Are you a movie lover, but don’t have the time you once did to get out to a theater to see one? Luckily, you can now relax in the comfort of your own home and download a movie from the Internet.

While illegal downloading has reached epic proportions, there are plenty of legal sites from which one can choose. And since illegal downloads could bring unwanted viruses, hackers and the long arm of the law down on you, why even risk doing it, when there are so many legal alternatives?

There are a vast array of online [legal] video-on-demand movie sites to choose from but like with anything, be sure and do your homework before signing up. Fees for downloading can range from a set monthly price for unlimited access to movies, to a rental fee for each film you choose. Credit and debit cards are generally the preferred method of payment, but some sites are starting to use Paypal as an alternative.

Some of the more popular movie download sites competing for your business are: Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix, iTunes, Movieflix, Cinemanow, real.com and Movielink. While these companies are only available to US residents, ameibo.com sells movies in all countries of the world. Keep in mind there are some key components to consider when choosing the best site for your movie downloading needs:

-Selection of films:

There may be thousands to choose from but they may be only be “B” titles.

-With limited access to newer movies, can you actually download from the site or do you prefer streaming it:

If you have a dial-up connection (instead of DSL or cable), either one of these options will make it next to impossible considering the size of most movies (500 to 800 megabytes).

-Do you have a Mac or a PC:

Not all sites cater to both.

-Are you interested in special offers:

Some sites offer a season pass for things like downloaded TV shows, where you can benefit from a discounted price for the entire season of your chosen show.

-Are there restrictions:

Some sites allow you to watch a movie after it has been downloaded, an unlimited amount of time in a specified time frame (usually 24 to 48 hours).

One of the most notorious illegal sites out there, could soon be an option for legal downloads. In an official press release dated June 30, 2009, it was announced that Pirate Bay was recently acquired by Global Gaming Factory X AB (publ) (GGF), which intends to make the company a legal one from which customers can continue to download movies, games and software. In essence, all those with copyrighted material will now be paid for their work. Pirate Bay is one of the top 100 most visited sites on the Internet. However, according to most recent news reports, various legal actions are still pending against Pirate Bay, and the sale is not yet final. We will just have to stay tuned for the final outcome.

Are you overwhelmed yet? Don’t be! Given many video-on-demand sites have free trial memberships, you have nothing to loose by giving it a go and then all you have to do is sit back, and let the movie you have chosen help you escape the sometimes sad, seamy despairs of life. After all, in the movies, heroes are always fearless, villains are always punished, love conquers all, and happiness crows “The End.”

For more information visit: http://www.ameibo.com/movie-blog/

© Shelley Vassall, 2009.