Sometimes Silent

I’ve been using Blockbuster Online’s service for months now but I’m just ending my 2 week trial period with Netflix after having heard good things about them for a long time.

Short story: I’m sticking with Blockbuster.

Longer story:

Netflix
I tried out Netflix because some friends in the area (who have not used Blockbuster Online) said they have a fast turn around since one of the location places is just one town (15 minutes) over. I had heard about the Netflix settlement (they were sued for purposely demoting fast returners DVDs) and figured that was settled and they wouldn’t do it again. Well, my Blockbuster DVDs still got here faster than my Netflix ones…and this was with me churning them over at the same rate. So that was one possible Pro for Netflix that turned out to be a wash.

One Pro that did pan out for Netflix is their website. It was easier to browse and add DVDs to my queue using Netflix and the friend recommendation system is nice. One caveat to this… while using Blockbuster’s website I didn’t have any complaints so it’s only something I noticed using both systems.

Finally, for a Netflix Pro point I figured they would have a wider selection of movies. As a test I searched for “The Last Temptation of Christ” which I had heard was not available from Blockbuster. I was wrong, it’s available from both services. Maybe time has made that movie not as controversial though?

Blockbuster
I started out subscribed to their unlimited 3 out at a time plan with the additional 2 free coupons a month. At the time I also got a coupon for a buy one get one free ice cream, and a free used DVD. The next month I got a coupon for buy one get on free popcorn and a used dvd for $5, another time I got one for a discount on a game. It continued like that for awhile but I haven’t seen another coupon like that for 2 months now, I only see my usual 2 free rentals.

After I got into some TV shows (darn it, I got hooked on LOST) I realized that 3 movies at a time plus the coupons was too many DVDs. I cut back to the 2 out at a time, 2 bonus coupons plan, at a very affordable $11.99 a month. The bonus coupons are great, they allow for immediate gratification on new DVD releases and spontaneous viewing choices. If I lived far from a Blockbuster I’d consider Netflix’s service but 2 movies out at a time for $11.99 even without the coupons is still a good deal.

Anyway, there’s my two bytes worth

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