Which do you like better and why?
2006-07-03 17:48:53 · 12 answers · asked by Brian V 1 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 20:02:53 · answer #1 · answered by ShiloHope 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get Netflix and I like it very much. I can't really compare, but I think Blockbuster kind of ripped off Netflix's idea, which isn't too cool.
2006-07-04 00:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by dandelion86 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
netflix is a far dvd better renting service.
it offers better prices, with more options.
a MUCH bigger selection,offering thousands of titles that can be sorted through by search(of title,keword or people in movie),studio,genras and subgenras, or date.
lots of perks:have mupltiple ques,interaction with freinds, rating systems, recomenations.
Excellent coustmer service, like you dont have to replace a dvd if lost in the mail, and easy to report problems.
as for blockbuster: it is full of condtional statments and lots of hidden fees.
2006-07-04 02:24:22 · answer #3 · answered by max 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Netflix, definitely.
I have been renting their DVDs for 5 years now and I find their services excellent - very reliable. I see a good level of improvement every year.
Plus: They invited me for a survey a couple of months ago, so I went to their offices in Los Gatos, CA, and they gave me three months for free. And now they are asking me to go there for the second time. I'll be there on 7/7, Friday, and they will give me four more months of free service! You can beat that...
2006-07-04 00:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by F.Marques 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Netflix, Can choose multiple movies over the internet and pay by the month, not movie. When done watching a movie mail it and can get it next day. MORE RELIABLE!!!
2006-07-04 00:55:11 · answer #5 · answered by Nicki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love Netflix! It offers a lot more!
2006-07-04 00:53:25 · answer #6 · answered by MandyHawk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i prefer netflix.. firstly cos its cheaper than blockbuster and they have their latest movies faster than block buster does.. so u can watch those movies faster than waiting inline for a single movie...
2006-07-04 01:05:17 · answer #7 · answered by makeuplover. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had both and can say BLOCKBUSTER is the winner. Free local rentals and far fewer damaged dvd's. price is similar
2006-07-04 01:01:05 · answer #8 · answered by jeffatkellys 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
blockbuster online!
2006-07-04 13:55:49 · answer #9 · answered by lou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
netflix is the best
2006-07-04 00:54:22 · answer #10 · answered by starlet_80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋