Blu-ray: Blockbuster: Good; Netflix: Bad (article) - Blu-ray Forum

HDTV1080P · 12-10-2008, 03:36 PM

News Update
Blu-ray: Blockbuster: Good; Netflix: Bad
The video retailer is delivering the latest Blu-ray releases.
By Swanni

http://www.tvpredictions.com/blublock120908.htm

PS34EVER · 12-10-2008, 03:47 PM

For those of you who are at work...

Quote:

Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2008) -- About three weeks ago, I wrote here that I was cancelling my subscription to Netflix because the online DVD rental service had a horrible record of delivering new Blu-ray releases on time. It would sometimes take weeks before a new Blu-ray release such as Iron Man, The Strangers or The Incredible Hulk would be delivered to my home.

In desperation, I decided to enroll in Blockbuster's online mail service to see if the video retail giant could do better.

So how is Blockbuster doing?

Thus far, I would have to give it an A+ Yes, an A+

In the last three weeks, I have received several new Blu-ray movies within days after their release. The only movie that was not available immediately was the action/adventure film Wanted starring James McAvoy and Angeline Jolie. But Blockbuster's online program allows you to exchange three online picks a month for free at any Blockbuster retail store. So I was able to get Wanted at my local Blockbuster the day after it was released -- without paying extra.

In other words, if there's a Blu-ray movie out there, I have total confidence that I can get it from Blockbuster, either by mail or at retail.

In fact, I am so confident that I gave the service the ultimate test this week by putting the Blu-ray edition of The Dark Knight in my Blockbuster online queue. I thought to myself that it would probably take at least a week before the blockbuster hit would be available.

I was wrong. Blockbuster sent me an e-mail yesterday saying I will receive The Dark Knight within 48 hours.

Now I realize that it's possible that Blockbuster won't be able to keep this up. I also realize that some Netflix subscribers report that they have better success in getting Blu-ray releases delivered promptly, probably due to their geographic location.

But for me -- for now -- Blockbuster get four stars.

And Netflix? As far as I'm concerned, it's eligible for a Hasty Pudding award.

dialog_gvf · 12-10-2008, 03:59 PM

There is anecdotal evidence that these mail services boost the priority of new customers well above the average to keep them happy.

So, a fair test isn't an established NetFlix account v. a new Blockbuster one.

NetFlix just announced they now had 500,000 BD subscribers. How many of those do you suppose want to rent The Dark Knight? And how many copies of The Dark Knight do you think it would be reasonable for NetFlix to purchase to satisify that initial demand?

Gary

Marine Mike · 12-10-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

There is anecdotal evidence that these mail services boost the priority of new customers well above the average to keep them happy.

So, a fair test isn't an established NetFlix account v. a new Blockbuster one.

NetFlix just announced they now had 500,000 BD subscribers. How many of those do you suppose want to rent The Dark Knight? And how many copies of The Dark Knight do you think it would be reasonable for NetFlix to purchase to satisify that initial demand?

Gary

I definately have to agree with this as since Netflix started to charge me more for Blu-Rays my wait time for new releases has decreased significantly. Then again, it could be because of the number of people dropped from Netflix and didn't want to pay the extra cash, lol.

york weir · 12-10-2008, 08:31 PM

I've had Hancock as the ONLY movie in my queue since two days before it released and I am still waiting for it. So far Netflix is failing me. Lot of good my extra $1 per month is doing......

MacDaddyOJack · 12-10-2008, 08:35 PM

I have two at a time unlimited and I've been waiting for my second bluray for 10 days now....and I have 9 movies in my queue!!!!

Edit: I use netflix

VinnAY · 12-10-2008, 08:39 PM

Never had Netflix, I've had BB before though for both HD-DVD and Blu but dropped it when their inventory levels weren't sufficient for me. I think I had 30 somthing titles in my Q and none were available, so I dropped them.
I went back to it about a month ago and all the titles said available and I went YEA! But four weeks later not so much, there's a few that are going into "long wait" status, I couldn't get Step Brother, TDK. But the turnaround time through the mail is pretty good, I think I can have a complete turnaround in about 4 days.

fatediesel · 12-10-2008, 08:40 PM

I joined Netflix at the beginning of December and immediately received Get Smart, Hancock, and Fred Claus on blu. I don't know if this was because I was a new customer but those were new releases and I wasn't anticipating them that quick.

mikejet · 12-10-2008, 08:41 PM

I've been considering Blockbuster simply because there is one near me that I could take the videos to.

york weir · 12-10-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatediesel

I joined Netflix at the beginning of December and immediately received Get Smart, Hancock, and Fred Claus on blu. I don't know if this was because I was a new customer but those were new releases and I wasn't anticipating them that quick.

Lucky, like I said, Hancock is the only item in my queue and I am still waiting.

scoob958 · 12-10-2008, 09:02 PM

I've had Strangers, Incredible Hulk, and now Wall-E all 3 sitting at the top of my queue since way before any of them come out. Maybe I will get them someday.

phlydude · 12-10-2008, 09:12 PM

I got Dark Knight on release day - I even moved it down in the queue to get "The Wire" Dvds but they marked me to receive it and it was there on Tuesday.

I wanted to keep it for next week when I am off from work but it came early and I won't keep it from others waiting for it.

Generally, Netflix is pretty good on BDs for me. I have a 3 out unlimited plan and I don't abuse it...I'll keep a stinker for a while when I don't have time to watch or when I have tivo to catch up on...keeps my patterns inconsistent - plus my queue has over 100 movies (mix between BDs and DVDs) - plenty to send to me while I am waiting for some newer stuff

Septimus Prime · 12-10-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

There is anecdotal evidence that these mail services boost the priority of new customers well above the average to keep them happy.

So, a fair test isn't an established NetFlix account v. a new Blockbuster one.

NetFlix just announced they now had 500,000 BD subscribers. How many of those do you suppose want to rent The Dark Knight? And how many copies of The Dark Knight do you think it would be reasonable for NetFlix to purchase to satisify that initial demand?

Gary

I've been with Blockbuster Online for a while now (almost 2 years), and I still get my discs fairly quickly. I only use in-store return, though.

phlydude · 12-11-2008, 01:36 PM

I signed up for Blockbuster at first and movies I had in my queue for 3 or 4 days and were marked as "Available" just sat there - I cancelled before any shipped and went with Netflix - I haven't looked back!

Bond007 · 12-11-2008, 02:00 PM

I'm still waiting to get The Incredible Hulk, Leatherheads, Tropic Thunder, and Hellboy 2 from Netflix.

I would call and complain to Netflix, but they did send me Wanted and Step Brothers on time.

BluLobsta · 12-11-2008, 02:10 PM

I have Blockbuster Online and am very satisfied with BDs, but I have no experience with Netflix and I live across the street from a Blockbuster so it is definitely a matter of convenience, especially with free exchanges. I do have to admit, though, that the streaming Netflix service on Tivo has me drooling a bit

meckel · 12-11-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluLobsta

I have Blockbuster Online and am very satisfied with BDs, but I have no experience with Netflix and I live across the street from a Blockbuster so it is definitely a matter of convenience, especially with free exchanges. I do have to admit, though, that the streaming Netflix service on Tivo has me drooling a bit

I'm thinking about switching from Blockbuster to Netflix for the Tivo streaming. I'm wondering if they will have a lot of newer releases to stream or mostly catalog titles. Would be a great way to "test drive" some titles before I buy

camper · 12-11-2008, 04:31 PM

I got netflix for streaming, and for movies that I don't want to buy. Movies I'm desperate to see (batman, hulk, iron man, etc) are ones I buy anyway so I could care less how long it takes for something like Knocked Up or Tropic Thunder to get to me.

The blockbuster store drop-off is cool, but I hate going to blockbuster.

camper

Uniquely · 12-11-2008, 05:45 PM

Netflix always sends me the next item on my list promptly. I drop a movie to return in my mailbox on Mon.... I get a new blu in my box on Wed. I don't really have any new release blu's in my cue. I'm not foolish enough to think that ANY service would be able to provide new releases to all the customers that might desire them on release day. If I REALLY want to see a new release when it releases.... I buy it. Now the streaming to my XBox's is just a really nice perk.

12-10-2008, 03:36 PM	#1
HDTV1080P Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Jan 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 205	Blu-ray: Blockbuster: Good; Netflix: Bad (article) News Update Blu-ray: Blockbuster: Good; Netflix: Bad The video retailer is delivering the latest Blu-ray releases. By Swanni http://www.tvpredictions.com/blublock120908.htm

12-10-2008, 09:12 PM	#12
phlydude Power Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Winter Garden, FL USA Playstation ID: phlydude Blu-ray collection:132 Trading Score:1	I got Dark Knight on release day - I even moved it down in the queue to get "The Wire" Dvds but they marked me to receive it and it was there on Tuesday. I wanted to keep it for next week when I am off from work but it came early and I won't keep it from others waiting for it. Generally, Netflix is pretty good on BDs for me. I have a 3 out unlimited plan and I don't abuse it...I'll keep a stinker for a while when I don't have time to watch or when I have tivo to catch up on...keeps my patterns inconsistent - plus my queue has over 100 movies (mix between BDs and DVDs) - plenty to send to me while I am waiting for some newer stuff Last edited by phlydude; 12-10-2008 at 09:15 PM.

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12-10-2008, 03:59 PM	#3
dialog_gvf Moderator Member since:Nov 2006 Location:Toronto Blu-ray collection:320	There is anecdotal evidence that these mail services boost the priority of new customers well above the average to keep them happy. So, a fair test isn't an established NetFlix account v. a new Blockbuster one. NetFlix just announced they now had 500,000 BD subscribers. How many of those do you suppose want to rent The Dark Knight? And how many copies of The Dark Knight do you think it would be reasonable for NetFlix to purchase to satisify that initial demand? Gary

12-10-2008, 08:31 PM	#5
york weir Special Member Member since:Nov 2007	I've had Hancock as the ONLY movie in my queue since two days before it released and I am still waiting for it. So far Netflix is failing me. Lot of good my extra $1 per month is doing......

12-10-2008, 08:35 PM	#6
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	I have two at a time unlimited and I've been waiting for my second bluray for 10 days now....and I have 9 movies in my queue!!!! Edit: I use netflix

12-10-2008, 08:39 PM	#7
VinnAY Banned Member since:Sep 2008 Blu-ray reviews:1	Never had Netflix, I've had BB before though for both HD-DVD and Blu but dropped it when their inventory levels weren't sufficient for me. I think I had 30 somthing titles in my Q and none were available, so I dropped them. I went back to it about a month ago and all the titles said available and I went YEA! But four weeks later not so much, there's a few that are going into "long wait" status, I couldn't get Step Brother, TDK. But the turnaround time through the mail is pretty good, I think I can have a complete turnaround in about 4 days.

12-10-2008, 08:40 PM	#8
fatediesel Blu-ray Count Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:410 Trading Score:47	I joined Netflix at the beginning of December and immediately received Get Smart, Hancock, and Fred Claus on blu. I don't know if this was because I was a new customer but those were new releases and I wasn't anticipating them that quick.

12-10-2008, 08:41 PM	#9
mikejet Banned Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:29	I've been considering Blockbuster simply because there is one near me that I could take the videos to.

12-10-2008, 09:02 PM	#11
scoob958 Member Member since:Mar 2008 Blu-ray collection:252	I've had Strangers, Incredible Hulk, and now Wall-E all 3 sitting at the top of my queue since way before any of them come out. Maybe I will get them someday.

12-11-2008, 01:36 PM	#14
phlydude Power Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Winter Garden, FL USA Playstation ID: phlydude Blu-ray collection:132 Trading Score:1	I signed up for Blockbuster at first and movies I had in my queue for 3 or 4 days and were marked as "Available" just sat there - I cancelled before any shipped and went with Netflix - I haven't looked back!

12-11-2008, 02:00 PM	#15
Bond007 Active Member Member since:Aug 2007 Blu-ray collection:195 Blu-ray reviews:6	I'm still waiting to get The Incredible Hulk, Leatherheads, Tropic Thunder, and Hellboy 2 from Netflix. I would call and complain to Netflix, but they did send me Wanted and Step Brothers on time.

12-11-2008, 02:10 PM	#16
BluLobsta Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Rhode Island Home Theater Gallery:86 4K collection:81 Blu-ray collection:420 DVD collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:2	I have Blockbuster Online and am very satisfied with BDs, but I have no experience with Netflix and I live across the street from a Blockbuster so it is definitely a matter of convenience, especially with free exchanges. I do have to admit, though, that the streaming Netflix service on Tivo has me drooling a bit

12-11-2008, 04:31 PM	#18
camper Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2007 Blu-ray collection:367 DVD collection:445 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	I got netflix for streaming, and for movies that I don't want to buy. Movies I'm desperate to see (batman, hulk, iron man, etc) are ones I buy anyway so I could care less how long it takes for something like Knocked Up or Tropic Thunder to get to me. The blockbuster store drop-off is cool, but I hate going to blockbuster. camper

12-11-2008, 05:45 PM	#19
Uniquely Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Mobile, AL Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:171	Netflix always sends me the next item on my list promptly. I drop a movie to return in my mailbox on Mon.... I get a new blu in my box on Wed. I don't really have any new release blu's in my cue. I'm not foolish enough to think that ANY service would be able to provide new releases to all the customers that might desire them on release day. If I REALLY want to see a new release when it releases.... I buy it. Now the streaming to my XBox's is just a really nice perk.

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