Netflix or Blockbuster?

[flvegan]

Considering signing up for one of the online DVD rental plans. Price is around the same. Netflix offers online viewing, but I don't know that I'd rather use my smaller screen to watch flicks. Blockbuster has the instore return/rental thing for a couple extra bucks. Is Netflix a blue company?

What say you, Lounge? Who is using one or the other, and what has your experience been?

[northzax]

1. all I know

is that about 75% of the pop up and pop under ads I see on the web are for Netflix. that alone is reason enough for me to go with blockbuster.

[terrya]

2. I love Netflix

I am completely satisfied with Netflix. A superb catalog of films, FAST delivery (on Tuesday, the first movie in my queue was "The Age of Innocence". The local Chicago branch of Netflix didn't have it, so it was shipped out from Long Beach, Ca...and it arrived yesterday. I still can't figure that out). And the best customer service.

I can't say enough good things about Netflix.

[geardaddy]

3. Netflix is blue.

Blockbuster isn't.

[RebelOne]

4. I have had both, but Netflix is my favorite.

I started out with Netflix, but then I got an offer from Blockbuster for lower rates, so I tried them out. Then Netflix sent me an offer for even lower rates, so I went back to them.

[grace0418]

5. Netflix. Absolutely.

Blockbuster sucks. That have that thing where you can also rent from the store but have you been in a Blockbuster store lately? All the ones in Chicago are practically empty. Someone gave us a Blockbuster gift card and nothing was in stock that we wanted to rent or buy. And it's not like we went in at 9p.m. on a Saturday. Anyway, I've always hated Blockbuster so it was a no-brainer for me.

Netflix has tons of selection, especially if you like off-beat stuff (Blockbuster has very little of that). They definitely play the slow-down delivery game if you push the limits of the unlimited rental thing, but I have always found it to be a great value regardless. Anyway, I've heard Blockbuster does that too. Plus I think they are a blue company while Blockbuster is red.

[Shakespeare]

6. Netflix, fo sho. n/t

[MrCoffee]

7. The both offer free trials...find out for yourself

geez, do we have to do everything for you?

[Phillycat]

8. Used Netflix, was disappointed with their turnaround time...

It would take them days to get the next DVD out to me. I thought about switching to the Blockbuster online service, but then I met my husband and...let's just say I watch the movies I want to watch without a service of that type. ;-)

[Chovexani]

26. That's bizarre.

I average like a 1-2 day turnaround time. It must depend on how far you are from their nearest processing facility.

[Phillycat]

28. I live in Philadelphia - how far can it be?

Of course, I would watch all three of my discs in one night or two at the most - I heard they slow the service down purposefully for people who use it that much on the "unlimited" plan. Which kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? :shrug:

[Chovexani]

30. I've got that plan

And haven't had slowdown issues except for Blu Ray movies (that's a separate issue they're working on though). I usually watch my three over two nights tops, too.

That's really weird.

[alphafemale]

31. I usually get movies back pretty quickly.

I'll have a new movie within 2-3 days from when I mail it.

That can lengthen though for more obscure or foreign films. But I am overall really pleased with the service.

[huskerlaw]

9. Netflix.

I love them. Turn-around time of 2 days.

The Blockbuster instore return/rental thing sounds great...until you go to a Blockbuster and try to find something you want to watch. Tried to do that lately? Blockbuster stores don't carry shit.

[LeftyMom]

10. Netflix has all kinds of obscure and interesting shit.

Blockbuster's catalog is not nearly as deep. They do give you free store rentals, which is nice when you're waiting on your movies in the mail, but good luck finding much of anything that doesn't suck.

They both have a habit of slowing down deliveries if you're usually not keeping your movies for a while, but considering your schedule I kinda doubt you'll be watching many movies as soon as they arrive and sending them straight back.

[angstlessk]

25. Netflix has all you can watch for FREE on line viewing...that is GREAT

of course their on line viewing selection is probably like blockbusters in store choices, but you spend less gas and if you don't like your selection stop it and pick another!!!

[krispos42]

11. Netflix

I have Netflix. My ex-roomie had it, and it worked well. My ex-wife had Blockbuster but she switched to Netflix a couple of weeks ago after Blockbuster kept having problems.

[Goblinmonger]

12. We have netflix and like it

I have thought about Blockbuster, too, but, as has been said, their catalogue isn't as deep.

Not sure what you have for a TV, but we have a newer 47" LCD and it has a PC input. I can run the monitor cable (don't remember the letters--it's the blue one :P ) from my laptop to my tv and watch it in all it's widescreen glory. YMMV I guess depending on the tech you have.

[tigereye]

13. BLockbuster is a pain with limited choices

I was thinking of switching...

[LostinVA]

14. I like Netflix -- I had it when I lived in VA

We'd have it now, if we didn't have a brazillion on-demand channels and a really good library system to get DVDs from.

[SeattleGirl]

15. I use Netfix.

I love it. No problems so far, and turnaround time is fast overall.

[China_cat]

16. Netflix. Much better selection than BB

Also you can use the watch online to catch up on some of those old tv shows you missed that would look ok on the smaller screen.

[CBHagman]

17. I would prefer to use a local independent store, but...

...right now I have Netflix for the convenience and the wide selection. I don't own a car and have a long commute, so I'd rather save time.

Besides, I wasn't all that thrilled with Blockbuster when I did use their stores.

Netflix, for what it's worth, is based in California but of course uses local distribution centers to supply you with your DVDs.

[TreasonousBastard]

18. I'm happy with Netflix-- good selection and turnaround time.

[LynneSin]

19. Better yet - Redbox

http://www.redbox.com/rentinfo2.aspx

No monthly fees (although they have a monthly fee program) and they are found all over the place including perhaps your local grocery story. You do need a credit/debit card but all rentals are $1/day. There is one at my local grocery store and now I found out that Walgreens is adding them to their store, which means I have a Kiosk about 4 blocks where I live.

Sure, the selection is kinda sucky, so I have a free blockbuster card in case I want to find some obscure movie.

[TommyO]

24. Redbox is very good!

For the number of movies I watch in a month, it's the most cost-effective solution for me, and all of the grocery stores near my house have them. The ability to find out which of the machines have a movie and then reserve it is a great feature as well. Like you said, the selection sucks, being limited to relatively recent releases, but given that, it still works.

[Jokerman]

20. Depends on how close you are to a distribution center.

I've tried both and I've stuck with netflix mainly because of geography.

When I drop a Netflix in the mail they get it the next day and I have the replacement the day after that. Blockbuster videos were spending 2-3 days in transit each way. If you live closer to a Blockbuster center than netflix it could be the opposite.

I'd do as suggested above and try each of them for a free trial and see how they work for your location.

[qb]

21. I don't know if they still do, but BB used to only stock R-rated versions

of unrated or NC17 movies... a total pain. It reduced Dead/Alive to an incomprehensible mess. That was the last movie I ever rented there.

[Gonzo Gardener]

22. Netflix

:hi:

[Thepricebreaker]

23. If you have a blockbuster right near your house, then use Blockbuster... if not...

Then go netflix. You can return the movies there and get the others on your list (if they have them).

[Chovexani]

27. I am a very happy Netflix subscriber

Turnaround time is extremely fast here in the Phoenix area. I sent back the disc and they get it the next day, put the next one in the mail and I get it the next day.

The only issue I have with them is it takes forever to get Blu Ray discs lately. Apparently it's a distribution problem from the Blu Ray authoring places and they're working on it. But I figure it's just the price of being on the cutting edge. :)

[stanwyck]

29. Love Netflix. n/t

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

32. Netflix

Not even a debate.