Stelios to offer DVD rentals

Serial entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou is to launch an online DVD rental service at the start of next year.

The easyCinema DVD rental service will be powered by Video Island, the company behind UK rental sites Screenselect, Tesco DVD Rental and MSN Online DVD Rental.

Movie buffs can choose from 25,000 titles, including the latest releases, world cinema and TV series, on a pay-as-you-basis. It will cost £1.99 per DVD, which you can keep for up to 21 days. It includes free delivery and free return postage.

The easyCinema DVD rental service will launch in January on the easyCinema website. The first easyCinema – a 10 screen multiplex cinema in Milton Keynes -opened in May 2003 and offers customers the chance to see films at lower prices, depending on how early they book.

"Once again the easyGroup is making the consumer the winner. Our customers now have the choice of going to the cinema at lower prices or renting a DVD at lower prices. It's both easier and cheaper," said Stelios.

Stelios has said he is currently searching for a second site for an easyCinema in the south east of England.