Redbox Instant Launches Private Beta [iOS Blog]

Redbox Instant by Verizon went live today, allowing people to sign up for a private beta to use the streaming service.

Interested users can enter an email address to receive a code that will provide eventual access to Redbox Instant on the computer or on a mobile device, using the accompanying Redbox Instant iOS app, which was released today for the iPad and the iPhone.

Redbox’s video streaming service is priced at $8 per month, which is on par with the pricing of both Netflix and Hulu Plus. It also comes bundled with four physical DVD rentals per month from Redbox kiosks, which can be upgraded to Blu-ray for an additional dollar.

Like Netflix, Redbox plans to offer a variety of movies from sources like Warner Bros. and the pay TV channel EPIX, though the service will not have any television shows at launch.

Traditionally, Redbox offers top Hollywood hits, with the top 200 movies from major studios stocked in its retail locations. Its content library will be smaller than what Netflix is able to offer, but it will focus on providing more recent releases.

Redbox is planning to send invites to the new streaming service over the coming weeks via email, and each invite will come with one free month of access.