Wow! I am amazed that now studios are offering pre-sales on movies before they even release them in the theaters. I just do not see this being a good move for the studios going forward. If I pre-order a movie, I am less likely to go see it in the theater (especially since I'll likely pay about the same to own a Blu-Ray copy than I would for two or three of us to see it in the theater). With Amazon, I find little risk to placing pre-orders. I can cancel the order before shipping if I change my mind and with the pre-order price guarantee I am guaranteed to pay the lowest price between the time I order it and the release date. Since Amazon typically matches other retailers prices, there is little price risk.
This week I was amazed to get a pre-order offer from Amazon for Prometheus. The movie is not even being released until midnight tonight, yet it is available to pre-order for $27.99 (
Blu-ray/ DVD + Digital Copy
) or $34.99 (
Blu-ray 3D/ Blu-ray/ DVD/ Digital Copy
). For my husband and I to see this movie in the evening, it would cost us $20 for the 2D showing or $26 for the 3D showing and that does not even count the overpriced movie snacks. Actually, with Prometheus we'll probably save more money and wait for RedBox or Amazon Instant Video.
For movies already in theaters, there are even better deals:
Amazon is offering a $5 coupon on pre-orders of Marvel's The Avengers (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy). This copy of the movie is currently selling for $34.99 so with the coupon you will pay $29.99 or less. They also have Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo available for $27.99. The digital copy is worth the $2 price difference to me. There is also a Marvel's The Avengers
version available for $20.99. We will definitely be ordering The Avengers. We will probably let our daughter watch the movie at home in the next year or so. At home, it is easier to distract her or fast-forward through the less appropriate scenes.
With The Hunger Games
, Amazon is offering a FREE Amazon Instant Video version available to watch on release day. I love when they offer the Free instant video. Last Christmas I ordered a BluRay to give as a gift and it came with a free instant video rental so I was able to watch it as well.
There are no pre-orders available yet for upcoming kids releases like Madagascar 3 or Brave.
Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and am compensated for sales through Amazon links. I appreciate your support of my blog by shopping through my links. Prices are correct at the time this post was written. Amazon prices can and do change frequently. With Amazon's pre-order price guarantee you will receive the lowest price from the day you order until the movie is released.
