Blockbuster VS Netflix

crawdad · 04-27-2005, 09:26 AM

OK we just cancelled our Netflix membership after 6 weeks because @ 40 % of everything they sent was damaged. They even sent a replacement for a damaged DVD that was also damaged. Finally we got three damaged discs in a row. That was enough.

My biggest gripe is that replacements for damaged DVDs count against your three DVD limit.

My question is, has anyone out there tried Blockbuster? Is it any better?

Scott McAleer

wannacatchem · 04-27-2005, 09:30 AM

I'm interested in the response to this, too. Netflix seems to have slowed way down, intead of a one day turn around, its more like 5. Plus, I have a BB just down the street and you can go into the store and get a dvd instead of getting it thru the mail

mustang66 · 04-27-2005, 09:42 AM

I use blockbuster, the only real difference is that they have sent us additional coupons for free rentals from their stores. I think it's about one a month. I've given up trying to get replacements for damaged ones. If it doesn't work right, I'll just send it back and try the store. The last time I did, the one that I got was damaged, and so was the second one. But they played different parts of the movie, so I was able to see it all anyway. That's my not-so-humble opinion.

Small Fry · 04-27-2005, 10:47 AM

We have not had much of a problem with Netflix. Only a couple of bad disc out of hundereds. Our turnaround time is still only a couple of days. Mailed some off Saturday and the new ones showed up Tuesday.

mandinga · 04-27-2005, 10:51 AM

hollywood video...MVP program...

5 bucks a month if you pre-pay for a year...thats $60 for 1 year of UNLIMITED rentals...

no new releases, you have to wait 3 weeks to rent for free...big deal.

for the money it is the best deal.

Hogmaster · 04-27-2005, 01:26 PM

Everyone's situation can vary.

I read a lot of very positive things about Netflix on prior posts here, but...

The main reason (we) stay with BB is that you can trade in the two titles any time you want for two more.

That comes in real handy when the weekend comes and there is a house full of teens, or somebody watches a movie and someone else wants to watch something else later the same evening or whatever.

Since the BlockBuster is close, it is no big deal to pop over and look over the choices. An advantage, in my view, is that I tend to be kinda spontaneous in selection, and ordering way in advance doesn't really allow that.

Anyway, it sounded like Netflix has a wider variety, but the BlockBuster plan works better for (us).

wootersen · 04-27-2005, 02:56 PM

Blockbuster actually has two different programs available. They have a mail-order program thats similar to netflix and then they have the movie pass which is where you physically go to the store and select your movies.

With the mail order, Netflix allows you to keep 3 movies at a time while BB only allows for two. The other downside to BB mail order is that typically the new releases have waiting lists so you can't necessarily get the movie you want, when you want it. From what I hear, this rarely happens with netflix, they usually send the movie right away no matter what the title is.

The BB movie pass is a bad deal IMO. When they released the "No late fees" program, they forgot to mention that they don't have much control over how many copies of a certain movie they get. The result of "No Late Fees" is that renters don't have any motivation to bring the movie back on time, therefore when someone else wants to see it, it's not available. If you watch a lot of older titles, then the movie pass might work for you, but for most of us...especially those of us who watch enough movies to buy the pass, we get frustrated at the lack of availability over some titles. I think I waited about 3 months to watch "motorcycle diaries"

BB negotiates with the movie companies as to how many copies of a certain title they will recieve, but it's not as simple as placing an order for what they need.

Blockbuster is a sinking ship I'm afraid. :depressed: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

Hogmaster · 04-27-2005, 03:14 PM

woot -

Good points and probably all true in your store.

I the one I frequent, the titles are rotated enough that usually we don't have a problem. For example, the other evening Sideways was out, so we got Ocean's 12. The next night Sideways was in.

But that is our store, and patterns may change for sure.

wootersen · 04-27-2005, 05:08 PM

Good point Hogmaster -

It should be noted that I live right near one of the busiest Blockbusters in Portland. They are frequently out of a lot of good titles. I'm sure mine is one of the worst in town as far as keeping the new releases on the shelves. Some of the others are probably a lot better.

I'm still not buying any stock. :grin: :grin:

fishnwHim · 04-27-2005, 08:22 PM

I have been using the blockbuster internet service for about two months and haven't had any damaged movies. I pay $15.95 , you get three at a time, turnaround time is 4 or 5 days. Great service, plus two coupons per month for games or in store movies. My only complaint is I can't watch the movies fast enough, so many movies , so little time. They also have a free trial period.