After months of speculation and cryptic comments from Dish Network, the company has finally unveiled Blockbuster Movie Pass, its subscription streaming movie service bundle for the TV or computer. Most observers knew this day was coming ever since Dish acquired Blockbuster in a bankruptcy auction, which set up a chance to make a play against sector giant Netflix. The timing couldn’t be much better to launch a rival to Netflix, given its recent spinoff and perceived PR missteps — both of which have created a serious dent in its once high-flying stock price. Here’s the release:

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 23, 2011 — DISH Network L.L.C. and Blockbuster L.L.C. announced today Blockbuster Movie Pass, the most comprehensive TV entertainment programming package ever delivered by a multichannel pay TV provider.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, Blockbuster Movie Pass is available for DISH Network customers, starting at $10 per month, combining the best of TV with the best of movies and games. It features a pay TV industry first: a subscription streaming movie service bundle available on the TV or PC. This programming package is unmatched by any other cable, satellite, telco or online streaming movie service.

Blockbuster Movie Pass includes the following:

Mail It! – More than 100,000 DVD movies, TV shows and games available by mail. No additional charge for high definition Blu-ray™ movies. One, two or three disc plans available. Queue management made conveniently from a link at www.dish.com.
Stream it! – Stream more than 3,000 movies to the TV. Stream more than 4,000 movies to the PC. Watch hundreds of on-demand TV shows.
Play it! – More than 3,000 video games by mail for XBOX®, XBOX 360®, Playstation2™, Playstation3™, and Nintendo Wii™.
Exchange it! – Unlimited exchanges of DVDs and video games at participating Blockbuster stores.
Watch it! – More than 20 premium entertainment movie channels from studios like MGM, Epix, Sony Movie Channel, PixL and more.

“With millions of Internet-enabled DISH Network set-top boxes deployed in U.S. homes and our ability to offer services from the iconic Blockbuster brand, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the myriad of ways consumers seek access to their favorite movies, TV shows or games,” said Joe Clayton, CEO of DISH Network. “When you combine Blockbuster Movie Pass with a DISH Network subscription, you get endless entertainment options and convenient access to the content you want, when you want it. And unlike other companies, we offer the simplicity of one company, one bill and one connection.”

From Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, 2012, DISH Network is offering new customers Blockbuster Movie Pass included with their DISH Network subscription for one year when they subscribe to DISH Network’s America’s Top 200 programming package or greater and commit to 24 months of DISH Network service. This is up to $360 in savings.

Blockbuster Movie Pass is also included for three months for new DISH Network customers who subscribe to America’s Top 120 programming package. After the promotional period, Blockbuster Movie Pass starts at just $10 per month. Access to the subscription streaming movie service requires a DISH Network HD DVR.

“We’ve created a package that combines the best assets of the movie entertainment and video gaming industries with the convenience and integration provided by a multichannel video provider,” said Michael Kelly, president of Blockbuster. “Blockbuster Movie Pass is the ultimate programming package for every movie buff. The combination of DVDs by mail and unlimited in-store exchanges provides more than 100 million people living near Blockbuster stores, which are open 7 days a week, immediate satisfaction and unmatched choice.”