Rental versions getting ridiculous

[SpaceDog]

Apologies if it exists - I couldn't find another thread.

Rental versions are getting more and more aggressive and ridiculous. I'm finding films that have extended cuts available excluding the extended cut from the rental edition. (Cowboys and Aliens as an example). The theatrical cut didn't inspire me to buy the film. Would the extended cut have?
I'm also noting forced trailers, which is discouraging.

I don't get out to the movies as often as I'd like to, and I will rarely buy a film sight-unseen. Withholding features is annoying, but sort of understandable. Withholding a cut of a film might reduce sales rather than increase them.

I think rental versions are bad business.

[format916]

i dont mind rental versions because i do mostly always prefer theatrical cuts.

i do mind not being able to see small special features like a trailer

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by format916

i dont mind rental versions because i do mostly always prefer theatrical cuts.

Me too!

[zeze]

By not including everything in the rental version it gives more incentive for consumers to buy the retail version. I agree with this decision. Why give someone everything for $5 when other people are spending $20-$30 on it. Make them buy the movie instead of renting it if they want the complete package.

[LuFeng]

you could do what alot of people do...buy the movie...then if it isnt worth keeping sale on ebay and either make your money back or sale it quick for 5 bucks less so its like you rented. if you arent into ebay it wont work....but just a thought...i see it happening all the time.

Originally Posted by SpaceDog

Apologies if it exists - I couldn't find another thread.

Rental versions are getting more and more aggressive and ridiculous. I'm finding films that have extended cuts available excluding the extended cut from the rental edition. (Cowboys and Aliens as an example). The theatrical cut didn't inspire me to buy the film. Would the extended cut have?
I'm also noting forced trailers, which is discouraging.

I don't get out to the movies as often as I'd like to, and I will rarely buy a film sight-unseen. Withholding features is annoying, but sort of understandable. Withholding a cut of a film might reduce sales rather than increase them.

I think rental versions are bad business.

[bookcase]

I agree with the OP: I find this practice ridiculous. However, I find most of the stuff I rent not worth a purchase, and if it's something I would like, I can wait until the price falls dramatically before picking it up since I just watched it.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by SpaceDog

Apologies if it exists - I couldn't find another thread.

Rental versions are getting more and more aggressive and ridiculous. I'm finding films that have extended cuts available excluding the extended cut from the rental edition. (Cowboys and Aliens as an example). The theatrical cut didn't inspire me to buy the film. Would the extended cut have?
I'm also noting forced trailers, which is discouraging.

I don't get out to the movies as often as I'd like to, and I will rarely buy a film sight-unseen. Withholding features is annoying, but sort of understandable. Withholding a cut of a film might reduce sales rather than increase them.

I think rental versions are bad business.

It's a turd (either cut). I do agree with you concerning rental versions. Thankfully, if I want a BD bad enough I'll wait until the regular version is cheap.

[boxterduke]

At roger's video, they have buy one get one free. I don't care about features, I just care about the movie.

[The_Donster]

I can understand not having the extras, but not having the extended cut seems to be a bit excessive. My wife and I ran into this for the first time with Bridesmaid. Luckily it paid off, because I ended up getting that for her on our anniversary. Knock on wood, not too many rentals have been that bad through Netflix.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by zeze

By not including everything in the rental version it gives more incentive for consumers to buy the retail version. I agree with this decision. Why give someone everything for $5 when other people are spending $20-$30 on it. Make them buy the movie instead of renting it if they want the complete package.

I'm with you, ZeZe. If you aren't paying for the full version, you shouldn't get the full version. If you like the movie, it gives you incentive to buy the full version, features and all. I think that's completely fair.

[SpaceDog]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

I'm with you, ZeZe. If you aren't paying for the full version, you shouldn't get the full version. If you like the movie, it gives you incentive to buy the full version, features and all. I think that's completely fair.

I'm not tremendously offended by the lack of special features (though it is annoying). I'm much more annoyed by the lack of alternate cuts. A rental for me is either going to be a movie that I know I won't buy, or one that I might buy but am not yet comfortable enough with.

Should I buy Cowboys and Aliens sight unseen? No, never. Would I buy a Pixar movie sight unseen? Probably (though I've never not seen one by the time it hits home video).

My point is that removing certain features on rental version MIGHT hinder rather than encourage someone who would otherwise transition from a rental to a buy.

[SpaceDog]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

It's a turd (either cut). I do agree with you concerning rental versions. Thankfully, if I want a BD bad enough I'll wait until the regular version is cheap.

I figured it probably was, but as the tone of the movie seemed great for the first act and part of the second, I considered an alternate extended cut might have fixed the 3rd act where it really falls apart.

If I had seen the extended cut I might still have been at "definitely won't buy", but having seen the theatrical cut I'm definitely at "definitely won't buy".

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by SpaceDog

I figured it probably was, but as the tone of the movie seemed great for the first act and part of the second, I considered an alternate extended cut might have fixed the 3rd act where it really falls apart.

If I had seen the extended cut I might still have been at "definitely won't buy", but having seen the theatrical cut I'm definitely at "definitely won't buy".

Good choice. I wasted a rental with that one for sure.

[The_Donster]

Originally Posted by SpaceDog

I'm not tremendously offended by the lack of special features (though it is annoying). I'm much more annoyed by the lack of alternate cuts. A rental for me is either going to be a movie that I know I won't buy, or one that I might buy but am not yet comfortable enough with.

Should I buy Cowboys and Aliens sight unseen? No, never. Would I buy a Pixar movie sight unseen? Probably (though I've never not seen one by the time it hits home video).

My point is that removing certain features on rental version MIGHT hinder rather than encourage someone who would otherwise transition from a rental to a buy.

Yes, totally agree here. I think Universal got real lucky that Bridesmaid was such a hoot and holler. My wife and I were talking about it for days(sad I know). Because of that being such a strong movie I picked it up for her. Still, with me being a stay at home dad I have to be select on what I pick up. Which is one of the reasons I watch BD's through Netflix, to gauge what is worthy of a purchase. If I can't see what I'm missing, than I won't be buying.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by The_Donster

Yes, totally agree here. I think Universal got real lucky that Bridesmaid was such a hoot and holler. My wife and I were talking about it for days(sad I know). Because of that being such a strong movie I picked it up for her. Still, with me being a stay at home dad I have to be select on what I pick up. Which is one of the reasons I watch BD's through Netflix, to gauge what is worthy of a purchase. If I can't see what I'm missing, than I won't be buying.

I have been doing that for nearly 4 years and it has saved me quite a bit of money.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by bookcase

I agree with the OP: I find this practice ridiculous. However, I find most of the stuff I rent not worth a purchase, and if it's something I would like, I can wait until the price falls dramatically before picking it up since I just watched it.

Same here. But often, I find places to rent the regular versions of the BDs.

[Booker Dewitt]

Don't see it as much of a problem, but then again I view extended cuts as special features, with a few exceptions of course. Putting a DD.51 lossy track on it though is a jerk move.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by SpaceDog

I'm not tremendously offended by the lack of special features (though it is annoying). I'm much more annoyed by the lack of alternate cuts. A rental for me is either going to be a movie that I know I won't buy, or one that I might buy but am not yet comfortable enough with.

Should I buy Cowboys and Aliens sight unseen? No, never. Would I buy a Pixar movie sight unseen? Probably (though I've never not seen one by the time it hits home video).

My point is that removing certain features on rental version MIGHT hinder rather than encourage someone who would otherwise transition from a rental to a buy.

The way I see it though, the extended cut is just a glorified special feature of the main theatrical version of the movie. As others have pointed out, you could buy the movie, if you don't like it, sell it on eBay and make the money back. You'd be out something like $5, and that would be the $5 rental fee you would have paid. That might be your best course of action.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

I say keep gimping the rental versions even more! Take out the HD audio!

The rental industry hinders the growth of the industry more than it helps. BEFORE COMMENTING ON THIS STATEMENT, PLEASE NOTE THE USE OF THE WORDS "MORE THAN IT HELPS." I understand that some people rent and decide to buy. But, let's be honest about this. Those people rent more titles that they decide against buying than those they do decide to buy.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

I say keep gimping the rental versions even more! Take out the HD audio!

The rental industry hinders the growth of the industry more than it helps. BEFORE COMMENTING ON THIS STATEMENT, PLEASE NOTE THE USE OF THE WORDS "MORE THAN IT HELPS." I understand that some people rent and decide to buy. But, let's be honest about this. Those people rent more titles that they decide against buying than those they do decide to buy.

Okay, so what? I have saved thousands of dollars versus blind buying. The only BD I can think off hand that I rented that had gimped audio was Red. Then I found it brand new with lossless audio and a slipcover for $12. I don't regret doing that one bit and I certainly don't condemn the studios. They are out to sell their product just like any other business by enticing the consumer. I know you're not pointing fingers at renters, but I think I have certainly given the studios more than my fair share.

Next thing you know someone (or entity) will be telling me that I have to buy this or use that...oh wait. Some of you will catch this and some won't.