Pre-ordering a movie on Amazon guarantees you’ll receive it as soon as it’s released, often at the best possible price. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process, explores the benefits, and answers your burning questions about securing your favorite films before they even hit shelves.
The Power of Pre-Order: Why Bother?
Pre-ordering movies on Amazon offers several advantages that appeal to cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Beyond simply securing your copy, you gain access to potential price guarantees, early access to digital versions (in some cases), and the peace of mind knowing you won’t miss out on a highly anticipated release. This strategic approach ensures you’re among the first to experience the latest blockbusters or independent gems from the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step: Pre-Ordering Made Easy
Amazon’s pre-ordering system is designed for ease of use. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Locating the Pre-Order Page
Navigating to the pre-order page is the crucial first step. Start by searching for the movie title using the Amazon search bar. Pay close attention to the product details to ensure you are viewing the correct format (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital, etc.) and release date. Official pre-order pages typically display a prominent “Pre-order Now” button. If the movie isn’t released yet, this button will replace the usual “Add to Cart” option. You can also browse Amazon’s “New Releases” or “Coming Soon” sections, often found under the “Movies & TV” category.
2. Selecting Your Preferred Format
Amazon usually offers multiple formats for pre-ordered movies: Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download, and sometimes even limited edition physical releases. Choose the format that best suits your viewing preferences and playback equipment. Be mindful of regional coding for physical discs, especially if you’re located outside the movie’s region of origin.
3. Adding to Your Cart and Proceeding to Checkout
Click the “Pre-order Now” button, and the item will be added to your Amazon shopping cart. Once you’ve selected all desired items, proceed to the checkout page. Review your order carefully, confirming the movie title, format, and shipping address.
4. Choosing Your Payment Method and Shipping Options
Select your preferred payment method from the options stored in your Amazon account. If you need to add a new card or update your billing information, you can do so at this stage. Choose your desired shipping speed. Note that pre-ordered items typically ship on or slightly before the release date to ensure you receive them as close to the release as possible.
5. Finalizing Your Pre-Order
Review your order summary one last time to ensure everything is accurate. Click the “Place your order” button to finalize your pre-order. You will receive an order confirmation email with details of your purchase and estimated delivery date. Keep this email for your records.
The Pre-Order Price Guarantee: Saving You Money
One of the most significant benefits of pre-ordering on Amazon is the Pre-order Price Guarantee. This guarantee ensures that you will pay the lowest price offered by Amazon between the time you place your order and the release date. If the price drops, Amazon automatically adjusts your payment to reflect the lower amount. This eliminates the risk of paying a higher price than necessary.
Cancelling Your Pre-Order: Flexibility and Control
Amazon allows you to cancel your pre-order at any time before the release date, providing you with flexibility and control over your purchases. To cancel, navigate to “Your Orders” in your Amazon account, locate the pre-order you wish to cancel, and click the “Cancel Items” button. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation. You will receive a confirmation email once the cancellation is processed.
FAQs: Your Pre-Order Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding pre-ordering movies on Amazon:
1. When am I charged for a pre-ordered movie?
You are generally charged for a pre-ordered movie when the item ships, not when you place the order. Amazon may, however, authorize your card shortly after you place the order to verify its validity and available funds.
2. How can I track my pre-ordered movie’s shipment?
Once your pre-ordered movie ships, you will receive a shipping notification email with a tracking number. You can also track the shipment directly from the “Your Orders” section of your Amazon account.
3. What happens if the release date of the movie is delayed?
If the release date of the movie is delayed, Amazon will notify you via email. The new estimated delivery date will be updated in your order details. You retain the option to cancel your pre-order if the delayed release date is unacceptable.
4. Can I change the shipping address for my pre-order?
Yes, you can usually change the shipping address for your pre-order before it ships. Navigate to “Your Orders,” find the order, and select “Change Shipping Address.” Follow the prompts to update your address.
5. What if I don’t receive my pre-ordered movie on the release date?
While Amazon strives to deliver pre-ordered movies on the release date, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause delays. Check the tracking information to see the status of your shipment. If you haven’t received your movie within a reasonable timeframe after the release date, contact Amazon customer service for assistance.
6. Does Amazon offer Prime benefits on pre-orders?
Yes, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you will typically receive Prime benefits on pre-ordered movies, including free shipping and potential early access to deals and promotions.
7. Can I pre-order a digital movie?
Yes, Amazon offers pre-orders for digital movies, often through Amazon Prime Video. These typically become available for streaming or download on the release date.
8. What happens if the movie is no longer available for pre-order after I place my order?
Once you have successfully placed your pre-order and received a confirmation, your order is generally guaranteed. In extremely rare cases where unforeseen circumstances prevent Amazon from fulfilling your order, you will be notified and your payment will be refunded.
9. How do I find out which movies are available for pre-order on Amazon?
The easiest way to find out which movies are available for pre-order is to browse Amazon’s “New Releases” or “Coming Soon” sections under the “Movies & TV” category. You can also search for specific movie titles to see if pre-ordering is available.
10. Can I pre-order a movie as a gift?
Yes, you can pre-order a movie as a gift by specifying a separate shipping address during the checkout process. You can also add a gift message to personalize the order.
11. Is it possible to combine pre-orders with other items in my cart?
Yes, you can combine pre-orders with other items in your cart. However, keep in mind that the pre-ordered items will ship separately when they become available.
12. What if I want to return a pre-ordered movie after receiving it?
Amazon’s standard return policy applies to pre-ordered movies. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within the specified timeframe for a refund, provided it meets the return policy requirements. Check Amazon’s return policy for movies for the most up to date details.
Conclusion: Secure Your Cinematic Future
Pre-ordering movies on Amazon is a simple and effective way to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest releases. With the Pre-order Price Guarantee and flexible cancellation options, you can confidently secure your copy of your favorite films, knowing you’re getting the best possible price and the convenience of home delivery. So, browse Amazon’s upcoming releases and start pre-ordering your cinematic adventures today!