Abstract: An interactive video rental/purchase system enables a potential renter/purchaser to determine the availability of one or more videos from one or more video retail outlets via the internet on a home personal computer. The system provides the user with pricing information, the most geographically convenient location at which one or more videos is currently available, and enables the user to reserve one or more selected videos by placing an immediate hold on the selections. The system also provides the user with access to additional information including trailers of available videos, critics' reviews of the videos, and viewer feedback from other users who have viewed the videos.