Netflix vs Blockbuster – Movies Download Sites Review
Netflix vs Blockbuster
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Netflix Vs. Blockbuster
Side-by-side comparison:
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Prices Monthly With Unlimited Rentals
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Prices range from $9.99 one movie out to $47.99 eight movies out Totally Eight Plans
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Prices range from $9.99 one DVD out to $23.99 four DVDs out Totally Four Plans
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Prices Monthly With Limited Rentals)
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Two DVDs each month – one at a time – $5.99; Four DVDs each month – two at a time-$11.99
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Two DVDs each month – one at a time – $5.99; Three DVDs each month – one at a time – $7.99
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Classified Features
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Five different rental queues per account (ratings-based parental controls) with the offer to each family member to be viewed separately.
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Two to four in-store free rentals each month for online subscribers with availability to return mailed movies right to any local store.
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Availability for Number and Types of Titles
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TV shows plus unrated and NC-17 movies Totaling more than 65,000
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TV shows plus unrated movies Totaling more than 60,000
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Shipping Locations
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41
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200 stores plus 30 distribution centers
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Community Characteristics
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Availability for users by invitation to join a Friends list making it possible to view other people’s rental queues for more viewing suggestions.
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As of now Blockbusters has no similar offer for their users.
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Conclusion
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Netflix’s improved made to order features and their broad catalog will satisfy those who prefer mailbox delivery and browsing online.
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Blockbuster’s free in-store rentals and the capability to return movies to any local store avail nice perks for those who would rather mix online orders with browsing the aisles in-store. However, those perks come with some downfalls such as late fees on in-store rentals and the returns cannot be mailed back. Isn’t that what turned people away in the first place?
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Where Movies By Mail Began…
How intelligent of Netflix back in 1999 to develop such an easily implemented idea to rent DVDs monthly by mail using a flat monthly rate. Here’s how it works: Go to the Netflix website, choose whatever movies you want and depending on the plan you chose you will get one to eight DVDs at one time. After you finish viewing, simply use the pre-paid envelope provided to return them by mail. Those traditional ways of the video store, where you had to pay late fees is old news because of the fixed rate of the monthly billing from Netflix. This simple idea created by Netflix has now forced the competitive gargantuan Blockbuster to not only do away with their “late fee” policies in all their stores, but has also made a decision to go up against Netflix and offer a similar rental service online which they started back in August 2004. Since Amazon’s Unbox digital delivery service and the powerful retailer Walmart having already left the scene, this leaves the two heavy hitters to play the online rentals of DVDs game and here is how they measure up against each other.
Mail In Movies
Blockbuster and Netflix both offer subscriptions monthly to have access to movies by mail. By selecting movies online they will be mailed to you in the order that you prefer. You have many different options of service, but the one most sought after is the three movies at a time plan. As far as their turn over, they both are very quick. Depending on how far away you are from the nearest shipping center, you will most likely get movies the next day from when they were mailed. As far as section goes, Netflix is all the rave, especially if you’re interested in indie or foreign films. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same. In conclusion, both Netflix and Blockbuster provide free returns through the mail, but Blockbuster does have the option to return movies to a store in your area.
Rental and Returns In the Store
Blockbuster shines through on this one, triggering your next choice of movie to be sent immediately after returning the one to the store. However, they made a major mistake when they retracted their free in store rental and coupon for a free game or DVD every month. I guess they felt it was too much of a good thing. It was a great deal while it lasted. Not only did returning it to the store trigger the next movie in our queue to be shipped right away, but we also got a free in-store rental. On top of that, they also gave us a printable coupon for a free in-store rental (DVD or game) every month. It was very nice while it lasted. As of about a year and a half ago, Blockbuster also did away with the printed coupons and put a limit of five each month on the number of exchanges you could make in the store. Although still possible to bring back movies even after the limit, you were out the free rental. They replaced that with a reduced rate after raising their prices per rental. Still a good idea, but not like it was previously. With yet another step, not in the right direction, Blockbuster stopped shipping your next choice movie immediately, making you now wait till you return the free in store rental you just traded. This plan slows things down and takes away one of the important features of using Blockbuster. In regards to Netflix, they have no offer of an exchange in the store, simply because they have no stores to speak of!
Streaming Online Movies
Now it’s Netflix’s turn to shine. Besides the movies you initially chose, you are able to add fixed titles as an instant option. These fixed titles are available to stream via your Mac or PC, your Xbox 360, or the Netflix Roku player and even some TV’s now have this option built in. This makes it very convenient when traveling, to simply stream movies right to your laptop (must have internet connection). The movies for selection with this feature, granted, are not that great, but still a good idea overall. You will be very happy if you’re a TV series enthusiast, as they have lots of selections available.
Pricing Battle – Netflix vs Blockbuster
There are too many variations of pricing to compare, so let’s compare their “three at a time plan”, which is the most favored. Netflix price for the three at a time plan is $16.00 per month. This affords you limitless streaming to your computer, (no extra charge) and limitless movie rentals by mail. However, you cannot have more than 3 at a time in your possession. Blockbusters popular three at a time plan cost $19.99 per month, and also allows unlimited movies by mail with the same restriction of not having more than three at a time. This plan also gives free exchanges within the store, but they will count against your movie limit of three. It will cost you $1.99 each for any additional exchanges in the store, but these do not count against your limit.
Which One Is Better? Netflix vs Blockbuster
Prior to Blockbuster retracting their offer of immediate mailing of your next movie with your in store exchange, they would have won hands down. But since taking that drastic step backwards… Netflix seems to have risen to the top. Netflix is marginally cheaper, and even though the selection of movies online could be better, the performance is great, providing several new TV shows. If you’re still undecided, that’s quite alright…Blockbuster and Netflix both offer two week trials for free. So chose one to start and if you’re not satisfied simply switch to the other. The two week trials should give you enough time to decide which one is better for you.
Hint… Here is what I did to test them both out. Since both have a free Trial, I ordered both to see which one shipped to my houses faster. Then before my two week trial was up I just canceled the one I didn’t want. Didn’t cost me a thing. I think you know which one I canceled. Best of Luck and Happy Movie watching.
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Karoline January 27, 2010 12:13 am
Nice page. I realy like this site Netflix vs BlockBuster, but I like Blockbuster the best because it is so easy for me to go get what I want at the store than wait for it to come in the mail.
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Jason January 29, 2010 7:02 pm
I LOVE my Netflix. I have an XBOX360 and I just watch a ton of movies straight from my xbox. It is great. Although I have never tried Blockbuster.
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Netflix vs Blockbuster – Which one is Best? | Welcome to My Blog April 4, 2010 4:48 pm
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wussel June 1, 2010 1:31 pm
According to Blockbuster’s terms and conditions:
“..Delivery of your BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals will be via U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”). Members have the option to return BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals via USPS or at a participating BLOCKBUSTER store. When BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals are returned to a participating store, the BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals are immediately checked in and the next available DVD(s) in the subscriber’s online rental queue is shipped in accordance with our normal shipping process. Rentals must be presented at the checkout counter of a participating BLOCKBUSTER® store in the return mail envelope provided by BLOCKBUSTER Online. BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals presented without the return mail envelope will not be accepted. BLOCKBUSTER Online Rentals should not be placed in the drop box of a BLOCKBUSTER store…”
and
For example, if you have a Total Access plan for 2-DVDs out-at-a-time with up to 3 free in-store movie exchanges per billing period, you may bring your 2 Online Rentals to a participating store and exchange them for 2 free movie rentals (provided you have not exhausted your free in-store movie rentals for the billing period under your plan). You may enjoy your free in-store movie rentals for as long as you like, just as you would with your Online Rentals. There are no due dates for these free in-store rentals and you will not be charged any additional fees on these in-store rentals. However, you will not be sent the next Online Rental from your online queue until you return at least one of the free in-store rentals. In this example, if you return one in-store rental back to the store, you will be shipped one Online Rental from your queue. If you return both in-store rentals, you will be shipped two Online Rentals from your queue.
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Netflix vs Blockbuster – Roku Netflix Player – Movies Now!
NETFLIX VS BLOCKBUSTER
So the family comes home stressed out after a long day at the office or school or whatever and some may go for an envigorating wal or even sit at ome and enjoy some relaxation time. If you are seeking a less expensive and less bothersome way to unwind, then the Roku device does it all. Having entertainment at your fingertips via the Roku Digital Video Player is so simple and economical to purchase. No waiting for that download to happen and the box is easy to get setup and then best of all easy to use. So many movies and TV episodes to watch as well as some HD movies over the internet.
The Roku is usually described as the Netflix player and can help you make a decision with the whole Netflix vs Blockbuster delimma.
So how does this player work ?
The Roku digital video player acts like a bridge, bringing a large selection of movies and TV episodes from Netflix to your TV over the Internet. Instantly stream the movies by connecting the player to your Netflix Instant Queue. Go ahead and and pick your favorite move or Tv episode by checking through the library with the help of the easy to use remote control. The digital player does not forget where you stopped the movie or TV episode and resume where you left off. You can start from the beginning of the movie or TV show by choosing “Play from Beginning” on the player, or by rewinding. So How do you choose – Netflix, Amazon or MLB.com? Youre getting it all.!
Wired or Wireless
The Netflix device the Roku digital Video player is one of the best choices when it comes to choosing entertainment in your home.
The choice becomes clear between Netflix and Blockbuster with this device. The automatic Wi-Fi abilities allow connection of the digital player to wireless network in seconds. It’s simple to use Ethernet port for wired connection. As the quality of streaming movie sometimes depends on your Internet connection, you may need a faster connection which would increase the quality of movies. The HDMI or component connections can also be used with HDTV.
It is possble to upgrade the firmware and the Roku player does this for you automatically and other interface advancements. For those who are technical minded out there, The network supported by Roku digital player is Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) with WEP, WPA, WPA2 support and 10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45).
As an alternatative to cable and satllite the Roku player is easy to use, affordable and will help you to make your decision between Netflix vs Blockbuster.
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Netflix vs Blockbuster – DVD Rental Service
Netflix vs Blockbuster
This is your best guide to choosing Netflix vs Blockbuster as a DVD Online Rental Service.
Whether it is old movies on DVD, kids movies on DVD, or family movies on DVD, the way we rent movies has forever changed for the future. While some people still prefer to browse the aisles of the local movie rental store, whether it is Blockbuster or Hollywood Video, lots of people are switching to the convenience of an online DVD rental service. It is just so easy to order the kids movies online on DVD or queue it up for watching later. There are no late fees to deal with and the price war between Netflix vs Blockbuster make signing up to watch old movies on DVD or even war movies on DVD (whatever your preference), very attractive to the budget conscious household, especially in this economy. But how do you decide which DVD rental service is the best for you?
Netflix was the beginner in this arena of renting movies online so a serious look at them is necessary. In fact, Netflix has been so popular, that the rival company, Blockbuster thought this new company was enough of a threat to them that the started the Blockbuster online DVD rental company division in response. Currently (March 2010) Netflix provides over 100k + movie titles, and among some of the ever expanding devices that are able to stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix right to members’ TVs are Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PS3 game devices and, in spring 2010 Nintendo’s Wii console; Blu-ray disc players by Samsung, LG and Insignia; Internet TVs from LG, Sony and VIZIO; the Roku digital video player and TiVo digital video recorders.
Blockbuster on the other hand does provide a comparable list of 95,000+ movie titles and can stream movies to your PC, mobile phone, TIVO device and Samsung device. So our question is whether Blockbuster can stop the mega-online flix provider Netflix from dominating the “buy DVD movie online” business? And so will the war of Netflix vs Blockbuster continue or will one dominate the other?
Well, the answer seems to be yes, in a different way. Although Netflix may have taken the “buy DVD movie online” business by storm, Blockbuster provides a service that Netflix cannot. Blockbuster uses their stores as distribution points, and means that it is so easy to take a movie into the store after you received it in the mail and pick out another movie, making delivery of the next movie very quick. And since the pricing is very similar, Blockbuster gives free in-store rentals. This could be very attractive and decision making in this economy because it allows a person to get a new release you were waiting for for free and put the old war movies on DVD on hold.
So if it were me choosing a DVD rental service it might be Blockbuster if I was in a situation where I felt the free rentals are the deciding factor. I would go with Netflix if it didn’t matter about the free in store rentals. They both are very very close in monthly rental, delivery via the mail at about the same speed, and are consumer rated about the same for both “buy DVD movie online” service. I believe however, that with the free movie rental service Blockbuster is going to see a boost in their rental service during the current economy.
Blockbuster gives their customers convenient access to movies and games anywhere, and almost any way they could ask for it – in- store, by-mail, through vending machines or downloaded onto their pc or mobile device. Netflix does exactly the same except they do not maintain a store presence, so they will need to remain competitive in another area to stay ahead of Blockbuster’s in-store presence. We wonder what Netflix will do next to compete with Blockbusters in-store presence.
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Niso February 25, 2010 3:06 am
woow nice idea
well sure every one will prefer it.
going to store take lots of time
your going to make it easy for every one
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Chip February 25, 2010 6:05 am
I’m all for loyalty, and Netflix keeps getting better. I’ve even figured out how to reach them by phone.
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ANTHONY March 7, 2010 8:08 am
Just found out that Netflix charges you $3 more a month to rent Blu-ray disc. Blockbusters Blu-ray rentals are free.
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Dan May 22, 2010 8:03 pm
Nice powerpoint presentation.
Five years from now Blockbuster will be a footnote in the history books.
If they had an ounce of innovation they would have come up with online video ordering and streaming YEARS BEFORE Netflix was even an idea. Everything they’ve done has been a REACTION to the competition. That is the way to drive a once dominant company into the ground.
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Netflix vs Blockbuster – DVD Online Rental Future
Netflix vs Blockbuster
The online Movie rental arena is the way of the new Century. Still some people prefer to roam the local movie store whether it be Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, or another, but many of these people are switching to the ease of use of the online renting videos. After all, you can just order a DVD online, and then with the click of your remote or mouse your movie is ready for viewing. You have no late fees, and the prices are very competitive between the online rental companies which makes this the best time to sign up. So, now we have to figure out which online rental company is best?
Netflix was the company that began all this in 1999, and so a long look at this company is a good idea. Netflix was so popular that Blockbuster took them on as a threat to their existence and started up the Blockbuster online DVD rental service to respond to Netflix. There are over 100,000+ titles, and has a great turn-around time for now. Netflix has improved their customer service 100 percent over the last year or so and they are now available via phone on their home page. So can Blockbuster slow down the fast pace of Netflix to be the leader of Online DVD Rentals?
The answer to that question is yes, even though Netflix may have beaten Blockbuster to the Start line. Blockbuster plans to remain a store front service which gives them a large advantage over Netflix. Blockbuster also knows better than Netflix about how to best manage Customer Service and make it work for them. Blockbuster uses their stores as drop off points and also as a place to provide game rentals and free in-store rentals when you return an online rental to the store. This is very enticing to some people because it allows them to go there and pick up the new release right away for free and then put the older movies on the shelf for awhile.
Its also important to note that if people who rent online dvd’s drove to and from a rental store, they would consume 800,000 gallons of gasoline and release more than 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. So there is your environmental reason to stop driving to the store. But between the two rental companies it can be a very close race and for some people, they may enjoy going to the store. So your decision will be based on whether you want to get the free in store movies or not.
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netflix blockbuster…
Providing several new TV shows. If you’re still undecided, that’s quite alright…Blockbuster and Netflix both offer two week trials for free. So chose one to start and if you’re not satisfied simply switch to the other. The two week trials should give y…
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netflix vs blockbuster…
Blockbuster and Netflix both offer subscriptions monthly to have access to movies by mail. By selecting movies online they will be mailed to you in the order that you prefer. You have many different options of service, but the one most sought after is …
[...] People who are interested in Educational movies will relish a large selection that features best of the best from National Geographic and PBS to some of the less known independent works that can’t be found at your local video rental store. Before you make a choice between Netflix vs Blockbuster, make sure you check Blayne Pentons’ excellent comparison on both Netflix and BlockbusterThe Netflix VS Blockbuster Decision Video [...]
I\’ve been a Netflix user for 4 months now and I love the speed of the turnaround and the free online streaming of movies. What I don\’t like is the up-charge for BluRay and the wait of new releases or popular movies. I recently have given Blockbuster a try and am on their free trial period. They do not up-charge for BlueRay and I was able to get a popular movie (Blind Side) right away instead of waiting for delayed release date like Netflix does on some movies due to some agreement with the studio\’s. A few things I do not like about Blockbuster is the turnaround time takes longer than Netflix. I receive movies in one day with Netflix and 2 to 3 days with Blockbuster. The other thing that I don\’t like is I have to pay for every online streaming of movie where as Netflix is included in the price. I\’m torn between the two to be honest. The upcharge of BlueRay and the delay of new movie release dates really hack me off. But then the slow turnaround of Blockbuster and the pay per streaming video hacks me off to. They both seem about even and I guess I have to find out whats more important to me. Also the whole Total Access thing with blockbuster is totally not interesting to me as our local blockbuster went bankrupt and shut its doors. The closest one is 30 miles.