Dish uses Facebook to sell Blockbuster Movie Pass

Dish Network (Nasdaq: DISH) is turning to Facebook to market its Blockbuster Movie Pass bundle, launching an app that allows viewers to watch outtakes from its "Celebration" ad campaign.

Screenshot: Dish Network

The satellite TV provider recently began running TV spots that begin with a man telling his family and neighbors about Dish's latest offer: "Hey gang, did you hear about Dish Network's new Blockbuster Movie Pass? We'll get over 100,000 TV shows, movies and games delivered to our door, and it's all included when we sign up for Dish."

His family, a dog, neighbors and mailman then begin dancing to "Explosion," from soul singer Eli Reed, showing off some unusual dance moves. Dish's Facebook app allows users to watch outtakes from cameras focused on each character in the commercial, including dog Archie, who performs four backflips.

Dish, which acquired Blockbuster earlier this year, is using Blockbuster video and game rentals in an attempt to boost revenue and drive subscriber growth. It's charging Dish customers an additional $9.99 monthly to access Blockbuster Movie Pass.

The satellite TV provider, which lost 111,000 subscribers during the third quarter, may be able to use social media and efforts such as the Facebook app to reach new subscribers. The Facebook app allows users to share the outtakes with friends on the top social network.

For more:
- see Dish's Facebook app

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