Comments on: NetFlix: The Tide Has Turned

By: Vic

Vic — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 11:04:21 +0000

Just found this story. Have used both services and each have weaknesses. Netflix has a better web site, better selection, and generally faster turn around. Blockbuster provides better availability of new releases and coupons for free rentals at a retail outlet. The coupons are nice for a last minute impulse movie. Except for new releases Netflix seems to do a better job of delivering based on the sequence of your queue. Netflix does a horrible job of supplying new release movies—they sit in your queue for many many months. Blockbuster does poorly with less common titles—they can sit in your queue for a long time. I started with Netflix for a year or so, switched to Blockbuster for 6-8 months, and now am back with Netflix. Although we enjoy a lot of different movies our taste tends towards independents, documentaries, special interest, and classics. Netflix is a good resource for us. We just wish it didn't take so long for new releases to get to us when we are interested in them (as of today Cinderella Man has been at the top of my queue for over four months!).

By: Ian Bell

Ian Bell — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 10:40:30 +0000

Martin, you should try Netflix. I found the netflix service to get the movie to me two days earlier than Blockbuster.

By: Martin

Martin — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 09:46:17 +0000

I've been a subscriber of Blockbuster's online service for about 6 or 7 month and it's a great service. I've only had problems with messed up DVDs once, and they sent me a new copy the next day. I've also never had to worry about waiting for movies, so I recommend it. It's cheap and it works.

By: Ian Bell

Ian Bell — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 07:00:32 +0000

I am happy to see Netflix prevail in a market with relatively low margins. I guess the question is whether there is room enough for two players. And if there is, then they need to work together for some sort of MAP pricing model so they do not cannibalize the market.

By: ECA

ECA — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 23:24:10 +0000

WELL, Iv seen ALOt of sites try it.
Heard from a friend that tried BB, and didnt like it.
Netflix is Good, but could be better.
Where most have problems with the mail system, netflix has the least. When they send something it GETS to you within 2 days.

By: fungku

fungku — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 10:15:16 +0000

I'm not surprised by this, but I am surprised that Blockbuster and other traditional stores have not had more success in the online rental space. I know blockbuster was trying to do it, has anyone tried theirs? Any other brick & mortar stores following NetFlix's example?