Blockbuster doomed

[jake5717]

I’m a loyal Blockbuster subscriber because I love jumping in the car with my mailed movies and getting a new release at the store whenever I want. But I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to enjoy getting them in the mail.


http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9809950-7.html

 

[j_garcia]

Hollywood Video closed one of the stores in my area this week, I would guess they are facing similar issues.

 

[Hi Ho]

I've never been inside a Blockbuster. I used to use Hollywood Video because they were the only one within 30 miles of my house but I now have a Netflix subscription and I haven't looked back. Netflix provides me with HD-DVDs too.

 

[Audioholics]

I'd like to say I predicted this, but that would be presumptuous. Many before me have said Blockbuster was a top-heavy, clueless organization playing catch-up and ignoring industry trends.

Companies that cannot adapt, and recognize the need for adaptation EARLY will always suffer... If Audioholics didn't change with the times we'd be a niche hobbyist site like many of our (former) competitors who haven't adjusted much at all in the past 6-8 years.

 

[stratman]

It was written on the wall a while back. Their business model has to change in order to keep up with the trends affecting the market.

 

[Seth=L]

I wonder if Blockbuster stepping out of pornographry has hurt them and that is why they are where they are now.

 

[yettitheman]

I wonder if Blockbuster stepping out of pornographry has hurt them and that is why they are where they are now.

They pulled out long ago

I'm sure that it's due more to things like Redbox, Netflix, and movies on demand. Especially with gas prices, why would you want to drive and get a movie for a few nights when you can just get online, and "start watching in 30 seconds?"

 

[Nomo]

While I do like actually having the case in my handt from the B&M type rental places, The convenience and price of Netflix is just too nice.
It is sad to see places go under because of internet based companies, it's no big surprise. It's just the way it is.

 

[Adam]

It is sad to see places go under because of internet based companies, it's no big surprise. It's just the way it is.

Don't feel too sad for Blockbuster. They initiated a large-scale "take over" of smaller rental places years ago, and they were successful because they offered a better combination of convenience, price, and selection. Now, they are being over taken by other companies for the exact same reasons. So, if they are beaten, it will be at their own game. I have nothing against Blockbuster, and I also have nothing against them being put out of business by companies offering a better service.

 

[zildjian]

I have used Redbox quite a bit lately, and I love it. $1 for a new release! I don't need to have a movie 2 or 3 nights, so the one night rate goes great for me. Now I just wish they had HD discs. Blockbuster going to strictly Blu-Ray in stores disappointed me, and I didn't even have my HD player yet. I juts hope Redbox gets into HD. They are everywhere in my town; no need to go to a specific location, just stop at the next one you pass on the way to work.

 

[sholling]

Don't feel too sad for Blockbuster. They initiated a large-scale "take over" of smaller rental places years ago, and they were successful because they offered a better combination of convenience, price, and selection.

The can and did out compete and the small mom and pop video stores (and destroy them) by using a new business model. The small mom and pops bought the videos that they rented out - a huge capital investment. Blockbuster's model was to convince the studios to provide the discs for free or nearly free in exchange for a cut of the rentals.

 

[Haoleb]

They pulled out long ago

No pun intended right?

 

[darien87]

I used to only rent a couple of movies every other month or so, because I used to go to the theater a lot. But I decided to give Netflix a shot, and thought it was pretty cool. When BB came out with Total Access, I switched for the in-store return. There's a BB right next to my grocery store, so it was very convenient for me. But a few months ago, I got an e-mail that said BB was raising my rate from $14.99 to $17.99 per month for my plan. It was either that or be limited to only being able to exchange 3 movies per month.

So I said, "Screw you" to BB and went back to Netflix. If BB hadn't have wanted to raise my rate, I would have stuck with them. But since they did, they can dry up and blow away for all I care.

 

[yettitheman]

No pun intended right?

I would never say anything with sarcasm

 

[gus6464]

I used to have Blockbuster but got tired of their late fees. Even when they started to advertise no late fees I was still charged. Changed to Netflix and couldn't be happier. They have a distribution center in Austin, TX so I get my movies in 1 day. Plus I love how they have both Blu-ray and HD-DVD.

 

[GlocksRock]

Blockbuster online has both HD DVD and Blu Ray, and the advantage for me is that when I'm done with my disc, I can take it to the store for whatever, including another Bluray disc, or I can get a discounted game rental. I just wish they would bring back the coupon for a free instore game rental, I really miss that now that I have a 360, PS3, and a Wii. But I suspect it won't be long and their online plans will be changing again, and that coupon may make a comeback after all.

 

[jake5717]

It was either that or be limited to only being able to exchange 3 movies per month.

So I said, "Screw you" to BB and went back to Netflix.

So now you exchange zero? Is the price better?

I haven't had my rate increased, lost my exchange privileges, or 2 free game rental coupons. There’s a Blockbuster right down the street so I exchange movies often.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Also don't overlook the tens of millions of dollars Netflix has paid-out to the US Postal service for mailing all those DVDs. They're probably keep the government afloat.

 

[darien87]

So now you exchange zero? Is the price better?

I haven't had my rate increased, lost my exchange privileges, or 2 free game rental coupons. There’s a Blockbuster right down the street so I exchange movies often.

Nah. I'm still paying $14.00 with Netflix. But with Netflix I ALWAYS get my movies in a day. BB took 2 days every once in a while. Plus I had a problem with my BB queue saying that movies were available, but not being shipped to me. I called them and was told that even though the movie was technically available, it was actually more than 2 mailing days away from me. So unless the title got moved to a location closer to me, they would never send it to me.

So it was a few things added up together that got me to give BB the heave-ho.