How Netflix DESTROYED Blockbuster

~Welcome to the Sonic Blast Community Forum~
Greetings stranger, it is an honor to have you as a visitor. Since we opened in 2006 our goal has been to offer the most authentic Sonic-themed community on the web for Sonic enthusiasts new and old. We do our best to provide the most unique features, best Sonic-themed designs, and have the latest news; always improving to cover all of your Sonic needs. Our community is full of friendly people and we hope you enjoy your brief stay but would be thrilled if you decided to join in on the fun. Being a part of our community is easy, quick, and absolutely free.

Click here to join our community and enter the land of Mobius as a =SB= citizen!
Citizens may log in to their account to participate in our land's conversations and access all of our features:

Pages:
1
2
3
4

How Netflix DESTROYED Blockbuster; The End of the Brick and Mortar Rental Era
Tweet Topic Started: Feb 25 2011, 03:41 PM (1,220 Views)
Lord Bowie	Feb 25 2011, 03:41 PM Post #1
What is the difference between a duck? Posts: 4,799 Group: Former Monarchs Member #7,312 Joined: April 10, 2008 Playstation Network ID: Allbowdown Xbox Live Gamertag: allbowdown	I love how Blockbuster could have bought out the company for less than it owes to other companies now.. Because it stupidly didn't make this move, it basically dug its own grave, having to play catchup in the online rental industry once Flix took off.. then Gamefly finished off the other half of its revenue. Blockbuster is now selling itself for a little over 200 Million I believe and probably isn't long for this world, at least not as a brick and mortar institution... much like Hollywood Video.
	Saff Profile // Kam Profile // Sadistic Profile Stop by my art thread ----------------------------------------------- SUPER DA PAGE WARNING: Above Post May Contain Sarcastic/Harsh/Stupid/Offensive/Idiotic/Blasphemous Content. Deal With It. ______________ What's the difference between a champion and a challenger.. a challenger is trying to become, a champion became.

Replies:
Neo Metallix	Feb 27 2011, 03:41 PM Post #31
~Doomsday Overlord~ Posts: 15,568 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Country: United States of America Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D Game Currently Playing: Tales of Xillia	BlizShadow Feb 27 2011, 03:36 PM Correction: Blockbuster doesn't actually have an exit strategy for the bankruptcy in place at this time and have been talking about both being sold off or simply liquidating by filing for Chapter 7, which in turn means they're pretty much considering a complete shutdown a viable possibility. And I don't see how they'll remain in the race for the long-term when Netflix's services have pretty much dominated the scene for years. In my humble opinion, Blockbuster is done. If it somehow stays around, it will be a mere shell of its former self not worth mentioning. Well that sucks, I don't see how such a crappy service such as Netflix could be so dominate. I hated it when it first launched because, honestly, who wants to wait for it to arrive in the mail? I was intrigued when the streaming service came out but even at 1080p and 5.1 surround sound it's still compressed files with subpar quality compared to Blu Ray in both Audio(significantly worse, might I add) and Video. Not to mention the selection sucks compared to a video store. But whatever, I get netflix for free since my roommate let me use it on my PS3. If he cancels, I will just do without and buy movies new from now on.
	Puncture the Porcupine, my fancharacter!


Nail Strafer	Feb 27 2011, 05:24 PM Post #32
Flying Battery Act 2 Posts: 1,218 Group: A Rank Hero Member #8,106 Joined: May 5, 2008	To be honest with you Metallix, I have never used the snail mail service at all since getting Netflix. I personally think the streaming selection is great on its own. The quality isn't as good as Blu Ray, but I honestly don't notice enough to care. Its biggest knock is definitely not having a lot of the hot new releases available in a timely manner. But once again, it honestly doesn't bother me that much. If you like checking out stuff that's outside the mainstream, it's a marvelous service. On Netflix, I've seen a ton of films, television shows, and documentaries that I otherwise never would have bothered with. Some of them are now among my favorite films, and I'm still finding new content I'd like to see out there. Also, if someone mentions an old movie in passing and you feel intrigued, it's typically pretty easy to see it later on Netflix too. A rental store/box just can't match this kind of spontaneity. That, to me, is Netflix's greatest boon. It encourages you to take chances that you probably wouldn't if you had to buy/rent in a store. I may sound like a bit of a cinema snob, but I think it's just healthy for you as a movie viewer to expand your scope and watch things outside your comfort zone and the mainstream. And Netflix is your greatest companion, if you want to do this. Edited by Nail Strafer, Feb 27 2011, 05:28 PM.



Lady BlizShadow	Feb 27 2011, 06:19 PM Post #33
I still can't use this. Posts: 6,546 Group: Former Monarchs Member #6,722 Joined: March 16, 2008	As far as my Netflix experience goes, I actually used it the most when the family primarily did rely on the mail service. I liked the idea, honestly. For a set monthly price, I can choose from a larger selection of DVDs, get several at the same time, and keep them as long as I want? Yeah, the benefits to that far outweighed the convenience of going to a Blockbuster immediately when you take into account the facts that each movie was a set price, meaning it was ultimately more expensive to rent from there in the first place, and of course the late fees. Plus, customer service got absolutely terrible in my local store's later years. Screw that bunk. Haven't really used the digital service yet. Ultimately, I prefer portable copies of my movies. Without the necessary equipment in my room, I can't enjoy the comfort of watching the things I want to watch on my own time without being a burden to the other people sharing the family television. Plus, I believe it lacks Xfinity's "same day" guarantee anyways wherein new movies are immediately available to watch the moment they're released on DVD and Blu-Ray, so I've got no need for it.
	Because staff made me do it. =P Art Topic ~ Drawing Tutorial ~ The Seven Chaos Forum


Dr. Prower	Feb 27 2011, 07:03 PM Post #34
I like being a gentleman sometimes Posts: 1,375 Group: A Rank Hero Member #10,989 Joined: April 22, 2010 Game Currently Playing: PMD: Explorers of Sky	Sad. Just sad. I hope that Blockbuster itself doesn't go out of existence... I miss going to the store and picking out some movies and games to rent...
	I ship LinkxEpona "For the lulz?" ....Okay. Don't fear the darkness. Embrace it, like you would a fluffy puppy. Embrace the fluffy puppy of darkness! Breezy is mah hasubando! <3


Lady BlizShadow	Feb 27 2011, 07:13 PM Post #35
I still can't use this. Posts: 6,546 Group: Former Monarchs Member #6,722 Joined: March 16, 2008	I believe that feeling is recreated just fine with the ability to go and simply buy games and movies, and even better, it's without the remorse felt in being forced to take it back within five or seven days. Seriously, buying rocks. xD
	Because staff made me do it. =P Art Topic ~ Drawing Tutorial ~ The Seven Chaos Forum


Dr. Prower	Feb 27 2011, 07:16 PM Post #36
I like being a gentleman sometimes Posts: 1,375 Group: A Rank Hero Member #10,989 Joined: April 22, 2010 Game Currently Playing: PMD: Explorers of Sky	I do remember the rushed feeling of trying to find that game book that went with the box that goes back in 20 minutes or else it's a late fee for us lol.
	I ship LinkxEpona "For the lulz?" ....Okay. Don't fear the darkness. Embrace it, like you would a fluffy puppy. Embrace the fluffy puppy of darkness! Breezy is mah hasubando! <3


Shippofan	Feb 28 2011, 10:01 AM Post #37
Angel Island Act 2 Posts: 61 Group: D Rank Adventurer Member #11,881 Joined: February 26, 2011	Dr. Prower Feb 27 2011, 07:16 PM I do remember the rushed feeling of trying to find that game book that went with the box that goes back in 20 minutes or else it's a late fee for us lol. That was the only thing I didn't like about blockbuster. They would charge you a late fee for even being one minute late (at least at mine they did).



KogaHarine	Feb 28 2011, 10:27 AM Post #38
The Black Swordsman Posts: 3,253 Group: E Rank Legend Member #7,594 Joined: April 19, 2008 Gender: Male Playstation Network ID: Goldth 3DS Friend Code: 047386746636 Nintendo ID: KogaHarine Game Currently Playing: Fantasy Life	I personally use Netflix for the easy access to some good movies. I've been watching Invader Zim (again) thanks to it. I was also able to watch several anime that I wanted to watch or finish. It's not a bad price either. (Not to mention I can save gas going to a store. Gas prices where I live are about $3.20 a gallon. Not a great thing for an SUV).



Lord Eileanach	Feb 28 2011, 01:37 PM Post #39
. . . Posts: 2,778 Group: Former Monarchs Member #10,054 Joined: June 13, 2009 Gender: Male Country: Brazil Steam ID: Eileanach	I always remember that here there was Global Video whom I always rented from then they closed down and we got a Block Buster who changed the system and added late fees (not that I was ever late) but I hated that idea so I boycotted them and never rented anything once they bought over the Global Video shop. There is still a VERY popular block buster not far from where I work and it seems to be doing great. I would assume though if the one in America crashes then the UK ones will follow suit. But rental companies aren't all that popular here so maybe it will stay?
	~Eileanach~ Oh, stop the world I want to get off!


Muckshaw	Mar 1 2011, 08:15 AM Post #40
The Raskull King! Posts: 306 Group: A Rank Guardian Member #11,298 Joined: August 3, 2010 Xbox Live Gamertag: HudsonHawx	I think netflix is fabulous. I love Instant Watch, and I love how I can use it anywhere. On My Xbox 360, on my desktop, on my laptop, heck, even on my little netbook if I wanna watch something on the go. I too have embraced new shows and films due to Netflix not having the exact movies that I think I have to see right away. And if there is a movie that I want to watch before it hits Netflix IW, i just hop over to the closest Redbox and rent said movie for $1. I really wish Showtime would start selling more streaming rights to NF, I NEED to see Dexter Seasons 3 and up! That being said. There is still something magical about renting a movie or game from a video store, and My wife and I will still do this from time to time, but we have never gone to the local Blockbuster. whilst BB was a staple in my childhood, (going with my pops to rent games for my Genesis/PSX/N64!) The prices are simply outrageous. My local video store chain (Family Video) is a drastically cheaper alternative. Brand New releases are about 5 bucks for 2 nights, After a movie has been around for a couple weeks it goes to $3 for one night. and after a couple months, it will be $1 for one night. Then they have a GIANT selection of Free movies that you can rent for 5 day periods, these are mostly kid's movies, but many of these are animated films (Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks etc.) that my wife and I rent to watch ourselves... and they are FREE! So all in all, I'm sad to see another one of my childhood memories be foiled.. But in reality, I never use Blockbuster anymore anyway.
	Muckshaw


Neo Metallix	Mar 25 2011, 12:36 PM Post #41
~Doomsday Overlord~ Posts: 15,568 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Country: United States of America Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D Game Currently Playing: Tales of Xillia	Well coming back to this topic, my roommate moved out and it would have been fine but he also cancelled his Netflix account. So I'm without Netflix now and I won't be purchasing a subscription. I did however create a Blockbuster account. If that location doesn't go out of business, I'll be cool. Otherwise I won't be watching any movies aside from the odd theater movie. Blockbuster's prices are very reasonable compared to before. At $2.99 for 5 days, it's very good. Considering I don't watch movies all the time(only when guests are here) it makes more sense because I don't have a monthly subscription that possibly could go to waste. With this I only pay for movies when I want them. As for Netflix, I wouldn't even use the streaming if it had all of the latest released movies because it's still compressed files. It may be in HD and have surround sound support but I have an HDTV and surround sound and I want to utilize it to its fullest. Therefore BluRay is the way to go for me. It is good for odd movies that aren't mainstream and even TV shows, I'll give you that, but even at that I find the selection to be lacking. I could probably get all of those lesser known movies at a movie store and more.
	Puncture the Porcupine, my fancharacter!


snow toilet	Mar 25 2011, 01:03 PM Post #42
Huffing Kitty Litty Posts: 796 Group: E Rank Hero Member #11,631 Joined: December 7, 2010 Gender: Male Playstation Network ID: SnowToilet Nintendo ID: MegaVectorman Game Currently Playing: Parasite Eve	i use netflix to watch some television shows especially dexter considering i dont have showtime in my bedroom anymore. however i prefer to use either on demand or blockbuster and some times the internet to watch movies and television. basically all the movies i enjoy i already own. so netflix and blockbuster are mostly for tv.



Lady BlizShadow	Apr 6 2011, 09:21 AM Post #43
I still can't use this. Posts: 6,546 Group: Former Monarchs Member #6,722 Joined: March 16, 2008	Figured this would be a relevant update to post, especially since I didn't think I'd be reading it today: Quote: NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Bankrupt home video chain Blockbuster put itself up for sale Monday, saying it has received an offer of $290 million dollars for the business. Blockbuster said it filed a motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York that asks for authorization to start an auction process, for which it already has an opening bid. The $290 million initial offer was made by an investor group consisting of Monarch Alternative Capital, Owl Creek Asset Management, Stonehill Capital Management and V�rde Partners, all of which are creditors of the once mighty chain. The movie rental store's U.S. businesses filed for Chapter 11 protection in September, hoping to sharply reduce their nearly $1 billion debt. "By initiating a sale process at this time, we intend to accelerate our Chapter 11 proceedings and move the company forward," CEO Jim Keyes said in a statement. "An auction will allow the company to invite competing bids from both strategic and financial investors." If the auction proposal is accepted by the court, additional offers will be accepted for 30 days, and a final sale would take place before April 20. Normal store operations will continue during the sale, the company said. Blockbuster has struggled for survival ever since media conglomerate Viacom spun off the company in 2004. As a part of the deal, the company had to pay Viacom shareholders a $5 per-share dividend, and the movie rental giant racked up about $1 billion of debt in the process. The company also suffered losses from unprofitable stores and increased competition from both Netflix (NFLX) and Coinstar's (CSTR) Redbox. As I said only a couple of months ago, Blockbuster is done, and that this is what happens when you steadfastly refuse to adapt to changing times and trends, (as well as charge ridiculous prices and insert late fees on top of it). Imagine how different this would be had they actually had the foresight to have bought Netflix.
	Because staff made me do it. =P Art Topic ~ Drawing Tutorial ~ The Seven Chaos Forum


Phoenix-Saturn	Apr 6 2011, 11:28 AM Post #44
i just wwant to be beautiful for this one month Posts: 7,528 Group: A Rank Legend Member #10,191 Joined: July 27, 2009	"Bought" doesn't mean "done". It means someone else is going to buy the company. Also, I learned that Blockbuster US is a different company than Blockbuster Canada. Thus Blockbuster could maybe survive in Canada.
	i'm actually really sorry bout this unfashionably late as alwways I... Am... THE WEREHOG SUPPORTER! MUHAHAHAHA! Howl


Lady BlizShadow	Apr 6 2011, 05:40 PM Post #45
I still can't use this. Posts: 6,546 Group: Former Monarchs Member #6,722 Joined: March 16, 2008	No, in the layman's terms, that's exactly what it means. Blockbuster is soon not going to exist in any meaningful form once this buyout happens, (not that it was over the past several years.) At best, it will go the way of Circuit City, which is used for a few services in name only, but is not anywhere near a competitive force anymore.
	Because staff made me do it. =P Art Topic ~ Drawing Tutorial ~ The Seven Chaos Forum


1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)

Our users say it best: "Zetaboards is the best forum service I have ever used." Learn More · Sign-up for Free
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Act I: Chit-Chat Hangout · Next Topic »

Pages:
1
2
3
4