Sears launches new online movie rental site
Sears Holdings, owner of Sears and Kmart, is hoping to edge in on the online streaming movie market with the launch this week of an online movie download service.
The Alphaline Entertainment site, powered by RoxioNow, a video streaming service owned by Sears' partner in the venture, Sonic Solutions, went live Tuesday. The site enables Sears and Kmart customers to download movies the same day they are released on DVD and Blu-ray.
A typical rental cost is $2.99 to $3.99. Customers also have the option to buy movies.
"Sonic is working with Sears on a multi-phase rollout that includes making the service available from a broad range of connected devices and ensuring compatibility with studio-supported digital programs," Sears said in a press release.
Sears Holdings announced its multiyear agreement with Sonic Solutions and its plans for the new site in June. The site is a bid to compete with companies like Netflix and Amazon, which offer movies online.
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-- Abby Sewell
Photo: A Sears store in Illinois last year. Credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images
