Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
2011-06-23 9:48 PM

User image

Pro
4174
200020001002525
Keller, Texas
Subject: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
We currently have Netflix.  I like it a lot for their selection of TV series, but their on-demand movie selection leaves much to be desired.

Been looking at Blockbuster on-line and their movie selection is much better.

Anyone have any opinions?


2011-06-23 10:10 PM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Pro
9391
500020002000100100100252525
Omaha, NE
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
No opinion, but I'm going to check it out.  I dislike the movie selection on Netflix, but my daughter is always watching it so I haven't canceled it.
2011-06-24 7:21 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Veteran
1019
1000
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
If you live near a Blockbuster, I think it's by far the better option.  Instead of mailing movies back, you just take it to the store and exchange it for a new one.  Plus, they don't charge extra for Bluray.  When my local store closed, I switched to Netflix and am not very impressed.
2011-06-24 7:35 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Extreme Veteran
577
500252525
Connecticut
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
You can stream movies through your computer or tv (using the Wii or xbox) with Blockbuster?? I have Netflix..yes the on- demand movies are somewhat lacking in holding my interest but my daughter uses it all the time.
2011-06-24 7:49 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Champion
5529
500050025
Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

I have a feeling that redbox, netflix and blockbuster are all about to go the way that HBO, Showtime, Starz did in the 90s.  They will begin to compete for new releases.  So in that case, one might have certain movies you like quicker than the other. 

My loyalty is with Netflix because I haven't had an issue with them at all in 2 years.  Moreso, I rarely use them for their on-demand movie content.  But I wear out the on-demand tv content.  I don't see where blockbuster offers that.  And for that reason, Netflix is light years ahead of them. 

For the record, we have a family of 6 and no cable.  Netflix is our only source of tv watching and there is plenty of entertaining content for everyone in the house. 

2011-06-24 8:20 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Champion
5117
5000100
Brandon, MS
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
The streaming new release movie selection for Netflix is rather weak, but I can get the discs pretty quickly most of the time.  If you like watching older flicks, finding random movies you didn't know about, or watching documentaries, then Netflix does a pretty good job.  I like that they carry Frontline and other PBS docs.  Plus, they have a decent enough TV collection. 


2011-06-24 8:30 AM
in reply to: #3565225

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

kevin_trapp - 2011-06-24 5:21 AM If you live near a Blockbuster, I think it's by far the better option.  Instead of mailing movies back, you just take it to the store and exchange it for a new one.  Plus, they don't charge extra for Bluray.  When my local store closed, I switched to Netflix and am not very impressed.

The Blockbuster near us just changed -- everything in-store is one-day only rental. Sucks. We cancelled the BB membership and went over to Netflix. As soon as Huluplus works out its Wii and Blue-ray availability, we'll be signing up with them as well.

2011-06-24 10:37 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Extreme Veteran
605
500100
Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

I use netflix primarily because I can stream movies to my iPhone while I ride the trainer. If the streaming movies on Blockbuster is better and they have an iPhone client and a plugin for my blu-ray player...I'd switch. Haven't looked into it though.  We don't have cable (by choice) and don't miss it.

2011-06-24 10:54 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Extreme Veteran
3177
20001000100252525
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

I have been a loyal netflix customer for going on 5 years now. Never had a single problem with them and at the few times I have had issues (broken discs, movies don't play, etc) they have always been super prompt with fixing it. They also have, for me, a really good selection of more obscure shows/movies/documentaries that I can watch, either streaming or via disc. Add to that we can watch it on our laptop, our roku, or our Wii and we are pretty set.

2011-06-24 11:01 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

I liked the Netflix streaming movies over the winter when I was riding the trainer a lot.
But it wasn't worth the monthly fee since I'd only have 1 rental out every other month (I am very forgetful with mailing them back) and maybe stream 2 movies per month.

Now I just go Redbox for $1/night. Less selection but I'm okay with that.

2011-06-24 11:04 AM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Expert
3126
2000100010025
Boise, ID
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

 

How much does the BB streaming cost per month?

 



Edited by Aarondb4 2011-06-24 11:04 AM


2011-06-24 1:06 PM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Elite
3290
20001000100100252525
Oliver, BC, "Wine Capital of Canada"
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

We have netflix but will be cancelling as I find the movie quality atrocious. 
The video is way over compressed.  

2011-06-24 2:24 PM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Member
50
2525
Seattle, WA
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

It looks like the streaming from Blockbuster is basically rental on-demand. No associated monthly fee, but you pay for content by piece. Is that right? If so, the streaming aspect is basically the same as Amazon Instant Video but not really comparable to Netflix beyond the DVD-by-mail side.

I use a combo of Netflix streaming, HuluPlus and Amazon Instant Video through my Roku and find that pretty much all of my television/movie entertainment needs are covered. I have the stream-only service through Netflix, because I found that I would let DVDs sit for several weeks at a time before I would remember to watch them so it wasn't really worth the cost.

2011-06-24 3:11 PM
in reply to: #3566139

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
I've been a loyal Netflix customer for years and have no real complaints.  I find their new movie selection for instant watch is increasing and I remember a press release or something about them getting a new contract that will increase that even more.  I watch a ton of crazy stuff i wouldn't have normally, because it's on Instant Watch, and have really enjoyed it.  They have a great selection for me.

Sometimes the quality can be bad, but I find that to be an issue only at peak times.  Yeah it can be worse on a Friday or Saturday evening and have even had to stop watching once or twice.  But aside from those few examples, I have been more than satisfied.    In fact the only downside of streaming, to me, is the lack of special features. I wish they could figure that out.

I also use Amazon for any other more popular/current needs.  I have spent way too much on getting up to speed with True Blood, for instance, because Netflix only has that on disk. 

Is Blockbuster going to be able to persist?  Their stores are doing terribly around where I live.  I no longer have a local store option.
2011-06-25 7:50 PM
in reply to: #3565022

User image

Master
1327
100010010010025
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line

This is going to be the silliest response yet to why I'm loyal to Netflix.....they did what BB took too long to do and I feel like BB screwed its bricks and mortar customers for years.

Been a Netflix subscriber almost since they hit the scene.

I'm so behind on movies that I don't notice the on-demand aspect, as I'm downloading stuff ppl have prolly watched long ago.

Agree with the other favorable comments, as in I have unlimited, the returns come in the mail promptly, never had an unwatchable disk, I like the obscure titles, documentaries they have.  I doubt I'd ever be drawn to BB.

2011-06-28 1:21 PM
in reply to: #3565702

User image

Expert
1274
10001001002525
Jackson, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
Aarondb4 - 2011-06-24 11:04 AM

 

How much does the BB streaming cost per month?

 



We keep both going (although I haven't actually used BB yet)

BB steaming is pay per view so it only costs if you watch. no monthly fees. I figured that we would watch most of our stuff from netflix and if we wanted a newer released movie then we'd turn to blockbuster ondemand or put the dvd in our netflix queue.

There are quite a few other sites out there like that as well. AmazonVOD, CinemaNow (Best Buy) and VUDU come to mind.



2011-06-28 3:05 PM
in reply to: #3571266

User image

Champion
11989
500050001000500100100100100252525
Philly 'burbs
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
waskelton - 2011-06-28 2:21 PM
Aarondb4 - 2011-06-24 11:04 AM

 

How much does the BB streaming cost per month?

 

We keep both going (although I haven't actually used BB yet) BB steaming is pay per view so it only costs if you watch. no monthly fees. I figured that we would watch most of our stuff from netflix and if we wanted a newer released movie then we'd turn to blockbuster ondemand or put the dvd in our netflix queue. There are quite a few other sites out there like that as well. AmazonVOD, CinemaNow (Best Buy) and VUDU come to mind.

 

What's the point of BB pay as you go, assuming you have On Demand with your cable company? I joined Netflix because I was paying more per month On Demand than I pay for a NetFlix subscription. I'm not happy that many of the movies I want to watch are DVD only, but when I want a movie, I want it right then. Given my training load and family obligations I often don't know I have time for a movie until it's time for a movie.

2011-06-29 1:01 PM
in reply to: #3565022

Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
I have Netflix and love it.  Not all the movies are on streaming but you just put it in your hold and it will come.  Never used blockbuster online.
2011-06-29 1:03 PM
in reply to: #3565971

Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
peby - 2011-06-24 1:06 PM

We have netflix but will be cancelling as I find the movie quality atrocious. 
The video is way over compressed.  

 

That is more a function of your bandwith.  Mine is fine and it's wi-fi.  If you want a true HD quality you can always get the disk in blu-ray delivered from Netflix

2011-06-29 1:28 PM
in reply to: #3573121

User image

Elite
3290
20001000100100252525
Oliver, BC, "Wine Capital of Canada"
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
Jtiger - 2011-06-29 11:03 AM
peby - 2011-06-24 1:06 PM

We have netflix but will be cancelling as I find the movie quality atrocious. 
The video is way over compressed.  

 

That is more a function of your bandwith.  Mine is fine and it's wi-fi.  If you want a true HD quality you can always get the disk in blu-ray delivered from Netflix

Unfortunately in Canada the disk delivery option is not available.

When we first started with Netflix the video quality was acceptable. However with many ISPs putting a data cap on their subscribers, Netflix decided to further compress the video to reduce download size. Since then the video is as bad as a poor Youtube version. 

2011-06-29 3:39 PM
in reply to: #3571548

User image

Expert
1274
10001001002525
Jackson, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line
mrbbrad - 2011-06-28 3:05 PM

What's the point of BB pay as you go, assuming you have On Demand with your cable company? I joined Netflix because I was paying more per month On Demand than I pay for a NetFlix subscription. I'm not happy that many of the movies I want to watch are DVD only, but when I want a movie, I want it right then. Given my training load and family obligations I often don't know I have time for a movie until it's time for a movie.



We don't watch that many movies so it isn't a big deal for us. Plus you can't get recent enough content with many of the subscription based service, cable included. Many of the cable company's onDemand offerings you have to pay for as well. We are trying to get rid of cable at the moment (damn it's a hard thing to do) and figure that BB on demand will be an option if we want to watch something that isn't available on netflix.



New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Netflix vs. Blockbuster on-line Rss Feed