mine...

 

[cxny]

got my Apple TV so what are you waiting for Apple?

 

[Rojo]

They are no doubt targeting big iTunes store spenders and recent ATV purchasers...

I'm a pretty big iTunes spender (though admittedly more with apps and music than TV shows), and recently got an AppleTV - no free code for me, though.

 

[wernerru]

Movie and TV rentals

Looks like they're doing both Movie and TV rental codes. Got my movie code around 6pm yesterday and a tv code a few minutes later.

 

[painejake]

With £0.99 rentals I'd be wiling to cancel my LoveFilm account and use iTunes for all my rentals.

 

[Sminman86]

I've only got the iTunes Holiday Spotlight e-mail.

What is the subject title for the free movie rental e-mail?

 

[Steelers7510]

Good stuff right there... Hope I get one of those emails.

 

[HLdan]

I'm a pretty big iTunes spender (though admittedly more with apps and music than TV shows), and recently got an AppleTV - no free code for me, though.

Since the article mentions no required criteria you may have a chance to get one. I'm checking my email box all day.

 

[iStudentUK]

I noticed today on UK iTunes there is an advert for £0.99 rentals and a few films on offer. Usually I think it is just Film of the Week that is available at £0.99.

£0.99 for rentals is a good price, especially if they make more available at that price.

Apple is clearly trying to gain some ground against the other options (eg Netflix in US and LoveFilm in UK).

Don't they know you can rent for free on TPB though?!

 

[mrblack927]

They are no doubt targeting big iTunes store spenders and recent ATV purchasers...

I'm a pretty big iTunes spender (though admittedly more with apps and music than TV shows), and recently got an AppleTV - no free code for me, though.

Well, strike that theory then. It may just be completely random.

 

[DLary]

Doesn't matter if you can't watch the movie on your Apple TV. My network has an 8mbit download speed and all I get is "movie will be ready in 3 hours 47 minutes" or "an error has occurred, please try later". Netflix, Vudu (on my dvd player), all work fine.

 

[rmiller065]

They are no doubt targeting big iTunes store spenders and recent ATV purchasers...

Ugggg! I am both, and just paid for a movie rental!

 

[whathesaid]

£0.99 for rentals is a good price, especially if they make more available at that price.

Apple is clearly trying to gain some ground against the other options (eg Netflix in US and LoveFilm in UK).

Don't they know you can rent for free on TPB though?!

99p is a great price, but understandably the films on offer at that price are gash.

 

[ngenerator]

Hmm, perhaps I should finally register my ATV2, huh?

 

[Newsinker]

I'm a pretty big iTunes spender (though admittedly more with apps and music than TV shows), and recently got an AppleTV - no free code for me, though.

I'm a light iTunes spender... apps only. Never have purchased or rented any media, but I did get an AppleTV. I wonder how they're determining who gets a code. If I get one, great, but it's not going to all of a sudden get me to start renting or buying for the future. (don't tell Apple that though )

 

[Consultant]

Maybe. Or maybe they're just going to stagger the freebies over time. I can't imagine they want all trillion iTunes account holders trying to download their free movie at the same time.

Good call. Hopefully that's the case.