Blockbuster probably has bigger problems than scattershot Android app development, but it's a problem nonetheless. On the surface any effort to clean things up seems like a great idea, but the way Blockbuster has gone about it is... well, bizarre. The company, which was acquired by Dish when everyone stopped renting discs, has released a new Android app. Can you guess what it's for? Yep, renting discs. Brilliant!

Blockbuster's movie streaming apps appear to still be listed in the Play Store, but these are device specific. There is one app for HTC devices, one for LG devices, and so on. The list of supported models is also short for each OEM. The new disc queue manager app is at least universal. It is meant to be used primarily with Blockbuster's disc-via-mail service, but you can also reserve movies at your local store – if you still have one. Additionally, the app allows you to search for films, add discs to your rental queue, change the order of the queue, and see movie availability at nearby stores.

The new app looks fairly unattractive at first glance. I guess some things never change. The PR (posted below), does say that customers using the streaming apps can continue to do so. Presumably this mishmash of device-specific apps will continue to exist.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In another step towards enhancing the customer experience, Blockbuster is excited to announce the release of its new Blockbuster Android app that allows users to browse a catalog of more than 100,000 movie and game titles, manage their Blockbuster By Mail queue and even check for availability of the newest releases at their local Blockbuster store. The Blockbuster app is compatible with Android operating systems (Gingerbread and later) and is available for free download starting today in the Google Play and Amazon app stores.

Millions of movie watchers prefer the DVD and Blu-ray experience, and now Blockbuster customers can use their mobile device for added convenience.

“Whether you’re standing in line for a latte or on the train for your evening commute, now you can decide which new release to pick up before you get to the store, and make sure it’s in stock,” said Blockbuster President Michael Kelly. “And if you’re a Blockbuster By Mail member, the functionality goes even deeper; you can add, re-prioritize and remove movies from your queue. It’s like having the entire 100,000-plus movie catalog at your fingertips, wherever and whenever you want to peruse it.”

The free app is available for current Blockbuster members and non-members alike. Additional features include:

  • Search movie and game titles for a synopsis, list of stars, available formats and more
  • Sort by title, actors and genres
  • Add, remove and organize items in your queue
  • Manage your in-store membership (there’s no need to carry your physical card anymore)
  • Find your local Blockbuster store
  • Check for title availability at a specific store
  • Navigate in English and Spanish

Customers who already use the Blockbuster streaming app can continue to do so. Blockbuster has an update planned for its iOS app to launch later this quarter.

[BusinessWire]