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139 Comments
- FearlessFreep, on 10/12/2007, -1/+26I gave up on Blockbuster and went with NetFlix because NetFlix had a much better selection in the type of B-Movie sci-fi,fantasy, martial arts, horror, crap I like.
- silver31u, on 10/12/2007, -10/+32The article pretty well sums up why I'm a Blockbuster Online customer. Can Netflix's compete with thousands of local brick and mortar Blockbusters? I don't think so. I would consider myself a "power user" returning most movies quickly, add in free in store rentals and I don't see how Blockbuster is making any money on my membership.
- KameleonZero, on 10/12/2007, -1/+22Returning to the store is fine, if the store actually has the movies you want to see. The selection at a Blockbuster store is too limited. I use Netflix simply because I can get movies from them I can't get at a store--things like anime or TV shows.
If you can find the movies you want in a Blockbuster store, though, it's a good deal. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+25I know this is could be a stupid move, but I just do NOT trust blockbuster after their last stunt they pulled with the 'no late fees' fiasco and I won't use them again.
Like I said, it could be dumb of me to do, but when you lose my trust, you lose my money
I do honestly hope it works out for everyone that does have blockbuster though - sabster, on 10/12/2007, -2/+19Yeah I dont think they are making any money right now. Their main concern right now is to just get the customers back..
- synystar, on 10/12/2007, -5/+20Dugg for the reminder: take back the damned DVD in my truck... girl is gonna flip out when she sees the late fee. Stupid brick and mortar Blockbusters.
- tdogg241, on 10/12/2007, -3/+18Blockbuster will never get another dime from me as long as I live. Why? I used to work there. And yes, it really was THAT bad.
- hanapbuhay, on 10/12/2007, -5/+19Netflix, add video games to my queue or I'm going to Blockbuster.
- drlha, on 10/12/2007, -1/+14Exactly. One of the reasons I joined Netflix in the first place is that I can't stand going to Blockbuster, you always spend hours in there, because they don't have what you want and you have to figure out what else you want to watch. I'm never in the mood to watch a movie when I come back.
Video stores used to be cool, but Blockbusters made them all the equivalent of McDonalds. Rest in peace. - vanscott, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10Stupid answer in an interview that ensured I didn't get a job at Blockbuster when I was a student.
Lady Interviewer, "what do you think the biggest customer complaint here is at Blockbuster"
Me, "the selection?"
Lady Interviewer, "um.... no, its the late charges"
Me, "how would I know, I've never rented from here"
Lady Interviewer, "thanks for stopping by" - Halodude1489, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Oh the wonderful miracle called competition.
- foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11Ummm... Netflix has been renting hd-dvd and blu-ray since they came out.
- codyman, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13Yep this is why I switch to Blockbuster from Netflix... I pay 10 bucks a month and I basically always have a movie to watch and now I get a free game rental... all for ten bucks... I mean, a single rental costs like 4 bucks so...
- spiff21, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9I've been a Netflix customer for nearly three years now. I tried Blockbuster a few years ago and wasn't impressed. Notably, I found that Blockbuster had a much smaller catalog of movies, and that they didn't seem to have many copies of those movies that they did have listed in the catalog. I'm guessing that the latter has been fixed by now. Can anyone comment on the relative size of Blockbuster's catalog compared to Netflix's?
- Jrehpo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9A little market competition is a good for all of us consumerist sheep.
- billygreen23, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I've been using Blockbuster Online for a few months now and absolutely love it. silver31u, I agree; how are they making any money off of me? For only $5.99 I get five movies a month. Best deal ever.
- glucoseboy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I've been using the blockbuster service now for a couple months and find it fine. This idea of using return envelopes as coupons for free in-store rentals is brilliant.
However....
I still can't stand going to blockbuster, walking up and down the aisles trying to find something to watch. And, once I find it, waiting in a queue that is always 8 deep just to get my free rental. It is so unpleasant for me, I'm foregoing my "free rentals" and just sticking with mail delivery.
This is the central problem with video store rental in general, the experience is bad. Until they fix that, Blockbuster is still in trouble. - picklepants, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Plus you get really cool "family-ready" edited versions of your favorite films. I say leave the thinking to Blockbuster.
- Gryffydd, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I can say this about Blockbuster: They ignore your queue order. They just randomly send you movies from it. You might get number 23 and number 75 at the same time. They even seem to avoid sending you your first picks if they can. At least that's how it feels. Netflix on the other hand always (or close enough) sends me my top choices.
Whether that's because they have a larger quantity of the movies and are able to send my top picks because they're available, or if it's just some procedural difference between the two companies I don't know.
GreenCine is also good, lots of stuff Netflix and Blockbuster don't have (especially porn, if you're into that). The only problem there is they only have one distribution center (in CA) so it took me 3-4 days each way until I got another movie. - hansamurai, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7My wife and I have been using the Blockbuster service for about 6 months now and we really like it. We have the two DVD plan so for 15 bucks a month we get two DVDs at a time. This USED to yield about 8-12 movies a month which is pretty good compared to Blockbuster prices. But about a month ago, they added the service where if you return your movie to the store, you get a free movie right then and there. So now we get about 20 movies a month for $15. Of course, we have to go to the store to return the videos, which defeats part of the purpose of having them mail them in the first place, but it's a great deal and totally optional. Before the return it to the store option was available, we got two free rentals a month from the store, and that's how we decided to go with Blockbuster over Netflix.
My only complaint about the latest game promotion is that it only works on the monthly coupon, not every movie return. So you only get one game a month which isn't that much in my opinion. - CindyBurger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Haha Yeah I use to work at blockbuster.. I was a manager...yeah you get paid sqwat!
- hansamurai, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Yeah, I've seen Blu-ray and HD-DVD movies on Blockbuster for months now. My wife keeps adding them to the queue and I have to take them off.
No, I do now want to see RV, especially the Blu-ray version with our non-existent Blu-ray player. - xelloss, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I wish they would, that way I don't have to pay for both netflix and gamefly. Yes I know about gameznflix but they don't have the anime selection or Seasoned box set selection like they do with netflix, and all the weird movies that no one hears of.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I wish either would finally add video games for rental. Gamefly is too damn slow shipping from California.
Remember, this is only talking about the monthly coupon you get for in-store rentals. If you were grandfathered in from an earlier subscription, you should still get 2 coupons per month that work on all games/movies in-store. - logicalnoise, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4eh, Blockbuster can't match Netflix's selection. I watch most of my tv on dvd because if I get hooked on a show I only have to waita couple days to get another 3 HOURS of it. Sure I COULD DRIVE to the blockbuster but why waste the gas when blockbuster will screw you first chance they get. Netflix may not be different but they've treated me well.
Hell I just went to blockbuster last week. It was the first time in 6 monthes and the only reason was to use my netflix sisposible cover to get a free rental. Now I'm loathing the special trip I need ot make to the store to return my movie. - synt4x, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Not having to waste half an hour going to a brick and mortar store is most of the reason I use Netflix. It's a nice perk, but I don't foresee myself ever being desperate enough to waste gas and time driving to a store, finding something actually in stock, and then driving back just to see a movie. I'll wait the extra day and just read a book that night instead.
- abohling, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Last time I had Blockbuster online they were doing 2 free movie or game rentals a month - standard. I used it a lot for games but I would get so many unplayable DVDs that I canceled my service. I have Netflix now and I doubt I'll switch back - the whole reason I'm doing online is that I don't want to go to a Blockbuster/Hollywood Video/etc.
- BigPapi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I'm thinking of quitting Blockbuster. The new website they built is so awful and slow that I get pissed everytime I try to use it. The developers at blockbuster.com went crazy with ajax. They put it EVERYWHERE throughout the site and using the queue is just a major pain in the ass now. I have to wait at least 10 seconds for every action, like removing/adding a movie. They obviously didn't take hardware into account when testing the new site.
- dognose, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6I've been a member of Netflix for many years (off and on).. Their big problem is that they do NOT offer "unlimited" movies. They start to slow down your shipments if you start getting too many movies. For me, I'd usually return them the day they came, but would only get a movie like once or twice a week.
I think I tried blockbuster, but just couldn't find the movies I wanted. Maybe they have improved since they first opened it! - Raz75, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5You know what, I noticed that's happening to me too. I started watching a lot of movies just last month, and now it's taking longer to receive shipments. At first it took a day longer than usual; these days, it takes 2-3 days longer than when I signed up in the summer.
- leilarichards7, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6If you want to try it our for 1 Free Month, use promo code 1944TA and you will get 1 free month of movies PLUS the free video game rentals.
- monosyth, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4huh. i just sit on my lazy butt and wait for the movies i select to drop into my mailbox. i've easily watched 20 movies this month with the blockbuster deal.
can't wait to try my game coupon... - wild, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7This tactic will be the end of them. They can't possibly make enough money on this to cover the manual labor involved having stores. Not by doing that and keeping up with Netflix prices. Netflix will be our only option in a couple years since they have so little overhead in comparison.
- Fett101, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You're very confused. I watched The Last Temptation of Christ just last month from Blockbuster.
- a7bat, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I'm debating about going to Netflix or Blockbuster. I don't really want to get mainstream movies, but prefer rare films. I've searched netflix's catalog and so far they've got almost every rare film I want to see. I'm not sure if Blockbuster has more rare titles than netflix....
- commitone, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3@ juliocgrajales
You've quoted blockbuster:
Does BLOCKBUSTER® edit or censor its movies?
We do not edit or otherwise alter movies ourselves; we offer all movies for rent or sale exactly as we receive them from the studios, so we leave the methodology as to how ratings are applied specifically and completely to the studios involved. We are retailers and not members of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), so we take no position on individual scenes or the overall artistic merits of a film. We are not in the content business. We are in the business of exceeding the expectations of our members and customers, and thus our goal is to offer the widest possible selection within our broad parameters of our "no NC-17 or X" standards. BLOCKBUSTER® has always tried to provide our customers with a variety of choices while maintaining our family orientation. As you know, we will not carry "X" rated or "NC-17" rated films. However, there are unrated film titles we feel may contain content unsuitable for children, and we designate these titles with a "YRV" designation, for "Youth Restricted Viewing". Although not pornographic, only members older than 17 are allowed to select these films.
They may not edit or censor the movies, but they have made deals with the studios to edit it for them. Here's a quote from wikipedia:
Critics of the chain, including Naomi Klein in her anti-globalization book No Logo (1999), allege that Blockbuster is involved in "censorship," because it not only bans certain titles, but often edits videos for release beyond the standard retail cut, or uses its significant market share to influence studios to do so. Blockbuster's critics claim this editing to secure more "family-friendly" ratings is a necessity for studios if they want their products to reach a wider video market.
Recent award-winning movies such as Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream (2000), Michael Haneke's The Piano Teacher (2000) and Pedro Almodovar's Bad Education (2004) have been subject to such editing [citation needed], and are typically unavailable for rental in their original form in most Blockbuster locations, even though the original uncut, unrated theatrical-version DVDs are available at Blockbuster online and for purchase in other retail outlets. Instead, Blockbuster (if it carries such films at all) carries special R-rated versions, issued by the distributors but allegedly designed specifically for Blockbuster's audience, much like the "clean" versions of Parental Advisory music releases found in Wal-Mart stores. Furthermore, Blockbuster does not mark these titles as edited versions so customers are unaware that they are not getting the original version. However, for highly commercial films such as Anchorman or the American Pie series, Blockbuster will often carry an "unrated" DVD release instead of or in addition to the theatrical PG-13 or R-rated cut. In this case, the "unrated" version has often been specifically designed to appeal to the larger older teen market available through Blockbuster stores, advertising enhanced sexual or other content that supposedly would have secured it an NC-17, had this version ever been submitted to the MPAA for a rating. In addition, Blockbuster also uses a "YRV" or "Youth Restricted Viewing" rating system to distinguish these racier, unrated DVDs. Any movie marked as YRV (usually on the same sticker with the barcode) is not recommended for or rented to any renter under the age of 17. With the addition of the YRV ratings, the once censored movies are gradually being re-released into the stores in their original conditions. - neuropsychguy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3And if they are Redbox kiosks you could be getting those movies for free with rental codes. A simple google search will provide you with the codes.
- modifiedbears, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Now that everyone has game coupons it just means that you'll be less likely to find that game you want. There selection is really limited as is and whoever decides the amount of copies to carry per title is an idiot. You'll often see 6 copies of a bad game, usually a bad game that has lots of marketing behind it *cough*die and burn in hell EA*cough*, and 1 copy of a really good game.
- ingoldsby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I tried Blockbuster online, granted it was a year ago - but the movies took forever to arrive. Their online store was not quite up to par with Netflix but semi decent - maybe I will try them again in the future - but as of last attempt Netflix was still significantly faster with better customer service and a much better selection of movies.
- SOAB, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"If customers return movies too quickly, your only real choice is to slow down their shipments. Netflix and all of the competing services have complicated algorithms that add a day or two here and there to the “received date” when customers return DVDs. One way or another, high velocity customers are slowed down. And if they leave, that’s fine. They weren’t profitable anyway."
I return movies to quickly and I'm proud of it ! :-) BB slowed my mailings to a crawl at best. The coupons were nice, but back to Netflix I went. The local BB franchise is run by children running amuck. RUDE Sales people, TVs & Stereos BLARING and NO selection. Thanks but, no thanks to my local BB franchise. Have to admit, Netflix is slipping in a day or two on returns since their algorithms are starting to kick in. Guess I'll cancel for a month or two and they will love me again. ;-) Bottom line the local franchise BB, NEVER AGAIN !!!! - kLacK, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"They can't possibly make enough money on this to cover the manual labor involved having stores."
Not really, as it is probably cheaper for them to ship movies in bulk from the store. Its got to be an inventory and logistics nightmare though. - blindcamel, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3The writer is a tool. I've used Netflix for years in Seattle. Delivery time is consistent every time. Returned day one...received and shipped day two...in my box on day three. No preference for 'classics' over new releases. They have never, in five years not sent a new release to me. No 'Algorithm kicking in'. Maybe this guy should renew his membership with zip.ca.
- Chaseb, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Well I have been with Netflix for the past three years and probably rent 10 to 12 DVD's a month and the turnaround time has been like clockwork from day one. Three days total turnaround at most. Also, I live out in the country and the nearest Blockbuster is about 35 minutes away, so I sticking with Netfilx.
- theantidote, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Too bad Blockbuster barely has any video games in stock so that coupon is useless, or at least for me. Other than that though it sounds cool. If only there were a service that combines games and movies and doesn't suck as much as Gameznflix.
- rjcarr, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I just signed up for a free trial of blockbuster too ... the "features" seem really nice, however, their availability REALLY sucks (compared to netflix). I think they shipped about my 15th movie in the queue on the FIRST shipping. Also, their website is really bad too ... I watch a lot of television on DVD and it is hard to tell which season is which and many other annoyances.
Not dropping my netflix account just yet ... - tippern, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2" Also, Blockbuster Movies received by mail can be returned directly at any Blockbuster store "
This is NOT for every store. The individual franchises do not have to honor this. Only one store in my metropolitan area (Memphis) will honor this.
- adml_shake, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I wonder how many of the customers Blockbuster will keeping after they end these promos.
- MindTrigger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Blockbuster is a ***** company, and I have boycotted them for life. I've been using Netflix since they first got rolling thanks to Blockbuster sending me to collections for a $2.99 movie late fee I didn't know I had. No mail, no call.. just credit damaging collections.
Oh, and consider what it cost them in various ways to send my $2.99 to collections. Moronic business practices, retarded employees and a ***** selection to boot. No thanks, Blockbuster. - MindTrigger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2That's weird, I've had several movies come up lost in the mail over the years using Netflix, and they have never once charged me for a single one of them. You didnt' happen to "lose" movies frequently, did you?
- TDR25, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Blockbuster to me never had a good selection of films that I like to watch. Netflix has a lot of old stuff from the 70's and back, so I'll just stick with Netflix. If Blockbuster can update their selection I'll give it another try(I've tried both, and still love Netflix) but until then, Netflix is my choice.
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