Redbox
(Redbox Photo)

Redbox users in the Seattle area will get to experience a much crisper picture on some of the titles they grab from the rental kiosks as the company launches a test of 4K Ultra HD content.

Seattle will join Austin, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City as test markets, with more than 2,500 kiosks featuring 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. The rentals will be available for $2.50 a night, Redbox said in a news release Tuesday.

“This is a major move for Redbox as we focus on expanding consumer access to home entertainment options across price points and formats,” Galen Smith, CEO of Redbox, said in the release. “As the popularity of 4K content increases and pricing of 4K hardware decreases, we’re excited to offer the best viewing experience at the best price for 4K Blu-ray discs.”

Early titles available in the higher-resolution format include “Black Panther,” “The Commuter,” “The Matrix” and “The Martian.” New releases and popular catalog titles will be added weekly, and the number of titles and copies will vary by kiosk and location.

It’s the latest move by Redbox to stay competitive against the streaming giants and other entertainment options.

In December, the company announced Redbox On Demand to broaden its selection of movies and TV shows. The company is also testing Nintendo Switch video game rentals in six markets: Seattle, San Antonio, Portland, Nashville, Denver and Salt Lake City.

Redbox was previously based in Bellevue, Wash., as part of its then-parent company Outerwall, but its corporate headquarters has shifted to Illinois following its purchase last year by private equity firm Apollo Global Management.

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