Netflix vs. Blockbuster (and all comers . . .)

[dreamer]

Blockbuster.com just announced a $14.99 (9.99 for the first month) flat unlimited plan allowing three movies at once. Netflix is charging 17.99 for the same service. Should I switch from netflix to blockbuster?

[Quango]

Does Blockbuster.com have the same crappy selection that the stores do? If so, I wouldn't bother. Although, I won't bother, because I hate Blockbuster.

One thing to note, BB does not carry nc-17 movies (didn't a few years ago anyways), so a film like "Bad Education" won't be available or will be some compromised crap version. (Maybe their policies have changed.)

Take proximity to distribution center into account as well. I get 3 day (I send, they send, I receive) turnover from Netflix, b/c they have a center in Denver.

Q

[nicodemus]

Blockbuster would have to make their price about $3.99 a month for me to switch. Netflix gets the job done, and I hate Blockbuster.

[Iceblink]

Blockbuster would have to make their price about $3.99 a month for me to switch. Netflix gets the job done, and I hate Blockbuster.

Ditto... except for the whole $3.99 a month thing. I wouldn't switch even if Netflix went out of business completely. I just wouldn't rent movies.

[dreamer]

Ditto... except for the whole $3.99 a month thing. I wouldn't switch even if Netflix went out of business completely. I just wouldn't rent movies.


It would've been a no-brainer for me too if it had been a month ago because I hate Blockbuster too. I used to walk quite a few blocks more to the Hollywood Entertainment store at 11th Street rather than go to the blockbuster at 26th.

But a month or so ago, netflix started shipping their movies late by at least a full day or sometimes a day and a half and this is becoming very annoying.

[Quango]

But a month or so ago, netflix started shipping their movies late by at least a full day or sometimes a day and a half and this is becoming very annoying.

I've noticed that has happened a couple of times. It kind of throws you off when you're expecting your usual turnover (especially when you're down to one movie-per person, with the multiple-queue household). Netflix has really stepped up their site in the last couple of months, though. You may want to check if BB offers recommendations, ratings, friends, and multiple queues. If you're using any of these, you may want to stay with netflix.

[dreamer]

I've noticed that has happened a couple of times. It kind of throws you off when you're expecting your usual turnover (especially when you're down to one movie-per person, with the multiple-queue household). Netflix has really stepped up their site in the last couple of months, though. You may want to check if BB offers recommendations, ratings, friends, and multiple queues. If you're using any of these, you may want to stay with netflix.


Had those before but I don't think it's an aberration this time because it's been over a month and seems like a new routine to me. Netflix is trying to save money to please Wall Street maybe.

[sarabella]

The thing about Blockbuster I hate is that everything has a disclaimer in small type. Like their new no late fees policy. It's not like Netflix at all, where I've kept movies for months just because I didn't feel like watching them. If you keep a movie from Blockbuster longer than a week, they hit you with big fees. They're even getting sued over it:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/18/news/midcaps/blockbuster_suit/

[doppelganger]

it is all about Netflix...

funny how peeved we get when the movie takes the extra day to arrive...we are so spoiled...

it is a cycle, it will spin back...

[CHICO13]

Blockbuster would have to make their price about $3.99 a month for me to switch. Netflix gets the job done, and I hate Blockbuster.
Good call Nico, I have yet to get shut out on a movie at Netflix. I've found everything I've que'd in. And besides, the pierced tattooed goth chick with the attitude at BB made me swear never to go back.

[Przybylinski]

I've been with Netflix for about a year and they have been great. They have a great selection and if they don't have a movie, you can put in a request. They;ve added a few Japanese films I requested.

I tried BB but they suck and don't have all the unique movies you can get at Netflix.

Don't waste your time get Netflix.

[MikeLastort2]

I wouldn't switch to Blockbuster if you held a gun to my head.

[Crewbasher]

Didn't we just have this discussion a week or two ago?

[MikeLastort2]

Didn't we just have this discussion a week or two ago?

Yeah.

[Crewbasher]

OK, just checking. Carry on.

[yimmy]

If you play video games you might want to check out blockbuster b/c you get 2 free in store rental a week. But bbv's selection isn't as diverse as netflix's. That's probably the only reason why I use blockbuster.

Netflix also has a new promotion where you pay 11.99 for four movies a month. not bad.

[dreamer]

I wouldn't switch to Blockbuster if you held a gun to my head.

The verdict is in. I'm staying put. Thanks to all for taking the time.

[peledre]

I just enrolled in Blockbuster online on Friday. 9.99 for the first month, 14.99 (3 at a time) after that. My first movies arrived today so the turnaround time is quite quick initially, we'll see how fast I get my next set when I turn these initial ones in. Their collection is pretty substantial, and it looks like availability is good as well. Anyone who has had both Netflix and tried Blockbuster online as well?

[Crimen y Castigo]

Netflix Busts Double Vertical Suplex on Wal-Mart's Ever-Spreading Ass (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/19/business/media/19cnd-movie.html?hp&ex=1116561600&en=682ff0e7b74a019a&ei=5094&partner=homepage)

Asked to comment, Netflix responded:
"I told Wal-Mart I was comin! I told 'em they had rented 120 minutes of pain! I told 'em this would be an Invasion of the Body Slammers! But would they listen? Noooooooooooo!
Well now I want Blockbuster! Ya hear that Blockbuster!?! I'm coming for you, boy! I'm coming for you! Woo Woo! It's not the Polar Express! It's the Solar Plexus Express! Get ready, son! Get ready!"

Neither Blockbuster nor Jimmy Super Fly Snuka was available for comment.

[doppelganger]

a friend of mine uses http://www.greencine.com/main

he says lotsa anime and foreign flicks, not alot of what one might call "popular" films...