Block Buster vs Netflix

[HD MM]

I'll say it again for the 1,000th time. I'll put up with the few of the inconsistencies of BB for 2 reasons:

1. No additional fee for Blu Rays.

2. Trade-In option. That alone sets BB WAY apart from NF. With mailers from either service, it's a roll of the dice whether you will get a day-and-date release or your #1 flick in your Q with the next mailer sent. With BB, I walk gingerly in the store on Tuesdays with a trade-in and exchange it for a brand spanking new release or whatever movie I feel in the mood for that day.

 

[JamesJ]

I'll say it again for the 1,000th time. I'll put up with the few of the inconsistencies of BB for 2 reasons:

1. No additional fee for Blu Rays.

2. Trade-In option. That alone sets BB WAY apart from NF. With mailers from either service, it's a roll of the dice whether you will get a day-and-date release or your #1 flick in your Q with the next mailer sent. With BB, I walk gingerly in the store on Tuesdays with a trade-in and exchange it for a brand spanking new release or whatever movie I feel in the mood for that day.

yep I agree with this right here, the wife and I LOVE BB and did go back to netflix for a bit, but we will stick with Blockbuster for our needs, with the store less then a block away this is the best option for us!

 

[gadgtfreek]

Yepp:

BB my mail only, 2 at a time: $13.99

Netflix, 2 at a time + blu-ray: $16.99

Not a hard choice. For same price as Netflix 2 at a time, I could have 5 in store exchange too

 

[Zookster]

For me, depends on whether I want to make a special trip and drive a couple miles for a trade-in to get the new releases I most want, or wait a little longer and also be able to stream movies and TV shows with my Roku. Being patient enough to wait for the newer releases (and also having a backlog in my queue of older stuff), I prefer the convenience of the latter...though I often get the new release anyway when I time it right.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I've supplemented the streaming movies, which dont look very good, with an EHD and HD movie recording

 

[Zookster]

I've supplemented the streaming movies, which dont look very good, with an EHD and HD movie recording

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an EHD?

Yes, streaming quality certainly isn't BD caliber, but they're approaching HD cable with some of the better encodes, especially newer TV shows. (And it helps to watch primarily on a smaller, 32" screen.)

 

[gadgtfreek]

External HDD. Using it on a Dish rcvr.

 

[HD MM]

For me, depends on whether I want to make a special trip and drive a couple miles for a trade-in to get the new releases I most want, or wait a little longer and also be able to stream movies and TV shows with my Roku. Being patient enough to wait for the newer releases (and also having a backlog in my queue of older stuff), I prefer the convenience of the latter...though I often get the new release anyway when I time it right.

While this is an interesting technology, I just don't think it's anywhere near the quality I strive for in Blu-Rays to compete for my rental dollar. From what I hear, a lot of the stuff is VHS quality at best with or without even a basic Dolby 5.1 track.

For my 92" movie watching screen, a Netflix movie steam would look like garbage and sound just as bad too. Especially compared to the quality I've grown accustomed to on Blu-Ray PQ and Lossless AQ....

 

[Radioguy41]

I guess it may depend on what you're looking to rent. Frankly if I'm looking to rent current stuff I can hop down to the local 48 Hour and get what I want for less than BB. Our local BB actually closed a year or so ago while the 48 Hour is still going strong. However, for vintage stuff I don't know if you can beat Netflix. I joined Netflix because they have an extensive inventory of vintage movies and shows that I'm interested in. For instance they have virtually all the PBS Mystery shows going all the way back to the early eighties. The kind of stuff local brick & mortars don't carry. To me that's the real advantage.

 

[HD MM]

Just found out my local Blockbuster is closing next week! (The Mayfield Heights location to be specific for the other NE Ohio members here.)

The next closest one is not too far away though in South Euclid. Already confirmed they will carry Blu-Rays, so hopefully the transition will be seamless....

 

[Skyhi]

Just found out my local Blockbuster is closing next week! (The Mayfield Heights location to be specific for the other NE Ohio members here.)

The next closest one is not too far away though in South Euclid. Already confirmed they will carry Blu-Rays, so hopefully the transition will be seamless....

Ugghhhhh!!!! I'll now have a 14 minute trip instead of 4.

 

[Skyhi]

Just found out my local Blockbuster is closing next week! (The Mayfield Heights location to be specific for the other NE Ohio members here.)

The next closest one is not too far away though in South Euclid. Already confirmed they will carry Blu-Rays, so hopefully the transition will be seamless....

I wonder if any other BB stores are closing. The company has been on the brink of bankruptcy for years now It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they closed all of their stores and went to mail-only a la netflix. I love the in-store exchanges, so I hope this doesn't happen.

 

[Zookster]

There are 3 BB's within a mile of each other in the San Diego uptown area with a couple Hollywoods in the vicinity. Can't imagine they'll all last much longer.

 

[HD MM]

I wonder if any other BB stores are closing. The company has been on the brink of bankruptcy for years now It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they closed all of their stores and went to mail-only a la netflix. I love the in-store exchanges, so I hope this doesn't happen.

I sure hope not. The in-store exchanges are the only thing keeping me around.

 

[dantheman77]

I just joined BB for in-store rental only. in the past few weeks i rented five BR. ALL WERE defective, from about 3 minutes lost in the battel of sterling bridge in braveheart to deathrace not playing at all after a hour. am i unkucky, or does this happen alot. i use to buy all the movies, but cant afoord that anymore

 

[Skyhi]

I just joined BB for in-store rental only. in the past few weeks i rented five BR. ALL WERE defective, from about 3 minutes lost in the battel of sterling bridge in braveheart to deathrace not playing at all after a hour. am i unkucky, or does this happen alot. i use to buy all the movies, but cant afoord that anymore

I've been with BBO since the beginning and I've never received an unplayable disc - - either in-store or through the mail.

 

[HD MM]

I just joined BB for in-store rental only. in the past few weeks i rented five BR. ALL WERE defective, from about 3 minutes lost in the battel of sterling bridge in braveheart to deathrace not playing at all after a hour. am i unkucky, or does this happen alot. i use to buy all the movies, but cant afoord that anymore

I've been with BBO for over 2 years and I've only received a defective disc once out of the hundreds I've rented or received by mail.

 

[SatinKzo]

I've never gotten a defective disc from netflix or blockbuster (in-store or mail) in over 3 years or so.

 

[JamesJ]

how do you find out which blockbusters are closing as they already closed one in my area, and I think the one by me is the next to go, which means back to netflix I go.

 

[dantheman77]

WOW!!! dont think i will be playing the lottery anytime soon. i know its not my player,(ps3). my movies play fine. thanks for the responses

BTW are the disc u guys renting blu - ray?? all mine are, dont see how that would matter but.........