Netflix vs. Blockbuster (online)

PoopyfaceMcGee · February 06, 2006, 09:02:37 AM

So, I have Netflix. Been very happy with it, as turnaround time is super-quick. Availability of popular/new DVD's is average, I suppose, but no complaints. However, Blockbuster got a good idea and is now adding one free in-store rental/week to their 3 movie at a time/unlimited program, which costs the same price ($17.99/mo plus tax). There have been multiple times we are in-between shipments or simply have nothing we're in the mood to watch at home, but I can't justify paying for a rental. This would seem like a perfect happy medium.

Anyway, I'm doing the 2-week free trial of Blockbuster online now, and we'll see how it goes. Has anyone here used Blockbuster online? Was it better/worse/the same as Netflix?

Wingspan · February 06, 2006, 09:47:51 AM

i use netflix. i have no intention of going to blockbuster.

rjs246 · February 06, 2006, 09:50:35 AM

Netflix has harder to find movies (foreign TV shows, etc).
Blockbuster has video games.

Pick your poison.

MURP · February 06, 2006, 09:54:05 AM

Quote from: rjs246 on February 06, 2006, 09:50:35 AM

Blockbuster has video games.

really? I never knew you could get games in the mail plan. guess i never checked either. ha.

PoopyfaceMcGee · February 06, 2006, 09:58:35 AM

Blockbuster's video games plan is totally separate from the movies.

Still, I'm liking the idea of being able to go to the store in a pinch and grab another movie.

MadMarchHare · February 06, 2006, 10:02:10 AM

It's three bucks to rent a movie, even if you're in NetFlix.

Skip lunch one day and you're there.

Father Demon · February 06, 2006, 10:10:38 AM

I use Blockbuster -- the three-movie-at-a-time option, with two in-store free rentals for $14.99. Each month, we go to Blockbuster (the store) and borrow two PS2 games for my boys, which they can keep about 10 days. The by-mail movies are quick, and they have a distro center in St. Louis (which is important to me).

If you are into games -- the free rental per week plan from Blockbuster (for $17.99) does not allow you to borrow games. Only movies.

Diomedes · February 06, 2006, 10:14:56 AM

I use www.dvdavenue.com. Movies, TV shows, games AND porn.

Not as fast as Netflix, or as cheap. But close enough. Moreover, Netflix is in partnership with Wal-Mart, who I hate. So it's nice that I don't support them. And Blockbuster sucks, always has. I'm glad there's an alternative to supporting Netflix/Walmart and Blockbuster.

phillymic2000 · February 06, 2006, 10:18:17 AM

blockbuster has been great, the biggest bonus is getting the in-store coupons. The shipping has always been fast.

PhillyPhanInDC · February 06, 2006, 12:05:53 PM

I saw all the commercials last night for Blockbuster, and I am going to cancel my Netflix tonight and use Blockbuster.

Netflix hasn't been bad at all, but the in store rental thing sounds good.

MURP · February 06, 2006, 12:09:41 PM

Quote from: PhillyPhaninDC on February 06, 2006, 12:05:53 PM
I saw all the commercials last night for Blockbuster, and I am going to cancel my Netflix tonight and use Blockbuster.

proof it is worth it to spend a billion dollars for a superbowl commercial.

Mad-Lad · February 06, 2006, 12:15:58 PM

I use Netflix. Partially due to my hatred for Blockbuster. Back in college, i had a late fee which i fully intended to pay before i attempted to rent again. Being broke, it was going to take a few months. They started sending me collection agency notices. I went in, gave em the money, told em to farg off, and cancelled my blockbuster account. They also never seem to have the movies i want to watch in stock, yet they have 50 copies of Gigli.

so far, Netflix has been good to me.

PhillyPhanInDC · February 06, 2006, 12:22:01 PM

Quote from: Mad-Lad on February 06, 2006, 12:15:58 PM
I use Netflix. Partially due to my hatred for Blockbuster. Back in college, i had a late fee which i fully intended to pay before i attempted to rent again. Being broke, it was going to take a few months. They started sending me collection agency notices. I went in, gave em the money, told em to farg off, and cancelled my blockbuster account. They also never seem to have the movies i want to watch in stock, yet they have 50 copies of Gigli.

so far, Netflix has been good to me.

Either that was one big assed late fee or you were one extremely broke bastich.

Mad-Lad · February 06, 2006, 12:26:55 PM

it was around $7. Being a student who didn't frequent Blockbuster, i didn't feel it was necessary to pay the late fee until i had a chance or i wanted to rent something else. Spending that money on food was atop my priority list.

Zanshin · February 06, 2006, 12:41:08 PM

Quote from: Diomedes on February 06, 2006, 10:14:56 AM
I use www.dvdavenue.com. Movies, TV shows, games AND porn.

Never heard of them...but that does sound like an attractive option for sure.