2006-07-05 06:01:34 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
Netflix is the best subscription I've ever gotten. It's worth every penny and I no longer know how I lived so long without it.
I love always having new movies to watch without ever having to deal with the video store (no lines, no "this movie's checked out," and no "we don't have that movie"). It's fast, convenient, and the selection is huge. Do the two week free trial and you'll be hooked.
2006-07-05 08:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by the alex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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 20:06:40 · answer #2 · answered by ShiloHope 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love Netflix, I have been using it for a couple of years now. It's affordable, there are multiple plans you can sign up for and there are no late fees. If you send a movie back on a Monday, you normally have the next movie on your list by Wed. They have some of the most obscure movies as well, you will be hard pressed to find something that is available on DVD that is not available through the service. If you receive a scratched or damaged disc, you normally have the replacement the following day with no questions asked.
2006-07-05 06:06:53 · answer #3 · answered by Lubers25 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE NETFLIX! I received a gift subscription in March. I receive 3 at a time for an unlimited amount of time. This would cost about 18.00/month. I love it! When I return the movies they notify me via email and let me know what they are sending out. I receive new movies w/i a day or two. You go online and pick queue or list of what you want. You can arrange it in any order you like and they do their best to stick to it. I can't say enough about netfix....I think EVERYONE should have it!
2006-07-05 06:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by cnelligan2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a member and have the option of having 3 DVD's at once. I think it's great. They're fast with no late fees and in the long run I definately save money over the local video rentals.
2006-07-05 06:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by shominyyuspa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do..it's pretty cool..keep the movie as long as you like and no late fees..I was a perpetual late returner at Blockbuster and they never had the movies I wanted..netflix is never out of stock and they get the DVDs to you in like a day...check it out..they have a free 2 wk trial...i pay 9.99 for one movie at a time..not bad...
2006-07-05 06:06:50 · answer #6 · answered by DRD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great! We started it when we were living in a remote part of western Kansas. It is great for all kinds of movies you can't get at BLockbuster. Espceially old classics, documentaries, and foregin films. Also, it give you recommendations based onhow youj review movies you ahve seen. It "learns" what you might like and we have discovered a lot of little known gems this way.
2006-07-05 07:12:33 · answer #7 · answered by miketrivia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was part of netfix for a good long while and I really enjoyed the service. I wish it was a little bit cheaper, but I assure you I got my money out of it. Within two day's I had the movies I had requested and they were great about getting me the movies in a timely manner. I thought their selection was incredible, though my wife and I would have appreciated it if they carried some "adult movies" as well.
2006-07-05 06:06:05 · answer #8 · answered by jackass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I at one time was a member of netflix... I really didn't like it.... It seemed hard to get points... I was not disciplined enough for the program... I have a friend that loves it....
2006-07-05 06:05:35 · answer #9 · answered by TryMe1st_98 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love it! They've now got distribution warehouses all over the country so they are fast; they have an amazing inventory (no waiting weeks to get a new release) and I save a bundle in late fees (because there aren't any).
IMHO..the only way to go!
2006-07-05 06:05:21 · answer #10 · answered by Lori A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋