Blockbuster raises prices to match Netflix
Looks like Blockbuster has had it with price competition with Netflix and is now raising the prices to match Netflix. Customers who signed up for $15 a month plan, will get to keep it till the end of January, but all the new sign-ups will be given the $18 a month price stickers for 3-at-a-time plan, which was precisely what netflix charged.
The company said it has signed up 1 million members since its launch last August and hopes to double this number by March 2006. Blockbuster has 30 distribution centers and more than 200 stores that fill online orders.
I have just cancelled my account with them after giving a try to a two-month trial at Blockbuster. If I were to decide at this point, for the same amount of money I’d go with Netflix. Better movie selection and better turnaround time even with throttling make NFLX a winner here. The end of August is going to be dedicated to moving to another state, so for now I will hold off any sign-ups, but will probably renew Netflix when the summer ends.
Another gripe about Blockbuster is their focus on widescreen editions of the movies. They are cheaper to make, since there’s no modification needed to fit the screen, and I guess it works great if you have a widescreen TV. For those of us stuck with fullscreen models Blockbuster’s selection of fullscreen titles is rather poor. That is also reflected in their in-store shelves, by the way.
August 19th, 2005 at 8:39 am #Nick
Blockbuster’s online site is POOR. They do not have a category for movies “coming soon”.
Their customer help is useless. “The Wire” season 2 only lists 3 of 5 disks. I checked yesterday
for season 4 of “Six Feet Under” which will be released next Tuesday. It’s not there. Moving movies
around in my queue is a challenge. They don’t always go where you want them to go. I’ve pretty much
had it with them. Since my monthly payment was just charged, I will wait a few weeks to cancel.
Netflix site is easier to use, better laid out. They list movies that will not be out for months yet.
I don’t suppose ANYONE at Blockbuster’s Corporate Headquarters would compare their site with Netflix.
“Hey Blockbuster, Look at Netflix’s site! Your site is BROKEN!”
May 12th, 2006 at 11:11 am #Christie
However, Blockbuster does give you a few in store rentals which are convient when you’re hanging out with your friends….
I’ve never used Netflix, but I had Blockbuster online for a little bit. I cancelled it because I don’t watch that many movies.