Why I'm Never Going into a Video Rental Store Again... well... maybe

[admin]

As a long time Netflix user, I've had little use for Brick and Mortar video rental stores. Occasionally we'd want a specific movie a specific night with no time to order one (need about 3 days to my current location) so we'd pop in to Blockbuster. Invariably, we'd end up with a late fee which would result in a "rental" that cost only a few dollars less than purchasing used/on sale. So I've avoided all local rental shops like the plague. But is seems that Netflix has added on additional services that may make Brick and Mortar stores a thing of the past!


Discuss "Why I'm Never Going into a Video Rental Store Again... well... maybe" here. Read the article.

[BMXTRIX]

You know, I've always wondered at the infatuation with Netflix that has prevailed on this site. Not that it isn't a great, cutting edge service, but I've always gone to B&M stores for the reality that I rarely know on the drop of a hat which movies I may be interested in.

Yet, when the time came, I chose to go with one of the Blockbuster online promotions. Now, more than any other time, I appreciate that service even more. Rentals come to our door from our queue, and then I take them back to the store directly and pick up as many movies as I'm returning - on the spot. I'm not sure I've read the AH hype on that feature which does deliver instant gratification for zero additional charge to $17.99 a month and is perfect for that person who has a Blockbuster to/from work or just a few minutes from their home.

I think Netflix may be a better online only service, but the ability I have now to get movies directly from the store, the second I want them, is a huge plus. No, it isn't an 'instant download' service... but I don't want to really watch sub-VHS quality, in stereo, on my 17" monitor either.

As a plus, the last 10 titles in my queue have all been Blu-ray which they have had in stock and delivered without pause. This is hardly an exclusive to BB Online, yet is pleasant to get the titles in HD nonetheless. We are pushing towards a day when the B&M shops will be gone... and I really don't have some personal grudge against them, or big businesses that support my movie watching experience. Late fees or not.

[stratman]

I can't comment on the Blockbuster (online) experience, but Netflix happens to fit the bill nicely. As the adm. pointed out no late fees, that's a big plus when you have children as plans are always in flux. My wife and I were members of Blockbuster (or Ballbusters when you're late) after trying out Netflix it's worked out for us.

[jeffsg4mac]

I love netflix but as BMX stated I do not want to watch movies on a computer. To me, watching movies on a computer is like listening to an MP3; what's the point?

[Tom Andry]

With an HTPC or a video out on a laptop, it isn't all that hard to stream a movie to your home theater.

[avaserfi]

I just started a netflix service for the first time this past week and so far its great, far cheaper than a brick and mortar store plus they have a far larger selection as I live in a little city with nothing interesting in it...boo ames

[gene]

I tried Netflix for a few months but got sick of getting broken or scratched discs in the mail. I also rarely rent DVD's so it was costing me nearly $20/mo for 2-3 DVD's/month I didn't watch either b/c of lack of time or because they showed up broken.

Personally I buy appealing movies on sale and wait for the others to show on HBO or Cinemax.

[darien87]

I initially went with Netflix, but then switched to Blockbuster. I also like being able to return movies at the store. It's like getting twice as many movies. Plus with new releases, it always seemed like what I wanted was on a "short wait" with Netflix. With Blockbuster, even if the movie is on a wait on the site, every time I went into the store, they had copies of what I wanted. So no more wait.

Plus, I can use my E-coupons to rent games at Blockbuster. That's not even possible with Netflix. The only negative I've had with Blockbuster, is that sometimes movies take more than a day to get to me. Netflix is literally just up the street from me, so I ALWAYS got their movies in one day. Also, with both services, I find myself trying to watch movies as quick as I can, so I can return them as quick as I can, to get my money's worth.

Sorry Netflix. You're a great service, but in my experience, you just can't compete with Blockbuster.

[birdonthebeach]

Sadly, I just discovered that the streaming feature is not available to Mac users....

so sad for me....

[gene]

Sadly, I just discovered that the streaming feature is not available to Mac users....

so sad for me....

Serves you right for buying a Mac