Question about Netflix

[Larry_OHF]

Question about the quality of the disks...do they ever come scratched so badly that you frustratingly have to turn it off and not get to watch it all, or skip a whole scene? Sometimes I rent them from Family Video in that condition, and they know me enough there to know I am not making it up, so they usually offer me a free replacement. However, it does not really matter that I am allowed to get another copy free that night, it matters that I have to wait a whole other day just to see the end. And those danged scratches are always in the most crucial places!

So, does Netflix send out damaged goods?

[Bungleau]

Generally, disks are pretty good. Tonight, though, the disk we watched coming back from Detroit was a bit scratched and stuck in places... a quick wipedown took care of it enough to get us through.

That's something you'll get anywhere, though, and most video stores should recognize that and give you credit. They then clean 'em up and put 'em back on the shelf... or back in your hands, if you want.

As for the ownership issue Bumbus brings up, I agree completely. If you like it enough to want to watch it multiple times, then by all means, buy it. I don't know about you, though, but I could count the number of movies I *WANT* to own on one hand.... the number I *DO* own is much greater.

Flip it around the other way... if I wanted, in a year I could watch more than 150 movies for a grand total of less than $100. To buy those 150 movies... well, let's just say that it would be a wee bit more than $100

Bottom line... there's no right or wrong answer, just personal preference. And as long as you're happy, you've found the right answer

[TheDutkanator]

Blockbuster Online is better:

Blockbuster knows movies! (Netflix is still new)

Pricing is better! Don't get sucked in by the ads saying you can get an account for $7/month! That is for a VERY limited account. For the typical account (3 movies at a time, no late fees, keep as long as you want, unlimited rentals) the prices are about the same.

In-store coupons. Blockbuster offers in-store coupons for FREE rentals (2 per month) so you can get your movies straight from the store if there is something you HAVE TO HAVE that day. Netflix doesn't have a store...

Instant viewing: You can download the movies and watch them on your PC

Better selection: I started with a Netflix account and switched to blockbuster because Netflix was FREQUENTLY all out of my best selections. Blockbuster is almost never out and has TONS to choose from.

Returns: You can return your online rentals to a physical store so they can be scanned immediately and your next movie(s) shipped out the same day!

Your current Blockbuster account is HAPPY with your online account and both can work together in harmony!

There are other advantages too! I suggest you compare them side by side for yourself. I'll never go back to Netflix (unless they do something DRASTIC that I can't pass up on, but with the competition form Blockbuster, I doubt they'll ever be able to afford it).

[TheDutkanator]

Damaged discs:

The truth is, all online rental companies will ship out broken goods. The disc may or may not have been damaged before shipping. If a customer wrecks a disc, they are likely to NOT report it out of fear of being charged for it. If the disc is not reported as damaged, they will continue to ship it out.

The discs do not come in indestructible casings, just paper. So the chances of damage are pretty good.

On the plus side, both Netflix and Blockbuster have a "report a problem" page where you can report damaged discs and have them resent to you at no charge. IDK about Netflix, but Blockbuster will ship out the replacement ON TOP OF the 3 movies that you already have. If all 3 movies were broken, you could have them all replaced, and at one point, end up with 6 movies in your possession.

Even if it WAS your fault the disc was broken, they don't care. Just tell them you received it broken and they will ship out a new one.

[Larry_OHF]

Originally Posted by TheDutkanator Blockbuster Online is better: Blockbuster knows movies! (Netflix is still new) Pricing is better! Don't get sucked in by the ads saying you can get an account for $7/month! That is for a VERY limited account. For the typical account (3 movies at a time, no late fees, keep as long as you want, unlimited rentals) the prices are about the same. In-store coupons. Blockbuster offers in-store coupons for FREE rentals (2 per month) so you can get your movies straight from the store if there is something you HAVE TO HAVE that day. Netflix doesn't have a store... Instant viewing: You can download the movies and watch them on your PC Better selection: I started with a Netflix account and switched to blockbuster because Netflix was FREQUENTLY all out of my best selections. Blockbuster is almost never out and has TONS to choose from. Returns: You can return your online rentals to a physical store so they can be scanned immediately and your next movie(s) shipped out the same day! Your current Blockbuster account is HAPPY with your online account and both can work together in harmony! There are other advantages too! I suggest you compare them side by side for yourself. I'll never go back to Netflix (unless they do something DRASTIC that I can't pass up on, but with the competition form Blockbuster, I doubt they'll ever be able to afford it).

Your passion for Blockbuster over Netflix has caught my interest...I may need to consider this...