Maligned Blockbuster verses Beloved Netflix

[FrankXS]

Hey gang... just thought I'd throw out some of my findings on Blockbuster and Netflix.

I've been a user of both Blockbuster and Netflix for a long time. Primarily via streaming to my TV. Basically, if I just want to watch "some" movie, I go to Netflix, to whom I pay a nominal monthly fee ($9.99/mo for older streaming movies and newer selections via "in-the-mail" service). Mostly I do "on-demand" streaming 'cuz I'm impulse driven that way. And yes, I know Netflix's pricing structure is changing on September 1st - different discussion.

If I'm in the mood for a very newly released movie, I go to Blockbuster 'cuz they have even the new movies available for immediate streaming - so I don't have to wait for the newer movies to come in the mail from Netflix. Typical streaming price on Blockbuster is $2.99/$3.99, depending on the movie.

So - with all the new emphasis on TBolt Netflix, I decided to try Blockbuster on my phone too. For a price, of course, it is very nice. And the very latest movies are available. And, the Blockbuster app now works very well. No issues.

Basically these two venues serve different markets. Netflix is cheaper for on-demand streaming, but you can't get the latest flix that way. Blockbuster is a pay for downloading or streaming (depending on movie) primo recent movies .

Netflix:
-Monthly payment whether you watch or not
-Always streaming
-Always need an Internet connection
-Good price
-Older movies
-Occasional Internet connection issues (or not)

Blockbuster:
-No monthly payment
-No Internet connection required for watching (because they are downloaded to your phone before watching). According to the instructions on-screen, Wifi is required for initial downloading. But not to watch.
-You can download 2, 3, 4, 5, however many movies you like (say for an upcoming plane trip and/or vacation, and you have one month to watch before they become unlicensed. Again, no Internet connection required to watch.
-Primo very recent flix
-Cost: Not good if you think $3.99 for a movie is too much. But not bad if you're willing to fork over $3.99 for a recent flick. Especially if you only use this service occasionally. Or maybe if you want to have a few movies to watch on that camping/fishing trip you're going on, without requiring cell-phone or Internet service.

Bottom line, I've now tried/tested both services on my TBolt and am very satisfied with both. I love choices!

-Frank

 

[yodatom10]

I would consider blockbuster except for the fact that they are going out of business. And nerfkix is not going anywhere any time soon.

 

[JediJesus95]

I use google movies for my on-demand movie watching.

 

[FrankXS]

Correction: Once the Blockbuster movie is downloaded you have 1 month to start it. But after starting you have only 24hrs to finish watching it.

-Frank

 

[Doctor A]

Thanks for all the info Frank. I did not realize that Blockbuster had streaming which is what I do on TB and Home as well as discs. I think the DVD plan from Blockbuster will be same price point as what Netflix will be with their higher price. Blockbuster does not charge more for blu-ray Netflix does.

https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/m/plan/c.helloblockbuster/pt.helloblockbuster/r.hp

Like Frank states great to have some choices and hopefully competition will keep prices from going up again too quickly.

Doc

 

[Forgetful]

Thanks a lot op, I had no idea how BB worked.

 

[Eclipse2K]

How is Blockbuster with video games? I see that these plans include both and that makes me curious. I pay for both Netflix and Gamefly so it would be nice to have both in one. But than again, I have a feeling its not good for gaming. But do you get BluRay releases quickly?

Edit: A quick Google search seems to be negative. New video games are not available by mail for about 3 months. Yikes, but how about Blu Ray? Just as good as Netflix?
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk.

 

[Edwill86]

Netflix:
-Monthly payment whether you watch or not
-Always streaming
-Always need an Internet connection
-Good price
-Older movies
-Occasional Internet connection issues (or not)

I would have agreed a month ago. 60% increase takes it out of the good price column for me.
I still love netflix I hate Blockbuster (bloat rage! ) its just going to be cheaper to use google movies(or fios on demand) and a dvr now then paying $17/month..also its the principle of the matter

good break down overall though.

 

[Mike_is_Mike]

Correction: Once the Blockbuster movie is downloaded you have 1 month to start it. But after starting you have only 24hrs to finish watching it.

-Frank

I was just going to ask, when did they changed from 24 hour rental to one month rentals?

Still, one month to start gives you plenty of time to plan your trips and "pack your bag" with movies!

 

[willymakit]

Blockbuster is going out of business, you pay for every movie. On Netflix I can watch all I want for one fee, I don't really care about getting new releases on a 4 inch screen, I can wait one day for it to come to my house TV so I can see it on my big screen.