Netflix vs. Blockbuster!!!!!

[speakerman39]

Folks, I have been thinking about signing up for one of these. Which do you suggest and why? Perhaps, a mod could be nice enough to set up a Poll? I am not interested in streaming movies at this time, but blue-ray should be part of the consideration. Better yet, are there any other services I need to be aware of? One thing I like about Blockbuster, is that I can do an in-store exchange(s). That does make it a little more convenient. As always, any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Have a blessed day.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Cavediver]

I've been using Blockbuster for several months now. I get Blu-ray's only. The in store exchange is really nice if I want a new release. I can go in the store on release day and exchange a mail in rental for a store copy of the new release. In fact, I got Quantum of Solace yesterday by doing an in store exchange. My daughter uses Netflix for SD DVD's and she's been happy with the service, but can't exchange in store. Basically, the in store exchange is the reason I signed up for Blockbuster rather then Netflix.

 

[speakerman39]

I've been using Blockbuster for several months now. I get Blu-ray's only. The in store exchange is really nice if I want a new release. I can go in the store on release day and exchange a mail in rental for a store copy of the new release. In fact, I got Quantum of Solace yesterday by doing an in store exchange. My daughter uses Netflix for SD DVD's and she's been happy with the service, but can't exchange in store. Basically, the in store exchange is the reason I signed up for Blockbuster rather then Netflix.

Thanks Cave for your input. The in-store exchange does have my attention. We have (2) Blockbuster stores here locally. However, I need to hear from some Netflix members. Come on folks, speak up.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[aberkowitz]

The problem you could run into with BB is that they have been consistently closing stores for several years now, and as streaming media and mail-order DVD continue to be where the money is made more and more stores are going to be shut. On top of that, with the economy how it is I would not be surprised to see an acceleration of store closings. Now, that doesn't mean your local BB is going to close tomorrow, but it's something to think about when you're trying to weigh the pros/cons of in-store pickup/return.

Personally I am a Roku user (Streaming Netflix) and I am obsessed with it. I do not use either service for regular movies b/c I am a movie buyer and not a renter. In NYC, the cost of going to a movie these days is $25 for 2 people (before popcorn), so I'd rather just buy the Blu Ray - particularly if I think there's even a remote chance I might want to rewatch. The Roku, and certain Netflix physical DVDs, is specifically for the bedroom where I don't care much about PQ or AQ, we just want something to watch before going to bed or when we're not feeling well. I've caught up on a ton of TV series this way.

I can say that the times where I've had to order the physical DVDs, Netflix has been brilliant. I mail the disc back and I have a new one within 1 day of the email I get saying "received". Since I don't rent BD I cannot tell you what the turnaround time is like for the high-demand new releases. If you are going to be using the service to catch up on older movies or something you didn't see from last year, it is incredibly satisfying.

 

[speakerman39]

The problem you could run into with BB is that they have been consistently closing stores for several years now, and as streaming media and mail-order DVD continue to be where the money is made more and more stores are going to be shut. On top of that, with the economy how it is I would not be surprised to see an acceleration of store closings. Now, that doesn't mean your local BB is going to close tomorrow, but it's something to think about when you're trying to weigh the pros/cons of in-store pickup/return.

Personally I am a Roku user (Streaming Netflix) and I am obsessed with it. I do not use either service for regular movies b/c I am a movie buyer and not a renter. In NYC, the cost of going to a movie these days is $25 for 2 people (before popcorn), so I'd rather just buy the Blu Ray - particularly if I think there's even a remote chance I might want to rewatch. The Roku, and certain Netflix physical DVDs, is specifically for the bedroom where I don't care much about PQ or AQ, we just want something to watch before going to bed or when we're not feeling well. I've caught up on a ton of TV series this way.

I can say that the times where I've had to order the physical DVDs, Netflix has been brilliant. I mail the disc back and I have a new one within 1 day of the email I get saying "received". Since I don't rent BD I cannot tell you what the turnaround time is like for the high-demand new releases. If you are going to be using the service to catch up on older movies or something you didn't see from last year, it is incredibly satisfying.

Wow, very informative. Good point about closing stores. That alone has given me something to think about. Renting BR discs at my local Blockbuster costs $4.99 each. Rent several each week and it adds up rather quickly. This is why I have been thinking about joining Netflix or Blockbuster. As always, I really do appreciate your input.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[lsiberian]

Netflix is just amazing. I have loved it and I think it's cheaper. Though I haven't checked this.

They have every movie you can think off. So don't worry about new releases. You will be too busy watching Clint Eastwood movies. When you hang a man you better...

Oh sorry.

Yeah I don't need to go to BB for my movies. They come to me in the mail. Why have to drive and go to the store.

I don't buy movies anymore. I netflix everything. I refuse to use a roku though. PQ has to be worse than Blu-ray.

How is the Roku working though? My Parents want one. Need to advise them on it.

 

[j_garcia]

I am sold on Netflix. I have only bought one or two movies since I signed up for it. The selection isn't as great as I would have liked for older movies, but the current selection is good and I have been getting everything quickly (I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that they are headquartered a few miles away?).

 

[speakerman39]

Netflix is just amazing. I have loved it and I think it's cheaper. Though I haven't checked this.

They have every movie you can think off. So don't worry about new releases. You will be too busy watching Clint Eastwood movies. When you hang a man you better...

Oh sorry.

Yeah I don't need to go to BB for my movies. They come to me in the mail. Why have to drive and go to the store.

I don't buy movies anymore. I netflix everything. I refuse to use a roku though. PQ has to be worse than Blu-ray.

How is the Roku working though? My Parents want one. Need to advise them on it.

Aberkowitz has the roku not me. I agree that either Netflix or Blockbuster would be cheaper than what I am currently paying now for BR discs. I have to worry about new releases, because those are my favs. But, older Clint Eastwood movies are always good to watch. Hey, can't leave the Duke out either as John Wayne is another one of my favs. Thanks for your input. I will keep it all in mind.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

I am sold on Netflix. I have only bought one or two movies since I signed up for it. The selection isn't as great as I would have liked for older movies, but the current selection is good and I have been getting everything quickly (I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that they are headquartered a few miles away?).

LOL..........maybe the mail is just faster your way. Yeah, there are pros and cons going with either Netflix or Blockbuster. As always, looking to save a few bucks. It helps me to survive. Thanks for your input John.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[mperfct]

I've been a Netflix subscriber for a long time now. Everytime I get mad at them and look at comparable BB offerings, I'm not impressed. Plus, when I got my Pio bdp51fd, about 80% of my dvd's switched over to BB.

My wife and I also have separate queues, and NF sends them out one at a time from each of our queues (we have the 2 disc at a time plan).

Another point for Netflix is that they are preparing a new packaging format for BD since the BDs are too brittle and get cracked during shipment occasionally. I imagine the failure rates are comparable between BB and NF. I still get scratched discs, and I think with most players you'd be ok. My Pio is a picky SOB, and I still have had problems with 2 of the 8 BD movies I've gotten. That is more a statement on the Pio and it's lack of error correction than on NF or BB.

I really like the NF experience, overall. If I really was having a lot of problems, I might look a little harder at Vudu. It looks pretty awesome, but I think it would end up costing you more if you watch more than 3-4 movies a month (assuming you get HD or HDX downloads).

 

[JLMEMT]

We recently joined netflix and are really enjoying it. Our movies have all been one day to us and one day back. It is rumored that they will open a distribution center about 30 miles from us, but I don't believe it has opened yet. Either way, can't beat 1 day.

We have also been enjoying the steaming, even though with the current set up the quality isn't the best. But we are just using a laptop on a fairly slow connection hooked to the T.V. I am looking at a BR player with streaming built in, so I haven't wanted to spend much money on improving the current setup.
I have heard, that with the right internet connection, the Netflix streaming from the new Samsung BR players is awesome.

 

[mike c]

poll added

 

[speakerman39]

poll added

Thanks a bunch Mike as you are the man! Okay, maybe not but you still are a good guy. Appreciate you doing this for me.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

We recently joined netflix and are really enjoying it. Our movies have all been one day to us and one day back. It is rumored that they will open a distribution center about 30 miles from us, but I don't believe it has opened yet. Either way, can't beat 1 day.

We have also been enjoying the steaming, even though with the current set up the quality isn't the best. But we are just using a laptop on a fairly slow connection hooked to the T.V. I am looking at a BR player with streaming built in, so I haven't wanted to spend much money on improving the current setup.
I have heard, that with the right internet connection, the Netflix streaming from the new Samsung BR players is awesome.

Thanks JLM for posting. Your input is very informative. It is most appreciated.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Nomo]

I'm completely sold on Netflix. (haven't tried BB).
Last week one of the movies I had in my queue was unavailable when they shipped out my next one in line. a couple of hours later, that movie became available. Netflix shipped it to me as an extra. I then had 4 movies at home instead of my usual 3, at no extra charge.

Great service.

 

[speakerman39]

I'm completely sold on Netflix. (haven't tried BB).
Last week one of the movies I had in my queue was unavailable when they shipped out my next one in line. a couple of hours later, that movie became available. Netflix shipped it to me as an extra. I then had 4 movies at home instead of my usual 3, at no extra charge.

Great service.

Thanks Nomo for posting. Many here seem to like Netflix. Like all things in life, there are trade-offs. Hey, it keeps things interesting to say the least. Appreciate the info. Hope all is well your way.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[aberkowitz]

I don't buy movies anymore. I netflix everything. I refuse to use a roku though. PQ has to be worse than Blu-ray.

How is the Roku working though? My Parents want one. Need to advise them on it.

PQ is not as good as Blu Ray, but there are some HD quality movies/tv shows (more TV than movies) and they look pretty damn good. Again I use it for the bedroom only for convenience, so I really don't care as much about the PQ and AQ.

As long as the purpose is not BD quality PQ, or lossless surround sound audio, you cannot beat the convenience. Plus they have a nice selection.

 

[ivseenbetter]

BB has been working flawlessly for me ever since they started the mail service. I really don't think one has an advantage over the other though. I used to say BB was better because you could go in and exchange your mail movies for in-store movies. When you did that, the next ones in your mail queue would be sent so you would essentially have double the movies. However, BB stopped that recently. So now they are about even. Both work...and both provide a good deal.

v/r

Chris

 

[speakerman39]

BB has been working flawlessly for me ever since they started the mail service. I really don't think one has an advantage over the other though. I used to say BB was better because you could go in and exchange your mail movies for in-store movies. When you did that, the next ones in your mail queue would be sent so you would essentially have double the movies. However, BB stopped that recently. So now they are about even. Both work...and both provide a good deal.

v/r

Chris

Thanks Chris for the info. Just for clarification, are you saying that Blockbuster no longer allows in-store exchanges? If so, when did that change occur? If all things being equal, there seems to be more support for Netflix. Either way, it looks like I can't go wrong. Like most things for me, it just comes down to which one offers more for my money. Appreciate your input.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Cavediver]

Thanks Chris for the info. Just for clarification, are you saying that Blockbuster no longer allows in-store exchanges? If so, when did that change occur? If all things being equal, there seems to be more support for Netflix. Either way, it looks like I can't go wrong. Like most things for me, it just comes down to which one offers more for my money. Appreciate your input.

Cheers,

Phil

Blockbuster still allows in-store exchanges. However, the exchange policy changed at the beginning of March. Previously, in-store exchanges did not count toward your mail que. So if you have a plan that gives you 3 movies out at a time and you exchanged one of the mail-in movies in the store, the in-store exchange did not count toward your 3 at a time. Blockbuster would mail you another one in addition to the one you got from the store. You still got three movies at a time by mail regardless of whether you had exchanged one of them in-store. That changed in early March to now when you exchange a movie in-store, the exchange counts toward your que. Meaning if you have three movies out and you exchange one in-store, you are still considered to have 3 movies out and the do not mail you another one until you return the in-store exchange to the store.