Warm: Netflix $15.99 a month

[cthulhu]

I've been using Netflix for almost a year now and have never had a fullscreen movie shipped for a widscreen movie. With Netflix I get about half my movies in 1 day and the other in 2 days. I recently joined Blockbuster and so far turnaround is 3-4 days. I'll probably stick with the basic plan for both Netflix and Blockbuster. I'll keep blockbuster for the two free in store rentals per month.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: Kreggo
Netflix intentionally adds a delay time to "hi usage" customers to keep their profits up.

Although I could never prove it, I also noticed this when I was with NetFlix a couple years ago. They got VERY slow towards the end. I was putting movies in the mail the same day that I received them, but it took 5+ days for movies to get back to me. I have yet to see this with Blockbuster. The converse seems to be true. Blockbuster is getting faster as they mature. And two price reductions to boot.

 

[Ronnie]

How do you redeem your two free in store rentals per month.

 

[Ghettocowboy]

They have Blockbuster locally, so I am going with blockbuster. And since I live in an isolated Island (Hawaii), so I dont have much choices if I want fast shipping but to go with blockbuster

 

[FTLOSM]

Originally posted by: Ronnie
How do you redeem your two free in store rentals per month.

Each month you get an email from blockbuster (and sometimes other offer coupons)
In that email they have a link to your printable exclusive one time coupons (coded or something)...

You click, print, go in and use, but you can't re-print and re-use that months coupons again...

I have also gotten offers to print and save on other things (buy one ice creme get one free etc), just haven't used them, still nice to get the offers ontop of the 3 out deal especially since you can get GAMES too since games are 6.99 rentals at blockbuster 2 of those a month makes it a sweeet deal...

Bill

 

[Tegeril]

Originally posted by: exorr
- Open Saturday's. I sent a movie to them on a Friday morning and they recieved it Saturday and sent another movie out the same day. Netflix is closed on the weekends so with them the movie wouldn't ship out until Monday.
- Shipping times are very fast. I've put a movie in the mailbox at 5pm, blockbuster recieved it the next morning, and I had a replacement movie the next day (less than 2 business days to get the movie).

Consider yourself lucky on Blockbuster shipping times. They are about a week turnaround for me. No one should take anybody's advice on the shipping times and should sign up for the trials on their own. Netflix for me does turnaround in about 3 days (my door to them and back).

Also, I have gotten emails from Netflix showing receiving the videos on Saturdays - just because they don't ship on weekends doesn't mean they don't update on weekends and prepare to ship out Monday.

 

[Tegeril]

Originally posted by: sat4fun
\I am in SF East Bay and my movies come out of Sacramento with a two day turnaround. I love blockbuster. I have three out and always have at least four movies in transit, in my hands, or in transit back. I have seen it as high as six. This is due to Blockbuster working with the USPS to determine when I am sending a movie back. The USPS notifies then Blockbuster sends the next available movie in the queue. The B&M coupons are icing on the cake. Netflix is good for selection and I usually go for the little guy, but Blockbuster is working for me.

I have yet to see this thing about "working with the USPS". Once they receive them they send out the next movies to me. I've never had that multiple "movies in transir" in my time with Blockbuster's service.

 

[Computergasm]

Around here, Blockbuster is $14.99/mo. I emailed Netflix and asked if they would match the $14.99 Blockbuster price. Here is their reply:

" Netflix offers an unmatched online rental experience. Our expansive
distribution network and extensive selection of titles differentiates us
from our competitors. We recognize that some of our competitors'
services are cheaper but we believe our pricing reflects the quality of
service we provide.

Please note, we do not match the prices of other services."

 

[waxking1]

I've been getting very slow turnaround times from NetFlix in Memphis. Five to Seven Days. When I first started about 6 months ago it was like 2-3 days and most titles were available immediately. Wait times on movies are getting longer and longer for the new releases. I cancelled Netflix today and will try BB for a while and see what happens. Never had trouble getting any fullscreens from Netflix. I received a cracked disc that wouldn't play and I lost 9 days on this one rental from the time they shipped it to the time it got back. I sent it back the day I got it.

I got no offer from Netflix for a cheaper rate, but even if I did I want to try BB first.

 

[Queasy]

Netflix currently has more distro centers than Blockbuster (I think by around 10) but Blockbuster is planning to open more this year. My wife signed up for Blockbuster last August and they opened a new distro center near us and the turn-around time on service greatly improved. There are also plans in the works for individual stores to help with distribution so we'll have to see how that works out.

Both services are outstanding for the price and you really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Lorax]

i'm told if you do Blockbuster's 2 week trial and then call to cancel, they will offer you 12.99/month for 3 out for a certain amount of time. maybe worth trying.

 

[AU Tiger]

Originally posted by: waxking1
I've been getting very slow turnaround times from NetFlix in Memphis. Five to Seven Days. When I first started about 6 months ago it was like 2-3 days and most titles were available immediately. Wait times on movies are getting longer and longer for the new releases. I cancelled Netflix today and will try BB for a while and see what happens. Never had trouble getting any fullscreens from Netflix. I received a cracked disc that wouldn't play and I lost 9 days on this one rental from the time they shipped it to the time it got back. I sent it back the day I got it.

I got no offer from Netflix for a cheaper rate, but even if I did I want to try BB first.

Any chance they flagged you for getting too many movies. I have heard that if you are a heavy user they will flag you and slow your processing time down to limit your usage.

--------------

As for widescreen vs fullscreen, the only time I have ever received a fullscreen disc was with the movies that put widescreen on one side and fullscreen on the other.

 

[Mercmaster]

Good thread for those that havent tried either (like myself). Is there a list of distribution centers for both companies?

One other question, I've wondered what happens and who is liable if one of your movies gets lost in the mail? Has this ever happened to anyone?

Thanks for the comparison OP.

 

[Queasy]

You can google for a list of distro centers. Netflix is pretty readily available but I've only been able to find an older list of Blockbuster's distro centers.

If your movie gets lost in the mail, you are not held liable. We had a couple of envelope tabs show up in our mailbox without a disc or sleeve around Christmas. We just reported the incident on Blockbuster's website and a new copy was sent out.

 

[handydave]

I have been a member of Netflix for about two years. I was lucky enough to get on the 2 movies out unlimited per month plan before they changed it to 4 movies a month. I live in Northern NJ while their distribution center is in New Brunswick, NJ. Turn around time has been awesome. I mail the movies back on Friday or Saturday and Netflix gets them on Monday. They will ship Tuesday's releases on Monday and 90% of the time, get them shipped on Monday and delivered Tuesday. Couldn't be happier. Either one probably does the same job. It all depends on where you are located based on the distribution center.


I think what would really help people decided is if someone started collecting where each one's distribution center is located. As I stated earlier, there is a Netflix in New Brunswick, NJ.

 

[Queasy]

List of Netflix distribution centers - Link

List of Blockbuster distribution centers - Link

 

[Mercmaster]

Thanks the info Queasy!

 

[bhaney]

Simple question for netflix users: how do they handle boxed sets of TV shows? Does each disc count as 1 title? I couldn't find this info on their site. How about Blockbuster?

 

[Queasy]

No, thank you Google.

 

[WillDeStijl]

could you add to your list that Netflix was the innovator in this. Netflix actually created the whole business, and that should be rewarded?

I'll tell you that when I weigh the pros and cons that ultimately i decide to go with Blockbuster , BUT I do take into consideration that Netflix is great and worthy to be praised. I think it's those coupons for the local blockbuster stores... that rules I'm so conflicted, but you've gotta love capitalism... we all stand to benefit

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: bhaney
Simple question for netflix users: how do they handle boxed sets of TV shows? Does each disc count as 1 title? I couldn't find this info on their site. How about Blockbuster?

Each disc counts as one title.

Example: Blockbuster is sending me the 9 discs that come with 24 season 3 one at a time.

 

[bhaney]

Originally posted by: Queasy
[Each disc counts as one title.

Example: Blockbuster is sending me the 9 discs that come with 24 season 3 one at a time.

Cool, thanks for the info.

 

[Tangman]

Tried blockbuster for two weeks, and they shipped from San Jose, CA!!! I'm in upstate NY (Troy to be exact), needless to say, I waited like six biz days per movie...

I wonder why they didn't ship to me from Worcester???

 

[Disastorpasztor]

Seconding some previous sentiments...Blockbuster in Sacramento is as fast as Netflix and I've yet to get the wrong version of a DVD from either one of them. Netflix does have a wider selection, but it's hard to beat the 2 free coupons that Blockbuster gives you (use it for 2 game rentals a months, that's an almost 15 dollar value right there!).

 

[Ryland]

I have been a member of Netflix for almost 4 years and have never gotten a Fullscreen video. They have always been widescreen unless it just doesn't come out as fullscreen (i.e. Band of Brothers).