Blockbuster Video is hoping that its new Play Pak kidvid promotion will give customers an ‘enhanced family experience’ when they visit one of the chain’s 6,000 outlets.

The Play Pak rental program, which launched in June, revolves around the giveaway of a toy and an activity bag with any kids video rental.

The first promotional installment in the program, featuring a pop-up book with cut-out characters from the theatrical release of Disney’s Hercules, will continue to early August when it will be replaced with a new themed product.

‘Play Pak is a program that will continue going forward throughout the year,’ says Blockbuster spokesperson Barri Wells, who could not confirm published reports that the Dallas-based retail giant will spend US$15 million in getting the program off the ground.

Kidmongous, another kid-themed promo, offers families the opportunity to purchase compilations of three or more children’s video titles at a special value price. Among the more than 100 titles included in the Kidmongous program are Aladdin’s Arabian Adventures and a entire series of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts episodes.

‘With the Kidmongous and Play Pak programs in place, it is simple, convenient and easy for families to shop at Blockbuster,’ says Wells. ‘It makes the experience fun for the kids to be there, and it’s something that adds value for our customers.’