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Netflix
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Netflix |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
So, what's everyone's opinion on Netflix, the new mail-in video rental service that has paved the way for the whole mail-in movie market, and is, basically, redefining the movie rental industry as we know it. I have to tell you that the variety is excellent, that I'll admit. And that, plus the convenience itself, is what's really good about Netflix. But these last few months, the more I think about it, I have concerns for Netflix as well, in terms of affecting the business of thousands of video rental outlets across the nation, and perhaps in the long term costing many jobs as more and more find their way into seeing their favorite Hollywood flicks without leaving their neighborhoods. Also, though this depends on your own experience, there's just a warm nostalgic feeling in going out in public with your parents when you're a child and looking through a library of movies and kind of letting your star whim run wild. All the bright marquee-esque lights flashing, the adventures within the aisles, the familiar squeal of "Hey, can I get some Juji fruits?" But with a mail-order concept, some of that "adventure" is lost. But I guess that depends on you. I have no real grudge on Netflix at all, really. Sometimes, though, I just feel those young adults who work at the Villa Video on Ralston and Simms could always use some support, so I like to just go and rental a movie in-between every Netflix rental or two. What's your opinion on Netflix and basically mail and technology service in general? Sincerely, Noah Eaton "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" Mother Teresa [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-12-2005 07:04 PM).] |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Netflix was great--the mailings were prompt, and I found I could view several movies a week--um, during the free trial. tsk.. Then? nod, when I was paying for the service, the several movies a week dwindled to three, as they protested mailing time. And then there's the inescapable fact of postal service treating some mail brutally. There was disappointment a few times, as I waited with anticipation for a movie to arrive, only to open the envelope to find it cracked in two. (Not their fault, but still annoying) But I had no hassles canceling the service (I thought there might be since that happens all the time with other mail order services) and I confess that their documentary section is something I envy and do miss. But all in all, I have to say it's well worth the price if you happen to be housebound. I'll give it a B+.  |
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Capricious Member
since 2002-09-14
Posts 89California, USA |
Serenity, I'm curious to know what happened with the broken DVD. I'd like to get Netflix here, but our mail carrier is a contractor and we've had problems in the past ... things like Christmas cards open and the cash removed, things like that. What's given me pause is I'm afraid the carrier will make off with some if not all of the delivered movies ... |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Netflix was absolutely wonderful about that. On each return envelope there are boxes to mark for any problems, and on site there is a place to report problems of Dvd's that don't arrive. I simply returned the broken disk and another was delivered in its place. and btw? The real reason I discontinued the service was becaused we moved to a more urban area, but the convenience, even at three a week, was great. And you can keep the dvd's as long as you like, which was great with the Joseph Campbell series. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
and oh...I can't say that netflix would be patient about disappearing mail. While I was enrolled, I was a bit paranoid about delivery too. and a contracted mail service? I'm not familiar with how that works, but I know with our dealings on ebay, etc. I would be one pissed puppy if someone was snatching my mail.  |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
Luckily, we're served by the US Postal Service. The eldest here does Netflix for games that aren't found locally, since he does work at a local rental chain, which is also localized. They have good rates, about $.50 cheaper than Blockbuster across the street, with an extra day for new releases. Not to mention all those TV ads about Blockbuster DO NOT apply to any of their stores in this part of Arizona. So, if he can't find it at the store he works for, or at Blockbuster if hard pressed, he goes with Netflix, and we've never had a problem with service or delivery. And what goes for DVD's also go for games: keep as long as you need, just return when done. Which again isn't an issue, as he either finishes them, or uses them as a purchase basis, like 'try before you buy'. Personally, I haven't been to a movie theater in many years. In fact, if memory serves, the last one was a $1.50 theater (how I miss TRUE dollar movies) back in 97, I think. Very high ticket prices, very high junk food prices, very long lines at bathroom, very uncomfortable and downright detestable seating, and very loud patrons. So why go through all that torture when I can get an order online (or Kaonee's freebie perk), watch it on a comfortable sofa, pause for an extremely uncrowed bathroom, have scotch/coffee/soda (not combined, mind ya) or anything else I feel like eating in my own home, with the only sounds the ones that come from the movie itself. Not to mention that the closest theater complex is roughly 10 miles away. Sure some businesses might suffer, but not by much. If nothing else, they should lower the prices. If working a minimum wage job, it SHOULD NOT cost you at least 2 hours of work (more like 3 or 4 if you get eats and drinks) for a movie, and that's if you're not paying for anyone else! |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
I absolutely agree, Alicat. The prices for so much have just jumped through the roof in the past decade. I myself still go to the movies during the summer sometimes (not overboard, about four or five times) but even when you bring a student pass, the costs are incredible. $6.25 for a student at the Lloyd Center 12. By golly. I don't know how things work in terms of price at Blockbuster (I prefer to devote my rentals to independent outlets) but in my experience 99 cents a rental isn't bad. But pricing definitely is a chief concern here. Anyway, I don't know how to describe this main concern exactly. I just imagine the ratio of workers at Blockbuster or any other sort of video store to employees for Netflix is considerably wide, and we should be taking note of that. Sincerely, Noah Eaton "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other" |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
I stopped renting movies about five years ago. I'm not real good with schedules any more, and when you fail to return the flicks on time it can get expensive. It actually turned out to be cheaper to buy DVDs than to rent them for a week or two. I still buy movies when it's something good, but I'm trying hard to wean myself. I bought the Bourne Supremacy to take with me on my trip to Chicago last December, and still haven't watched it. Since then, I've bought Troy and Resident Evil: Armageddon, and haven't watched them either. A few days ago, my brother-in-law informed me that RE: Armageddon is a sequel to Resident Evil, and since I detest doing things out of order, I jumped on Amazon yesterday and ordered the first flick. And, uh, I ordered Kill Bill #1 and #2 while I was at it ... but just so I could get the free shipping. Much more economical than buying movies, and certainly much more convenient than renting them, is this Pay Per View stuff coming across the satellite. For four bucks or less, I can watch most of the top-run movies within a month of them being burned to disc. For example, Troy is already on the PPV list, as is RE: Armageddon, along with titles like I, Robot, Harry Potter bla-bla Azkaban, Collateral, and (wouldn't you know it!) Bourne Supremacy. Pick a movie, pick a time, and it goes straight to TiVo, to be watched when time allows. Hmm, that reminds me, I TiVoed Stepford Wives on PPV last week and still haven't watched that, either. Netflix? I ain't got time for Netflix! |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
One thing I've recently learned about Blockbuster, quite aside from their venturing into the online rental market to catch a piece of Netflick's action, concerns their new TV ad for 'no more late fees'. They say you can keep movies as long as you like, and there's a grim piece of truth in that. See, on the third day, when late fees used to begin, instead of a late fee, you get charged the full price of the movie which you've kept for 1 day too long. Of course there's no more late fee: you own the movie now. How's that for slick? Any guesses on what happens if you don't pay your Blockbuster bill? *chuckle* Just don't try getting any type of loan for anything until you settle your accounts with Blockbuster, or it'll be a Bankbuster. |
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Not A Poet Member Elite
since 1999-11-03
Posts 3885Oklahoma, USA |
Well Ali, I'm just glad to hear that you don't actually mix coffee or soda into your scotch  |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Netflix is great for me. We only have Basic Cable (for reception) and no Tivo, and we never rented movies before, because we never returned them when we did. After doing the 3 movie thing for awhile my father decided to switch to five. And they have a thing where you can take one account and switch it into multiple ones. So as it is, my dad has an account for two movies at a time, I have one for two movies, and my aunt has it for one movie. They all come to the house with each of our individual names on it. And I get a movie back if I send one of mine back... which is nice because my father is always slower sending his back and that doesn't delay mine anymore. He has 30 Star Trek's on his list and I've got things like Shall We Dance and Napolean Dynamite on mine. We did have a problem with somebody stealing a movie as we tried to send it back so now we take the movies and drop them by a public mail box anytime we go anywhere. I'd always been one of those people that had never seen any of the movies anyone was talking about so that's getting a bit better and it's nice to have something to watch besides Fear Factor or Miracle Blade infomercials (which I know by heart btw) in the middle of the night. However, when I move out I won't get Netflix for myself. It may be great but I don't think it's worth the price... Too bad the library doesn't have a free book mailing program. That'd be much more entertaining... He was a man of sorrows ...I am a girl of tears. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy ...you must watch it, Ron..I enjoyed it immensely and I bought mine for 5.99 at Walmart. I don't mind still watching the video cassettes rather than all dvd's. Not having cable by choice for now, I enjoy a movie theater every other week and if you cheat and take your own drink and snack..(I won't pay 3.50 for bottled water when across the aisle in the mall it is 1.00) you get by for under 10.00 and the movie theaters today Ali, in my area are very comfortable. Some even have reclining seats. M |
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Kellie_Cantrell Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667New York |
I love netflix because I am usually VERY busy and don't have time to go to the store to rent movies or drop them off in a timely fashion with netflix I can do all of that from home and my day is never interruped |
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hush Senior Member
since 2001-05-27
Posts 1653Ohio, USA |
I've never even heard of netflix. My boyfriend handles the movie renting. He pays 15 bucks a month at a local video store for unlimited rentals of all general titles and selected new releases. WHen you're the movie buff he is, it's well worth it. But we have had our share of 10 and 20 dollar late fees. I hate blockbuster... but not nearly as much as I loathe National Amusements. Noah, you think 6.25 is bad? I just paid 12.25 apeice for two tickets to Million Dollar baby- all because, unbeknownst to me, it was only showing in the director's Guild screen... And for my extra money, I got to be seated by some 16 year old girl. Whoop-de-doo. Oh, and did I mention they show trailers for all kinds of movies that never get shown in their theaters, and also that they have monopolized the Toledo area? No other theaters exist in the area because they've all been bought out! The day National Amusements goes bankrupt, I swear, I'm gonna call off work and throw one hell of a party. |
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