Renting a videotape should be a simple, pleasurable procedure, but for many it is just the opposite. With the vast selection of movies available in video stores, surveying the racks can be a daunting, time-consuming task. But, according to Video Magazine, the search can be done within a matter of minutes in the comfort of your own home.
MovieSelect, a new product by Paramount Interactive, provides a light at the end of the videotape-lined tunnel for those who feel bewildered and bogged down by the many choices at video rental stores.Available for $59.95 in a variety of styles compatible with different computer systems, MovieSelect contains specific information about 44,000 films, including the production credits, stars, director and brief plot synopsis of each. An attractive access screen allows users to easily find the answers to their questions about specific movies, or can assist them in choosing what to watch.
Before making viewing recommendations, the program asks users to supply information about movies they have already seen and enjoyed. This data is weighed along with hundreds of results from a film-preference survey conducted by the creators of MovieSelect.
Movie suggestions are then listed under 22 categories, including "triumph of the Spirit," "intelligent-literature," "sexually charged," as well as the more standard headings used by video stores.
Because the database is completely cross-referenced, additional information can easily be obtained. For example, click on the name of a director or star and you'll get his or her comprehensive filmography.
Beginning with the current edition, now MovieSelect also offers full-motion previews of upcoming video attractions. The most recent version features scenes from a dozen recent movies.