The DVD, titled the "NBC New Fall Preview DVD," will be available starting today through October 21 as a free rental exclusively at any of approximately 5,000 participating BLOCKBUSTER stores nationwide. In addition, subscribers to BLOCKBUSTER Total Access or BLOCKBUSTER by Mail can add the exclusive DVD to their rental queue.
The announcement was made by John Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, NBC Universal Television Group and Curt Andrews, Chief Marketing Officer, Blockbuster Inc.
"This innovative arrangement will allow Blockbuster's in-store and online customers an exclusive sneak peek at our highly anticipated dramas before their respective broadcast premieres," said Miller. "We're always looking for unique ways to create buzz surrounding our programs, and this promotion is a big-tent approach with a renowned entertainment partner. We fully believe this will create great word-of-mouth excitement for our quality shows."
"We are very excited about our alliance with NBC to offer this exclusive content to Blockbuster customers," said Andrews. "There's been an increase in availability of TV shows on DVD and this is just one of many ways that Blockbuster offers customers convenient access to this type of entertainment."
To drive awareness of the offer, NBC and BLOCKBUSTER will utilize a variety of promotional vehicles including on-air promo spots beginning today. At participating BLOCKBUSTER stores, the DVD will be featured on the "New Release" wall and on point-of-purchase pieces. Employees also will wear promotional buttons. Spots for the four NBC shows will be featured in-store on the BLOCKBUSTER ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. Online, BLOCKBUSTER will promote the DVD via banner ads and promotional merchandising slots on their most viewed pages as well as in their e-mail newsletter.
