In the crowded world of online video, Vudu faces plenty of rivals.
The Walmart-owned streaming platform competes for viewers with Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Google Play, Crackle and Amazon Instant Video, among others.
To stand out, Vudu is offering you the chance to watch free movies with no catch — provided you pick from a collection of 34 titles.
The free selection is a mixed assortment. It features action classics like “Predator” and “Highlander,” newer fare such as “Spectre,” and comedies like “Sisters” and “Get Smart.”
Notably, roughly a third of these complimentary films are wrestling-themed or include professional wrestlers. That’s because this promotion was tied to a recent pro wrestling pay-per-view event.
What Exactly Is Vudu?
Never heard of Vudu? You’re not alone.
Despite launching in 2004 and joining Walmart in 2010, Vudu often flies under the radar compared with more familiar services.
Vudu’s catalog can be streamed to tablets, PCs, smartphones, Blu-ray players and smart TVs, HDTVs, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox and many other gadgets.
It operates more like iTunes or Amazon Instant Video than Netflix or Hulu. It uses a pay-per-use model, meaning you pay a one-time fee for each movie or TV episode you rent or purchase. Signing up is free and there are no recurring subscription charges.
By comparison, subscription services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus charge a monthly rate for unlimited viewing. Those options tend to be more economical if you stream a lot.
How to Claim This Vudu Offer
If you want to redeem a free movie on Vudu, visit this page and enter one of two promo codes — ROYALRUMBLE or SNAPCHAT.
Here are the films you can rent using either code:
- Beyond the Mat
- Fast Five
- MacGruber
- Magic Mike
- Man on the Moon
- Man with the Iron Fists
- No Holds Barred
- The Punisher
- Ready to Rumble
- The Running Man
- Scooby-Doo! and the WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon
- Scooby-Doo! Wrestlemania Mystery
- Spectre
- They Live
- Warrior
- The Wrestler
Titles available with the redemption code ROYALRUMBLE:
- The Expendables
- Get Smart
- The Longest Yard
- Predator
- The Princess Bride
- Rocky 3
- San Andreas
- Sisters
Titles available with the redemption code SNAPCHAT:
- 12 Rounds
- Central Intelligence
- Conan the Destroyer
- GI Joe: Retaliation
- Highlander
- The Marine
- Mr. Nanny
- Road House
- Santa’s Slay
- Suburban Commando
Many of these selections aren’t currently streaming on Netflix or Hulu.
Is Vudu a Good Choice?
This is a no-risk way to test Vudu’s streaming on whatever device you prefer.
Again, there’s no subscription required, so it won’t cost you anything.
If the experience suits you, is switching to Vudu a smart move? Vudu is trying to woo users with deals like Join free. Rent 3: new members can rent their first three titles for 99 cents each.
Reviewers generally note that subscription services like Netflix or Hulu Plus represent better value for heavy viewers.
“Vudu likes to boast about delivering rentals faster than Netflix, but if you watch a lot of films, it can be pricier,” says tech site Lifewire. “For the price of two Vudu rentals, you could have a Netflix subscription and stream as many of its available titles as you want.”
Still, other commentators highlight a Vudu advantage: it lets users buy or rent movies immediately after they arrive on Blu-ray or DVD.
“VUDU also makes current seasons of TV shows available for purchase, so it’s a solid option for those wanting to keep up with cable-era series,” says tech review site Grounded Reason.
Another plus: Vudu carries no ongoing fees. It’s free until you decide to rent or buy a title.
Also, if you’re interested in sports alternatives for cutting the cord, check out our guide on how to watch nfl without cable for tips on streaming live events without a traditional pay-TV plan.
Your Turn: Which streaming service do you prefer, and what makes it your go-to?
Alex Mercer ([email protected]) is a senior writer at Savinly. He says his favorite movie on this list is “The Princess Bride,” though he’s fairly certain many readers have already seen it.
