Buying a movie on Vudu is a straightforward process that grants you access to your favorite films on-demand across various devices. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the Vudu marketplace, understanding your purchase options, and enjoying your newly acquired digital treasures.
Understanding the Vudu Ecosystem
Vudu, a Walmart-owned video-on-demand service, offers a vast library of movies and TV shows for purchase or rent. Unlike subscription services, Vudu allows you to own the digital copy of a movie, making it accessible whenever you want, provided you have an internet connection. This section explores the advantages of buying on Vudu and the various ways to access its content.
Why Buy on Vudu?
- Digital Ownership: The primary benefit is owning the digital rights to the movie. Unlike streaming services where content can disappear, your purchased titles remain in your Vudu library indefinitely.
- Ultraviolet Compatibility (Historical Note): While Ultraviolet is no longer active, movies previously linked to your Ultraviolet account should still be accessible through Vudu if your accounts were connected.
- Access Across Devices: Vudu is accessible on a wide range of devices, including Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles (like PlayStation and Xbox), and web browsers.
- High-Quality Streaming: Vudu offers streaming in high definition, including 4K UHD and Dolby Vision on supported titles, offering a superior viewing experience.
- No Subscription Required: You only pay for what you watch, eliminating the need for a recurring subscription fee.
Accessing Vudu
You can access Vudu through several methods:
- Vudu Website: Simply visit vudu.com on your computer.
- Vudu App: Download the Vudu app on your Smart TV, smartphone (iOS and Android), tablet, or gaming console.
- Walmart.com: In some cases, you can purchase digital movies through Walmart.com and link them to your Vudu account.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Movie
Buying a movie on Vudu is a simple, multi-step process. This section details each step, ensuring a smooth transaction.
Step 1: Create or Log In to Your Vudu Account
If you don’t already have a Vudu account, you’ll need to create one. Visit vudu.com or open the Vudu app and follow the registration prompts. If you already have an account, simply log in using your email address and password.
Step 2: Browse or Search for Your Desired Movie
Use the search bar at the top of the screen or browse through the various categories (e.g., New Releases, Genres, Featured Collections) to find the movie you want to buy. Vudu often features curated collections and deals, making it easier to discover new films.
Step 3: Select the Movie and View Purchase Options
Once you’ve found the movie you want to buy, click on its title to view the details page. This page displays information about the movie, including its rating, genre, cast, and plot summary. Most importantly, it shows the available purchase options (e.g., SD, HDX, UHD) and their corresponding prices.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Resolution and Purchase Method
Select the desired resolution for your movie. HDX is typically the best value, offering high-definition streaming. UHD (4K) offers the highest quality but requires a compatible device and internet connection. Click the “Buy” button next to your chosen option.
Step 5: Review Your Order and Payment Information
A summary of your order will appear, including the movie title, selected resolution, and price. You’ll be prompted to select a payment method. Vudu accepts various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and Vudu credits. If you have a Vudu credit balance, it will automatically be applied to your purchase.
Step 6: Confirm Your Purchase
Review your order one last time and click the “Confirm Purchase” button. Your purchase will be processed, and the movie will be added to your Vudu library.
Step 7: Watch Your Movie!
Navigate to your “My Vudu” or “My Library” section to find your newly purchased movie. Click on the movie title to start streaming.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While buying movies on Vudu is usually seamless, occasional issues may arise. This section addresses some common problems and provides solutions.
Payment Issues
If your payment fails, double-check your card information (card number, expiration date, CVV code) and ensure that your billing address is correct. You can also try using a different payment method or contacting your bank to ensure there are no issues with your card.
Streaming Problems
If you experience buffering or other streaming problems, ensure that your internet connection is stable and meets the minimum bandwidth requirements for the selected resolution (UHD requires a faster connection than HDX or SD). You can also try restarting your router and modem, closing other applications that are using bandwidth, or lowering the streaming resolution in your Vudu settings.
Missing Movies
If a movie you purchased is not showing up in your library, try refreshing the Vudu app or website. You can also contact Vudu customer support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about buying movies on Vudu:
FAQ 1: What does “HDX” and “UHD” mean?
HDX refers to High Definition Extended, typically 1080p resolution, offering a clear and detailed picture. UHD refers to Ultra High Definition, also known as 4K, providing the highest resolution with even greater detail and clarity, requiring a 4K-compatible TV and a fast internet connection.
FAQ 2: Can I download movies I buy on Vudu?
No, Vudu does not allow downloading movies for offline viewing. You need an internet connection to stream your purchased movies.
FAQ 3: Can I share my Vudu movies with family members?
Vudu allows you to link up to five devices to your account, so multiple family members can access your purchased movies from different locations, although simultaneous streams may be limited depending on your account settings.
FAQ 4: What happens to my Vudu movies if Vudu goes out of business?
While unlikely, if Vudu were to cease operations, there’s no guarantee you would retain access to your purchased movies. While past history shows digital lockers transitioning ownership, this is not a guaranteed outcome. It highlights the risk inherent in digital ownership.
FAQ 5: Does Vudu offer refunds for purchased movies?
Vudu’s refund policy is generally restrictive. Refunds are typically only granted in cases of technical errors or if the movie was purchased in error. Contacting customer support is necessary to request a refund.
FAQ 6: Are Vudu movies region-locked?
Yes, Vudu movies are generally region-locked. Movies purchased in the United States are typically only available for streaming within the United States.
FAQ 7: How can I use Vudu credits?
Vudu credits are automatically applied to your purchases. You can earn credits through promotions, gift cards, or other special offers. Your credit balance is displayed on your account page.
FAQ 8: Can I buy movies from Vudu on my Roku device?
Yes, you can buy movies from Vudu directly on your Roku device through the Vudu app.
FAQ 9: How do I link my Movies Anywhere account to Vudu?
You can link your Movies Anywhere account to Vudu through the Movies Anywhere website or app. This allows you to access eligible movies purchased on other platforms (like iTunes or Google Play) within your Vudu library and vice versa.
FAQ 10: Does Vudu offer parental controls?
Yes, Vudu offers parental controls that allow you to restrict access to movies based on their ratings. You can set a PIN to prevent children from watching inappropriate content.
FAQ 11: What is Vudu Instawatch?
Vudu Instawatch is a program where you receive a free digital copy of a movie when you purchase a physical copy of that same movie at Walmart. The digital copy is automatically added to your Vudu library.
FAQ 12: How do I contact Vudu customer support?
You can contact Vudu customer support through their website or app. They offer email support and a comprehensive help center with answers to frequently asked questions.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently navigate the Vudu marketplace and enjoy your favorite movies on demand. Remember to review your purchase options carefully and ensure that your devices and internet connection meet the necessary requirements for optimal viewing. Happy watching!