Recent announcements from Apple and others have made is clear that online movie stores are now mainstream, and none too soon. It’s a modern American tragedy that we had to survive with previous options as long as we did. On one hand, you have mail-based outfits like Netflix, which compel customers to wait one, even two days to satisfy their insatiable craving for quality entertainment. On the other hand, you have video stores, which require getting up.

Now the instant gratification of the Internet allows viewers to cram Hollywood glamour down their throats until a glut of top-notch storytelling engorges their distended colons! Figuratively speaking! An active credit card and a broadband connection are all you need to make this enticing dream a reality, so the one question that remains is: Which ultra-convenient service will you go with? Here’s the breakdown.

Amazon Unbox

Launched in September 2006, Amazon Unbox was one of the first sites to give humble computer* users the best seat in the house! Simply order your film through the standard Amazon interface,** and in less than three minutes,*** your selection will be ready to play.**** Have a long commute? Take the show with you on your favorite portable player.***** And for TiVo owners, it’s easier than ever to download videos****** to your TiVo unit******* so the whole family can join in the fun. Best of all, in case of a computer crash, not only can you back up videos to DVD,******** but you can easily re-download your purchases from Your Media Library.*********

Movielink

This Blockbuster-owned venture pairs a Web-based* storefront with the expertise and attentive customer service you’ve come to expect from the Blockbuster franchise. Rental movies are available for 30 days after payment**, with a viewing window of 24 hours or more*** once you start watching. If you’d like an even longer window, just purchase a film for your library. Then you can download**** your movie and watch at your leisure. (Don’t forget to back up!*****) Best of all, Movielink’s Windows Media Center integration means that your movies follow you, whether it’s at another computer,****** on the road,******* or in your living room.********

iTunes

Others have tried and failed; now Apple is doing web* movies the right way. You can rent or buy movies and TV shows** from any computer,*** selecting from an ever-growing library of titles. And hey, your ultra-hip iPod just got ultra-hipper because movies transfer seamlessly when you sync with iTunes.**** Pick up an Apple TV set-top box and the process gets even easier, as you can browse the same familiar iTunes Store either at your PC***** or directly through the Apple TV.****** Best of all, iTunes now offers movies in bowel-loosening high-definition.******* Your eyes won’t know what hit them!

Conclusion

I can’t tell you which service is best for you because, as you can tell, each one is a star in its own special way. But whatever you decide, enjoy the show!*