Netflix vs. Blockbuster

[s.saver]

I am just wondering everyones opinion on which you prefer. I use blockbuster online and for 14.99 a month I recieve 3 DVD's at a time. If I want I can return them to the store and rent 3 new releases for FREE! If I do return them to the store they are automatically returned on the online system and 3 more are mailed. (Sometimes I end up w/6 DVD's at a time.) Also once a month I get a coupon for one free Game or DVD. I choose the game because to rent a game at blockbuster it costs like $8!!! Generally I end up with 24 DVD's a month and 1 game. (I know it seems like a lot but I don't watch regular TV and my fiance and I have different tastes.)


Anyways, I am always looking for peoples opinions because sometimes I think I have the most bang for my buck,so to speak, but really I don't.

[sweeps]

I've been using Netflix for a while now. It's been fine but now that Blockbuster has changed their plan, I'm probably switching to them. I like that I can bring the DVD into the store and get a rental on the spot while getting another one by mail.

The turnaround on my Netflix rentals is getting slower and slower -- that's also a contributing factor. I hope Blockbuster doesn't do the throttling thing too.

On a side note, I was able to take advantage of a Blockbuster promotion this month -- every Netflix return flap that you brought in to a Blockbuster store, you got a free rental. Only problem now is I'm getting to the point where I've already seen most of what I care to see.

[doodles44]

We use Blockbuster and I totally recommend the service, it's terrific as long as you live near a store to take advantage of the free rental when you turn in your envelope.

Blockbuster is really making strides to keep itself competitive versus Netflix and other rentailers. The only concern that I have in the long-term is that Blockbuster will not maintain its free rental service when it has gotten more marketshare from Netflix. However, Blockbuster has about 2 million subscribers to Netflix' 7 million, so they have a long way to go.

If you're really into film (ie a film student), I would recomend Netflix. I think they do have a better selection in terms of documentaries and indie films. Blockbuster has all the documentaries the average person would want to see, though.

[Hypersion]

I like peerflix. Which let you trade DVD with other people. I think it a better deal if your like me and only watch a DVD once a week or so.

[Snoopy2645]

I love blockbuster right now I am on my 2nd free month & have one more free month to go with them so IMO it cant be beat!! I love being able to exchange them at the store for another dvd we are watching so many movies at no cost its great for winter!!!

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by Snoopy2645

I love blockbuster right now I am on my 2nd free month & have one more free month to go with them so IMO it cant be beat!! I love being able to exchange them at the store for another dvd we are watching so many movies at no cost its great for winter!!!

Do tell... how did you get 2 free months?

[Snoopy2645]

Well I got a total of 3 months free the first month I got with a code I found on one of the boards & the 2nd month I got with my coke codes & they offered me 1 more month free because of a screw up!!! I am too cheap to pay for it so this has been great for us especially it being xmas vaction & winter it gives us all something to do.

[PRICEPLUS]

I am like sweepsplayer in that I have seen pretty much what I wanted to see! I tried both but truth be told I'd rather just watch something from the library. Cheaper that way!

[Broken Arrow]

You know what I've noticed? That all the brick & mortar Blockbusters around me are all closed! Well, there was only two of them within a 15 minute drive, but the thing is, if I want to rent a movie, I now have to go to one of those seedy hole-in-the-wall ones with an adult section in the back.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

You know what I've noticed? That all the brick & mortar Blockbusters around me are all closed! Well, there was only two of them within a 15 minute drive, but the thing is, if I want to rent a movie, I now have to go to one of those seedy hole-in-the-wall ones with an adult section in the back.

BA, admit it... you've been going to that video store with the adult section way before those other stores closed.

[MonkeyMama]

Blockbuster is awesome. We started using it because a friend mentioned to dh about the free in-store rentals included (for games!) and our neighbor then mentioned there was a distribution center nearby because turnaround was FAST. Once they send out a DVD it gets here the next day.

This is dh's baby, so I don't remember how many we have, but I think it is 3 DVDs at a time, for around $19/month, plus all the free rentals on top (3/month?) which we always use, and keeps dh happy with his free game rentals. They just started the drop-off in the stores which we LOVE too. They were already fast, now just faster.

[poundwise]

I understand the benefits, however, at some point, if you are happy with dropping off at the store and getting movies/games at the store, then why do you need a 'by-mail' service anyway? I like the idea of getting movies in the mail BECAUSE of the fact that I wouldn't have to go to a physical location at all, period.

Just two cents.

[smartatmoney]

I use BB and love it. I use the 1 movie at a time plan for like $10 and can easily watch all I need to see. Returning the mailer to the store gets me more movies so it rocks.

-SAM

[BignRichfan]

I totally love Blockbuster because I do 3 out at a time by mail. I watch those 3 and bring them back to the store where I get 3 more. They mail the 3 back for me and they are put in the system right away so 3 more are mailed out right away, plus you get 1 free rental coupon per month. Also the 2 day movies from the instore BB you can keep 7 days past the 2 day return date without any charges which is great. You can knock down some serious movies this way. The only problem I have is that I only like to see the new releases and I have seen all of them so the pickins are getting slim for me now. I wish new releases came out sooner, but you really can't beat all the movies for the price. Netflix can't compeat. The only way they could would be to open retail stores and offer the same return policies with the movies.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

blockbuster. better in store coupons!

[mom-from-missouri]

Guess I am too cheap. I'd rather just see what we get on TV, from our collection, or the library. Or, if all else, play a game or read. Is my age showing?
This is one of those expenses that 1 or 2 generations (depending on your age) our parents did not have, and a lot of people now feel they can't do without.
When my parents were growing up, their 'entertainment' section of their budget was about $10 for the year. That paid for the nickle movies every 3 months, and the county and state fair. But, according to my dad, if they kept their eyes open and collected and turned in pop bottles from the road, they could get a penney each for them and afford to go to the movies a little more often. Now, you hear people complain how broke they are, but they still have their movies, cable or dish, internet, ipods,cd's.....
The older I get, the wider my generation gap is becoming

[shelbylovesmelby]

we "rent" ours for free from the Library!

And if we want to see a movie we just buy it when it comes out, it's cheaper than going to the theater.

[Fern]

I gave up on Netflix becus they ap0parently couldn't 'process' a damaged disk that i returned to them, and i never got another movie from them after that, but they were still charging me $6 a month (for 2 a month) so i cancelled. Very frustrating experience becus at least at that time there was no means of contacting them via phone, and my situation did not fit one of their standardized online forms.

I havent tried BB but don't want to spend that much on an ongoing monthly basis, altho i do love movies.

For those of you who like Indie and foreign films like me, there is something called www.filmmovement.com; for about $13 a month you get a film once a month but you get to keep it.

[jodi]

We've been very happy with Netflix, but are considering switching because of BB's return policies. It's good to read the opinions here - seems like BB is pretty well liked.

[cicy33]

we never rent anymore. Now if we want a movie, we buy it! sometimes I get a bunch for a good price on ebay. I never know what I want to watch so mail order would not work for me, and the store is bad cuz I am terrible at returning on time. It just became more cost effective to purchase new! or on ebay