Comments on: Renting TV: Netflix vs Blockbuster

By: Josh

Josh — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:43:34 +0000

The Netflix “PLAY NOW” feature is what keeps me at Netflix. That alone is worth the $8.95 a month. Sure, I only get 1 DVD at a time, but I have found myself using the “Watch Instantly” service the most. Blockbuster charges per title. That doesn’t work for me. If I am gone on vacation, I can still watch Netflix movies just by accessing their site. Netflix is the clear winner (all the BlockBuster stores within 100 miles of me have closed, eliminating that advantage).

By: Reva

Reva — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:45:13 +0000

Netflix rules!

By: tina

tina — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:25:46 +0000

Michael, it was an example. You’re another mislead persn trying to gain readers on an ever growing topic of red vs. Blue. I gave you the correct information because bbv is another company to outsource. They read a manual, I’m in the actual store.

Either way, enjoy poking at a dead horse topic…what a crock :)

By: john

john — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:41:30 +0000

clea r up a few things Yes until two weeks ago Netflix and Redbox both sent employees to all big box like walmart and best buy to fill needs the bThen big box put limits on them forcing them to enter into an agreement with warner.

BBV has a couple of exclusive types and they are clearly marked.
1. Wienstein Movies-Only place that is allowed to buy moves to rent. Stores sell them, like walmart, and netflix and redbox buy them.

2. Blockbuster Premieres- BBV is the only place you can get this movie and only to rent for at least 3 weeks.

3. Blockbuster Exclusive-Only place to buy or rent.

as far as the service, when bbv online first came on board, it sucked. Not any more I can get almost very movie that i can get on Netflix(BBV does not carry NC-17 and certain unrated). Plus it is 1.00 less. Or I can pay a few bucks more and get movies in the store too.

I do like netflix unlimited streaming for free better than bbv pay as I go.. I do think they have a lot of older stuff as well as public domain stuff on the streaming. BBV does offer many more New release to download plus I can put them on a portable device and now on a tv, bluray player and phone.

By: Michael Hawk

Michael Hawk — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:35:26 +0000

This is too much, hilarious!! Thank you for the link to a random movie I never mentioned and I am glad you are gainfully employed. Take care Tina

By: ali

ali — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:32:27 +0000

Wowee…. after all that I still have to agree with Mic. I’ve tried both and found overall I was def more satisfied with netflix because of their foreign and indie title variety and their instant viewing. I feel like it’s a better bang for my buck. Also, their problem solving and customer service is much less complicated.

By: tina

tina — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:57:42 +0000

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Collector/70121740?trkid=222336

That title came out on 2/12…not available on netflix yet. Not sure when it will be.

Oh…and working in a store, anything that doesn’t include handing me money or swiping your card in my ingenico means it doesn’t go towards my revenue. So for me to care about you being a bbv online member…well that’s quite low. However, I have no problem correcting the misinformed.

By: tina

tina — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:47:33 +0000

I don’t care if you know I work at blockbuster…what would it matter? I’m just trying to help you understand some aspects that perhaps you misunderstand or mislead others on.

Now. Exclusive now or what, it was before. When you say the word “program,” I think of paying for something. Bbv doesn’t charge extra for those…so how is it a “program?”

Please…call some local stores and inquire about bbv exclusives. I would like you for the wb article but its not available any more. Oh, also, check out ihateblockbuster.com you’ve got current and ex employees there who will probably help you in understanding.

I’ve done bbv and netflix online and others. So I know what I’ve got…but when you’ve got a big company like bbv in the limelight…you’ve got people like you screaming netflix like we care…personally, I don’t. Id rather a loyal customer than someone who uses the word netflix like its a password to a free rental xD

Again, I could care less how you feel about the company that I work for at a store level. Just keep in mind the 50,000 employees there ;) I just wanted to give you the correct meaning to exclusive rentals…which, nothing is exclusive forever…so just give up on that.

By: MIchael Hawk

MIchael Hawk — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:30:03 +0000

Wow, alright, I’ll bite once more. Tina, you obviously are affiliated with Blockbuster. Stop spinning and realize you’ve been caught. Pride has nothing to do with it, you are lying to your customers by claiming you offer them exclusive content. Two days ago Blockbuster’s site offered me JCVD as exclusive. The title is almost a year old and NOT exclusive. It was also not the only title I noticed fit these parameters. I don’t care if it rents well or if you find pride in your fake program, the fact you present that it is “exclusive to Blockbuster” is a lie, period. Anyone who reads are back and forth will be able to tell quite easily that I am right and you are a shill trying to deflect the truth of a misleading program. I have no agenda, simply stating facts, you obviously do. My advice is to learn when the game is at checkmate and stop before it becomes embarrassing, ’cause up till now, I’ve taken it pretty easy on Blockbuster.

By: tina

tina — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:41:53 +0000

Actually, bbv likes to show pride in their exclusives. Rather than keeping recent, they point out the popular titles…such as jvcd…which rented quite well.

By: Michael Hawk

Michael Hawk — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:32:24 +0000

Let me just add a final thought and then I’m done. The reason this “exclusives” thing irks me so, is that I hate it when companies manipulate their consumers in such a manner. The title that caught my attention was on the front page of the BB site, featured as an “exclusive.” It was JCVD, a film that released on DVD for the first time on April 28th, 2009. Almost 10 months ago and readily available at any rental outlet and over 270 days past the 28 day waiting period being discussed. Your telling me BB can’t afford someone to update their website more than once a year? It is deceptive and cousin to bait and switch business practices which casts doubt in my mind as to whether or not I want to give them my business.

By: Michael Hawk

Michael Hawk — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:17:36 +0000

Sorry Tina. Generally when you use an abbreviation it is after establishing the full name so I thought you were referring back to Weinstein. As for the “exclusives,” basically all Blockbuster did was negotiate to not have to submit to a 28 day waiting period where as Redbox and Netflix did not. This is bad for Redbox, but Netflix got additional concessions down the line for streaming etc. But that’s just the major players, these deals do not affect mom and pop video stores nor more regional chains. Hollywood Video is also left unaffected, although they are closing a third of the stores and in bankruptcy for the second time in recent years so the point is fairly moot there

By: tina

tina — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:21:16 +0000

I don’t refer to the weinstien brothers as wb…I meant warner brothers. Warner brothers has a deal with bbv for giving them exclusive rental oppurtunities for twenty eight days. I believe blind side will be one in march.

By: Michael Hawk

Michael Hawk — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:41:52 +0000

excellent points Tina! Sometimes stories get cut down for length and I did fail to include the in store option for Blockbuster which can be a real plus if you live near one. Unfortunately, many of their stores in my area have been closing down.

As for the exclusives, I sincerely doubt Netflix obtains a DVD for me from the local Best Buy and the time limit was not part of the full response I received from Blockbuster which just emphasizes my point that I feel the site is misleading.

Also, pet peeve, don’t refer to the Weinstein Brothers as WB, Warners kind of has a claim to that.

By: tina

tina — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:28:55 +0000

Actually. Bbv exclusives are only available to bbv for a few weeks…most movies were made by the weinstien brothers. Also now, wb has a deal where only bbv will get their titles for the first 28 days.

This is for rental. There’s nothing against a netflix employee going to a blockbuster and buying a wb or exclusive title and sending it to you.

Don’t forget…you can exchange your bbv envelopes in stores too. So basically….get two movies on Monday… mail one back tues, take one to the store tues…get one thurs in the mail and return the store item wed…get your next one fri…then be set for the weekend with two more. You can plan a whole week of flicks being smart about it.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:22:40 +0000

The reason I love netflix is because I can get bollywood in several different languages that the hubbie speaks. So he is happy as a clam at high tide. When he is happy, he lets me shop. Nuff said. LOL Seriously, I can stream and will be able to stream to my Wii soon so the big 62″ in the living room will be more fun here in a second. Also I love how they have british sitcoms as well.

I did bet on the wrong pony but that will not win me over to switch it up to ballbuster yet. Good to know though.