I have a number of DVDs I'd like to rent that would cost me so much if I just kept going out and renting them, so should I choose Netflix or Blockbuster, and which DVD rental deal is the best?
2006-07-01 16:57:13 · 12 answers · asked by Marissa 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
A Side-by-Side Comparison and Conclusion
When comparing Netflix with Blockbuster Online, there are so many similarities that it may seem like a toss-up. The giants of the online DVD rental explosion are feeding off each other's ideas, spawning lawsuits and smearing campaigns that rival the cola wars of the mid-1980's.
Both programs allow us to pay a monthly fee, for which we receive DVD movies sent through the mail. When we return them in the postage paid envelopes, we receive more DVD's. It's an ongoing cycle that fits almost perfectly with the current American need to get the most out of the least -- more movies for less money, less effort, and less time.
Side by side, they are almost identical, but here is how they stack:
Speed of Delivery
Netflix used to have the clear edge here, but expansion to include more distribution stores has brought Blockbuster up to par. Still, for those who rent less, Netflix "ramps" the movies to these higher priority customers, pushing the heavier renters further down the list. To this, they have admitted. Blockbuster has not admitted to this practice, but their denials are not firm. Still, Netflix will have a higher overall percentage of 1 day turns on movies than Blockbuster.
Edge: Netflix
Cost
There is not a current difference in cost, though this seems to change every few months. When one lowers, the other matches. When one raises, the other follows. It is similar to airlines manipulating the markets towards their own unintended dooms. In the short run, Blockbuster offers a free month while Netflix offers 2-weeks. Blockbuster also has a customer service crew that offers discounts and "mishap compensation" more easily.
Edge: Blockbuster Online
Selection
Netflix is approaching 60,000, while Blockbuster is closing in on 55,000.
Edge: Netflix
Website
From talking to many users, it seems that while the concepts of listing movies on a queue and searching for movies in several different ways is the same for both, Netflix has the superior overall layout and useability. Its website seems smarter, though sometimes a bit slower during peak periods.
Edge: Netflix
Fringe Benefits
Netflix has none. What you see is what you get. The fact that Blockbuster offers a free in-store rental every week is extremely helpful in getting the newest releases. With both programs, you sometimes have to wait weeks to get the hottest titles, even if it is at the top of your queue. Being able to walk in and grab that week's best title is something that Netflix cannot touch.
Edge: Blockbuster Online
Intangibles
Netflix has more experience with online DVD renting, both in regards to time and sheer mass of customers. Blockbuster, as mentioned before, has superior and more responsive customer service. Having a human being available at the local store to help during problems is a big benefit. If there was a large enough gap in any of the above mentioned criteria, I would say that they supercede the intangibles. In this case, there is no substantial difference. The more human aspect of Blockbuster makes it the choice.
Edge: Blockbuster Online
When all is said and done, Blockbuster online seems to be the choice. Try it free:
www.blockbuster.com/trial
Promo Code: 40037
2006-07-06 20:02:11 · answer #1 · answered by ShiloHope 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with Blockbuster.
Netflix isn't a great service. If you search for "Netflix" online, you'll find a whole bunch of people that are complaining about it.
I had the same experience with Netflix----it's great during your free trial. And, it's great when you first become a member. But, after you've been with them for a while, the service goes downhill. You don't get the new releases right away and the shipping time goes from one day to up to a week.
They give the new customers all the preferential treatment. So, once you've been a customer for a while, your service deteriorates.
I switched from Netflix to Blockbuster and have been really happy with Blockbuster. They even give you a coupon each week for a free movie rental at Blockbuster stores.
2006-07-02 00:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by revjeffpsychic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Netflix is slightly better than Blockbuster since it has more titles and delivery is a bit faster in some area. However, if you live near a Blockbuster Video store - Blockbuster Online is a better choice - you can take advantage of the free in store rentals, 1 free rental each week. Both companies offer free trials. Try them both with the 3 DVD out plans, and see which one works better in your area.
2006-07-07 23:41:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use and like Blockbuster Online.
The pricing is identical, but Blockbuster also provides four free coupons per month for DVD rental at one of their retail stores. That is a huge plus.
Turnaround time for Blockbuster is as quick as others report for Netflix.
Blockbuster replaces lost or scratched DVDs just as quickly as Netflix.
With no difference that I can tell with the services, the monthly instore coupons are the deal maker for me.
2006-07-02 00:20:10 · answer #4 · answered by TJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go with Netflix. I had to pay for two movies that either got lost in the mail or stolen when I had Blockbuster.
2006-07-02 00:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by lala 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Blockbuster Online for Free
www.blockbuster.com/trial
promo code 40037
Then you'll see without paying a penny.
2006-07-07 02:57:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
netflix i use them all time. i order on monday i get them tuesday. i had a problem with one DVD and they sent me a working copy the next day. they are really good.
2006-07-02 00:01:41 · answer #7 · answered by late_sleeper35 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on where you live - a friend of mine got lousy turn-around time from netflix and they always sent him movies from the bottom of his wish list.
2006-07-02 15:57:39 · answer #8 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
netflix
2006-07-02 00:02:47 · answer #9 · answered by Porter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
netflix is definately better
2006-07-02 00:08:35 · answer #10 · answered by Tequila_Sunrise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋